DIRECTIVE	:	GENERAL ADMINISTRATION LETTER NO. 05-98, Change 1
TO	:	ALL STATE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY AGENCIES
FROM	:	David Henson Director Office of Regional Management
SUBJECT	:	Instructions for Preparing Reports for the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Program Performance and Participant Outcomes Data System

1. Purpose. To provide detailed instructions for the preparation and submission of State reports for the new reporting system on the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and the NAFTA-Transitional Adjustment Assistance (NAFTA-TAA) program performance and participant out

2. References: The Trade Act of 1974, as amended, TAA program regulations at 20 CFR Part 617, and GAL 5-98.

3. Background. The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) has implemented a new reporting system that will track program performance and participant outcomes for the TAA and NAFTA-TAA programs. States have been requested to prepare and submit implementation plans. This directive provides detailed instructions to the States on preparing and submitting quarterly reports under the new system to Social Policy Research Associates (SPR), the contractor that will operate the data system.

4. OMB Approval. On June 19, 1998, the new reporting system was approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The OMB control number is 1205-0392. OMB approval expires on June 30, 2001.

5. Technical Support. The Office of Trade Adjustment Assistance (OTAA) has provided technical training on the new reporting system to all Regional and State staff who administer the TAA and NAFTA-TAA programs. OTAA, the Regional Offices, and SPR will continue to provide any necessary technical support to the States.

6. Action Required. State Trade Act Coordinators (or the individuals assigned responsibility for submitting the reports in the State implementation plans) are requested to prepare and submit quarterly reports according to the instructions attached to this directive. The first quarterly report is to cover the period from October 1, 1998 through December 31, 1998, and must be submitted to SPR no later that February 15, 1999. Reports are required for each quarter thereafter; all reports are due no later than 45 days after the end of the reporting quarter.

7. Inquiries. Inquiries of a technical nature related to the implementation of the new reporting system should be directed to Curtis Kooser by telephone on 202-219-4845, extension 111, or by E-mail at ckooser@doleta.gov, or to Dr. David Wright of SPR by telephone on 650-617-8625, extension 637, or by E-mail at david_wright@spra.com.

8. Attachments. TAA/NAFTA-TAA Data Specifications and Coding Instructions