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Frequently Asked Questions

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Question:
Last Updated: 10/7/2004 5:45 pm
I received my Notice of Grant Award (NGA) from the awarding agency, but when I go into the PMS/Smartlink payment system, the award is not there.

Answer:
Occasionally, an awarding agency may send a recipient an NGA before the actual award has been entered into the Payment Management System. If, after checking your PMS/Smartlink account and finding that your award is not available, contact the person listed on your NGA. If you are not able get in touch with the awarding agency, you can call your PMS Account Liaison to inform them that your new grant award is not available in the PMS system. Please have your PAN and the grant award number located on the NGA ready for your PMS Account Liaison.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/27/2004 10:58 pm
I have awards on my account, but I don’t know what they are. Can you please identify them?

Answer:
The Division of Payment Management does not receive the paper work regarding the grants you were awarded; you can contact your awarding agency to find out that information. If you are not able to get in touch with your awarding agency, you may contact your PMS Account Liaison.

Question:
Last Updated: 11/9/2005 9:30 pm
Our organization makes our request for funds based on input from another office. What should I do if I’m later notified the request was for the wrong amount because I was provided the inaccurate information?

Answer:
Your PMS Account Liaison should be contacted immediately so the payment request can be cancelled. Your Liaison’s name and telephone number can be found on the first page of your PSC272, Federal Cash Transactions Report. Alternatively, you can contact your bank and simply refuse the payment for the entire requested amount. The bank will return the funds using the same method by which the funds were received. A third option is to return the funds through ACH Direct Deposit or Remittance Express (REX).

Question:
Last Updated: 1/28/2005 9:24 pm
I have just been awarded a grant for the first time and I have received a PSC272, Federal Cash Transactions Report. Why do I have to submit this report if I haven’t requested any of my new grant funds?

Answer:
For new grants, the grantee is required to submit the PSC 272 report beginning with the ending of the first quarter in which funds are drawn and for every quarter thereafter throughout the life of the grant. However, if your grant is into the second quarter or later in it's budget period, you are advised to submit the PSC 272 to report the prior quarter's disbursements even though you had not as yet drawn any funds to reimburse your disbursements. This enables DPM and your awarding office to accurately evaluate your cash management situation, which could be very important to you, particularly in the third and fourth quarters of the budget period.

Question:
Last Updated: 10/7/2004 6:12 pm
I was attempting to file my Federal Cash Transaction Report (PSC272) electronically when I noticed that the report information was from last quarter. I know I filed electronically and on time last quarter. How can I get access to the current quarter’s information?

Answer:
The situation you described occurs only if you access our system prematurely. The previous quarter’s data will remain online until the new data is uploaded. The electronically transmitted PSC272 data and paper reports are normally processed on the 2nd weekend after the end of a quarter. After that, the data file is verified and loaded into the Electronic PSC272 server. To find out when the PSC272 report is ready, you may check our Web Site at http://www.dpm.psc.gov/, or call your PMS Account Liaison.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 9:49 pm
When I received my most recent Federal Cash Transaction Report (PSC272), it did not look like my previous report posted to your system. Consequently, my current report’s Cash on Hand Beginning Balance is incorrect. How can I correct this problem?

Answer:
You may have missed the deadline in submitting your report last quarter. The system does not allow you to change data that has already posted through the PSC272 process. However, you may effect a change on the current quarter’s Cash on Hand Ending balance by reporting the correct total cumulative amount disbursed through the end of the quarter being reported on, under column E of the current PSC272-A. Although this will make your net disbursements greater or less than your actual disbursements for the quarter, it will correct your final Cash on Hand Balance at the end of the reporting period.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 9:51 pm
I don’t have to worry about "Expired Year" documents anymore since Expired Year was over on September 30, 1998. Right?

Answer:
Wrong. Expired Year is a variable year that changes each fiscal year (FY). For those grants with appropriations covered under Expired Year legislation, Congress mandates that, "On September 30th of the 5th FY after the period of availability for obligation of a fixed year appropriation account ends, the account shall be closed and any remaining balances (whether obligated or unobligated) in the account shall be canceled and thereafter shall not be available for obligation or expenditure for any purpose." 31 U.S.C. § 1552 (a). For example, FY 1997 was the Expired Year for FY 2002 and FY 1999 is the Expired Year for FY 2004. This means that if you have any FY 1999 awards or prior that still appear on your PSC272, you and the grant awarding agency only have until September 30, 2004, to finalize reporting and close the award. After the FY 1999 award expires on September 30, 2004, corrections or cash requests will not be permitted. If you have any questions, call your Account Liaison.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 9:53 pm
Can you send me a written manual for the new Internet Electronic PSC272 system? I never received one.

