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December 12, 1996
Veterans' Program Letter No. 3-97
To: All Regional Administrators and Directors for Veterans' Employment
and Training nd All State Emoployment Security Agency Administrators (SESAS)
All Regional Administrators, Employment and Training Administration (INFO)
From: Preston M. Taylor, Jr.
Subject: Veterans' Preference Expert System Software Program
I. Purpose: To announce the availability of the Veterans' Preference
Expert System software program produced by the Department of Labor's (DOL's)
Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) and the Assistant Secretary
for Policy (ASP). This software program will help VETS in our outreach efforts
to veterans and our capability to provide employment information to our
Nation's veterans through the Internet.
II. Background: Veterans' Preference Expert System software program is
an employment assistance tool for veterans. It is accessible through the
Internet at the VETS' website. This program provides veterans' preference
eligibility information and assistance to veterans. It is designed to query
veterans on specific information, which will assess their eligibility for
preference in Federal hiring, provide information on veterans preference
benefits, and provide information on how to file a complaint with the
Department of Labor. The program utilizes a question decision tree to
ultimately yield preference status.
There are two versions of the Veterans' Preference Expert System
software program, both accessible through the Internet. One is an on-line
version and the second is a downloadable PC (DOS) version. The Internet version
has direct hyperlinks to OPM resources. The downloadable PC (DOS) version,
which is a 326kb self-extractable file, will allow veterans or service
providers to execute the DOS version on standard home or office PCS, which
could then be run on any MS DOS PC with at least 640kb of Random Access Memory
(RAM). The system has been designed to run on a high density floppy (either 1.2
MB or 1.44 MB). The system can be executed from either the DOS prompt or
Windows. The main advantage of this version is that it can be copied and
distributed to users who are still using "low end" 286 PCS.
This will be an excellent employment assistance tool which will greatly
enhance our ability to provide direct assistance to veterans with specific
problems involving veterans' preference. The software program also will allow
service providers to directly work with the veteran or share the program with
the veterans or other interested parties.
III. Policy and Guidance: VETS has set up access to this program through
the DOL homepage and the VETS homepage on the Internet. A "Veterans'
Preference" hot button provides easy access to the site. The site address is as
follows: http://www.dol.gov/vets/.
The PC soft ware version can be download for off-site or non-Internet
activation. Job Service local offices and VETS staff are encouraged to use this
expert system to make veterans' preference eligibility determinations for
working cases.
IV. Action Required: VETS has made appropriate news release information
publicizing the new web address; however, DVETs should also work directly with
their SESA to determine any desire for local publicity needs or requirements.
If you note any significant content errors in the system please notify Jenel
Turner (202-219-9110) for content issues, or Todd Dehart (202) 219- 8418 for
website difficulties.
Expiration Date: June 30, 1997
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