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AQM Aviation Business System
ABS News - June 16, 2010
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The deployment of Aviation Business Systems 2.2 resulted in some unforeseen issues. As a result, Fire and Aviation Management, Acquisition Management, and ASC Budget & Finance/Incident Finance have found a workaround to temporarily address the issues while the necessary fixes are developed, tested and deployed.
It is estimated that approximately 30 days will be necessary to deploy a permanent solution. The temporary workaround will facilitate the best solution to the current issues.
AV Pay Code: Use of the Availability (AV) Pay Code in conjunction with any other Pay Code on a single invoice results in the user receiving a "500 Internal Server Error" when the invoice Submit button is selected.
The user can create an invoice in draft status. A script will be run to allow the invoice to be processed. After 0900 EDT the next day the user can access and process the invoice into submit status.
The script processes corrections to the AV pay code in the data tables daily to enable the invoices to proceed to the CO/COR for approval. If there are no other edits to the invoice, no other intervention will be necessary and the CO/COR can then proceed with the approval process. However, if there are any other edits the error will reappear and the script will have to be run again.
ES Pay Code: Use of the Extended Stay (ES) Pay Code on more than one leg of an invoice will result in a hard error "Flight Legs should not have overlapping Hobbs or Clock". Temporarily, if there are individuals with different hours of ES, the additional individual(s) ES total should be put under Additional Charges, Miscellaneous Charges (CH) with a note in the Description field.
Under Approve Invoices - View ALL Status: In order to prevent changes in invoices SENT TO VENDOR and SENT FOR PAYMENT, it was necessary to disable View All Status functionality. CO/CORs will still be able to View the Packages, just not the individual invoices for a particular contract Item.
The importance of being as correct as possible with data entry cannot be emphasized enough. The difference could be one day of delay versus 5-6 days of delay in getting a vendor paid. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
Questions should be directed to the ABS Help Desk at 1-866-224-7677.
ABS Version 2.2 Software Update
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What you need to do
If using ABS you must to use the AQM Aviation Business Systems Website to launch the ABS Application. Do not use a shortcut.This insures you are pointed to the correct web address. Go to http://www.fs.fed.us/business/abs/ and click on ABS Application. After June 5 you may re-establish your shortcut.
If you are using ABS Disconnected Client, you need to uninstall 2.1 and install 2.2 prior to going out on a fire; but not later than June 30, 2010. To do that --
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Make sure you synchronize before proceeding. (Scroll down to Disconnected Client on the following page, see Downloading Disconnect Client Data http://www.fs.fed.us/business/abs/training.php).
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Obtain a new Seed Number from the ABS Help Desk 1-866-224-7677, beginning June 5. They will email the Seed Number along with instructions.
ABS Version 2.2 Upgrade includes the following:
- Packages that are in Sent to Vendor or Sent to Payment status cannot be edited. They are viewable but may not be edited.
- Email messages to Vendor, CO, and COR now contain Package Number, Vendor Name, Invoice Start Date, Invoice End Date, Contract Number, and Contract Item Number.
- Resolves various Rest Overnight (RON) issues
- M&IE and Total Per Diem fields are now labeled and editable
- When user selects a rate from the pop up screen, the lodging, meals, incidental expenses, and total per diem data fields are populated from the selection.
- The Total Per Diem field can be edited without changing the rates, e.g., when outside of per diem rate.
- The Calculate button can be used to re-calculate the total. For example if meals are provided the M&IE field can be edited and Calculate will change the total.
- ABS will no longer allow overlapping clock or Hobbs meter readings.
- Multiple additional charges are now allowed and the system will compile and calculate the total for the charge type, including multiple RON.
Help is Available
If you need technical help, contact the ABS Help Desk at 1-866-224-7677 or via email at helpdesk@dms.nwcg.gov put in the Subject Line ABS.
Visit the AQM Aviation Business System Website for training and answers to frequently asked questions.
Please direct questions to the ABS Help Desk 1-866-224-7677.
Announcements
Please read the "Getting Started" instructions at the bottom of this page before accessing ABS for the first time. Once you have completed the instructions, click on the link at the left of this page labeled 'ABS Application' to access the web based application.
The Disconnected Client version of this application is available for use and is intended for users who are frequently assigned in remote areas. Please do not request a download of the Disconnected Client Application if you are assigned in remote locations only occasionally. Please see the "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ's) on this website for more information. To access directions for downloading the application, see the "Getting Started" tab below and the "Disconnected Client" Training topic (click on the Training Link on this page).
When registering in ABS (see"Getting Started" at the bottom of this page) you MUST select a Role by clicking on the button next to the role you need. You must select only ONE Role.
- Data Entry Role - if you will be entering flight data into ABS
- CO/COR Role - if you have been designated as a COR for an aviation contract by the Contracting Officer. You will be able to enter data, approve and package invoices for the contract.
- Vendor Role - if you are a vendor/contractor
- Helpdesk Role - DO NOT use this Role
CO / COR Registration in ABS and EAV
ABS FS CO Registration Process
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CO logs onto the EAV website (http://fsweb.wo.fs.fed.us/aqm/EAV/ ) using their eAuthentication credentials. If they are already registered, it will take them to the app. If they are not registered, it will take them to the registration page and the user selects the CO role to register.
