Chapter 2000 Deposits In Lockbox Accounts At Authorized Domestic Depositaries

Deposits In Lockbox Accounts At Authorized Domestic Depositaries

Introduction

This chapter establishes procedures that designated depositaries authorized to act as financial agents for U.S. Government agencies follow to perform services known as "lockbox services."

Section 2010—Scope and Applicability

This chapter applies to designated depositaries (hereinafter referred to as "Lockbox Depositaries") located within the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, and other territories and possessions as specified in the Designation of Financial Agent (DFA), formerly Lockbox Depositary Agreement or Financial Agent Agreement. These Lockbox Depositaries have the authority to act as financial agents for U.S. Government agencies and to perform electronic and paper-based lockbox services.

The Bureau of the Fiscal Service (Fiscal Service) may revise the procedures contained herein when it is in the Government's best interest to do so.

Section 2015—Authority

Under the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 31 CFR Part 202, Fiscal Service has the authority to designate depositaries and to issue these procedures. Other Department of the Treasury (Treasury) authorities include: 12 U.S.C. §§ 90, 265, 266, 391, 1464(k), 1789a; and 31 U.S.C. §§ 3301, 3302, 3303, and 3720.

Section 2020—Terms and Definitions

For terms and definitions related to this chapter, please view the TFM Glossary.

Section 2025—Lockbox Depositary Qualifications

All Lockbox Depositaries shall meet the following qualifications at all times:

  • Be a designated depositary and financial agent of the U.S. Government, as defined in 31 CFR Part 202,
  • Be in compliance with existing Treasury regulations and procedures concerning handling of Government deposits,
  • Not be delinquent on any debts owed to the U.S. Government,
  • Be able to process lockbox receipts at a facility that is located within 50 miles of the U.S. Postal Service's first dropoff point for mail distribution (Sectional Center Facility or an Area Distribution Center) within the lockbox site city, and
  • Meet all requirements of the Treasury General Lockbox Network and Internal Revenue Service Lockbox Network as specified in the DFA, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the Treasury Financial Manual (TFM), or as directed by the Authorized Treasury Official (ATO) or his/her designated representative.
Section 2030—Governing Documents

A DFA is a two-party agreement between Fiscal Service and the Lockbox Depositary to perform lockbox services. The MOU is a three-party agreement between Fiscal Service, the Lockbox Depositary, and a Federal Government agency. The MOU outlines remittance-processing specifications required by the agency. Policies and operations pertaining to lockbox services are covered in this chapter and are incorporated by reference into all DFAs. In the event of any inconsistencies within or among the TFM, DFA, MOU, or similar agreements, the ATO will make a determination and finding as to the proper course of action.

Section 2035—Establishing a Lockbox Arrangement

A lockbox arrangement is established in accordance with I TFM 5-4600 as follows:

  • An agency provides Fiscal Service with information on specific cashflows. Fiscal Service selects a Lockbox Depositary to process the remittances for that cashflow based on a mail study analysis and/or other analyses,
  • Fiscal Service coordinates a meeting between the agency and the Lockbox Depositary to prepare the operational specifications to support lockbox-processing requirements contained in the Statement of Work. These specifications cannot be changed without prior approval from Fiscal Service,
  • The Lockbox Depositary submits a pricing schedule to Fiscal Service for approval, and
  • Fiscal Service develops an MOU that includes the processing specifications and negotiated pricing schedule, and obtains the signatures of the ATO, AAO, and ABO. Fiscal Service distributes the MOU to the agency and Lockbox Depositary.
Section 2040—Lockbox Depositary Operations

2040.10—General

All lockbox applications shall utilize the lockbox services listed below. Specific processing is defined in each MOU:

  • Mail collection and sorting,
  • Mail extraction,
  • Remittance processing:
    • - Data capture, and
    • - Check encoding and endorsing.
  • Deposit proofing and balancing,
  • Deposit credit:
    • - Internal credit and debit ticket preparation, and
    • - SF 215 and SF 215A/B preparation.
  • Redeposited items,
  • Account adjustments:
    • - Chargebacks,
    • - Returned items, and
    • - SF 5515 preparation.
  • Data transmission/delivery,
  • CA$H-LINK deposit reporting,
  • Bank management reporting, and
  • Funds transfer to Treasury.

2040.20—Receipt and Processing of Agency Remittances

Each Lockbox Depositary establishes a cutoff time no earlier than 2 p.m. (local time) unless otherwise specified under an MOU. Transactions processed after the cutoff time are considered to be received on the next banking day. The Lockbox Depositary posts all lockbox deposits processed by the cutoff time to the Treasury's DDA for the agency the same banking day. Perform lockbox credits as follows:

  • Credit the agency deposits to the Treasury's DDA for the agency at the Lockbox Depositary,
  • Prepare internal deposit tickets and Treasury forms SF 215, SF 215A/B, or SF 5515 with a voucher number assigned, and
  • Perform deposit reporting to CA$H-LINK.

An agency may contact a Lockbox Depositary when there is a discrepancy between a Lockbox Depositary's and an agency's deposit records. All adjustments are applied to the current month's reports. Lockbox Depositaries shall cooperate with agencies in reconciling differences. Failure to cooperate in resolving differences may result in the termination of the arrangement in accordance with the provisions of the DFA.

2040.30—Deposit Tickets (SF 215, SF 215A, and SF 215B)

The Lockbox Depositary prepares an SF 215 for deposit and credit adjustments. In all cases, the deposit ticket date is the deposit date and the deposit date is the date of credit to the Treasury's DDA account for the agency.

2040.30a—Preparation

The Lockbox Depositary shall process the lockbox deposits it received as follows:

  • Complete an SF 215 for each day's receipts processed by the daily cutoff time. The deposit date is the same as the voucher date and date of credit to Treasury,
  • Prepare an internal credit ticket to increase the balance in the DDA,
  • Forward the original internal credit ticket and the items being deposited for processing, and
  • Confirm the accuracy of both the internal credit ticket and the SF 215.

