FY 2002 funding requests for ICON programmers

U.S. Department of Labor
Employment and Training Administration
Washington, D.C. 20210
Classification: OWS
Correspondence symbol: OIS/DUO
Date: July 20, 2001

DIRECTIVE: UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE PROGRAM LETTER NO. 42-01

TO: ALL STATE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY AGENCIES

FROM: GRACE A. KILBANE
Administrator
Office of Workforce Security

SUBJECT: Interstate Connection (ICON) Programmer

RESCISSIONS: None
EXPIRATION DATE: July 31, 2002

1. Purpose. To advise States of the opportunity to submit a Supplemental Budget Request (SBR) for funding of the subject position.

2. References. Section 3304(a)(9)(A) and (B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 20 Section 616; Interstate Benefit Payment Plan; and ET Handbooks Nos. 336, 392 and 399; UIPL 33-01.

3. Background. For the past two fiscal years (FY), States have been afforded the opportunity to submit a SBR to justify ICON programming funds in the base allocations. For FY 2002, the SBR process for ICON programming funds remains in effect. The salary and benefit costs for up to one staff year will be funded through the SBR process and included in the FY 2002 final allocations. The non-personal services (NPS) and administrative staff and technical (AS&T) costs associated with the ICON programming staff year are included in the base allocation and are to be excluded from the SBR. The decision to use the SBR method of funding for the ICON programmer position was made in consultation with the National Association of Workforce Security Agencies’ Interstate Benefits Committee.

The SBR funding process for an ICON programmer position is in addition to other interstate program funding. Each State will continue to receive adjustments to its minutes per unit (MPUs) to reflect interstate program changes and special interstate allocations to encourage: participation in the quarterly Interstate Crossmatch; participation in the Interstate Reciprocal Overpayment Recovery Arrangement; the use of telephone contacts to resolve issues with interstate claimants; and, participation in regional and national meetings pertaining to the interstate and combined wage claim programs.

4. Rationale. This process is intended to focus attention and resources on the programming necessary to install and interface ICON interstate and combined wage claim applications to State wage and benefit files and to provide on-going maintenance because these applications affect other States’ performance and customer service. As States move to remote claims taking and call center environments as well as remote interstate liable claims taking, modifications to operating procedures require changes to interstate procedures which necessitate changes to ICON applications or creation of new ICON applications. Changes to the ICON system necessitate prompt attention from States to install and maintain the applications to provide for efficient operation of the interstate and combined wage claim programs and the exchange of necessary data among other States.

5. Guidelines for Preparation and Deadline for Submission of the SBR. ET Handbook No. 336 contains instructions and procedures for the preparation of SBRs. Any State with a need for ICON programming funds should prepare and submit a SBR for consideration by July 27, 2001. The budget justification should include a description of work to be accomplished during the year.

6. Action Required. State Administrators are requested to ensure that: (1) appropriate staff receive a copy of this directive; and (2) the SBR for the State’s ICON programming needs for FY 2002 is received by the appropriate Regional Office by C.O.B. July 27, 2001. Regional Offices will submit the SBRs to the National Office by August 3, 2001, along with its funding recommendation.

7. Inquiries. Direct questions to the appropriate Regional Office.