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The CO completes the System Security Access Request (SAAR) form requesting access to EAV and submits the form to the EAV Helpdesk by fax at 970-295-5809.
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The EAV Helpdesk adds the CO to the database and notifies the CO when this is complete.
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To obtain access to ABS, the CO logs onto ASC security web page (http://fsweb.asc.fs.fed.us/bfm/programs/technical-support) to access the online FS-6500-214 form.
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The CO completes the form and selects ABS CO role, then prints the form and it is submitted electronically to ASC database.
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The CO signs the form and faxes or mails to their supervisor.
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The CO supervisor receives the form from the CO
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If the CO is not authorized, they notify the CO that they cannot approve the form
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If the CO is authorized, they sign the form and provide it to the CO or notify the CO and fax it to ASC Security.
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The CO logs into ABS (http://www.fs.fed.us/business/abs/) and selects the CO role; then faxes the form to ASC to the number shown on the form if the supervisor hasn't faxed the form.
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ASC Security receives the fax from the CO
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If the CO is not in EAV with the CO role, ASC Security notifies the CO that the EAV role is not correct, and destroys the electronic request and fax.
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The CO would then work with the EAV Helpdesk to get the appropriate access; once this is completed, re-fax the form to ASC Security.
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If the CO is in EAV with the CO role, ASC activates the CO role in ABS.
ABS FS COR Registration Process
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COR logs onto ASC security web page (http://fsweb.asc.fs.fed.us/bfm/programs/technical-support/) to access the online FS-6500-214 form.
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The COR completes the form and selects ABS COR role, then prints the form. It is submitted electronically to ASC database as a pending record.
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The COR signs the form and faxes or mails to their CO.
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The CO receives the form from the COR
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If the COR is not authorized as a COR under their contract, they notify the COR that they cannot approve the form.
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If the COR is authorized under their contract, they check EAV to see if the COR is already in the database
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If the COR is in EAV, go to step 7
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If the COR is not in EAV, the CO notifies the COR to register in EAV by logging into the AQM Systems website (http://fsweb.wo.fs.fed.us/aqms/), selecting the COR role, and following the online instructions to register.
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Once registered in EAV, the COR can then log into the EAV application (http://fsweb.wo.fs.fed.us/aqm/EAV/) to obtain and/or reset their PIN.
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After registering in EAV, the COR notifies the CO that this is complete.
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The CO grants the COR the necessary permissions on the appropriate contract(s) in EAV, notifies them to register in ABS (if they do not have an active registration), and then signs and faxes the form to ASC Security using the number shown on the form.
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The COR logs into ABS (http://www.fs.fed.us/business/abs/) and selects the COR role, if necessary.
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ASC Security receives the fax from the COR, verifies that the COR is in EAV with the COR role, then activates the COR in ABS.
ABS Non-FS COR Registration Process
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COR logs onto the USDA website (http://www.ocio.usda.gov/forms/ocio_forms.html) and prints the AD-1143 (Corporate Systems Access Request) form.
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The COR completes the form requesting ABS COR role, then submits the form along with a copy of their most current IT Security Training Certification to their CO.
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The CO receives the form from the COR
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If the COR is not authorized as a COR under their contract, they notify the COR that they cannot approve the form.
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If the COR is authorized under their contract, they check EAV to see if the COR is already in the database
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If the COR is in EAV, go to step 5.
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If the COR is not in EAV, the CO sends the IT Security Training Certificate to the EAV Helpdesk (by email at pdl wo ops aqm eav dev team or by fax to 970-295-5809) requesting they add the COR to the database.
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The EAV Helpdesk adds the COR to the database, provides a PIN to the COR, then notifies the CO when this is complete.
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The CO then grants the COR the necessary permissions on the appropriate contract(s) in EAV and notifies them to register in ABS, if they do not already have an active registration. The CO signs the form and faxes it to ASC Security to the number shown on the form.
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The COR logs into ABS (http://www.fs.fed.us/business/abs/) and selects the COR role, if necessary.
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ASC Security receives the fax from the CO, verifies that the COR is in EAV with the COR role, then activates the COR in ABS.
Introduction
The Aviation Business System (ABS) is a web based application that
will be used by the USDA, Forest Service to electronically document and process all contract
aviation costs currently documented on FS-6500-122 Flight Use Invoice (invoice).
A disconnected client, non-web limited component version, of the application is
available for remote use. This new system will require that data will be entered
electronically into ABS from the source location (Helibase, Tanker Base, etc) by
aircraft managers or other designated persons. From there the following workflow
will be followed:
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The appropriate Contracting Officer (CO) or designated Contracting Officer's
Representative (COR) will review and approve each invoice.
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The CO or COR will electronically select approved invoices to be packaged for
payment and approve the package using a Personal Identification Number (PIN)
to indicate approval.
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After approval by the CO or COR, the vendor will receive notification that a
package is ready for approval.
