ACS to run California electronic benefits

Affiliated Computer Services Inc. will handle electronic benefits transfer services for the California Health and Human Services agency under a seven-year $69 million contract.

Under the contract, the Dallas-based company will provide a range of EBT services that include transaction processing, data center operations, and staff training. Other services covered are reconciliation, settlement and reporting.

In addition, ACS will offer call center and in-person customer service support to California families who receive food stamps and cash payments.
California provides people who receive such benefits with a debit card known as Golden State Advantage to receive the benefits electronically.

About 900,000 California households receive benefits from food stamps programs or from one of a number of cash benefits programs.

The company said its technology approach will save the state $21.6 million each year.

ACS provides EBT services in 14 states. The company ranks No. 58 on Washington Technology's 2007 Top 100 list of the largest federal government prime contractors.