Answer:
Sorry! A paper copy of the manual was never produced because the Electronic PSC272 Internet Web site has an excellent on-line Help Menu. Not only does it include information on how to navigate throughout the Electronic PSC272 program, it also incorporates frequently asked questions (FAQs) and instructions on how to properly review and complete the required reports.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 9:55 pm
On September 30th (the end of our grant's budget period), I requested the remaining funds in our grant because the funds were already obligated and I didn’t want to lose the funding. My PMS Account Liaison rejected my request for the funds! What gives?

Answer:
Your PMS Account Liaison did you a big favor. Federal grant administration regulations require recipients to minimize the time between requesting Federal funds and disbursing them. Now you will not owe interest on Federal funds held in your bank account and your auditor will not cite you for holding excess cash! Draw your funds only when you are ready to write the check for those obligated expenses. Don’t worry - grant funds are not automatically canceled in PMS when a grant ends. As long as the funds were obligated within program guidelines, you usually have up to 90 days or longer after the grant ends to make allowable drawdowns. However, you should consult the awarding agency for program requirements.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 9:57 pm
It seems that the only way that I can request my funds is through the Internet. I'm not very Internet savvy but it seems that I should learn quickly (or my 10 year old daughter will be filing the reports and making the drawdowns!). I know this will make my job easier but I'm very busy at work and have little time for training, especially since I will be training myself. Do you have any suggestions to make this easier?

Answer:
Yes, contact us! Just call your Account Liaison to schedule a time and he/she will be more than happy to walk you through the Internet process. Even if you have difficulties connecting or getting started, you can call the technical support staff at (877) 614-5537 for a walk through. Trust us, we would not expect you to do it if we could not do it ourselves. Also, DPM offers user training classes for grant recipient organizations. During the training sessions, we conduct hands-on training on system access, completing a payment request, performing account inquiries, requesting reports, and completing the PSC272 Federal Cash Transaction Report. Time will be provided for questions and individual instructions. Classes are held at the DPM offices in Rockville, MD. Click the link above for scheduled training dates.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 9:58 pm
I did not receive my PSC272 report in the mail. What should I do?

Answer:
If you don't have access to the Internet, you should have received your report in the mail. Contact your Account Liaison to either obtain a password to access the Electronic PSC272 or have a hard copy mailed to you.

Question:
Last Updated: 11/2/2004 4:14 pm
I went to your Electronic PSC272 Web site ( https://e272.dpm.psc.gov/) to file my report and it required my password. I put in what I thought was my password but I still cannot get in. What am I doing wrong?

Answer:
Are you using your Electronic PSC272 or PMS/Smartlink password? The Electronic PSC272 password is NOT the same as your PMS/Smartlink password (which is used to draw down funds). Make sure you use your assigned Electronic PSC272 password. However, if you have entered the incorrect password three times, your account is locked and you will be denied access. If you feel this has happened to you, contact your DPM Account Liaison to have it unlocked.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:01 pm
Do I still need to send in a hard copy of my PSC272 report even if I'm filing electronically?

Answer:
Thanks for being environmentally conscious. It's no longer necessary to send us the entire report, only the certification page (PSC272). That's it! Just remember that the page MUST have an original signature by your certifying officer. However, we are working towards eliminating that page as well, so stay tuned!

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:04 pm
I think there's a problem with my Electronic PSC272 program. When I tried submitting the report on the Internet, the program wouldn't accept it. When I glanced back at the Status of Federal Cash Report (PSC272), I realized that line 5 (Cash on Hand End of Period) wasn't calculated. What in tarnation is going on?

