Note to Supervisors: Please ensure that employees without access to electronic mail receive a paper copy of this message.

March 1, 2005

Memorandum

To: All DOI Employees

From: Debra E. Sonderman

Director, Office of Acquisition and Property Management

Senior Procurement Executive

Subject: DOI Integrated Charge Cards

We recently learned that computer backup tapes containing customer account information for Department of the Interior government charge cardholders were among a Bank of America shipment of data tapes identified as missing in late December. Since the discovery, Federal law enforcement agents have been working with Bank of America officials to determine the tapes' status. That investigation is ongoing.

Law enforcement officials have just recently given Bank of America, and other government representatives, authority to notify charge card program managers and cardholders at this point in their investigation.

At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that any personal data has been accessed or misused. According to bank officials, special equipment and software would be required to access the information, which appears in a fragmented form on the tapes. Bank of America is monitoring all accounts for any unusual or unauthorized activity and will contact you should they detect any activity deemed to be unauthorized or unusual. Should such activity be detected, neither the government nor you will be liable for any unauthorized use of your card.

Letters have been mailed to those cardholders whose information was included on the lost files. A special toll-free number (1.800.493.8444) has been established for cardholders to call should you have any questions. A second mailing will be sent to government charge cardholders whose information was not affected. In the meantime, supervisors and employees should closely monitor their account for invalid activity. Should you find unauthorized transactions, please contact the bank at 1.800.493.8444.

The letter will be the official communication to cardholders from Bank of America. If you are called or emailed and asked to provide information about yourself or your accounts, do not respond to the inquirer. Instead, report the incident to Bank of America at 1.800.493.8444.

This office will work closely with Bank of America officials and will keep you advised of any future developments. We, along with bank officials, regret this unfortunate development and any inconvenience or concerns this may cause you.