CAPPS Notes July 16, 2003

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CAPPS Agenda - July 16, 2003

I. Welcome (Cliff Lee)

In the event of an evacuation during the meeting, participants are requested to exit through the back doors and report across the mall at the American History Museum. If an evacuation is necessary, alarm bells will ring and an announcement will be made over the loudspeaker advising us to leave the building.

II. PKI Testing (Jim Julian/Randy Speed) -

Randy indicated that he would not go thru the PKI 101 speech and will assume the CAPPS representatives understand the basics of PKI. For those representatives who would like additional information, he will provide a couple of websites at the end of this session.

A. NFC has received $300,000 in grant money that is to be used to enable our web applications. NFC is planning to use three applications for this process 1) CLER, 2) STAR Web, and 3) the Reporting Center. NFC has completed the "Statement of Work" and Entrust Corporation will assist in the PKI enabling of the Web applications.

B. NFC is currently developing the coding for this process and testers are needed to work on this process. Specifically, NFC is looking for up to 50 client users to test these applications in the PKI enabled environment. We need a variety of users in STAR Web and Reporting Center environments.

The PKI testing will be in the training and testing environment. The certificates established for the testing will be used in this test/training environment. However, once these certificates are issued to and individual, they will be the individuals to keep. There will be no charge to be set up with these certificates for the testing. Once NFC goes into production with PKI, there WILL be a maintenance charge for these certificates.
Within the next few weeks, a document will be sent to the clients detailing the test objectives, timeframes, structure of the test, who to call, etc. NFC will need a list of testers no later than August 1, 2003. There are only 50 slots and the selected testers will be on a first-come, first-serve, basis. If you are interested in participating in the test, please contact Lynn Isbell or Mark Liegey. Once the list of participants has been established, Mark will serve as the Local Registration Authority for getting the credentials and issuing the certificates.
NFC plans to host a PKI Marketing Fair on September 29-30 in the Lincolns 1 and 2. During this fair NFC will share info on how PKI will help you and your agency. It will be more than just a showcase of the applications. It will cover some of the things agencies will need to know from a technical base/information structure. Currently there is no formal agenda, but there will be one by the end of September.
Randy also indicated we may be required to use certificates to access/protect data. If you know your agency is interested, please provide the necessary information to Lynn today.

C. Q&A

Will production work be done using PKI? A. Randy - Yes. For example, if the tester is a STAR Web user, s/he will sign on to use the certificate to do their assigned T&As in STAR Web. A test plan will be laid out with NFC's expectations. The testing is expected to start on or about August 18, 2003, and run for approximately two weeks. Randy will document all of this information for CAPPS for distribution. NFC plans to gather the results and analyze them. If necessary, there may be a re-test.
Vickie Cline (DHS) - Do you need the names of testers? A: Yes, please provide the agency and names.
Tom Neumeister (SI) - What are the applications again? A: CLER, STAR Web, and the Reporting Center. In the future, all web applications will be included but right now NFC needs to "prove the concept". NFC also needs to ensure communications are in place.
Dora Lee Rosendorf (TR) - Do clients use CLER? A: No. Liz Raferty's group at NFC will be doing the testing on this application.
Vickie Cline (DHS) - If the "proof of concept" is good, how soon will STAR Web be moved into production and will everyone be required to use certificates? A: No, the use of certificates will be optional. The tentative plans are for a February/March 2004 implementation. NFC is hesitant to confirm a date until we ensure the "proof of concept" is successful. After the "proof of concept", NFC plans to conduct stress tests before rolling out to the production.
What were those websites? A: The websites are: www.pkiforum.org or connection on NFC's website, www.nfc.usda.gov, for PKI information (Certification Authority & initiative). The NFC site is currently being re-loaded with the latest information and it is expected to be up within the next week. If you want to visit the revised site go to http://sigstage.wwwrootpki/index.html

III. Electronic Distribution of Bulletins (Jules Leaumont, Avis Camus, and Melody Lindow) -

Jules indicated that since 2001 all procedures have been on the internet. In April, NFC sent a bulletin to approximately 9,000 addresses notifying them that NFC was planning to start distributing these bulletins via e-mail in lieu of mailing paper copies. NFC still plans to accomplish this by the end of September. NFC has received approximately 3,000 requests for conversions from paper distribution to e-mail distribution. In addition, approximately 700 additions have been received from individuals that were previously receiving hard copy 2nd hand from one of the 3,000. Jules indicated that approximately seven bulletins have been issued using the new process but it is only used for the 1/3 of the client list that has responded.

