CARES Certification Data Interface Standardization

A primary objective of the CARES Program is to reduce or eliminate duplicative and non-value-add activities. Currently, CUBS processes more than 70 unique file formats, with each having its own processing stream for essentially the same information. Implementing a standard certification file layout allows for increased automation and reduces support for multiple variations, freeing AGO staff to bring value in other areas.

The standard layout has increased from 43 to 176 data fields, allowing its use for multiple Business Classes and Client Agencies – which yields economies of scale. Although only five fields are required, Client Agencies are STRONGLY encouraged to populate as many fields as possible, to aid the AGO in collecting the certified debt.

For Rollout 1 Go-Live in the summer of 2022, all Rollout 1 Client Agencies must begin sending ALL certifications using the new CARES Certification Data Interface Standard. Accounts already in CUBS will packet (or group) and remain in CUBS until Rollout 2.

New accounts will be certified into CARES Debt Manager.

Download the new CARES Certification Data Interface Standardization

CARES File Transfer Standardization

CARES Debt Manager will require file transfers via the Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP), which is the industry standard for secure file transfers. This standard applies safeguards at all vulnerable points throughout the file-transfer process, ensuring the highest level of protection against theft of confidential personal information, and allows the AGO to maintain IRS compliance.

For Rollout 1 Go-Live in the summer of 2022, all Rollout 1 Client Agencies must transmit ALL files to the AGO using an SFTP application.

Rollout 1 Client Agencies