2.4 WIC Electronic Benefits Transfer (eWIC) Services 2.4.1 General Requirements In its proposal, each Offeror must demonstrate that it meets each of the requirements listed below and provide detailed descriptions related to the requirement. 2.4.1.1 The eWIC system meets the requirements of the applicable Federal and State laws and regulations and USDA FNS requirements including all eWIC requirements found in Attachment A Section 1.1 Mandatory Requirements. 2.4.1.2 The system meets the most recent technical standards and guidelines of the FNS WIC EBT Operating Rules and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA) 2.4.1.3 Is fully redundant 2.4.1.4 Provides accurate timely distribution, availability and tracking of WIC benefits 2.4.1.5 Manages eWIC account processing, card production, PIN selection, reporting, and transaction history retention, and manual authorization and payments. 2.4.1.6 Is operational seven days per week, 24 hours per day, 365 days per year in accordance with service level agreements. 2.4.2 eWIC Account Management The Contractor Shall: 2.4.2.1 Provide an eWIC system that accurately tracks and reports specific accounting information for each benefit issued. Appropriate system controls shall be in place that will disallow duplicate issuance of payments to vendors; on occasion, there will be allowance of duplicate benefits to participants. 2.4.2.2 Design the eWIC account structure to ensure that benefit balances are accurately maintained, and benefit accounts are not overdrawn. 2.4.2.3 Accept account demographic information through batch and on-line real time processes to establish or update eWIC accounts; not make changes or updates to account demographic information unless authorized to do so by the State 2.4.2.4 Keep accounts open unless otherwise directed by the State 2.4.2.5 Be liable for any funds drawn from an incorrect account or program or for overdrafts against eWIC benefit accounts including allowing Cardholder access to program benefits prior to the availability date. 2.4.2.6 Permit Maryland WIC Program & USVI WIC Program to close and reopen accounts 2.4.2.7 Retain Accounts with Zero Balances Many cardholders receiving recurring benefits may withdraw all benefits each month from their account resulting in a zero balance. However, since they will receive benefits again next month, the Contractor shall not remove their accounts from the active account database.