A. NFC plans to send a new bulletin by the end of July that will provide a URL site where individuals can make changes to their electronic distribution list and provide their e-mail addresses. NFC is working on this new web application and expects to have it in place by the end of the fiscal year or possibly October.

Dora Lee Rosendorf (TR) - The last correspondence was confusing to recipients because many offices did not get the cover sheet with this (i.e., the 700 noted above). Can you include this information in the bulletin? A: Jules indicated that the e-mail and phone number for issues with the bulletin are always on NFC bulletins. That phone number is 504-255-5322 or recipients can contact NFC via e-mail at NFC.PVCT@usda.gov. Avis Camus and Melody Lindow are the two individuals working on this project.
Melody (NFC) indicated the staff recognized there was problems with the original bulletin and feel that appropriate measures have been taken to resolve them with this new release. The team is sending an e-mail acknowledgment to those individuals who have responded to notify them they are on the distribution list. The new bulletin will only go to those that have not responded.

B. In the new system, clients will need to go to the index to identify what items they wish to receive electronically. The user will be asked to supply a phone number, e-mail address and items they wish to receive. Jules indicated the users have the option of electing "All Payroll/Personnel" which they hope will simplify the process.

C. Melody indicated NFC knows the current distribution of a given recipient but they don't know . However, if the agency is submitting information for new individuals who were receiving the bulletins second -hand so the process is being duplicated. When the web system comes up in the fall, we will request that users check their respective distributions to make sure everyone is on the appropriate list. Once the data is populated, the user will be in control of ensuring that this information is kept up to date.

D. Dora Lee Rosendorf (TR) - Will the bulletin being issued at the end for the month be on the Pubs & Forms page. A: Yes. Right now the April one is there. DL -- Is there any way that you can put a note with it explaining the process for those who do not have the detail sheet with the control data and other information? If this is notated in the bulletin it should help eliminate the calls from readers because there is missing data. A: Ok.

E. Dora Lee Rosendorf (TR) - It is useful to have the screens in the bulletin so the users understand how to use the system. Can you please include them in the bulletin. A: Melody indicated that the staff felt that the screens were simple enough that pictures would not be needed. However, they will re-visit this issue.

IV. CPDF Electronic Error Reports & Files (Jo Bonner for George Morris) -

This subject was addressed in a prior CAPPS meeting. However, only five agencies responded to NFC on this issue. OPM has again requested that NFC provide a coordinated listing of applications for electronic access to CPDF. The new and final drop-dead date is August 6, 2003. If agencies do not respond to GESD/PESB by August 6th, they will have to deal directly with OPM. (If your agency has already responded and/or contacted OPM directly and arranged for electronic access, please disregard the handouts.)

A. Cliff distributed the handouts which consisted of : 1) GESD/PESB letter dated 7/16/03 explaining the issue; 2) Instructions for Receiving CPDF Error Files/Reports Electronically; 3) Instructions for Completing Application for Access to SYSPLEX Form; and 4) actual Application for Access to OPM SYSPLEX System. Please fill out the form(s) and fax the signed documents to GESD/PESB as soon as possible. NFC will consolidate the data and forward it to OPM.

B. Q&A

Can we submit this information via e-mail? A: No. We do not have all of the information in electronic format and it must be signed.

C. Several additional questions were raised regarding this issue and the answers were unknown. They will be forwarded to George when he returns next week.

