DIRECTIVE	:	UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE PROGRAM LETTER NO. 42-99
TO	:	ALL STATE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY AGENCIES
FROM	:	GRACE A. KILBANE Director Unemployment Insurance Service
SUBJECT	:	Year 2000 (Y2K) Preparedness for the Unemployment Trust Fund Accounting System (UTFAS)

1. 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.

2. References. None.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.