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Text Box: During July and August the DPS production environment was made available to every TSP who wanted to participate in exercises for rate filing and working shipments through the system’s various processes. This was a valuable learning experience for any TSP’s who participated. It allowed them to gain knowledge of DPS and learn how to access and employ the various screens. We at Carlyle had several personnel involved. We have been testing the system with as many scenarios as possible, with the help of our SDDC coordinators and JPPSO participants. We tested short notice shipments, standard shipment offers, different rate filing methods, processed shipments from offer until delivery and also performed various tests throughout the movement of the shipments. In this testing we have had the opportunity to test Qualifications, Agent Affiliations, Rate Filing, Shipment Management, and Claims. Throughout the two months of testing, we utilized various DPS functions (blackout dates, shipment diversions, SIT at origin and destination, split shipment deliveries, etc). Some problems were encountered and reported as TPR’s (Trouble Problem Reports), however, in most cases the system processes worked to allow the TSP to perform the necessary functions. At this time we have not been able to test any invoicing. This testing was originally scheduled for the last two weeks of August, however, this did not take place with TSP’s doing the invoicing. SDDC decided to open the testing to more TSP’s and PPSO’s who might have missed their first chance to take part in the testing. Access to DPS Production is required to be shut off as of September 10th, 2007. The lessons learned and issues that were discovered during the exercise will be applied to DPS to be ready to meet the Initial Operating Capability this fall. Several of the problems that were encountered were reported as Trouble Problem Reports (TPR’s). At this time, we do not have a list of all reported TPR’s, although the DPS programmers are working on some of them. Each week they are loading fixes onto the production system. We do not know for sure if any critical TPR’s will bring things to a screeching halt, therefore we at Carlyle Van Lines are proceeding with the assumption that Families First will in some way be put into live production by the end of 2007. We will keep you informed and updated on what is still to be determined by SDDC and also on all Families First newsflashes, via our e-mail bulletin. Carlyle would like to stress the importance of getting set up for DPS with a Shipping Agent User ID and Password. Carlyle Van Lines will not be making any associations with Shipping Agents at this time. However, you may work with some Carriers that will require you to log into DPS and enter all of your shipment information such as Pre-move Surveys, Pre-approvals, SIT Requests, etc. We encourage all agents to get set up and use the Training Modules within DPS to familiarize themselves with the system before Families First beings. You must have a DUNS number before you can apply for a DPS ID. Please visit http://ccr.dnb.com/ccr/pages/CCRSearch.jsp to apply for a DUNS number if you haven’t already done so. Once you have your DUNS number you can log into https://eta.mtmc.army.mil/Register/Default.asp?bhcp=1 and apply for your DPS Shipping Agent User ID and Password. If you have any questions regarding this process please contact Carlyle Agency Development at 800-356-4194 or agencydev@carlylevanlines.com.

DPS PRODUCTION TESTING