Bettina Ponsart (TR) - Can TR's data go to more than one individual? TR is currently going to each bureau because each SON receives its own listing. Cheryl Ruf indicated that USDA receives one package and she must distribute it to the appropriate agencies. Lynda Wilson indicated that someone checked on this issue and OPM indicated that they are looking for a department contact to assume responsibility for CPDF issues. They are trying to get the data cleaned-up and want to take it to higher levels to ensure this is done.
Tom Neumeister (SM) - Does this mean that SM will only cover Smithsonian and not the National Gallery of Art and others that are sometimes grouped with Smithsonian. A: Smithsonian has its own department code so this should be true.
Vickie Cline (DHS) - Is NFC saying that somebody in DHS needs to sign up for this? A: Yes. VC - What if you have the DHS situation where the data is coming from several different payroll offices? A: NFC is not sure. The issue will probably need to be raised with OPM. VC - Can NFC please check on this since OPM has asked NFC to coordinate the gathering of this information?
After OPM gets this system implemented will agencies be expected to log into it and pull their own CPDF error data. A: Yes.
Tom Neumeister (SM) - Will the department user be able to split the data up into smaller sub-sets to distribute it within the organization? A: This is another question that will need to be answered by OPM if George does not know the answer. Dora Lee indicated it appears this may be possible, based upon the question in block 4 of page 1.

V. Contract Participation in Client Meetings (Cliff Lee and Penny Forbes) -

We have received inquires as to whether contractors are permitted to participate in CAPPS or other NFC work groups/user groups. The current NFC policy on this is No; the representative must be on the agencies rolls. This rule is because contractors have raised concerns that those permitted to participate may have an unfair advantage over those that do not. In addition, all questions, concerns, requirements, etc. should also be routed through the federal employees before forwarding to NFC.

A. Dora Lee Rosendorf (TR) - Does this mean contractors are not allowed to participate in user groups? There is currently one contractor on the FESI group. A: Yes. JO currently has one in the T&A User Group that will also have to be removed.

B. Penny indicated the way things stand right now, this is the NFC policy. They do not allow vendors or contractors to participate in the NFC briefing (fall and spring). We recognize that there has been a recent push to out-source federal work. However, Procurement is saying that NFC cannot assume this responsibility. Penny will go back to this staff to get another ruling to make sure this position has not changed. We realize that under A-76, this position may be a problem

VI. Retroactive 2003 Pay Adjustment (Cliff Lee) -

A. Processing Issues - There are still items pending that Lynda and staff are working to resolve. If you have others that she has not been informed about, please let her know.

B. PP-13 Processing of Retroactive FWS Increases - As was announced last week, the tables were loaded and agencies may begin processing their retroactive wage grade increases. Remember that these are 002's to the 894 and not 895's.

One problem clients may encounter has already been identified. USDA found that system generated actions apply to the database with the same effective date and authentication date. If you encounter this situation in your HCUP package, please send the SSN and the problem to the PPO@usda.gov mailbox. Lynda indicated some agencies are contributing to this particular problem by their processing techniques as well. As a rule, processors should use different authentication dates for those actions that are effective on the same date to avoid problems with HCUP packages later.
In addition, Cliff reminded representatives that anytime the agency processes a pay action with the same effective date as an 894, the 894 must apply first. For example, the 894 would be processed with the lower step, then the WGI, and then the promotion. In rare cases the processing order can affect promotions, which is why OPM requires the 894 be processed first. What the troubleshooters are seeing is that when the 894's fall into suspense in January because there was a prior action, the agency is simply changing the step and salary and re-applying the documents in lieu of re-sequencing them to apply correctly.
Debbie Berry (FCC) - Is there a particular remark that goes on the correction? A: Just the standard remark that indicates why you are making the correction.
Tom Neumeister (SM) - Expressed confusion about what is going on with the wage grade adjustment. He recalled that NFC was verifying the FWS tables. Does he understand now that the agencies can begin processing and that NFC will not be doing the processing for them? A: Yes. The agency must process the wage grade adjustments. That decision was announced several weeks ago.
Dora Lee Rosendorf (TR) - One of their clients has inquired about the problem with the leave SCD that was encountered for the GS retro. Has anything been done to solve this problem? A: Lynda you have two options: 1) re-enter the correct leave category on the last action, or 2) use the over-ride code on the one action that has the problem and nothing else in package.
Someone inquired as to when the action had to be on the database for the retro to be paid in the current pay period (PP-13). A: Lynda Wilson reminded everyone it takes two passes of ADJP to get the retro in a pay check.. Wendy Moore (DOJ) indicated they were going to start their FWS corrections on Monday. A: Lynda indicated that this was a very good idea. She also pointed out that it would also take two passes of PINE. If both sets (AJDP and PINE) do not go through prior to pay running, the employee will only get the adjustment for the current pay period. The retro money will be in the next check.
Vickie Cline (DHS) - Since the employee will receive the money the next pay period, why wait another pay period to process the action. A: Lynda explained that technically there is no reason to wait. However, what NFC has seen is that it does cause confusion for the clients when they can see the action applied in PP-13, yet the prior pay period adjustment did not pay out. That second cycle is not complete until after the pay period closes. Some clients do not realize that the cycle did not finish and start processing additional documents that will throw the applied package into suspense. HCUP seems to be the biggest issue. Do not touch HCUP cases until the first pass of PINE for the new pay period has processed. To make it worse, users do not always experience problems with this, but it does happen frequently.
Dora Lee Rosendorf (TR) - Is NFC having a conference call again tomorrow, Thursday? A: Yes.

