Office of the Chief Financial Officer
FEDPAY for Government Vendors

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where do I start in getting setup to use FedPay for Government Vendors?
2. What are the minimum system requirements?
3. What are the supported browser configurations?
4. How do I find whether or not my browser is set to use TLS 1.1 and 1.2?
5. Do any ports have to be opened if my organization uses a firewall?
6. Am I required to comply with the requirements found under the First Time User link at the application home page when accessing the application for the first time on each computer?
7. How do I find and access the Users Guide?
8. How do I find the help desk contact information?
9. What should I do before and when contacting the help desk?
10. What are the hours of system availability?

1. Why do I need the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) plug-in?
2. Do I need to download a specific version of the Java plug-in?
3. How do I download and/or install the Java JRE plug-in?
4. How do I know the Java JRE plug-in has been installed successfully?
5. Does the existence of different Java plug-in versions on a user's computer negatively impact application access?
6. What are the consequences of incorrect and/or incomplete installs of the Java JRE plug-in?
7. How do I know the Java plug-in install was done correctly and completely?
8. How do I know what is the highest version of Java plug-in installed on my computer?
9. How do I turn off automatic updates to Java?
10. Any other Java tips, tricks, or recommendations that I should know about?

1. Does the browser session used to register or login to the application need to remain open until exit or log out?
2. Do I need to register in order to access the FedPay for Government Vendors application?
3. Do I need each user in my organization to register for accessing the application?
4. How long does it take to process my registration and receive feedback?
5. I received the email with my userid but did not receive the email with my initial or reset password. What should I do?
6. Do I need to register when accessing the application for the first time on each computer?
7. Is the only way to login to the application to click the 'Log In' link at the application home page?
8. When I try to register or login, nothing happens. Why?
9. When I try to register or login, either nothing happens, I just see a 'blank white' screen, or the message "Page cannot be displayed". What should I do?
10. When I try to register or login, I received display of X or message "Java applet load failed" or "Oracle.forms.engine.Main notinited" or "FRM-92101: There was a failure in the Forms Server during startup. This could happen due to invalid configuration." or "FRM-92102: A network error has occurred." or "FRM-92120 Registry file is missing." or message starting with "FRM-92". What should I do?
11. After clicking register or login, I am prompted with a question on the security warning box about application's digital signature reading as 'Do you want to run the application?'. What should I do?
12. During login, I received an error stating "Error or Exception 12154 raised" What should I do?
13. I am unable to successfully login because my userid is locked, my password is expired or forgotten. What should I do?
14. How can I update contact information on my registration record after my registration has been processed?
15. During login, I received an error stating "ClassNotFoundException" What should I do?

1. When I click on report in the application, nothing happens. Why?
2. When I click on report in the application, I receive a File Download message stating 'Do you want to save this file?'. What should I do?

Disclaimer: It is not our role (or desire) to try to determine or dictate any configuration settings for your organization. Instead, we are simply giving you some insights, guidance, and recommendations that we believe will assist you in your goal to successfully connect to FedPay for Government Vendors.

If in collaboration with your own IT support staff you can achieve this goal without conforming to each and every recommendation we provide you in these FAQ's then that is perfectly fine!

Ultimately it is up to your organization in coordination with your IT support team to make all final technical implementation decisions.

1. 
   
   The requirements can be found by clicking on First Time User button found on the application home page.
   
   Back to the General Questions
2. 
   
   Generally speaking, we recommend Windows 10 or later, as well as both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Java.
   
   Back to the General Questions
3. 
   
   a. We recommend the Microsoft Edge browser.
   b. We recommend TLS 1.1 and 1.2 to be checked in both your browser (where possible) and in Java (discussed further elsewhere in these FAQ's).
   
   Back to the General Questions
4. 
   
   Please click this link for instructions on how to setup (or confirm) both Edge browser and Java TLS settings.
   
   
   Back to the General Questions
5. 
   
   No, just the standard outbound ports namely 80 for http and 443 for https (secure) have to be opened. Please contact your technical support staff if you need assistance.
   
   Back to the General Questions
6. First Time User button found on the application home page when accessing the application for the first time on each computer?
   
   Yes.
   
   Back to the General Questions
7. 
   
   The Users Guide can be found within the FedPay for Govt Vendors application under the Help menu.
   
   Back to the General Questions
8. 
   
   Click the 'Contact Us' link in the upper right-hand corner of the application home page for help desk contact information.
   