Answer:
Line 5 (Cash on Hand End of Period) on your PSC272 form is blank because YOU are required to calculate and enter your cash on hand balance - the program will NOT calculate it for you. (This feature forces you to be cognizant of your cash on hand balance prior to certifying your report.) If you enter your Cash on Hand End of Period amount on line 5, it will be accepted if your report is balanced. If your report is not balanced, your entry will not be accepted and you will need to make the necessary adjustment(s) on your PSC272 or PSC272-A forms. The Electronic PSC272 cannot be submitted out of balance.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:07 pm
I'm from an Operating Division and unable to sign on to IMSGATE to access the Payment Management System (PMS). What could be the problem?

Answer:
This is a common problem that could have several causes. If you are unable to sign on to IMSGATE, it may be that you have not accessed the National Institutes of Health (NIH) computer support system in over a month and that deactivates your initials. You must contact your Account Liaison at your agency and they will have to reactivate your initials through NIH. DPM cannot correct this particular problem. The simple solution is to dial-up and connect with the system at least once each month. You could perhaps mark your calendar with a reminder on the first workday of each month. However, if you have problems accessing the PMS itself, we can help you. One common problem is, "Already Signed On, Only One Session Per User". This is caused by not properly signing out of the system (sometimes referred to as just turning off the power). The proper way to sign out is to go back to the main menu screen and type in "SO" for the CODE. Another common problem is, "Password Not Valid For Account And Initials". Someone changing the password in error and not realizing it usually causes this. Some users have received the message, "Inquiry Command Not In Purview". If you encounter any of these problems, please mailto:jbaldwin@psc.gov so the problem can be corrected and you can access the system once again.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:09 pm
I seem to be having a problem when I pull up my March 31, 2004, Federal Cash Transactions Report (PSC272) through the Internet. The data was from the December 2003 PSC272. What's the problem?

Answer:
This is simple to correct. What you've done is bookmarked your PSC272 for March 2004, not the Electronic PSC272 Website. Always go through the links on our Web page to get to your forms each quarter. You can do this by book marking DPM's homepage, http://www.dpm.psc.gov, and following the links to the Electronic PSC272 to complete your report each quarter. So remember.. . bookmark our homepage, not your PSC272 Report.

Question:
Last Updated: 11/9/2005 9:30 pm
Do we place a request for funding?

Answer:
Requests for funding are placed via PMS/SmartLink.. The user places a request via a Personal Computer with a modem or an Internet connection.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:12 pm
How do we know if we’re set up to place a request?

Answer:

First, you need to submit a completed SF1199A Direct Deposit form and a Primary Contact Person form in order for DPM to obtain your banking information. You may download SF1199A obtain it from most FDIC insured financial institutions.

If for any reason this form was not completed correctly, this could potentially delay this process. Instructions are included in the downloadable version. You will be contacted if the information on the form is incorrect or incomplete.

Once you have completed and returned your SF1199A and Primary Person Contact forms, your DPM Account Liaison will contact you either via the phone or by mail.

You will then be sent a certified mail package which will contain your Passwords and ID Numbers which will be used during the request process.

If you have questions pertaining to your SF1199A Form, please contact your Account Liaison.



Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:14 pm
How Do We Connect To PMS/SmartLink?

Answer:
Users can connect to PMS/Smartlink and request funds via a Personal Computer with an Internet or Dial-Up Networking Connection. PMS/SmartLink is a web-based program, so no software is necessary. However, you will be required to present proper log-on credentials (a username and password) in order to use the system. You can obtain this information from your DPM Account Liaison.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:16 pm
On PMS/SmartLink, we got the message that our request was being "Held for Review". What does that mean?

Answer:

While the PMS/SmartLink system has many built in edit checks for accuracy of data entry, it can't do everything. Frequently, the request will need to be examined for errors or consistency with other draws and spending/disbursement habits.

In these situations, the request will seem to be processed but users will get the message, "Held for Review".

This means your request is being looked at prior to approval. Your Account Liaison may need to reach you, so please keep yourself available for a few hours after the request.

While there isn't a 100% chance you'll be hearing from them before the request is approved, your act of being available to take a call can help out immeasurably.

Please be aware if you are not available to take their call after making the request, there is a chance that the request may be DENIED.



Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:17 pm
We're trying to place a request for funds. No matter what we do, the request won’t balance. What are we doing wrong?

Answer:
The Financial information on the request screens in PMS is actually a fairly simple formula, so it must add up to pass the edit checks in the system. At any rate, the Request Formula is actually explained right here. Check it out. It really is pretty easy.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:18 pm
We need to return funds to DPM. What can we do?