C. PP-17 Processing of DHS and ATF HCUP Packages in Former Agencies - The processing of DHS and ATF HCUP packages in former agencies is still scheduled for PP-17. We are expecting an update next week. Currently, there is no resolution on the AD's and NFC is unsure if they will go in PP-17

Bettina Ponsart (TR) - In PP-12, there were a number of spot awards that did not generate payment. Has this issue been resolved? A: Neither Cliff nor JO were aware of the problem. It did not come up at the Awards User Group meeting last week. Dora Lee indicated this was an ADJP problem that TR experienced and that the ADJP staff in New Orleans was working on the issue.

VII. Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments (VSIPs) Cliff Lee

A. Embedded in the DHS legislation last year was an authority for VSIPs. This DHS authority requires no agency contribution. Previous authorities required anywhere from 9-15% in retirement contributions. NFC contacted OPM for confirmation; OPM has not - nor do they intend to - issue anything on this subject. They do not feel that it is necessary. Agencies that are still offering VSIP's under prior authorities (including agency specific) still require an agency contribution.

B. Cliff requested that agencies notify him if they have VSIP's covered under NON-DHS authorities (e.g., FDIC, GAO, and TR) and what those authorities are.

Richard Lowe (BPD) indicated they had 50+ folks go out under the DHS authority that they discussed with Dora Lee. A: Dora Lee contacted Cliff and DL will need to submit a request asking the VSIP's not be paid for a specific agency code.
If NFC has already processed a VSIP for your agency you will need to do an AD-343 to get the money back. Once NFC has a list of agencies that are using the non-DHS regs, they hope to make programming changes. Cliff indicated he is not sure what NFC can do about agencies like IRS that authorize VSIPs under both authorities.

VIII. TAPER Appts (Cliff Lee) -

The Federal Register dated June 13, 2003, announced the removal of 5 C.F.R. Part 333. Removal of this section results in the elimination of TAPER appointments. This change was effective June 30, 2003. An end date of 06/30/2003 has been entered into TMGT for all TAPER authorities. Current appointments may continue through completion of the employee's current TAPER appointment (three years or less) of employment prior to conversion.

IX. Thrift Savings Plan Catch Up Contributions (Jody Nyers) -

TSP Catch Up Contributions are effective in PP-16. At this point time NFC does not have any information to indicate this will change.

A. Jody has been working with NFC South on the draft bulletin that is expected to be out soon. The problem they encountered is they are trying to put as much information as possible in the bulletin and one of the hardest issues to document is the In-Service Withdrawal Process and how the current deductions are to be stopped.

B. Jody and Employee Express (EEX) have been bombarded with calls on this subject. Employees were told they could begin participating in TSP Catch up on or about July 1st. However, payroll offices were told to implement the first full pay period in August (PP-16). The programming will be implemented in PP-16. Since this is a new option, there is no icon reflected in EEX. PAYE does not run for PP-15 until August 14th. The EEX changes cannot be released until after that run of PAYE; otherwise, the document has no place to go when it gets to NFC. August 28th PAYE will run for PP-16. There will be nine (9) pay periods to be factored into the $2,000 cap for this year. Jody has checked with the programmers and the system will edit to prevent a full deduction in the final pay period if that final pay period will put the employee over the 2,000 limit (i.e., the system will not drop the deduction for the pay period, but will reduce it to the appropriate amount).