   Back to the General Questions
9. 
   
   Before contacting the help desk to report a problem or to ask question that you may have when accessing this application, please first review these FAQ's in their entirety to verify if your particular issue or problem has already been answered. If not then ...
   
   When contacting the help desk ...
   
   a. Please refer to the FAQ just above for how to access the help desk contact information
   b. Please be sure to include your userid and any and all other key details (e.g., what you are unable to do, error messages, etc.) that will help us in both locating your user information and more quickly resolving your issues, concerns, and questions.
   
   Back to the General Questions
10. 
    
    The System will be available from Monday to Friday excluding Government Holidays from 6:00 AM to 5:55 PM central time with exception to the first business day of each month where it will be available from 12:00 PM to 5:55 PM central time.
    
    Back to the General Questions

1. 
   
   FedPay is one of thousands of government and business applications written in Oracle Forms. Simply put, Oracle Forms requires the use of Java JRE client plug-in in order to run.
   
   Back to the (Java) Plug-in Questions
2. 
   
   In support of running the FedPay application, we recommend both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Java 8 be installed.
   
   Notes:
   
   a. References to Java 8 refer to the broader Java version ''family.' With that said, it should be noted that within the Java 8 family there are countless sub-versions that take this form: Java 1.8.0_341. We recommend both Java 8 and the latest sub-version, to the best of your ability to maintain version controls.
   
   b. FedPay is configured to use the highest version of the Java JRE plug-in found on users' computers; however, users' computers should have the minimum (or higher) version of Java installed (as mentioned both here and as stated under First Time User link at the application home page).
   
   Back to the (Java) Plug-in Questions
3. 
   
   Please refer to the information stated under First Time User link at the application home page
   
   Note: Java is a 3rd-Party software install that is owned by Oracle Corporation (i.e., not FedPay or the Federal government). So, be sure to consult with your own IT support staff for questions about installing, upgrading, or troubleshooting Java installation and usage
   
   Back to the (Java) Plug-in Questions
4. 
   
   In general, you should expect to see some 'positive' message indicating a 'successful' or 'complete' Java install.
   
   Notes:
   
   a. Java installations can be difficult at times. The easiest test for a "successful" Java install is to simply click on the Login button on the FedPay homepage.
   
   1) IF Java is both installed and configured correctly (e.g., set to use TLS 1.1 and 1.2) then you should see the Login pop-up window appear
   2) IF on the other hand all you see is a blank/white screen, it is likely that Java did NOT install correctly
   
   In this case, please try reinstalling Java and test your Java install again by repeating the test of clicking the Login button
   
   b. Instead of the blank/white screen, you may also see one of any number of potential error messages. (Be sure to review all of the Java Plug-In Questions and Answers in this section of the FAQ's for further troubleshooting tips and tricks.)
   
   Back to the (Java) Plug-in Questions
5. 
   
   No, as long as those Java JRE plug-in versions have been correctly and completely installed and properly configured, you should be fine.
   
   Back to the (Java) Plug-in Questions
6. 
   
   Incorrect and/or incomplete install of Java plug-in may negatively impact application access and/or its behavior, such as the blank/white screen mentioned above.
   
   
   
   Note: Other sources of potential Java issues can arise when attempting to download the Java plug-in without having the property privileges or security permissions to do so or when automatic Java software 'pushes' or 'updatess' occur (often without end users even knowing). Any corrupted, incomplete, or improperly configured Java install is problematic one way or another.
   
   The most obvious step to resolve such issues is to attempt to re-install the Java plug-in correctly and completely.
   
   It is the responsibility of users and/or their technical support staff to make sure that the installation of Java plug-in is done correctly and completely.
   
   Back to the (Java) Plug-in Questions
7. 
   
   You can know from the following:
   
   A message display in a box indicating 'Plug-in has been downloaded successfully' or 'Installation is complete'.
   
   Launch the application or program that uses the Java plug-in version you would like to verify and see if it works okay without any errors relating to that plug-in version.
   
   Back to the (Java) Plug-in Questions
8. 
   
   You can know by doing the following:
   
   a. Click 'Start' menu on Windows taskbar and select 'Control Panel' by clicking on it. If you do not find 'Control Panel' directly under 'Start' menu, then you should find it under 'Settings' under 'Start' menu.
   
   b. Locate an entry named 'Java' on Control Panel window and double click on it.
   
   c. Click 'About' button found under 'General' tab and under section labeled 'About' on Java Control Panel window to view Java plug-in version information.
   
