AES Broadcast  08/25/2008          Broadcast  #  2008033

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         AESDirect Program Is Down
   
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**  This message is intended for AESDirect program users only **
       

The AESDirect Program is experiencing a connectivity issue with the 
         AES mainframe.  As a result, responses are not being generated by the 
         AES mainframe and Internal Transaction Numbers (ITNs) are not being 
         provided to the filers. 

The AESDirect contractor is aware of the issue and is attempting to 
         resolve the matter.  At this time, we do not have an estimated time 
         period when the issue will be resolved.  We apologize for the 
         disruption this has caused.
         
         During this outage all AESDirect program filers may submit shipments 
         under the AES Downtime Policy.  State Department licensable shipments 
         can not be exported under the downtime policy and must be held until 
         the connection is restored and an AES Internal Transaction Number (ITN) 
         is received.  Once the connection is restored, all AESDirect program 
         transactions for shipments that moved under the AES Downtime Policy 
         must be filed along with any new AES transactions.
         
         If you utilize the AES Downtime Policy for export, please contact the 
         port where you will export from.  In lieu of the AES Proof of Filing 
         citation, please use the AES Downtime citation which consist of the 
         phrase AESDOWN, your individual company's Filer ID, followed by the 
         date. 

For example:  AESDOWN 123456789 08/25/08

For further information or questions, contact the U.S. Census Bureau's 
         AES Branch at 1-800-549-0595, menu option 1 or at askaes@census.gov.