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After successful review, and application of a PIN by the Vendor, the package
will be submitted to the Albuquerque Service Center (ASC) Incident Database
(IBDB) for final processing of the payment.
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If the vendor requests any changes to the payment package the changes will be
reviewed by the CO/COR, the changes accepted or rejected and notification of
the results sent to the vendor. The package is then submitted directly
to the ASC IBDB for payment.
Access to the system will require an individual USDA eAuthentication account and password
for all users. In addition, a secure PIN number will be provided to Contracting
Officers (COs) and Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs). Contractors will be
issued a PIN number by the CO who administers their contracts. The pin will be
required for electronic approval of payment packages. In addition each user must
register in ABS the first time they log on. Please read the step by step
instructions under "Getting Started".
New users can access training by clicking on the
"ABS Training"
link on this website.
Getting Started
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Obtain an e-Authentication ID and password.
- Click on the "ABS Training" link at the upper left of this webpage to review the e-Authentication Training Module.
- Click on the USDA e-Authentication link and follow the directions to apply for Level 1 access as a "customer".
The Level 2 direction on the E-Authentication webpage does NOT apply to ABS.
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Click on the "ABS Training" link to complete the ABS Vendor Training.
- Click on the "ABS Training Module for Vendors" and complete the training.
- Click on "Vendor" listed under Training Documentation to print a reference copy of the training.
- If you have not received an e-mail with your Personal Identification Number (PIN), request one from your Contracting Officer.
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All ABS system users must fill out the registration information the first time you log into ABS. Log into ABS to fill out the registration information after you have received your e-Authentication ID and password.
After filling out the registration, allow two business days for your security
profile to be activated before you log into ABS to review your first payment package.
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Log into ABS after you have received an e-mail notification that a payment package is awaiting your
approval. (You will need your e-Auth ID and password, DUNS, and PIN numbers)
- Review the package following the procedures in the "Vendor" training.
If you have any problems navigating in the system to approve your payment package, please review the
training and/or call the ABS Help Desk at 1-866-224-7677.
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Forest Service employees may use their current e-Authentication ID and password. (The ID and password used to log into Dashboard.) If you do not have an e-Authentication
ID and Password, follow these steps:
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Click on the "ABS Training" link at the upper left of this webpage to complete the ABS training module(s) applicable to your role.
- Click on the "Comprehensive ABS Training Module" and complete the training.
- Click on the appropriate role listed under Training Documentation to print a reference copy of the training.
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Log into ABS. (You will need your e-Auth ID and password). All ABS system users
must fill out the registration information the first time you log in to ABS.
After registering allow up to two business days for your security profile to be activated before you log into ABS to access/create invoices.
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Enter invoice data by following the procedures in the "Air Tanker" or "Fixed Wing/Helicopter Manager" training. Contracting Officers and Contracting Officer's Representatives should follow the procedures in the "Fixed Wing/Helicopter COR Module and Aviation Contracting Officer" training.
If you have any problems navigating in the system, please review the training and/or call the ABS Help Desk at 1-866-224-7677.
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Obtain an e-Authentication ID and password.
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Click on the "ABS Training" link at the upper left of this webpage to complete the ABS
training module(s) applicable to your role.
- Click on the "Comprehensive ABS Training Module" and complete the training.
- Click on the appropriate role listed under Training Documentation to print a reference copy of the training.
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Log into ABS. (You will need your e-Auth ID and password). All ABS system users
must fill out the registration information the first time you log in to ABS.
After registering allow up to two business days for your security profile to be activated before
you log into ABS to access/create invoices.
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Enter invoice data by following the procedures in the "Air Tanker" or "Fixed Wing/Helicopter Manager" training.
If you have any problems navigating in the system, please review the training and/or call the ABS Help Desk at 1-866-224-7677.
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Forest Service employees may use their current e-Authentication ID and password. (The ID and password used to log into Dashboard.) If you do not have an e-Authentication ID and Password, follow these steps:
Non-Forest Service employees will apply for Level 1 access as a "customer",
regardless of your role (data entry or COR) in ABS. See the "Getting Started" tab "Non-Forest Service".
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Click on the "ABS Training" link at the upper left of this webpage to complete the ABS training module(s).
- Click on the "Comprehensive ABS Training Module" and complete the training.
- Click on the appropriate role listed under Training Documentation to print a reference copy of the training.
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Log into ABS. (You will need your e-Auth ID and password). All ABS system users
must fill out the registration information the first time you log in to ABS. Be sure
to add a Disconnected Client password during registration and keep it in a safe location.
Exit ABS.
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Requesting the setup information needed for the disconnected client:
- Email helpdesk@dms.nwcg.gov with the following information (taken from your eAuth profile)
- First Name
- Last Name
- Email ID (Please specify the email id used in your e-Auth profile. For e.g. abcde@fs.fed.us)
- Phone Number
- Department - Please specify the agency you are hired by (i.e. FS, BLM, etc.)
- Address 1
- Address 2
- City
- State
- Zip Code
If you have any problems navigating in the system to approve your payment package, please review the training and/or call the ABS Help Desk at 1-866-224-7677.
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