The next Front-end Clearing (FEC) application to be implemented will be the Allocate and Claim System (ACS) give-up application, which will launch November 15, 2002. This new application will replace the existing 3270-based GUS application and will be a real-time web- browser application supporting a full range of real time API message-based processing. It will only be accessible through the CME Portal via the Internet. All current 3270 GUS users who will need to utilize the new ACS application should request Portal access as soon as possible.

With the launch of ACS, we will eliminate all 80 byte "GUSR" files. This will require firms to utilize the current GUS-MQM messages to process real time MQM confirm GUS messages for bookkeeping purposes. The specific message codes, in positions 1-3 of the TREX record, are:

• TRX GCC record which loads to the carrying firm�s bookkeeping system when a trade is claimed.
• TRX GCA record which is the offset record that loads to the executing firm�s bookkeeping system when a trade is accepted by the designated carrying firm.

Firms will not need to use fully functional GUS-API, but will need to process the above record types in place of the existing GUSR files. Real time GUS-MQM messages will be sent along with your other TREX messages such as GLOBEX and TES confirms.

We ask that you review the requirements with your bookkeeping system provider to ensure that your processes will be ready upon implementation of ACS. Those firms wanting to test GUS-MQM confirm records, should contact Client Management at one of the numbers below.

If you have any questions about FEC, please call Farris Oweimrin at 312-648-4780 or e-mail at foweimri@cme.com. If you need help with portal access, call Mahmoud Ajamia at 312-634-1595 or e-mail majamia@cme.com or Stacy Jurek at 312-338-2088 or e-mail at sjurek@cme.com.