DCL-98-76, FCR Technical Assistance Guide Update

DEAR COLLEAGUE LETTER DCL-98-76
DATE: August 6, 1998
TO: All FCR Technical Contacts
RE: FCR Technical Assistance Guide Update

Dear Colleague:

Enclosed is the second release of the FCR Technical Assistance Guide (TAG). This update provides additional information as to suggested methods for use by State technical staff in programming the interface between the State Case Registry (SCR) and the Federal Case Registry (FCR).

Remember to use the TAG in conjunction with the FCR Interface Guidance Document (IGD). Together the two documents provide information essential for the technical design and development of the SCR-to-FCR interface.

This update contains the following new sections of the TAG that belong to Part 5.0, Response File Processing (FCR-to-SCR):

5.1, Overview of Response File Processing
5.2, Overview of Automated Process
5.2.1, Processing Routine Transactions (Automated)
5.2.2, Modifications Required to the Code Skeleton
5.2.3, JCL Requirements
Appendix E, Skeleton Code Listing for Response Processing (Automated)

This update also contains corrections to the following sections of the TAG, which were previously released:

Table of Contents
Purpose of the TAG
Part 1.0, General Processing Flow
Part 2.0, Overview of the Trigger and Audit Files
Part 3.0, Modifications Required to CSE Systems for the SCR-to-FCR Interface
Part 4.0, Inbound Processing (SCR-to-FCR)
Appendix A, Assistance Contacts
Appendix B, Dear Colleague Letter - Initial Load (DCL-98-54, dated May 13, 1998)
Appendix C, Skeleton Code Listing for the Initial Load
Appendix D, Skeleton Code Listing for Ongoing Routine Transactions.

Please remove from your binder all previously released sections of the TAG and discard them. This update includes the new and corrected sections sequenced in the correct order for simple insertion into the TAG binder.

Accompanying the printed document is a diskette that contains code skeleton. This skeleton may be used by State technical staff to help program for the automated processing of responses from the FCR. A hard copy of this code is provided in Appendix E of the TAG.

The remaining portions of Part 5.0, as well as Part 6.0, Management Information Reports, will be distributed as soon as they are completed.

If you would like to order additional copies of the TAG, please call the Federal Parent Locator Service (FPLS) Information Line at (202) 401-9267. If you have any comments or questions regarding these materials, please contact Ken Nesbit, Rose Hodel, or Christine Jennings at (703) 352-3855. Their email addresses are kenny.nesbit@trw.com, rose.hodel@trw.com and christine.jennings@trw.com.

A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) addresses what is required of States in developing Statewide automated child support systems. These provisions are necessary to meet the automated system requirements enacted in the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 (PRWORA). The enclosed portions of the TAG are to be considered drafts, pending the publication of a final regulation on this subject.

Thank you for your continuing efforts to implement your SCR and helping us to implement the FCR. 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: IV-D Directors
Regional Program Managers
FCR Program Contacts

Enclosure not provided with the Internet version of this document