2040.30b—Disposition

The Lockbox Depositary distributes each SF 215 as follows:

  • Retains the original and depositary copies with a copy of the internal credit ticket, and
  • Returns the agency, memorandum, and confirmed copies to the agency.

2040.30c—Duplicate Vouchers

The Lockbox Depositary shall, upon request and without charge, furnish copies of processed SF 215s to Fiscal Service and to a Federal Government agency at any time during the retention period. The Lockbox Depositary shall plainly stamp "COPY" across the face of all duplicate SF 215s.

2040.40—Debit Voucher (SF 5515)

The Lockbox Depositary shall make adjustments to Treasury DDAs for agencies by using an SF 5515 and reporting it to CA$H-LINK. It shall complete the SF 5515 using the original date of the banking day that the remittance was received, except as specified for return items (see subsection 2040.60). The Lockbox Depositary shall complete an SF 5515 when the following situations occur:

  • The drawee's financial institution returns an unpaid check to the Lockbox Depositary,
  • The Lockbox Depositary loses a check prior to microfilming or forwarding the check for collection, and
  • A correction is required to repair a CA$H-LINK deposit reporting error.

When the situations described above exist, the Lockbox Depositary shall immediately (1) prepare and execute an SF 5515 and (2) charge the amount of the unpaid item or adjustment to the Treasury's DDA for the agency. The Lockbox Depositary shall include service charges, returned check charges, insufficient funds charges, or related fees in the monthly bank management report and shall not add or charge these fees to the depositing agency on the SF 5515. Report all adjustments to CA$H-LINK.

Whenever there is an SF 5515 with no offsetting deposit ticket or with deposit tickets insufficient to cover the debit amount for that particular account, the Lockbox Depositary shall not report the SF 5515 that day since CA$H-LINK does not accept a negative transfer amount. If the debit amount cannot be covered the next banking day, see subsection 2040.70.

2040.40a—Preparation

The Lockbox Depositary shall process debits as follows:

  • Prepare an SF 5515 for the total amount of each type of adjustment,
  • Confirm the SF 5515 (intact) and date-time stamps "signature" in Block (8),
  • Reference, on all SF 5515s, the original deposit ticket number, amount, ALC, and deposit date for which the adjustment applies, and
  • Prepare an internal debit ticket (if applicable) to decrease the balance in the DDA.

2040.40b—Documentation

The Lockbox Depositary shall provide the agency with sufficient backup documentation to support each SF 5515 reported to CA$H-LINK. In addition, the Lockbox Depositary explains the adjustment on the "Agency/Depositary Use" block of the SF 5515. This block also may contain reference codes that refer to a separate attached document of corresponding debit entries (see subsection 2040.60).

2040.40c—Disposition

The Lockbox Depositary shall retain the original of each SF 5515. When applicable, the Lockbox Depositary forwards copies of all SF 5515s to the FRB in accordance with subsection 2040.70. The Lockbox Depositary distributes the SF 5515 as follows:

  • Retains the original and depositary copy of the SF 5515 with a copy of the internal debit ticket, and
  • Returns the agency, memorandum, and confirmed copies of the SF 5515 to the agency.

2040.40d—Duplicate Vouchers

Upon request and without charge, the Lockbox Depositary shall furnish copies of processed SF 5515s to Fiscal Service and to a Federal Government agency at any time during the retention period. The Lockbox Depositary shall plainly stamp "COPY" across the face of all duplicate SF 5515s.

2040.50—Adjustments

The Lockbox Depositary shall notify Fiscal Service of an adjustment that requires changing an ALC, CA$H-LINK Account Key, voucher date, or voucher number. For adjustments that require a change to an SF 215 dollar amount of a previously reported deposit, when the SF 215 dollar amount differs from the actual amount of funds deposited, the Lockbox Depositary shall use the following procedures. Generally, this difference is a result of typing, encoding, or check proofing error.

To correct an understated SF 215 reported in CA$H-LINK, report a new SF 215 for the additional amount to CA$H-LINK with the new deposit ticket number, original deposit ticket date, and ALC. In the "Agency Use Block," indicate the SF 215 Deposit Ticket number being adjusted and an explanation of the change in amount from the original deposit ticket.

To correct an overstated SF 215 reported in CA$H-LINK, report an SF 5515 for the shortage amount to CA$H-LINK with the debit voucher number, original deposit ticket date, and ALC. In the "Agency Use Block," indicate the SF 215 Deposit Ticket number being adjusted and an explanation of the change in amount from the original deposit ticket.

To correct an understated SF 5515 reported in CA$H-LINK, report a new SF 5515 for the additional amount to CA$H-LINK with the new debit voucher number, original debit voucher date, and ALC. In the "Agency Use Block," indicate the SF 5515 debit voucher number being adjusted and an explanation of the change in amount from the original debit voucher.

To correct an overstated SF 5515 reported in CA$H-LINK, report an SF 215 for the additional amount to CA$H-LINK with that deposit ticket number, original debit voucher date, and ALC. In the "Agency Use Block," indicate the SF 5515 debit voucher number being adjusted and an explanation of the change in amount from the original debit voucher.

The Lockbox Depositary shall use the following procedures if the deposit ticket or debit voucher amount differs from the amount reported to CA$H-LINK.

To correct an erroneously reported SF 215, reverse by reporting as a debit to CA$H-LINK the original deposit ticket number, the original deposit ticket date, reported dollar amount, and ALC. This will reverse the original deposit ticket entry. Report a new SF 215 with the original deposit ticket number, original deposit ticket date, ALC, and correct dollar amount to CA$H-LINK. The second entry will correct the erroneous amount entered.

To correct an erroneously reported SF 5515, reverse by reporting as a credit to CA$H-LINK the original debit voucher number, original debit voucher date, reported dollar amount, and ALC. This will reverse the original debit voucher entry. Report a new SF 5515 with the original debit voucher number, original debit voucher date, ALC, and correct dollar amount to CA$H-LINK. This second entry will correct the erroneous amount entered.