Answer:
Please refer to our Returning Funds page located here.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:20 pm
We made a funds request yesterday and our bank claims they don’t have the funds. Why?

Answer:

DPM delivers funds on a next day basis; however, we have no control over when your bank actually processes the deposits.

Please remember the following:

99% of our funds are delivered via ACH Direct Deposit, NOT by WIRE. If you ask your bank about a Wire transfer, THEY WILL NOT FIND IT. Different banks process their ACH Direct Deposits at different times throughout the day. Please ask your bank about pending ACH .

If you were requesting via PMS/SmartLink and you got the message that your request was being "Held For Review?" you need to be available to answer questions regarding your payment requests. Your Account Liaison must be able to contact you, so be sure they have current contact information from you as well.



Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:22 pm
How often can we make draws?

Answer:

From the "HHS Manual for Recipients Financed under the Payment Management System":

Recipients are expected to make their cash draw downs based on "Checks Issued." That is, cash draws are scheduled to arrive at the time when checks are released.

Recipients using ACH are expected to draw down only the funds needed for immediate disbursement needs, since funds are made automatically available by the next business day after making a request.

In theory, DPM recipients may place up to one draw a day, every day. In fact, some recipients may be able to place multiple requests daily based on the type of account they have. Please contact your Account Liaison for more information.

DPM Payments are next day Automated Clearing House (ACH) Direct Deposits. Recipients need not request advances as funds are available on a NEXT DAY BASIS.

Most regulations require that Federal funds be kept in interest bearing accounts and that interest earned be remitted to DPM, which is designated as an interest collection agency for the Federal Government. Contact your Account Liaison for answers to questions.

Recipients are expected to return excess funds to DPM immediately.



Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:24 pm
Does DPM have the info it needs to pay us?

Answer:

In order for DPM to process the ACH Direct Deposits we use to deliver funds to you, we need to obtain documentation with your banking data. The form we use is the SF1199A Direct Deposit Form, which we provide to you in your basic welcome packet that we send out to our recipients.

If for some reason you did not get a form from us, the form can be obtained from most banks, downloaded from our website, or we can send you one in the mail.

If the form is completed correctly, it takes a few days to process, and DPM WILL CONTACT YOU regarding being set up to receive funds.

Once the forms are processed, you will be set up on a payment method and may begin your draws.

If this information ever changes, please submit a NEW SF1199A form with the NEW INFORMATION.



Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:26 pm
Do we have the correct type of bank account?

Answer:
Your account must be a federally insured (FDIC) financial institution. Mutual Fund accounts or accounts such as "Merrill Lynch" are not appropriate. Most regulations require that Federal funds be kept in interest bearing accounts and that interest earned be remitted to DPM, which is designated as an interest collection agency for the Federal Government. Contact your Account Liaison for answers to questions.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:27 pm
What if our banking information changes?

Answer:
If - at any time - your banking information changes, you will need to submit another SF1199A Direct Deposit Form. You can obtain a copy of this form from your bank, from DPM, or you can download the form from our Web site here.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:29 pm
What is the PMS form 270?

Answer:
In the past, DPM used the 270 form for monthly cash advances and reimbursements. As regulations and policies changed, particularly with the introduction of Electronic Funds Transfers, this form has been set aside for use by exceptional organizations, generally accounts on restriction or in extreme cases such as time zone differences [i.e., Pacific Islands, etc.].

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:30 pm
What about Treasury Checks?

Answer:
With the usage of direct deposits, DPM no longer issues Treasury Checks to recipient organizations. Federal agencies are expected to use Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to the "maximum extent practicable" in making grant payments.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:31 pm
Where do I send my Financial Status Report (a.k.a. FSR), SF269?

Answer:
The Division of Payment Management only deals with the PSC272 Quarterly Report (Federal Cash Transactions Report). The FSR is returned to the Awarding Agency responsible for awarding your organization your grant.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:34 pm
I was able to PMS/Smartlink the first time around and have even successfully changed my password. However, the second time I tried to request funds, I could not get past the log-on screen. What am I doing wrong?

Answer:

A couple of factors could have caused your problem:

You may have used the lower case to enter your user name; this must always be in CAPS.

You may have entered your new password incorrectly. Remember your password is case sensitive! If you used all CAPS when creating it, you must type it in all CAPS afterwards.

