Maine taps ACS for electronic benefits transfer

Affiliated Computer Services Inc. has won a $9.5 million contract from the Maine Department of Human Services to provide an electronic benefits transfer solution, the company announced Oct. 22.


The five-year contract, which runs through January 2008, has two one-year options, the company said.


The solution that Dallas-based ACS will provide to the Maine Department of Human Services is based on its electronic payment processing and information control system, known as Eppic.


Eppic is based on a software application written in the Java programming language. It includes a Web browser interface, online reporting features and Internet access for clients and retailers to review their accounts and transactions, according to the company.


Using Eppic, ACS will design, implement and operate Maine's electronic benefits transfer system to process food stamps and Temporary Aid for Needy Families benefits. The company will train recipients to use the system, and recruit and train retailers in program participation.

Among the other services ACS will provide are administrative staff training, a client help line, account settlement and network communications.


GTECH of West Greenwich, R.I., and Northrop Grumman Corp. of Los Angeles are subcontractors on the project. GTECH will provide call center services, and Northrop Grumman will provide data center services.


ACS has about 40,000 employees and annual revenue of $3 billion, according to Hoover's Online of Austin, Texas.