UIPL42-99.html

ETA Advisory File Text

Y2K Preparedness for the UTFAS U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOREmployment and Training AdministrationWashington D. C. 20210 CLASSIFICATION UI CORRESPONDENCE SYMBOL TEUFA ISSUE DATE August 20 1999 RESCISSIONS None EXPIRATION DATE August 31 2000 DIRECTIVE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE PROGRAM LETTER NO. 42-99 TO ALL STATE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY AGENCIES FROM GRACE A. KILBANEDirectorUnemployment Insurance Service SUBJECT Year 2000 Y2K Preparedness for the Unemployment Trust Fund Accounting System UTFAS Purpose.To alert State Employment Security Agencies SESAs of Y2K preparedness concerns expressed by the Bureau of Public Debt BPD in the U.S. Treasury Department the manager of the UTFAS. References.None. Background.The Department of Treasury implemented the UTFAS in October 1996 providing States with on-line access for drawdowns State and Federal funds and book adjustments between accounts. The system also provides States with on-line access to information on deposits to the UTF by date and amount UTF trial balances detailed General Ledger information account balances Title XII summary and Reed Act transactions. The BPD has tested the UTFAS for Y2K compliance and has determined that the system is fully Y2K compliant with the exception of the communication software Procomm Plus version 2.1 for Windows and Procomm for DOS . That software was distributed by the BPD to all States when the UTFAS was implemented. The BPD found that although those two Procomm systems connect to the UTFAS and can continue to download reports they do not process dates correctly. Thus States would still be able to draw down funds from the UTF but records of any dates would be in error if States continued to use current Procomm software beyond December 31 1999. The UTFAS does not require Procomm for access. Any communication package that will support the Kermit download protocol will work. Procomm Plus version 2.1 and Procomm for DOS in fact are no longer sold or supported. The BPD has indicated that Procomm Plus version 4.7 will support the download protocol and is Y2K compliant and that PC Anywhere Symantec Corporation and Hyperterminal are also possible substitutes. Action Required.SESA administrators are requested to ensure that their States acquire and install appropriate Y2K compliant software to replace the Procomm Plus for Windows version 2.1 or Procomm for DOS to ensure continuity in the UTF cash flow system after December 31 1999. The BPD has stated that appropriate communicatins software is currently available at nominal cost. Questions.Questions should be addressed to the appropriate Regional Office. Questions may also be directed to Adam Tucci of the BPD at 304-480-5149.