If you have more than one PAN, you might be using the wrong password for that user name.



Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:35 pm
I must confess - I couldn't remember my new password! How long does it take to reset my password in the new system?

Answer:
Although resetting your password in the new system takes only between 30 minutes to an hour, you must first fax a written request to your Account Liaison on your office letterhead. After the request is received and reviewed for approval, your account can then be reset to accept a temporary password. You will then be able to access your account, change your password and proceed with normal processing.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:36 pm
I saved the Electronic PSC272 Page and others in my Favorites, but now I am not able to access them. Why?

Answer:
During the course of the week changes might be made to pages linked to our "Main" home page (www.dpm.psc.gov). Therefore, when these changes are made the old links are no longer available. So I encourage you not to save your bookmark below our "Main" home page. Also, if you save a page below the "Main" home page, you will miss out on pertinent information posted on the home page.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:38 pm
I draw funds, I receive the message: "Payment Request is Under Review." What does this mean and where's my money!?

Answer:
Don't panic! There are two common reasons that your payment may be under review. First, it could be due to a PMS "reasonableness" edit. Second, your account may have been placed on manual review, meaning your DPM Account Liaison checks for PSC272 delinquency, excess cash, or other internal edit controls. Your request will be reviewed within two hours of receipt to determine if the request can be paid. If the request cannot be paid for any reason, your accountant will contact you to explain the problem and inform you of necessary actions needed for approval of the payment request.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:39 pm
I sent in a direct deposit sign-up form and have not heard anything from my Account Liaison about getting money transferred into my bank account. What's the hold-up?

Answer:
The direct deposit form is a highly secure document. It's a form that has been adapted by DPM to fit the needs of the organization and the requirements of the auditors. The information on this form gives access to your organization's bank account. This is why it is so important to have accurate and correct information, as well as original signatures and bank verification. Items left blank or filled in incorrectly will delay the processing of your form and could delay your requested grant payment. The two most frequent items that delay the process are section 1, box “B” (name of person(s) entitled to payment) and section 3 (Financial Institution - Account Title). Your Account Liaison has to contact you or your banking institution for written verification of these items. I suggest you contact your Account Liaison before you fill out this form if the instructions you pull off the Web site aren't clear.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:41 pm
Is there a difference between PMS and PMS/Smartlink? If so, what?

Answer:
There is no difference now, although there had been at one time.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:42 pm
My Account Liaison asked me to keep MY USER INFO current in the PMS/SmartLink system. Why do I need to do this? Getting the money is the only thing that concerns me.

Answer:
When your payment request is under review, the Account Liaison may need to contact you. If the wrong name, email address or telephone number is listed, the Account Liaison may not be able to reach you. A denied payment may cost you a lot more than time.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:44 pm
I think there's a problem with my Electronic PSC272 program. When I tried submitting the report on the Internet, the program wouldn't accept it. When I glanced back at the Status of Federal Cash Report (PSC272), I realized that line 5 (Cash on Hand End of Period) wasn't calculated. What in cyberspace is going on?

Answer:
Line 5 (Cash on Hand End of Period) on your PSC272 form is blank because YOU are required to calculate and enter your cash on hand balance — the program will NOT calculate it for you. (This feature forces you to be cognizant of your cash on hand balance so you are aware of your balance before you certify your report.) If you enter your Cash on Hand End of Period amount on line 5, it will be accepted if you are balanced. If you are not, your entry will not be accepted and you will need to make the necessary adjustment(s) on your PSC272 or PSC272-A forms. The Electronic PSC272 Report cannot be submitted out of balance.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:46 pm
I was attempting to file my Federal Cash Transaction Report (PSC272) electronically when I noticed that the report information was from last quarter. I know I filed electronically and on time last quarter. How can I get the access to the current quarter's information?

Answer:
The situation you described occurs only if you access our system prematurely. Last quarter's data will remain online until the new data is uploaded. The electronically transmitted PSC272 reports are normally processed on the 2nd weekend after the end of a quarter. After that, the data file is verified and loaded into the Electronic PSC272 server. To find out when the PSC272 report is ready, you may check our Web Site at www.dpm.psc.gov or call your PMS Account Liaison.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:48 pm
When I received my most recent Federal Cash Transaction Report (PSC272), it did not look like my previous report posted to your system. Consequently, my current report's Cash on Hand Beginning Balance is incorrect. How can I correct this problem?