   Back to the (Java) Plug-in Questions
9. 
   
   Please do the following by coordinating with your technical support staff for assistance as needed.
   
   a. Click 'Start' menu on Windows taskbar and select 'Control Panel' by clicking on it. If you do not find 'Control Panel' directly under 'Start' menu, then you should find it under 'Settings' under 'Start' menu
   b. Locate an entry named 'Java' on Control Panel window and double click on it
   c. Click 'Update' tab on Java Control Panel window
   d. Uncheck box labeled 'Check for Updates Automatically'
   e. Click 'Apply' button
   f. Click 'OK' button
   
   Back to the (Java) Plug-in Questions
10. 
    
    Yes! There are 3 different links above that you can access at the TOP of the FedPay for Government Vendors homepage for the helpful instructions described below.
    
    a. Microsoft Edge Setup instructions. (Refer to the link found at the end of this link lead-in: "FEDPAY Microsoft Edge Instructions: Please click this link for instructions: MS Edge setup.")
    
    b. Edge and Java TLS settings instructions. (Refer to the link found at the end of this link lead-in: "Notice: FEDPAY requires use of TLS settings 1.1 and 1.2 to access the instructions for Edge and Java TLS settings.")
    
    c. Clearing Edge and Java cache instructions. (Refer to the link found at the end of this link lead-in: "Please click this link for instructions for clearing Edge and Java cache".)
    
    If you need assistance understanding or carrying out any of these instructions, please consult your own in-house IT support.
    
    Back to the (Java) Plug-in Questions

1. 
   
   Yes, it is required that the browser session used to register or login to the application remains open and untouched i.e. not used for anything else until exit of the registration form in case of register or until log out of the application in case of login. The reason for this is due to application dependency on the browser session that launched the application. Failure to keep the browser session used to register or login to the application open and untouched may negatively impact on the application behavior.
   
   Back to the Register and Login Questions
2. 
   
   Yes, you must register before you can access the FedPay application. But before doing so, be sure to review the First Time User link for important minimum system recommendations and requirements. Once you are certain that your computer(s) meet those minimum requirements, please click on the 'Register' link on the application home page and fill in your registration information.
   
   Back to the Register and Login Questions
3. 
   
   Yes. We recommend not sharing userid and/or password due to security reasons and in that each user should register individually as needed to receive their own userid for accessing the application.
   
   We also recommend not disclosing password to anybody including us due to security reasons as the password is for user eyes only.
   
   Back to the Register and Login Questions
4. 
   
   It can take up to two business days before you receive an email notification regarding the status of your registration. Once approved, you will receive two separate emails from kc-fedpay.finance@gsa.gov The first email will provide your FEDPAY userid. The second email will provide a one-time use temporary password. If you have not received your approved or reset account information after two business days, send an email to FEDPAY for assistance at the following email address: kc-fedpay.finance@gsa.gov
   
   Back to the Register and Login Questions
5. 
   
   If you did not receive the email sent with your initial or reset password in your Inbox, please look for that email in your other email folders such as your SPAM folder for example.
   
   If you still do not find the email then please verify that when you registered initially that you entered the same email address that you are now searching for the email in.
   
   Back to the Register and Login Questions
6. 
   
   No, as you should be able to access the application with your current userid received as a result of having previously registered.
   
   Back to the Register and Login Questions
7. 
   
   Yes.
   
   Back to the Register and Login Questions
8. 
   
   Most likely, your computer does not have the required minimum or higher version of Java plug-in. Please refer to the information on Java plug-in download stated under First Time User button on the application home page.
   
   Back to the Register and Login Questions
9. 
   
   Most likely, your browser and/or your Java does not have the proper TLS settings.
   
   
   See the question above: 'How do I find whether or not my browser is using TLS 1.1 and 1.2?' which can be found under 'General Questions,' question number 4.
   
   Back to the Register and Login Questions
10. 
    
    It is impossible to list every error or issue that you may encounter, let alone the necessary steps to resolve each one. With that said, under 'Register and Login Questions and Answers,' the answer to question 10 gives you some good general tips and tricks for resolving a wide variety of issues that can pop up from time to time.
    
    Back to the Register and Login Questions
11. 
    
    Please do one of the following:
    
    Option 1: Click 'Run' button.
    