Is there an edit against the regular deductions? A: Yes. However, if the employee is contributing to other accounts (e.g., 401K's, etc.), it is the employee's responsibility to make sure they meet, and not exceed, the legal requirements.
Cheryl Cotton (DOJ) - Will NFC run a report to identify those individuals who exceed the $12,000 cap? A: No.
Dora Lee Rosendorf (TR) - If you are with the same agency NFC will catch the max of $12,000, but if the employee crossed payroll systems NFC cannot edit on the field. A: That is correct.
If an employee has realized they will max out and have switched to a dollar figure to get the full benefit of the agency contribution, will the system prevent them from participating in the TSP catch-up? A: Jody will check on this; she indicated agencies may need to contact her for an override code, but will get back to the community on this one.
POST MEETING UPDATE: The system will have edits to ensure the employee is participating in TSP, an edit on the birth date (year), and an edit to ensure they are not in a 6-month noncontributing period due to financial hardship withdrawal. Agencies must review each case to determine if the employee should or should not be allowed to participate as they may have prior TSP Catch up participation that our system will not recognize and/or the employee has switched to a dollar amount so as not to exceed the $12,000 Elected Deferral Limit for 2003.
Cliff discussed the problem employees have in thinking they should have been given more than 9 pay periods for this year's catch-up. TSP guidance indicated employees could begin participating in TSP Catch-up on July 1st. However, they also said the employee could start contributing the first full pay period in August, which is PP-16 for NFC clients. This change in reference is confusing to employees who thought the July 1 participation meant a July deduction.

C. NFC is expanding the contribution field to four digits for the TSP catch-up contribution amount (max 2000 for one pay period). A new entry screen has been designed - document 126 - and will be found in both PRES and EPIC. The next version of EPIC will be on the Download Center by the end of July. Lynda indicated the software would be mandatory by September 27th. Starting on September 22nd, users will see the reminder when using the old version that it will be terminated on September 27th.

D. The EEX screen for TSP catch-up will be available on or after August 16th.

Bettina Ponsart (TR) - Indicated they were told in Macon, GA last week that the EEX contributions will be effective PP-17. Jody indicated EEX actions always project a "not later than the following pay period" statement to accommodate the various payroll cycles. Therefore, when a user goes to elect the TSP catch-up in PP-16 via EEX, EEX will indicate the action will be effective no later than PP-17. This does not mean it cannot be effective until PP-17. However, Jody will confirm this with EEX. POST MEETING NOTE: Jody spoke to OPM/Macon and was advised they are still in the testing phase with NFC and at this point cannot advise when the ICON will be placed in EEX. Jody is following up with another source and will alert CAPPS as information is received.
Dora Lee Rosendorf (TR) - Can an employee elect $2,000 be withheld in one pay period? A: Yes, as long as they are netting at least $2,000 after deductions and garnishments.
DLR (TR) - Has TSP put the responsibility for over deductions on the employee? A: Yes the employee needs to ensure they don't exceed the $2,000 contribution for 2003. If the employee exceeds the amount, then IRS will be dealing with the employee.
DLR (TR) - Is there any update on why the TSP phone system is so slow? A: Another CAPPS representative indicated the phone system crashed. TSP has it up and running again; however, it is still very slow. They have found they can put the call on hold and wait about 20-25 minutes and someone will be on-line. Another representative also recommended accessing the website after midnight.

E. Jody also shared that TSP paid the previous contractor (who did not deliver) $30 million to settle the lawsuit out of court. Guess who pays for this? Everyone who participates in TSP will eat a portion of this settlement fee.

X. Flexible Spending Account Update (Jody Nyers) -

As far as PPSPS knows right now, FSA's will be implemented in PP-13. However, Glenda is currently on a conference call with SHPS discussing the PP-13 effective date. SHPS sent NFC a very small number of cases to test and only half passed the test. SHPS has not been responsive to resolving those areas where problems were encountered. NFC is uncomfortable about going forward without proper testing. POST MEETING NOTE: FSAs were made effective with the processing of actions in PP 13. You can see FSA information on IRIS Screen 113.

