Federal Register #2026-21658

USDA Proposed Nationwide Standards for SNAP EBT Security and Technology

The U.S. Department of Agriculture proposes nationwide standards to modernize Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) systems; this is a proposed rule, not a procurement solicitation or award. - Government buyer: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA), for the SNAP program. - Procurement status: No products or services are requested for purchase, and no prospective contractor is identified. - Proposed requirements: Establish EBT operating standards covering system operations, transaction processing, reporting, security, card design and functions, online and card-not-present transactions, mobile payments, and household training. - Advance adoption of chip- and near-field-communication (NFC)-enabled EBT cards. - Add safeguards against fraud, verified balance inquiries, multifactor authentication, and monitoring of EBT terminal use. - Companies mentioned: Mastercard and Visa are referenced in the context of EMV payment technology; neither is identified as a prospective vendor or contractor. - Items and quantities: No products, services, part numbers, or quantities are specified.

Description

The Food and Nutrition Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, proposes changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program regulations to modernize Electronic Benefit Transfer technology and align it with consumer payment processing industry standards. The proposed measures aim to improve program integrity and convenience, protect SNAP benefits from theft, and ensure approved households can access their benefits. The proposal includes SNAP EBT Operating Standards addressing areas such as transaction processing, system requirements, reporting, and security features. Written comments must be received by December 22, 2026.

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