Answer:
You may have missed the deadline in submitting your report last quarter. The system does not allow you to change data that has already posted through the PSC272 process. However, you may effect a change on the current quarter's Cash on Hand Ending balance by reporting the correct total cumulative amount disbursed through the end of the quarter being reported on, under column E of the current PSC272-A. Although this will make your net disbursements greater or less than your actual disbursements for the quarter, it will correct your final Cash on Hand Balance at the end of the reporting period.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:49 pm
I need to send a check to your agency. What other information should I send with it to ensure credit to my account?

Answer:

First of all, I encourage you to send payments to us electronically. If you are sending a check, make sure you:

  • Make the check payable to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
  • Include the PMS Payee Account Number (PAN) and the applicable grant award number(s) on the check.
  • Tell us what the check is for.
  • Mail the check to:
    HHS, Division of Payment Management
    P.O. Box 6021
    Rockville, MD 20852



Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:50 pm
After submitting my PSC272 each quarter, I request reimbursement of my deficit cash on hand balance through PMS/Smartlink. Every quarter, I must contact my representative to have my password reset because it expired. Can you do something about this?

Answer:
For security reasons, the expiration period for PMS/Smartlink passwords is 90 days. GOOD NEWS! You may now reset the password without contacting your representative. When you see the message that your password has expired, just click the bar to access the system, then click "My User Info " and change your password.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:51 pm
Several requests for funds were denied because my PSC272 was not completed. Is there something the system can do to remind me?

Answer:
The PSC272 report is due 45 days after the quarter ends. The PMS broadcasts reminders and special announcements to PMS users via e-mail. You will receive an e-mail each quarter alerting you that the PSC272 data is available and the date the reports are due as long as you have provided the correct email address.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:53 pm
Several grants on my report are listed as inactive but we’re still performing functions on them. When preparing the report, these grants must be added to the PSC272A report in order to change the disbursements. This is a tedious task because the data must be entered exactly as it appears on the PSC272G. Isn’t there an easier way of handling this?

Answer:
The awards on the PSC272G were removed from the active area, PSC272A, because the performance period ended more than 180 days ago or the award is fully disbursed. To change the disbursements on inactive documents, go to the PSC272G report and click on each Federal identification number (document number) you wish to change the disbursements. A message will alert you that the document has moved to the PSC272A. After selecting the desired awards, scroll down and click on "return to PSC272A." The inactive documents will appear at the bottom in the section "Documents Missing from Above." Now you can enter the correct cumulative disbursements without entering all the other pertinent data.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:54 pm
I continuously have problems with my password. My representative stated that the "CAPS LOCK" key should remain on at all times. Does that make a difference?

Answer:
The log-on to the PMS/Smartlink system is case sensitive. You are required to use uppercase when entering your User Name. The password that you create can be upper or lower case or a combination of the two. The password is case sensitive, so you must remember the exact combination. Using the uppercase does not interfere with the numeric keys or the numeric key pad.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:56 pm
I changed banks and re-submitted the Direct Deposit form(SF1199A) as required. Three weeks have passed and the banking changes have not been completed. What is the delay?

Answer:
The Direct Deposit Sign Up form, SF1199A, is a sensitive document. Upon receipt, the document is examined for completeness and the existence of alterations. In the event alterations exist, you are notified and requested to submit another form. The most common problem is that the financial institution failed to complete the Depositor Account Title box in Section 3 of the form. When this occurs, the financial institution is contacted on your behalf. If the financial institution does not respond to our request after several attempts, you are then notified. To minimize this type of delay, remind the financial institution that all elements in Section 3 must be completed before mailing the form. Always make sure your new bank account is functional and is capable of receiving drawn/requested funds prior to closing your old bank account.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:58 pm
Is the password the same for requesting funds and preparing the report? If not, can I make them the same?

Answer:
The passwords are not the same. The Electronic PSC272 process requires the numeric computer generated password that was mailed to you via certified mail. There is no option available to you to change this password. On the other hand, the password for requesting funds is created and controlled by you for a specific time period of 90 days. Due to the sensitive nature of the payment process, tighter controls are imposed and enforced on the payment system access. These controls exist for your protection and ours. Although you experience some inconveniences maintaining separate passwords for the two processes, you can be assured that measures are constantly taken to prevent unauthorized access. When you experience a password problem, contact your Account Liaison immediately.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 10:59 pm
I’ve been so busy I forgot to report a disbursement for one of my grants in the prior quarter. How do I report this disbursement now?