2040.60—Return Items

The only time Fiscal Service requires a Lockbox Depositary to represent a returned item is in the event of an insufficient fund or uncollected fund reason code. If an item is returned with one of these reason codes, the Lockbox Depositary shall: (1) automatically redeposit an unpaid check for second presentment, and (2) charge the Treasury's DDA for the agency for any item(s) returned after second presentment. If the item returns after first presentment bearing a return reason code that the account is closed, the Lockbox Depositary shall not redeposit the item but shall return it to the agency for collection.

The Lockbox Depositary shall debit the ledger balance of the DDA for the amount of a returned item effective the calendar day of receipt of the returned item, not the original deposit date.

Each day, the Lockbox Depositary shall prepare one SF 5515 for each CA$H-LINK Account Key summarizing all return items charged to the DDA. The voucher date shall be the calendar date on which a return item is received by the Lockbox Depositary. Report all SF 5515s prepared for return items to CA$H-LINK on the day of receipt. Refer to subsection 2040.40 for SF 5515 preparation and reporting instructions.

The Lockbox Depositary shall provide an explanation for each return item comprising the total debit amount in the "Depositary/Agency Use" block of the SF 5515. At a minimum, the information provided shall include the drawer name, drawee bank, unpaid check amount, original deposit date, and reason for the return item. If possible, attach the returned check to the SF 5515.

In situations when multiple return items are received, the Lockbox Depositary may use a unique number that identifies each return item and refers to a separate detail listing of information about each return item. Deliver or forward all unpaid checks to the agency, together with the memorandum and confirmed copies of the SF 5515.

2040.70—Reimbursement for Overdrafts

An overdraft can occur for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to:

  • Checks returned unpaid (return items) to the Lockbox Depositary,
  • CA$H-LINK deposit reporting errors,
  • Adjustments to deposits, and
  • Return items to a closed DDA.

2040.70a—Overdraft Situations

CA$H-LINK does not accept a negative transfer amount. In all cases, whenever a large debit item exceeds the amount of a day's deposits, causing an overdraft situation in the account, the Lockbox Depositary shall not report the corresponding SF 5515 to CA$H-LINK that day. If the debit amount continues to exceed the amount of deposits on the next banking day, the Lockbox Depositary shall contact the Fiscal Service Program Manager.

2040.70b—Depositary Requirements

The Lockbox Depositary shall inform Fiscal Service of an overdraft situation and request authorization to process the SF 5515 through the local FRB to debit the amount against Treasury's account at the FRB. The Lockbox Depositary shall provide Fiscal Service with a copy of the completed and confirmed SF 5515 together with supporting detail prior to authorization by Fiscal Service.

The supporting documentation shall state the Lockbox Depositary's ABA number, the Treasury DDA number for the agency, the account name, the ALC, the agency's CA$H-LINK account key, and a reason for the requested debit action. The FRB only accepts SF 5515 debit vouchers.

2040.70c—Reconciliation

The Lockbox Depositary shall provide the agency with the returned item (unpaid check) together with the memorandum and confirmed copies of the SF 5515 and any additional supporting documentation. The Lockbox Depositary shall advise the agency of all adjustment actions functioned through the FRB. The Lockbox Depositary shall inform the agency that the accounting detail may be reviewed through CA$H-LINK Agency Access by using the agency's ALC and the FRB's ABA number.

Section 2045—Internal Controls and Communications

The Lockbox Depositary shall:

  • Provide its employees and subcontractors with proper supervision, quality control, and training for accurate and timely compliance with the requirements of the DFA,
  • Conduct, at least quarterly, briefings with managerial and operational staff to review all security requirements identified under the DFA,
  • Reconcile billing inquiries with monthly account analysis statements for all services performed within 30 calendar days and immediately notify Fiscal Service in writing of any adjustments to be made,
  • Inform Fiscal Service of any requests for changes made by the agency relating to performance of the DFA,
  • Control the flow of work from the time it is received until it has been fully processed in compliance with the production, security, and quality requirements of the DFA,
  • Report deposits, transfer funds, and perform Lockbox Bank Management reporting in accordance with the procedures in this chapter,
  • Identify customer service representatives for technical or production concerns and financial matters,
  • Maintain a log of all cash and checks with blank payee lines received at the Lockbox (unless otherwise prescribed in an MOU),
  • Follow all audit guidelines written in the Lockbox Depositary's DFA and MOU as currently constituted or amended, and
  • Maintain a log of security situations (access violations, problems with delivery of mail, etc.) that occur, procedures applied to remedy the situation, or new procedures implemented.
Section 2050—Lockbox Deposit Reporting and Funds Transfer

The Lockbox Depositary shall report deposits, and perform transfer of funds to the TGA at the FRB, in accordance with the procedures stated in CA$H-LINK Operating Instructions for Domestic Treasury's General Account Depositary Banks, Supplement to TFM Volume V, Chapter 2000.

When establishing a lockbox account key, Fiscal Service, in its sole discretion, determines whether the expected deposits warrant the cost of expediting the funds to the Treasury on the day of deposit.

2050.10—Non-Expedite Accounts

If the deposits do not warrant the cost of expediting, Fiscal Service assigns the account key as a Non-Expedite Account. Non-Expedite Accounts usually represent paper lockboxes (check, money order, etc.) though there may be electronic lockboxes that, due to low dollar amounts, also are designated as Non-Expedite. Unless otherwise directed by Fiscal Service, the Lockbox Depositary shall credit the Treasury DDA for the agency and report deposits through CA$H-LINK prior to 8 p.m. e.t. on the banking day of deposit, and transfer funds to the Treasury's account at the FRB via ACH debit on the banking day following the day of deposit. If a Lockbox Depositary does not report a deposit into CA$H-LINK by 8 p.m. e.t. on the day of deposit, it must report the deposit by 2 p.m. e.t. on the business day following the day of deposit. Fiscal Service will send a 1031 funds transfer request to the Lockbox Depositary instructing that the Lockbox Depositary send the payment to Treasury through Fedwire that same day. Fiscal Service reserves the right to require that the Lockbox Depositary expedite the funds in an Non-Expedite Account through Fedwire on the date of deposit. Fiscal Service will normally provide written notification to the Lockbox Depositary 7 calendar days prior to such an occurrence, though such notification is not required.

