In a May 30, 2023, Electronic Announcement, we provided preliminary information for SAIG software users about upgraded software that will be required for transmission of federal tax information (FTI) for the 2024–25 award year and beyond. New versions of EDconnect, TDClient, and TDCommunityManager (TDCM), to be released later this fall, must be installed to receive 2024–25 ISIR data in a new FTI-SAIG mailbox.
New FTI-SAIG
As explained in the May 30, 2023, Electronic Announcement, the FTI-SAIG will be a new instance of the SAIG—a separate system from the existing SAIG— and it will include updated security protocols and enhanced features to ensure protection of FTI data during transmission. The FTI-SAIG has been designed to exclusively handle the transmission of ISIR data containing FTI, while the existing SAIG will remain the designated platform for handling all other types of batch data.
In this Electronic Announcement, we provide additional information about the FTI-SAIG software as we prepare for this important release.
Additional Information for SAIG Software Users
The updated versions of EDconnect, TDClient, and TDCM align with the requirements of the FTI-SAIG and have been designed with enhanced functionalities and improved security measures. Both EDconnect and TDClient will be compatible with both instances of the SAIG, allowing users to use one version of the software for all data transmission needs. Additionally, a new instance of TDCM, known as FTI-TDCM, will be introduced specifically for FTI users. This specialized version will cater to the unique requirements of FTI data transmission.
The upgraded FTI-SAIG software will be available later this fall on the Software and Other Tools page on the Knowledge Center website. Comprehensive user documentation will also be available to assist with the installation process and understanding how to use the new software. We will publish an Electronic Announcement on the Knowledge Center website when the upgraded software is available for download.
Important
To receive ISIR files using any of the upgraded software versions, you will be required to sign an updated SAIG enrollment agreement and enroll for an FTI-SAIG mailbox. The new FTI-SAIG mailbox will begin with "FT" rather than “TG.” For more information, review the important information in the Sept. 22, 2023 Electronic Announcement about steps you will need to take in late October 2023 to complete this process.
In the following sections we provide further details about the upgraded EDconnect, TDClient, and FTI-TDCM.
EDconnect
When the new version of EDconnect is available, ISIR file recipients will need to add an additional “FTI-SAIG user profile” in their security setup. To add a new user profile for FTI-SAIG, the user will follow the same steps as the current software with one key difference—the use of an “FT” mailbox instead of the “TG” mailbox. Once the additional FTI-SAIG user profile is established, the user will select the appropriate profile from the EDconnect log-in screen. Depending on the profile type that the user selects, EDconnect will determine which instance—SAIG or FTI-SAIG—the user will connect to.
Instructions for creating user profiles will be provided with the EDconnect user documentation that will accompany the upgraded software. It will be important to follow the instructions carefully to ensure a smooth and accurate profile creation process.
TDClient
The upgraded TDClient application will be accessible across a wide range of operating systems and platforms:
-
Windows 10 and 11
-
Windows Server 2016 and higher
-
Linux RedHat 7.9 and higher
-
Solaris Sparc 11.3 and higher
-
AIX 7.1 TL2 and higher
-
Z/OS 2.4 and higher
Additional Security Step for EDconnect and TDClient Users
An important enhancement to both the upgraded EDconnect and TDClient software is the requirement of a certificate for authentication. To ensure secure access for FTI-SAIG users, the certificate needs to be downloaded from the FTI-TDCM and subsequently utilized within the EDconnect and TDClient applications. This enhancement strengthens security measures and ensures a reliable and protected experience for users handling sensitive tax-related information. Additional information will be provided in the following months.
FTI-TDCM
The upgraded FTI-TDCM portal introduces enhanced security measures by implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for log-in. Users will be required to provide their FSA User ID, password, a security code generated by a registered token device, and FT mailbox ID. EDconnect users can use their existing token device. For users that do not currently have a registered token device, detailed information about obtaining one is provided in a Nov. 2, 2022 Electronic Announcement.
FTI-TDCM password requirements have also been strengthened.
Upcoming Communications for SAIG Software Users
More information will be provided later this fall, including user documentation that will accompany the upgraded software. Please continue to monitor the Knowledge Center website for additional SAIG-related communications.
We appreciate the attention of SAIG users in preparing for this important software upgrade.
Contact Information
If you have questions about EDconnect, TDClient, or TDCM, please contact CPS/SAIG Technical Support at 1-800-330-5947 or by email at CPSSAIG@ed.gov.
You may review detailed information about the implementation of the FAFSA Simplification Act and the Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education (FUTURE Act) on our FAFSA Simplification Information Topics page on the Knowledge Center website.