DCL-98-45, Federal Case Registry Initial Load Options

DEAR COLLEAGUE LETTER DCL-98-45
DATE : May 13, 1998
TO : All IV-D Directors
RE : Federal Case Registry Initial Load Options

Dear Colleague:

As you may know, we are conducting a series of conference calls to support your efforts in preparing for the implementation of the Federal Case Registry (FCR). The primary purpose of these calls is to follow up on our recently completed systems workshops and to answer any of your outstanding questions. We would also like to determine how far along you are in your planning process and what types of assistance we can provide to help you meet the October 1, 1998, deadline. We thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to participate in these calls.

We realize that at this time you may be focusing primarily on data submission issues. However, it is important to keep in mind that sending data to the FCR is only the first step. The proactive matches that will occur between the FCR and the National Directory of New Hires (NDNH) and within the FCR itself, will result in a large amount of data being returned to you. These proactive matches will occur after we process each State's initial submission to the database and on a routine, possibly daily, basis.

Following is a brief summary of the matching process:

Non-custodial parents (NCPs), putative fathers (PFs), and custodial parties (CPs) in IV-D cases registered on the FCR will be matched against new hire (W4) reports, quarterly wage (QW) records, and unemployment insurance (UI) claims in the NDNH.
Matching will occur whenever new or updated data is processed within either database (NDNH or FCR).
Only data resulting from interstate NDNH/FCR matches will be returned to the State. Intrastate NDNH/FCR matches will not be returned.
NDNH/FCR matches will not be made for persons linked only to non IV-D orders.
FCR/FCR matching will occur whenever a IV-D participant is added to the FCR. Information on participants which appear on another State's IV-D case or non IV-D order will be returned.

To help you manage the matched data that will result when you transmit your initial FCR load, we are soliciting your input on several options that we are considering for returning the data to you. The amount of data you will receive after we have processed your initial load may differ greatly depending on which option is used. There are three options for the return of NDNH/FCR matches and four options for the return of FCR/FCR matches. The options are listed from the largest to the smallest amount of returned data.

Options for NDNH/FCR Matches

All matches returned - this applies to CPs as well as NCPs and PFs.
Matches only returned for NCPs and PFs.
Matches only returned for participants for whom you provided an indicator for the return of information (e.g., participants in a locate status).

Options for FCR/FCR Matches

All matches returned - this applies to children and CPs as well as NCPs and PFs.
Matches only returned for NCPs and PFs.
Matches only returned for participants for whom you provided an indicator for the return of information (e.g., participants in a locate status).

1. No matches returned - States could use the FCR Query transaction later to request information for a participant for whom information is needed.

As mentioned, all of the above options are predicated on the return of interstate matches only. Also keep in mind that these options only apply to the return files for the FCR initial load. We are still considering other methods of assisting States to manage the volume of output that will be generated from ongoing FCR transmissions. We will be providing additional sections of the FCR Interface Guidance Document (IGD) as well as a Technical Assistance Guide (TAG) to help you manage returned data on a regular basis.

To provide your feedback as to what initial load options you feel best suit your State's needs, or to obtain clarification on the options, please contact Christine Jennings at (703) 352-3855 or via email at cjennin2@bdm.com. Please provide us with your input by May 27, 1998, so that we can make final decisions and begin programming.

Thank you for your continuing efforts to implement the Federal Case Registry. Your support is greatly appreciated as we work together to improve the lives of our nation's children.

Sincerely,

David Gray Ross
Commissioner
Office of Child Support Enforcement

cc: Regional Program Managers
FCR Technical Contacts