If Fiscal Service designates an electronic lockbox account key as a Non-Expedite account, the Lockbox Depositary shall transfer funds the day after deposit as stated above, unless the total amount of the electronic funds deposit is greater than $1 million. If the electronic funds deposit is greater than the $1 million threshold, the Lockbox Depositary:

  • Immediately, shall make the deposit report and transfer the electronic funds via Fedwire, to avoid a value of funds assessment, and
  • As soon as the Fedwire funds transfer is completed successfully, shall notify its ACH department to reject the ACH debit for the exact amount of the Fedwire. Unless the Lockbox Depositary initiates the rejection, the automatic ACH drawdown will occur on the following business day and cause a duplicate payment to the Treasury. The Lockbox Depositary must comply with the established CA$H-LINK deadlines or otherwise halt the ACH.

2050.20—Expedite Accounts

If Fiscal Service designates the account key as an Expedite Account, the Lockbox Depositary shall:

  • Credit the Treasury DDA for the agency,
  • Report deposits through CA$H-LINK prior to 2 p.m. e.t. on the banking day of deposit, and
  • Transfer funds to the Treasury's account at the FRB via Fedwire on the same day.

Unless otherwise specified by Fiscal Service, consider account keys associated with electronic lockboxes (see the definition in Section 2030) as Expedite Accounts, report through CA$H-LINK prior to 2 p.m. e.t. on the banking day of deposit, and transfer funds to the Treasury's account at the FRB via Fedwire on the same day.

CA$H-LINK initiates an automatic, next-business-day ACH drawdown for all deposit reports received after 2 p.m. If the 2 p.m. reporting deadline is missed for an Expedite Account, the Lockbox Depositary shall do the following:

  • Immediately, make the deposit report and transfer the funds via Fedwire, to avoid a value of funds assessment, and
  • As soon as the Fedwire funds transfer is successfully completed, notify its ACH department to reject the ACH debit for the exact amount of the Fedwire. Unless the Lockbox Depositary initiates the rejection, the automatic ACH drawdown will occur on the following business day and cause a duplicate payment to the Treasury. The Lockbox Depositary must comply with the established CA$H-LINK deadlines or otherwise halt the ACH.

See Appendix 2 for detailed deposit reporting and funds transfer instructions for electronic deposits.

If paper remittances are received into an electronic lockbox that would otherwise be an Expedite Account, the Lockbox Depositary shall report the paper deposit using a separate deposit ticket after 2 p.m. e.t. so that a next-business-day ACH drawdown request is generated. The transfer date for the paper remittances (only) shall be the business day following the deposit date.

Section 2055—Lockbox Bank Management Reporting

Fiscal Service determines the method of Lockbox Bank Management Reporting. The Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) (formerly TMA) identifies product codes for the financial services recognized by Fiscal Service. The AFP develops product code service terms and definitions. Information on the volume activity of each product code relating to specific agency CA$H-LINK Account Keys is either derived from deposit reports to CA$H-LINK or reported each month by the Lockbox Depositary to the automated bank management system of the Fiscal Service.

Until the Lockbox Bank Management Reporting function is automated, the Lockbox Depositary shall prepare all monthly reports in accordance with the instructions of the DFA and this chapter.

Section 2060—Lockbox Depositary Reporting Requirements

The following is a list of all information the Lockbox Depositary must report on a monthly basis to Fiscal Service. The information does not need to be submitted all on an Account Analysis Statement but still must be received or accessible in some approved format by the deadline specified.

Note

Upon request of Fiscal Service and without charge, the Lockbox Depositary shall submit a monthly DDA Statement for each agency account and a separate end-point analysis and funds availability (Vector Analysis) report for each agency account.

2060.10—Reports Due the 8th Business Day of the Subsequent Month

Send the following report to the Bank Management Team Leader, Electronic Banking Services Division:

  • Signed Statement of Income and Expenses.

Send the following reports to the Account Analysis Team Leader, Financial Services Division:

  • Lockbox services displayed by corresponding AFP product codes, activity volumes, and per item service charges,
  • ALC and Account Key that correspond to the specific DDA,
  • Returned item volumes,
  • Actual 0-Day, 1-Day, and 2-Day availability of funds percentages and resulting TADCB, if applicable (see Section 2070), and
  • Monthly adjustments with descriptions.

Send the following report to the Fiscal Service Account Analyst, Financial Services Division:

  • Guaranteed 0-Day and 2-Day availability of funds percentages and resulting TADCB, if applicable.

2060.20—Report Due the 15th Business Day of the Subsequent Month

Send the following report to the Bank Management Team Leader, Electronic Banking Services Division:

  • Consolidated Net Position Spreadsheet.

2060.30—Reports Due on the 20th Calendar Day of the Subsequent Month

Send the following reports to the Account Analysis Team Leader, Financial Services Division:

  • Total monthly service charges categorized as Basic, Standard, or Ancillary, and
  • A month-end deposit summary report displaying daily deposit totals and an availability (0-Day, 1-Day, and 2-Day) analysis together with total daily float ratios. The deposit summary report shall incorporate a check clearing analysis displaying the number of items, total deposits, and corresponding category of float for all lockbox DDA accounts. The totals shown on the deposit analysis report shall correspond to the amounts reported on the other reports.

2060.40—Availability Schedule

The Lockbox Depositary shall provide the Account Analysis Team Leader with its current actual availability schedule at least every 6 months. However, if the availability schedule changes, the Lockbox Depositary shall send an updated schedule, which reflects its best actual availability, to Fiscal Service before the first day of the month prior to the schedule's effective period. Availability for lockbox deposits shall be assigned according to the schedule in effect or guaranteed percentages established in the DFA.

