Data Collection System >> Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions Concerning the Data Collection System and eAuthentication

Can a Security Administrator complete the Form 7, Form 12, or Telecommunications Operating Report?

A Security Administrator will need to have the role of "User" in order to be able to complete entry.

When I click on the "New Form" button nothing happens; how can I create a new Form 7, 12 or Telecommunications Operating Report?

This problem can be caused by the configuration of your browser software; please check to see if you have some form of Popup Blocker running in your browser software and turn off the blocking feature, then click on the "New Form" button again. If the problem continues, contact the Rural Development Help Desk at RD.HD@stl.usda.gov or 1-800-457-3642 (choose Option 2 and Option 2 again).

Is it still required to mail a paper copy of the Form 7, Form 12 or Telecommunications Operating Report to Washington?

A paper copy is no longer required. The Certifier's eAuth ID serves as the electronic signature.

Does the DCS system automatically send copies of the Form 7 to anyone within Rural Development Utilities Programs?

Yes, the DCS system automatically sends a copy of each newly-certified Form 7 or 12 to the financial analyst in Washington that is assigned to that borrower and sends them an e-mail notification that the form has been submitted.

How can I designate CFC to receive a copy of my newly-entered Form 7 (or 12)?

Once the checks are run and addressed, the Certifier is ready to certify the Form and at this point should select the option to "share with CFC". Upon doing so, a copy of the newly-certified Form 7 will be transmitted to CFC, with the Certifier's name printed where the signature would normally appear.

What if I have already certified and submitted my Form 7, but did not "share with CFC"? Can I go back and now "share with CFC" to send CFC a copy of my newly-entered Form 7 (or 12)?

Yes. Just go through the steps to "edit" the 2006 Form 7 that was just submitted, then re-submit it this time selecting the option to "share with CFC". To do this, the User should choose to edit the 2006 version. It is recommend that you re-run the checks and ensure that there are no errors and that the warnings all have explanations. Then the Certifier has to Certify the form again, ensuring that they choose the option to share with CFC. They can then submit the form again.

Does CFC (NRU-CFC) require a paper copy of the Form 7 or 12?

CFC recently sent an E-mail to some (maybe all) of its borrowers talking about how to designate CFC as a recipient of the Form 7 filed with Rural Development Utilities Programs. The E-mail also asks the borrower: "After you file with Rural Development Utilities Programs and authorize CFC to retrieve your data electronically, please mail a signed copy of the Form 7 to CFC."

Can I "share" or send a copy of my Form 7 to my G&T (or to CoBank, etc.) automatically, as is possible for CFC?

No, that capability was not built into the DCS system, and is not likely to be added within the next 12 months due to resource constraints. One option to consider might be for the G&T to designate a person that it wants to be able to VIEW Forms 7, and then ask each of its distribution members to set this G&T employee up as a VIEWER to view-only with no data-entry capability (but not as a User).

 

Updated 1/10/2008