A. If agencies are interested in additional information about FSA's the SHPS website is www.fsafeds.com and provides in-depth information.

XI. Qualified Life Events (Jody Nyers) -

As discussed at last month's CAPPS meeting, OPM modified the Qualified Life Events (QLEs) on the FEHB PC-Health Benefits form. A new SF-2809 will be released with the updated event codes but this will not happen anytime soon.

A. NFC is currently uncertain when to change the system. Implementation of the changed codes will be more than a simple coding change in EPIC. However, the primary concern is the system should match the current form to ensure proper values are entered. The new changes will definitely not be in EPIC 2.05, which is scheduled for release at the end of July because NFC does not have all of the information for the programming.

Lynda indicated this issue arose in the Personnel/Payroll Operations training in San Francisco last week. There are HR users who are trying to use the new codes. She requested CAPPS representatives to inform their processors and benefits people throughout the organization that NFC will not be implementing these codes until the new form is released.

XII. Employee Express Update (Jody Nyers for George Morris) -

Since George was not in attendance there was no update other than to remind participants that EEX will be providing a link to the FSA enrollment page.

XIII. SPPS (Lynda Wilson)

A. SPPS on the Web delayed until further notice due to the need to purchase and install new hardware.

B. SPPS Client (version 4.01) goes into production on July 28, 2003. It will be placed on the NFC Download Center by July 18th. It will technically become effective on July 27th, and previous versions will no longer work.

Has NFC issued a bulletin on this? A: A bulletin has been drafted and faxed to PPSPS (and apparently USDA and SM) on July 9th. The final version has been posted on the NFC website.
Tom Neumeister (SM) - Is SPPS for Windows 4.01 the same as the regular windows? A: The mainframe SPPS has different functionality than client SPPS. For example, the mainframe allows for entry of death cases. Users should be aware that MANLOG and the old SPPS will be going away, as well as the SPPS windows.
If you have access to SPPS mainframe do you automatically have access to SPPS client? A: No. When going from one platform to the next, users must request security access. However, if users are going from one version (e.g., the client upgrade) of the software to the next, no security changes are needed.
Cheryl Ruf (USDA) - Has NFC issued a sunset letter on SPPS mainframe or client yet? A: No.
Does this meant the QSW, Indebtedness and Death options on the mainframe will be eventually be implemented in SPPS WIN? A: Yes, and one day they will all be on the SPPS Web.

C. Lynda requested agencies that are not already doing so, should update the contact reps on TMGT 063.

D. After the hardware is installed and the next version of SPPS Web is released, it will be identical to the SPPS client version released in July.

XIV. User & Work Group Updates

A. Awards (JO Bonner) - The next Awards User Group meeting is scheduled for August 13th from 9:30 to 11:30. JO indicated the Referral Bonus (NOA 848) is scheduled for implementation in PP-16. She also requested that Treasury notify NFC when they decide to discontinue their agency specific NOA for referral bonuses.

B. EPIC (Lynda Wilson) - Lynda indicated there have been no EPIC Users Group meetings for some time due to the 1% Retro meetings. However, she has received several requests and will try to have one in August. In addition, she has been out of the office for two weeks and the new PPO mailbox has over 500 messages in it. She is working through them and will get to users as soon as possible. All processing problems or questions should be sent to ppo@usda.gov.

Cheryl Cotton (DOJ) - They have wage board employees and cannot enter the varied shift rate via EPIC and must use PACT/PRES for this. Can you do this in EPIC and, if so, where? A: Lynda indicated yes this could be done in but she could not remember exactly where it is. Wendy indicated that it is block 80 of an 002 action in the old PACT system. Lynda indicated that she needs to know if it should be an optional field and on which actions. Lynda requested that Cheryl send her an e-mail with the pertinent information on the specific scenario in question.
Is there a new version of the log-on screen? The agency's IT person went out there and found a new version and is uncertain if they should be using it. A: Lynda indicated that there is a new version for the ICAMS group, but she did not believe it applied to the EPIC users. The new version installs to the programs folder in lieu of the USDA folder. The user will not see a difference in the application, but IT staffs prefer to have the applications loaded in a specific area.