Section 2065—Lockbox Interest Assessment Program

Fiscal Service manages the Lockbox Interest Assessment Program for all Lockbox Depositaries subject to this chapter. The Lockbox Depositary shall be liable for any failure on its part, or on the part of its subcontractors, to comply with the terms, conditions, and provisions of the DFA, the MOU, or this chapter that result in a delay of funds availability, or other loss to the U.S. Treasury. (See Funds Transfer Delay, Value of Funds, and Voucher Delay definitions in Section 2030). The Lockbox Depositary's liability shall continue through 6-1/2 years after occurrence, and shall include, but not be limited to:

  • Any funds transfer delay amount,
  • The amount of funds affected by the delay of voucher and deposit report information to Treasury,
  • Any remittances received by the Lockbox Depositary that are not processed and deposited to the Treasury DDA within 24 hours.
  • The amount of remittances lost while under the control and responsibility of, or on the premises of, the Lockbox Depositary or its subcontractors, and
  • Any remittances received but not processed and deposited by the financial institution within the timeframe required.

If any part of the primary system fails and the backup system is not applied to transfer funds, the Lockbox Depositary shall be liable for the VOF for the nonscheduled period retained.

The amount of liability is the VOF and it is calculated by:

  • VOF = (dollar amount of delay) X (average Federal Funds Rate for the period of delay/365) X (# of days delayed).

If the Lockbox Depositary transfers excess funds, Fiscal Service will be liable to the Lockbox Depositary for the time the VOF is in excess and so transferred to Treasury's account at the FRB. Payments made from Fiscal Service to the Lockbox Depositary are in the form of earnings credits from the compensating balance unless Fiscal Service, in its sole discretion, determines otherwise.

Riggs Bank, or other financial institution designated by the Treasury, sends a monthly Statement of Account Analysis (SAA) to each Lockbox Depositary that reflects the amount of the VOF and provides supporting information for each Account Key. The Lockbox Depositary shall review the SAA and identify incorrect deposit reporting entries, which result in interest assessments. The Lockbox Depositary shall adhere to the following procedures regarding the CA$H-LINK SAA.

Separate copies of the CA$H-LINK SAA are generated and sent out the first business day after the end of the month following the report month (e.g., for July, September 1).

Within 10 business days following receipt of the SAA, the Lockbox Depositary shall have reviewed the monthly CA$H-LINK SAA and identified deposit reporting discrepancies. The Lockbox Depositary shall notify Fiscal Service within 10 business days if it identifies deposit reporting discrepancies during its review of the CA$H-LINK SAA.

If the Lockbox Depositary has not contacted Fiscal Service within 30 calendar days following the report month, Fiscal Service will assume the Lockbox Depositary agrees with the interest assessments and will make the appropriate adjustments to the Lockbox Depositary's TTB cumulative position for compensation.

The VOF assessment will be included in the calculation of the compensation due.

Fiscal Service may, at their discretion, collect the VOF assessments from the Lockbox Depositary by initiating a direct payment from the Lockbox Depositary to the TGA at FRB New York. The methods of direct payment from the Lockbox Depositary include, but are not limited to, an ACH debit, receipt of a hard-dollar payment, a charge against the Lockbox Depositary's reserve account at the FRB, or liquidation of collateral pledged by the Lockbox Depositary to secure deposits of public money. Where possible, Fiscal Service notifies the ABO 30 days before a direct payment is initiated and this option is exercised. However, such notification is not required.

Fiscal Service does not recognize adjustments to a previous month's ledger balance or service charge adjustments made by the Lockbox Depositary as a method of making the deficient party whole for VOF adjustments.

In the event that Fiscal Service directly bills the Lockbox Depositary, the Lockbox Depositary shall promptly remit the amount set forth in the VOF assessment decision. If the Lockbox Depositary fails to pay the VOF assessment within the time specified, the Lockbox Depositary shall be liable for interest, penalties, and administrative costs in accordance with applicable authorities, including, but not limited to, those codified at 31 U.S.C. § 3717 and 4 CFR Parts 101-105.

Section 2070—Compensation

Lockbox Depositaries may be compensated for services provided to the Treasury by means of ACH credits, the imputed value of TTBs, and/or the imputed value of collected overnight balances maintained in the TGA (immediately available funds). The method of compensation is at the sole discretion of Treasury.

Fiscal Service may decide to compensate the Lockbox Depositary for lockbox collection services through the imputed earnings on the Investable Balance, which consists of: (1) the Investable TTB to be placed by Fiscal Service in a separate non-interest-bearing time account with the Lockbox Depositary, and (2) the TADCB in the DDA. The Lockbox Depositary shall maintain the TTB in a non-interest-bearing time account entitled the "U.S. Treasury Time Balance Deposit-Open Account (Cash Management Services)." The value derived by the Lockbox Depositary from the interest-free use of the Investable Balance over a sufficient period of time shall be the source of the Lockbox Depositary's compensation for providing required services as specified in the DFA and applicable MOUs.

The Investable Balance is calculated as follows:

  • Investable Balance = InvestTTB + TADCB
  •  
  •  
  • Where
  •  
  •  
  • InvestTTB = Investable Treasury Time Balance
  • The TTB1 less reserve requirements.
  •  
  • TADCB = Treasury Average Daily Collected Balance
  • (see subsection 2070.10).
  •  
  •  
  • 1The Lockbox Depositary may use the weighted average to determine the TTB as long as the Lockbox Depositary specifically explains to Fiscal Service the method of calculation of the weighted average.

Fiscal Service sets the TTB at an adequate level to compensate the Lockbox Depositary for agreed-upon expenses and the imputed value of the TADCB. Fiscal Service also may consider forecasted activity in setting the level of the TTB.

Fiscal Service adjusts the TTB amount as necessary for compensation purposes. However, Fiscal Service reserves the right to adjust the TTB at any time. Any requests for TTB adjustments by the Lockbox Depositary shall be submitted to the Bank Management Team Leader within Fiscal Service, in writing, with sufficient documentation to support the requested adjustment. Fiscal Service reviews the document and responds as it deems appropriate in its sole discretion.

