1. What is “ARP”?
ARP is the Comptroller’s Agency Request Portal for Contract Unlocks and Overrides. Authorized Agency Users charged with preparing and submitting contract unlock and contract override requests must do so through this new online tool.
2. When do I use ARP?
ARP must be used to submit a contract unlock or contract override request to the Comptroller’s Office.
3. How do I use ARP?
Visit the Agency Request Portal for Contracts Unlocks and Overrides page on the Comptroller’s website and complete the Online Request Form.
4. Is there an authentication process for Agency staff who intend to use ARP?
Yes. Before Agency Users can submit contract unlock and override requests through ARP, they must first complete a quick, one-time, authentication process to validate the User’s email address. A summary of the steps required to complete the authentication process is provided below:
- Go to the Agency Request Portal for Contract Unlocks and Overrides page on the Comptroller’s website and click on the “Continue to Agency Request Portal” button.
- Enter your first and last name, email address and telephone number in the applicable fields provided and then click the “continue” button.
- Check your inbox for a one-time validation email required for you to register your email address with the Comptroller’s Office.
- Open the email and click on the link provided to register your email address. Once completed, click on the “Continue to Agency Request Portal” button to submit your request.
If you do not receive the validation email within an hour, you may report the issue by clicking here.
5. When do I need to submit an “unlock” request?
Unlock requests can only be submitted for pending contract actions that have been submitted to the Comptroller’s Office for registration. Agencies that need to modify the contract amount, contract type, award method, accounting line, etc., on the completed FMS Advice of Award must submit an unlock request through ARP. Once unlocked, only the changes specified in the request can be made by the agency.
6. When do I need to submit an “override” request?
An Agency User must submit an override request through ARP if a registered contract needs to be modified. Prior to submitting the override request, however, the agency must first create a CTR or MAR in FMS reflecting the requested change that is subject to the override request. Note: Depending on the type of override request, other actions may be required for processing. For instance, changes to a vendor name or a vendor address first requires a separate review and approval by the Vendor Validation Unit in the Comptroller’s Bureau of Accountancy.
7. How do I submit an “unlock” or “override” request to Comptroller’s Office?
Unlock and override requests must be submitted using the Online Request Form. If you are unable to complete the Online Request Form due to a technical issue, you may report an error. Please ensure that you have the correct Contract Number, OCA Number and Agency Code before entering information. It is also recommended that the submitting agency identify an alternate point of contact.
8. Who can submit an “unlock” or “override” request to Comptroller’s Office?
Only authorized agency personnel with valid City government issued email addresses and credentials, including quasi-City agencies such as NYCEDC, H+H, NYCHA and CUNY, can submit unlock and override requests to the Comptroller’s Office through the portal.
9. Can I still submit my request to Comptroller’s Office by email?
No. The Comptroller’s Office will only review contract unlock and contract override requests submitted through ARP.
10. What happens after I submit an “unlock” or “override” request?
Once your request is submitted using the online form, you will automatically receive an email receipt containing a Confirmation Number that can be used to check the status of your request.
11. What are the various outcomes that may be displayed when I check the status of my request?
There are four potential messages that may be displayed whenever an Agency User checks the status of a submitted unlock or override request: (1) Unable to Locate Request; (2) Request is Under Review; (3) Request has been Processed Successfully; and (4) Unable to Process Request at this Time.
12. How do I check the status of my request?
Agency Users can check the status of a previously submitted unlock or override request by visiting the Agency Request Portal for Contract Unlocks and Overrides page on the Comptroller’s website and entering the requestor’s email address and the assigned Confirmation Number.
13. What happens if I need to modify a previously submitted request?
At this time, there is no way to modify a previously submitted request. Instead, the Agency User must cancel the previously submitted request and then resubmit a new unlock or override request through ARP. Note that cancellation requests can only be submitted and processed when the original request is under review.
14. What if my unlock request was submitted in error and processed by Comptroller’s Office?
For unlock requests submitted in error by the agency and then processed by the Comptroller’s Office, the Agency User will need to go into FMS and apply “Pend 3” approval so that the document can be returned to “Pend 5” status. If the action has not yet been processed by the Comptroller’s Office, then the Agency User may use the “Cancel Request” function.
15. What if my override request was submitted in error?
For override request submitted in error by the agency, the Agency User must “cancel” the request.
16. How do I “cancel” a contract unlock or override request?
Cancellation requests can only be submitted and processed when the original request is under review. To cancel a pending request, an Agency User must go to the Agency Request Portal for Contracts Unlocks and Overrides page on the Comptroller’s website and enter the requestor’s email address and the assigned Confirmation Number. Once entered, click on the “Cancel Request” option. The Agency User will then be prompted to “confirm” the cancellation request. If “yes” is clicked, a message will appear on the screen indicating that your request has been cancelled and an automatic confirmation email will be sent to the requestor.
17. How long will it take for Comptroller’s Office to process my request?
Although your request may be processed sooner, please allow up to 5 business days (approximately) for the Comptroller’s Office to process your request. After the Comptroller’s Office completes its review, email notification containing the ultimate disposition of the request will be sent to the requestor.
18. Should I submit a follow-up request?
No. The purpose of ARP is to maintain a single platform to monitor and manage individual contract unlock and override requests.
20. Who should I contact for requests relating to RQC1s, VCCA1s and DO1s?
For requests relating to RQC1s, VCCA1s and DO1s, please contact Financial Information Systems Agency (FISA) directly. FISA can be reached by clicking the following link: Contact FISA.
21. Who should I contact for requests relating to FNs, WUs and VCMA1s?
For requests relating FNs, WUs and VCMA1s, please contact the Comptroller’s Bureau of Accountancy (BOA). BOA can be reached by clicking the following link: Contact BOA.