Frequently Asked Questions about how the deployment of ARCIS will affect requesting general purpose and local agency records from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC)

AA big change is coming to reference request processing for general purpose and local agency records at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). On October 19, 2009, the new Archives and Records Centers Infor mation System (ARCIS) will be launched at this center. ARCIS has already been successfully launched at the other 16 Federal Records Centers (FRCs). This flyer provides information about what the launch of ARCIS will mean for FRC reference customers at the NPRC.

Here is some information about what the launch of ARCIS will mean for NPRC reference customers.


Question:
Are all record collections housed at NPRC impacted by ARCIS?
     Answer:
     No, only a small segment of NPRC's customers will be immediately affected by ARCIS. Only the general purpose/local agency records will be affected by the launch of ARCIS on October 19th. The military OMPFs, military medical records, official personnel folders (OPFs) and employee medical records processes will remain unchanged at this time.

Question:
Will the records not affected by the October 2009 launch of ARCIS eventually be affected by ARCIS?
     Answer:
     We are working to maintain the inventory of all records in ARCIS. However, this may be transparent to customers who currently use CMRS or eMilrecs. We will communicate changes as the dates for incorporation become firm.

Question:
How do I submit requests for records not currently impacted by ARCIS?
     Answer:

     There will be no change to the current processes for these records for the forseeable future.

Question:
Can I still use the Centers Information Processing System (CIPS) to request records from the NPRC?
     Answer:
     No. At 4 p.m. EDT on Friday, October 16, 2009, CIPS will be shut down for customers of the NPRC, and these CIPS users will be migrated to ARCIS. To request records electronically from the NPRC, you will need to use ARCIS, not CIPS.

Question:
Can I still use an OF 11 to request general purpose and local agency records from the NPRC?
     Answer:
     Yes. However, we urge you to consider processing your reference requests through ARCIS. The new system will expedite your reference transactions and will help you to better track your records.

Question:
Can I still use a DD Form 877 or utilize the eMilRecs or Medical Registry (MRS) system to request records?
     Answer:
     Yes, those methods of ordering records will remain the same at this time.

Question:
How do CIPS users sign up for ARCIS?
   Answer:
     If you currently use CIPS to request records from the NPRC, you will be automatically migrated to ARCIS with the same rights you had in CIPS, and your user name and password will be e-mailed to you. Please contact the ARCIS help desk if you do not receive your login information by October 16, 2009.

Question:
How do I sign up for ARCIS if I do not currently use CIPS?
     Answer:
If you are not currently a CIPS user, or if it has been more than a year since you have requested a record through CIPS, please contact the ARCIS help desk for assistance in getting an ARCIS account.

Question:
I have my ARCIS user name and password, but my login failed. Whom can I call for help?
Answer:
     Please contact the ARCIS help desk for assistance logging into or using ARCIS.

Question:
I cannot get access to ARCIS, but I have an urgent request for general purpose/local agency records. What should I do?
   Answer:
     If you urgently need a record from the NPRC, please fill out an OF 11 (available online at www.archives.gov/frc/forms), or an agency request form, mark it URGENT, and fax it to the NPRC at 314-801-9269. The NPRC will process your request immediately.

Question:
Is ARCIS training and assistance available?
     Answer:
     The FRCs have produced a number of resources to help you learn the new system. We strongly recommend that you sign up for one of the free, instructor-led ARCIS webinars that are scheduled over the next few weeks. The ARCIS web site contains a wealth of other information on ARCIS, including a printable manual, web-based tutorials, and an introductory video. In addition, assistance from a live person is just a phone call or a mouse click away at the ARCIS help desk.

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Need help with ARCIS? Download tutorials and attend training webinars. Learn More....

The ARCIS Help Desk can assist you with any ARCIS-related issues including logging in, resetting your password, getting training, and more.

Contact the ARCIS Help Desk:

  • E-mail:   arcishelp@nara.gov
  • Telephone:   314-801-9300
  • Hours:   Monday to Friday
    7 a.m to 5:30 p.m. (Central Time)