Fiscal Service and the Lockbox Depositary monitor the level of the TTB in the following manner (Lockbox TTB Cumulative Position Report):

  • Cumulative Position:
  • [(InvestTTB) x (AECR) ]
  • + [ (TADCB) x (AECR) ]
  • - [ (Expenses) +/- (Adjustments) ]
  • + [ (Prior)]
  •  
  • Where
  •  
  • InvestTTB = Investable Treasury Time Balance
  • The TTB2 less reserve requirements.
  •  
  • 2See Footnote 1.
  •  
  • ADCB = Treasury Average Daily Collected Balance (see subsection 2070.10)
  •  
  • AECR = Adjusted Earnings Credit Rate
  •  
  • AECR = (ECR/365) X (# of calendar days in a month). During leap years, use 29 days for February and substitute 366 days for 365 days.
  •  
  • Expenses = Lockbox Depositary Service Charges. Monthly service charges of the Lockbox Depositary that have been pre-approved by Fiscal Service through either the DFA Price Schedule or otherwise in writing.
  •  
  • Adjustments = Adjustments and Settlements. Sum of all approved expense reconciliations and/or VOF assessments for voucher and transfer delays. 3
  •  
  •  
  • 3Earnings/balance adjustments are determined independently on the cumulative position spreadsheet and added into the Net Position after all program expenses and adjustments have been included and the Net Balance determined.
  •  
  • Prior = Prior Month Cumulative Position

All discussions between the Lockbox Depositary and Fiscal Service regarding compensation issues shall be based on the above method of calculation.

Fiscal Service must receive a Statement of Income and Expense outlining the above information in the format provided in Appendix 1 (or similar) by the 8th business day of the subsequent month. The ABO must certify the Statement of Income and Expense.

2070.10—Treasury Average Daily Collected Balance

On a monthly basis, the Lockbox Depositary shall provide to Fiscal Service actual availability of funds percentages and a month-end availability report that provides daily check clearing totals. The Lockbox Depositary shall calculate the TADCB using both the actual and guaranteed availability of funds percentages (as prescribed in subsection 2070.20) using the following formulas:

  • Total Deposit Amt + Weekend/Holiday Balance = TLB
  • ((TLB x %0-day x (1-RRDDA))-(TLB x %2-day))/Days = TADCB
  •  
  • Where:
  •  
  • Total Deposit Amt = CA$H-LINK Total Deposit Amount. Derived by CA$H-LINK. Month-end sum of all daily deposit totals that have been reported to CA$H-LINK.4
  •  
  • 4Compensation for interest lost on adjustments, chargebacks, and returned items is included in the cumulative position formula discussed in Section 2070.
  •  
  • Weekend/Holiday Balance = Weekend/Holiday Balance. Values for each non-business day during the analysis period are assigned the previous business day's CA$H-LINK Total Deposit Amount (defined above). Each non-business day is assigned a value in this way, and the sum total of all non-business days equals the Weekend/Holiday Balance.
  •  
  • TLB = Treasury Ledger Balance. The sum of the CA$H-LINK Total Deposit Amount and Weekend/Holiday Balance used to calculate the TADCB.
  •  
  • %0-Day = Percent of Immediately Available Funds. The percentage of total deposits for which the Lockbox Depositary receives settlement on the same day as deposit. The Lockbox Depositary shall use both the actual percent and the guaranteed percent from the DFA according to subsection 2070.20.
  •  
  •  
  • RRDDA = Reserve Ratio. The standard percentage of DDA funds that cannot be invested by the Lockbox Depositary due to Federal Reserve requirements.
  •  
  • %2-Day = Percent of 2-Day Uncollected Funds. The percentage of total deposits for which the Lockbox Depositary receives settlement on the second day after the day of deposit or later. The Lockbox Depositary shall use both the actual percent and the guaranteed percent from the DFA according to subsection 2070.20.
  •  
  • Days = Calendar Days. The number of calendar days in the analysis period. During leap years, use 29 days for February.
  •  
  • On a case-by-case basis, Fiscal Service may authorize the Lockbox Depositary to use another basis for calculating the TADCB.

2070.20—Earnings Value of Funds Transferred to Treasury

The Lockbox Depositary shall reimburse Fiscal Service for the value of earnings on 0-Day collected funds that are transferred to Treasury on the banking day following the deposit date. The Lockbox Depositary receives settlement of 0-Day collected funds on the same day as the deposit and has use of those funds overnight. Fiscal Service reimburses Lockbox Depositaries only for the value of earnings on 2-Day uncollected funds transferred to Treasury the day after deposit. Items that settle beyond 2 days shall be considered 2-Day uncollected funds. Fiscal Service will only reimburse the Lockbox Depositary for 1 day's interest on these items.

The Lockbox Depositary shall calculate the TADCB according to the formula in subsection 2070.10 and shall provide the resulting figures to Fiscal Service by the 8th business day of the subsequent month. If guaranteed availability percentages are a part of the DFA, the Lockbox Depositary shall calculate the TADCB twice on a monthly basis and provide both figures to Fiscal Service. First, the Lockbox Depositary shall calculate the TADCB using the actual funds availability percentages for the analysis period, and, second, shall calculate the TADCB using the guaranteed availability percentages established in the DFA. (The Lockbox Depositary shall not mix guaranteed percentages and actual percentages in the same formula.) Fiscal Service uses the greater of the two resulting TADCBs for compensation. Therefore, the Lockbox Depositary shall include the greater number in its Statement of Income and Expense.

If guaranteed percentages are not a part of the DFA, the Lockbox Depositary shall only calculate the TADCB once using the actual percentages and shall report that figure to Fiscal Service.

Then the AECR is applied to the TADCB to determine the net earnings value of funds transferred to Treasury for the analysis period.