Answer:
Disbursements cannot be posted to a prior quarter PSC272 report once the PSC272 report for the recent quarter is generated. Disbursements not reported in a prior quarter must be reported as part of the cumulative disbursement amount for the current quarter (column E of page PSC272A on the specific line of the document/grant not previously reported.)

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 11:00 pm
I am new to the Payment Management System. How will I get paid on my grants?

Answer:
We first need to establish your bank data in the Payment Management System so that your funds can be deposited directly into your bank account. To do this, we need a completed Direct Deposit Sign Up Form, 1199A. You may obtain this form from our web site at http://www.dpm.psc.gov/ under the Site Index Download Documents. This will take you to various forms one of which is Standard Form 1199A (SF1199A). Complete this form, take it to your bank for certification and mail the form to us (see address on directory of this publication. You will receive directions in the mail on how to draw down grant funds. To comply with Cash Management rules, you may draw down funds as often as needed but only for your immediate disbursement needs.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 11:11 pm
Can you explain the difference between an advance payment and a reimbursement payment?

Answer:
The term reimbursement refers to a drawdown of funds used to replenish the costs that you incurred and paid with your organizations funds, prior to the date of the request from DPM. An advance payment, on the other hand, refers to funds requested and paid to your bank account prior to the time you paid incurred expenses. In most cases, the funds you drawdown from the PMS are deposited to your bank account on the next business day or on the same day (that is, if you are set up for same-day payment). Federal regulations state that Federal funds should be drawn to meet immediate disbursement needs only. In light of this, your drawdowns should be timed to either reimburse previously incurred expenses or be used within a day or two of their deposit to your bank. If you need further clarification, please contact your DPM Account Liaison.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 11:31 pm
I tried to log into PMS/Smartlink to request funds this morning and I received a message that my password was expired. Does that mean I need to call my Account Liaison to have my password reset?

Answer:

An expired password is not "locked-up." However, if you don't know what to do next, that's where you'll be heading!

You don’t need to call your DPM Account Liaison for this one. After you get the message that your password has expired, click on the gray bar which says, "Click here for access to the Payment Management System." Then go into MY USER INFO on the left side of the next screen. At My User Info enter your old expired password and your new password in the Old Password and New Password boxes; then re-enter your New Password in the Confirm Password box. After clicking on the "Change" button you will have to log in to the system again using your new password.



Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 11:34 pm
What is the procedure regarding a PMS User Name and password when a staff member departs an organization?

Answer:
When the staff member with access to your PMS account departs your organization, you should send written notice to your DPM Account Liaison. The DPM Account Liaison will insure the old user name is deactivated and a new user name is created. The written notice must contain the name of the new contact person and their telephone number. Failure to do this could be a problem. If the old user name is not deleted, the departing staff person could gain unauthorized access to PMS thereby disrupting payments or delaying system access for the authorized system user. A denied payment may cost you more than time.

Question:
Last Updated: 9/28/2004 11:37 pm
When I requested funds, I got a message my payment was on a holding file. I never received this message before. I always received a confirmation number. Am I going to get my money?

Answer:
The Payment Management System has many built-in edit checks of your payment request. If your request fails one of the payment edits, you will get the message that your payment is on the holding file. Frequently, the request will need to be examined for reasonableness of spending and disbursement habits or consistency with other draws. Also, your account may have been placed on manual review by your Account Liaison for monitoring excess cash, PSC272 reporting delinquency or other internal control checks. Your request will be reviewed within two hours of receipt to determine if the request can be paid. Most requests are approved; however, your Account Liaison may need to reach you to inform you of necessary actions needed for approval of the payment request. Please be aware if you are not available to take a call after making the request, there is a chance that the request may be DENIED. If you do not get a call, you can assume the payment has been approved.

Question:
Last Updated: 11/23/2004 7:01 pm
The .pdf file I'm trying to open comes up blank.

Answer:
Adobe has identified and provided a fix for their Acrobat 6.0.0 products. Please go to this location, Adobe Support Knowledgebase, for information about how to obtain a free download to correct the problem.

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