    Option 2: Check the box labeled 'Always trust content from this publisher' with publisher being Oracle and then click 'Run' button.
    
    Note: The difference between the two options stated above is that option 1 may prompt you with same security warning box again at a later time whereas option 2 will not.
    
    Back to the Register and Login Questions
12. 
    
    Although there could be various causes for generic error or exception 12154, one of them could be the usage of '@' symbol in the password box during login. The '@' symbol is not one of the allowed special characters due to its sensitivity and hence cannot be used in the password.
    
    Back to the Register and Login Questions
13. 
    
    Click 'Forgot Password' button on the login form and follow the prompt to reset your account. The reset information after successful processing of your reset request will only be sent to the email address found on your registration record. If you are unable to reset your account successfully after your attempts to do so, then email help desk with request to reset your account by specifying your userid and you will receive a response only by email to the address found on your registration record.
    
    If you have a situation where the email address on your registration record has become outdated or invalid and you didn't change it to be current or valid, then you will no longer be able to receive the email with the reset information and/or any other communications that we may send you as needed. To resolve such situation, you need to contact our help desk with request to drop your existing userid and re-register with your current information by clicking on 'Register' link at the application home page to receive new userid to regain access.
    
    Back to the Register and Login Questions
14. 
    
    You can update your contact information as needed within the application online by selecting 'Update My Registration Info' option under the Profile menu. We recommend that you select the above option periodically to verify and ensure that the contact information on your registration record is accurate. Particular attention should be made to the email address since it is used as a primary communication mode.
    
    If you have a situation to update any other information besides contact information on your registration record such as your name or organization name, then you need to contact our help desk with request to drop your existing userid and re-register with your current information by clicking on 'Register' link at the application home page to receive new userid to regain access.
    
    Back to the Register and Login Questions
15. 
    
    Step 1 - Modify Java settings
    
    
    1. Open Java Console:
    
    a. Click START
    b. Click Control Panel
    c. Click Programs
    d. Click Java Icon
    
    2. Click on Advanced Tab
    
    3. Scroll down toward the botton to where you see: "Use TLS 1.0", "Use TLS 1.1", and "Use TLS 1.2" check boxes
    
    4. Set the settings for these buttons as follows:
    
    a. UNCHECK Use TLS 1.0
    b. Check Use TLS 1.1
    c. Check Use TLS 1.2
    
    5. Click Apply
    
    6. Click OK to exit Java Console pop up window
    
    Step 2 - Modify your browser settings to use TLS 1.1 and TLS 1.2 (UNCHECK TLS 1.0)
    
    
    Note: If you need assistance changing your browser TLS settings, please consult your IT support staff.
    
    Back to the Register and Login Questions

1. 
   
   Option 1:
   
   a. As discussed under the First Time User link, you most likely have a pop-up blocker turned "ON" in your browser, whether you are using the recommended Microsoft Edge browser or some other browser.
   b. Please consult with your own IT support staff for browser-specific "how-to" instructions for disabling pop-up blocker.
   
   Option 2:
   
   a. Launch Adobe Reader directly or by opening any PDF file
   b. Select "Edit" menu from Adobe Reader
   c. Select "Preferences"
   d. Select Category "Internet"
   e. Check box labeled "Allow fast web view"
   f. Click "OK" button
   g. Run the report freshly in the application
   
   
   Note: As Adobe continues to upgrade their versions, the above instructions can change. If that is the case or if any other issues arise, please contact your IT support staff for further assistance.
   
   Option 3:
   
   a. Press and hold the 'Ctrl' key on your keyboard while clicking on report in the application
   
   Note: You may be prompted by some type of "File Download" alert, such as "Do you want to open or save this file?" If so, then uncheck the box labeled "Always ask before opening this type of file" and then select "Open" to proceed with opening your Adobe .pdf document
   
   b. Release pressing and holding the 'Ctrl' key after the report window is displayed
   
   Note: If you did get prompted by some type of "File Download" alert (as mentioned in the Note under Option 3. a.) then you may want to try repeating the steps in 3. a. that you just completed to confirm that the "File Download" alert no longer appears.
   
   Be sure that you did uncheck the box beside the prompt, "Always ask before opening this type of file"
   
   Back to the Report Questions
2. 
   
   Please click this Microsoft Edge Instructions link for instructions for MS Edge setup.
   
   Back to the Report Questions