Section 2075—Collateral Requirements

The Lockbox Depositary shall pledge collateral security with the FRB for the entire amount of the TTB in accordance with 31 CFR Part 202 or any Treasury or FRB procedural instruction that supplements the regulation. The Lockbox Depositary shall pledge TTB collateral to the Cash Management Services Treasury Time Balance Account (V310) maintained at the National Customer Service Area (NCSA) of the St. Louis FRB.

The FRB reviews and applies collateral valuation margins and market-based pricing to all classes of eligible collateral. The list of eligible collateral is published on the Fiscal Service website

TreasuryDirect

per 31 CFR Part 380.

The Lockbox Depositary also shall pledge and maintain an appropriate level of collateral security, as determined by Fiscal Service, with either the FRB, or a custodian within the United States designated by the FRB, under FRB prescribed terms and conditions, in accordance with 31 CFR Part 202, to secure the amount of collected funds in Treasury DDAs for agencies at the Lockbox Depositary. The Lockbox Depositary shall pledge collateral for the daily amount of the immediately available funds in the DDA that are not transferred to Treasury, less recognized deposit insurance. Recognized deposit insurance includes the insurance provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the National Credit Union Administration, and by insurance organizations specifically qualified by the Secretary of the Treasury. The Lockbox Depositary shall pledge DDA collateral to the Lockbox DDA Account (V471). If Fiscal Service determines that a Lockbox Depositary has not adequately collateralized deposits on more than 2 days of a calendar month, then Fiscal Service may identify the Lockbox Depositary as "sanctioned" and may require the Lockbox Depositary to pledge collateral at 120 percent of the collected balance.

Section 2080—TTB Placement and Withdrawal Procedures

When a TTB is placed, in all cases, the Lockbox Depositary shall pledge collateral to secure the full amount of the TTB, prior to receipt of the TTB. Fiscal Service verifies with the NCSA of the St. Louis FRB that sufficient collateral is in place before wiring funds to the Lockbox Depositary. Collateral shall be pledged in accordance with Section 2075. The Lockbox Depositary shall maintain, with its Fiscal Service representative, current wire instructions for receipt of Fedwire funds.

At all times, TTBs are subject to withdrawal by the U.S. Treasury to meet the fiscal needs of the U.S. Government (see 31 U.S.C. § 3304). Fiscal Service provides the Lockbox Depositary with written notification with as many days notice as possible of intent to withdraw the TTB. However, Fiscal Service retains the right to withdraw TTB funds without notice. Fiscal Service is not liable for any costs realized by the Lockbox Depositary in the event of a TTB withdrawal. If the request to return the TTB is not honored, Fiscal Service reserves the right to instruct the FRB to immediately, and without notice, debit the Lockbox Depositary's reserve account and seize pledged collateral.

Section 2085—Security Requirements and Contingency Planning

2085.10—Physical Security

Lockbox Depositaries shall ensure that their lockbox processing facilities satisfy the security standards set forth in applicable requirements, including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Treasury Directive 71-10, Chapter 3 (Information and Physical Security),
  • Presidential Decision Directive 63 (Critical Infrastructure Protection),
  • Lockbox Depositary Agreements,
  • Lockbox Processing Guidelines,
    AND
  • Associated physical security directives.

Physical security measures shall address the interior and exterior of the facility to deter and detect security threats and violations. Lockbox processing facilities shall be protected by sufficient, appropriate, and functioning physical security equipment including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Interior and exterior cameras,
  • Motion detectors,
  • Bollards,
  • Card readers,
  • Intrusion detection systems,
    AND
  • Closed-circuit television monitoring.

This physical security equipment shall provide security coverage for both exterior and interior areas.

Lockbox Depositaries shall incorporate security guard coverage into their overall security plan to ensure appropriate monitoring, inspections, and emergency reaction at the lockbox site(s). Lockbox Depositaries must utilize security measures that ensure the integrity of operations and that otherwise prevent and deter unauthorized access, fraud, waste, abuse, and theft.

2085.20—Information Security

Lockbox Depositaries shall protect Federal financial information and related documents in accordance with applicable requirements, including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Treasury Directive 71-10, Chapter III (Information and Physical Security), and Chapter VI (Systems Security),
  • The Privacy Act of 1974,
  • OMB Circular A-130 (Management of Federal Information Resources),
  • OMB Circular A-130, Appendix III (Security of Federal Automated Information Resources),
  • The Computer Security Act of 1987,
  • OMB Circular A-123 (Management Accountability and Control),
    AND
  • All subsequent statutes, regulations, directives, and/or policies that may apply.

Lockbox Depositaries shall properly safeguard and secure all lockbox information at all times to prevent unauthorized disclosure or compromise.

2085.30—Security Reviews and Security Oversight

Fiscal Service, Federal agencies, the General Accounting Office, Federal Agency Inspectors General, and the Treasury Inspector General have the right to conduct (announced or unannounced) on-site security reviews and audits of any Lockbox Depositary's facilities, operations, and books/records related to the required lockbox services. These reviews and audits are conducted to verify whether the Lockbox Depositary implemented corrective actions and to determine whether current requirements are being satisfied, including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Systems security,
  • Protection of financial information,
  • Personnel security,
    AND
  • Physical security requirements.

The Lockbox Depositary shall develop and implement corrective actions to address findings/ recommendations resulting from on-site security reviews. The Lockbox Depositary shall resolve expeditiously on a priority basis, any security review finding categorized as "high risk." The Lockbox Depositary shall implement interim security measures to mitigate "high risk" findings until the required corrective action is fully implemented.

2085.40—Contingency Planning

Lockbox Depositaries shall develop continuity of operations plans to respond to crises. Lockbox Depositaries shall have an alternate source of power for each lockbox processing site, including, but not limited to, an on-site generator or contract for delivery of a backup generator.