C. FESI - No one in attendance had an update for the FESI User Group. One client did ask if Hans Heidenreich was still leading that group. No one in attendance knew the answer.

D. Leave Share (JO Bonner) - The requirements are in New Orleans and there is no update.

E. RIF (Debby Berry) - Ditto.

F. T&A (JO Bonner) - The next meeting for the T&A User Group will be on August 14th from 9:30 to 11:30. The next meeting for the T&A Requirements work group will be also be on August 14th, but from 1 to 3. JO indicated that in PP-12, 9,646 employees were paid via STAR web. These employees were in the following agencies: Ag, DHS, DOJ, HUD, OSC, & TR.

JO reminded everyone the changes for the military leave conversion from days to hours is scheduled for implementation at the beginning of the fiscal year (PP-19 or PP-20). Agencies who are not using NFC's STAR programs need to make sure their system will accommodate this change. Agencies still using NFC's PC-TARE system need to realize there will be NO changes in PC-TARE. NFC announced several years ago that the PC-TARE software could not accommodate additional changes which is why STAR client/web applications were developed.

POST MEETING UPDATE: JO verified the implementation date for the military leave changes with the programmers. This change is scheduled for PP-19, 2003.

XV. Customer Service Improvement Project (Jody Nyers for Penny Forbes) -

Jody reminded the staff that the team from Accenture will meet with clients after the CAPPS meeting. There seemed to be general confusion among the clients about this meeting and many indicated they were not aware of the meeting. Jody reminded them of Mr. Lohfink's presentation to CAPPS in June and that he announced the 90-minute meeting at that time. Several reps indicated they had already met with Accenture in a one-on-one meeting; others were planning to attend today's meeting.

XVI. Potpourri

A. One of the clients has an issue with the incorrect FERCCA code. There was a problem a few months ago and OPM and NFC asked that no adjustments to these codes be made if they were deemed to be correct. However, one individual went in and made changes to correct the FERCA code. As a result, ABCO continues to generate a bill. The agency has talked to the representatives in ABCO but cannot get the issue resolved. A: Jody indicated the appropriate staffs in New Orleans do need to coordinate this process. However, agencies were asked NOT to make changes until the issue is resolved with OPM. She recommended the agency adjust the employee's record to make it incorrect again until the bigger situation is resolved.

B. GAO indicated they received notification of a problem case as they were leaving for CAPPS that morning. The situation is an employee whose spouse also works for an NFC serviced agency. Both employees are using direct deposit to a shared account. The reported problem is that NFC is lumping both payments together on the E&L statement and the money showing up as one lump sum to the employees' account. Has anyone else experienced this problem? A: No. As an example, Cliff Lee and his wife are in the same situation, having their funds go into the same bank account; however, they have not had this problem. It was recommended that Maria or Ethel review the E&L in EARN to ensure this is or is not a bank issue. Some banks will post multiple deposits as one and the employees may need to take the issue up with their bank.

XVII. Attendees

NFC North - Cliff Lee (chair), JO Bonner, Jody Nyers, and Lynda Wilson
NFC South - Lynn Isbell, Avis Camus, Penny Forbes, Jim Julian, Jules Leaumont, Melody Lindow and Randy Speed (via teleconference)
AG - Cheryl Ruf
ARC - Linda Gandara
AOC - Jingie Miller
CFTC - Jennifer Joyner
DHS - Vickie Cline, Kelyna Lewis, and Paulette Price
DOC - Marie Waters
DOJ - Cheryl Cotton, Kay Fields, and Wendy Moore
FCC - Deborah Berry
FMCS - Sue McMenamin
GAO - Ethel Clayborne and Maria Vargues
MSPB - Lynda Nicholson and Debra Summers
OSC - Tina Harrison
PC - Juanita Catchings
PSA - Shavon Butler
SBA - Barbara Gales and Joan Redd
SM - Tom Neumeister
TR - Bettina Ponsart, Dora Lee Rosendorf, and Fredda Walker
TR-BPD - Richard Lowe (via teleconference)