Section 2090—Exception Processing

2090.10—Unauthorized Wires to Lockbox Accounts

An unauthorized wire transfer is a wire received into the account when the account is not set up by Fiscal Service/Agency/Lockbox Depositary to receive a wire. If a Lockbox Depositary receives an unauthorized wire(s) to a paper lockbox (or other Non-Expedite Account) and the total dollar amount of the wire deposit is less than $1 million (unless another amount is prescribed in an MOU or other agreement), the Lockbox Depositary shall do the following:

  • Immediately notify the Fiscal Service program manager and the agency relationship officer that the Lockbox Depositary has received an unauthorized wire deposit,
  • Post the wire to the Treasury's account for the agency. The deposit date shall be the calendar date of receipt,
  • Report the wire to CA$H-LINK together with the current day's deposit report. If the CA$H-LINK report has already been performed, make another report to CA$H-LINK for this unauthorized wire. The voucher date shall be the calendar date of receipt, and
  • If the wire is received late and cannot be reported into CA$H-LINK by 8 p.m. e.t. on the day of deposit, the Lockbox Depositary must report the unauthorized wire by 2 p.m. on the business day following the day of deposit. Fiscal Service will send a 1031 funds transfer request to the Lockbox Depositary authorizing payment to Treasury through Fedwire.

If a Lockbox Depositary receives an unauthorized wire(s) to a paper lockbox (or other Non-Expedite Account) and the total dollar amount of the wire deposit is more than $1 million (unless another amount is prescribed in an MOU or other agreement), the Lockbox Depositary shall expedite the deposit according to the following instructions:

  • Immediately notify the Fiscal Service program manager and the agency relationship officer that the lockbox has received an unauthorized wire deposit and the amount of the deposit,
  • Post the wire to the Treasury's account for the agency. The deposit date shall be the calendar date of receipt. Use a separate deposit ticket for the electronic funds and do not combine them with the paper deposits,
  • Report the wire to CA$H-LINK using a separate deposit report from the paper deposits for the day. The voucher date shall be the calendar date of receipt, and
  • Transfer the funds to the Treasury's account at the FRB through Fedwire the same day as receipt. As soon as the Fedwire funds transfer is successfully completed, the Lockbox Depositary shall notify its ACH department to reject the ACH debit for the exact amount of the Fedwire. Unless the rejection is initiated, the automatic ACH drawdown will occur on the following business day, and cause a duplicate payment, to the Treasury.

If a Lockbox Depositary receives an unauthorized wire(s) to an electronic lockbox (or other Expedite Account such as an ACH account) that is not set up to receive wires, the Lockbox Depositary shall include the wire funds in that day's deposit and transfer the entire deposit by Fedwire on the same day. If the unauthorized wire is received after the 2 p.m. e.t. deadline, follow the instructions in subsection 2050.20.

2090.20—Waivers

Lockbox Depositaries shall submit requests for waivers from any of the requirements set forth in this chapter in writing to the Fiscal Service ATO for consideration. Each request shall identify the specific requirement, the reason for the request, the period of time to be covered by the waiver, and any documentation in support of the request. The ATO reviews the request and, in his/her sole discretion, makes a final decision.

Section 2095—Address Requirements and Records Retention

2095.10—Address Requirements

The Lockbox Depositary shall maintain a current mailing address with Fiscal Service. Send address changes to the address on the Contacts page of this chapter.

2095.20—Records Retention Requirements

The record retention standard used by Fiscal Service is 6 years and 6 months from the date of origin of a record. The Lockbox Depositary shall retain an original of each of the applicable records listed below, unless otherwise directed by Fiscal Service in writing. Photographs, digital images, microfilm, microfiche, or other authentic reproductions may be retained instead of original records. The Lockbox Depositary shall make the records available for examination, audit, or reproduction, at all reasonable times and without charge to Fiscal Service or other Federal Government Agency. Records to be retained shall include:

  • All compensation, deposit, and adjustment items:
    • - Internal credit/debit tickets,
    • - SF 215, SF 215A, and SF 215B, and
    • - SF 5515.
  • Funds Transfers to Treasury (includes the trace number from CA$H-LINK Deposit Report and ACH records/Fedwire transaction that match the trace number on the Deposit Report),
  • All records relating to service charges, including invoiced items,
  • Monthly Account Analysis Statements,
  • All reports identified in Section 2060.
  • All VOF assessments and settlements, and
  • Additional records identified in the DFA or MOU.

Lockbox Depositaries shall retain records relating to disputes, appeals, litigation, or the settlement of claims arising under or relating to the DFA and shall make them available to Fiscal Service or other Federal agencies until the dispute, appeal, litigation, or claim is resolved.

If the DFA is completely or partially terminated, the Lockbox Depositary or its successor shall safeguard all records listed above and any additional records relating to work performed up to the time of such termination in accordance with the retention requirements. The Lockbox Depositary shall retain these items for and shall make them available to Fiscal Service without charge for 6 years 6 months after the effective date of the termination, unless otherwise directed by Fiscal Service in writing. Lockbox Depositaries shall not charge either the Treasury or any depositing agency for any service charges, copying charges, researching charges, or any other charges for requesting photocopies, or any information regarding retained records either before or after the Lockbox Depositary's agreement has ended.

Contact Information

Detailed Contacts

Direct inquiries regarding the Treasury Lockbox Network to:

Department of the Treasury
Bureau of the Fiscal Service
Revenue and Remittance Management Division

3201 Pennsy Drive, Building E
Landover, MD 20785

202-874-6892

 

Based on the instructions provided in Section 2060, mail reports to one of the following addresses:

Department of the Treasury
Bureau of the Fiscal Service
Account Analysis Team Leader

3201 Pennsy Drive, Building E
Landover, MD 20785

 

Department of the Treasury
Bureau of the Fiscal Service
Electronic Banking Service Division

3201 Pennsy Drive, Building E
Landover, MD 20785

 

Allow at least 2 weeks delivery time when ordering additional forms from the above addresses.

Appendices

Appendices Listing
Appendix No. Title
1 Model Statement of Income and Expense
2 Instructions for Posting and Transferring Electronic Funds Received into a Federal Lockbox

This page was last updated on March 17, 2023.