AC 16. 2020

Date: April 20, 2020

MEMORANDUM TO FEDERAL AGENCY CONTACTS: Using ERA While Teleworking and Web Browser Data Call for ERA 2.0

We have received a few questions about accessing ERA while teleworking. ERA users must access the system from a .gov or .mil domain. If users are working from home, ERA is only accessible via an agency virtual private network (VPN), such as Citrix. Internet Explorer (IE) is the preferred browser for accessing ERA, although other browsers, including Firefox and Microsoft Edge, may work with some limitations.

As NARA continues the effort to redesign the components of the current ERA system that support records scheduling and the transfer of permanent records, we want to ensure our approach for browser compatibility will support the web browsers used by the broadest range of agencies possible.

To give us an updated view of the range of web browsers in use, we ask that you respond to these questions:

• What browser (including version number) do you use when conducting your agency's business?
• What other browsers are available for your use in your agency?
• Are you aware of any significant changes coming to the browser(s) you use when conducting your agency's business?

When we first asked these questions in AC 14.2018, we learned from more than 60 respondents that most used Internet Explorer (IE) 11 or Google Chrome as their primary web browser and almost all had access to either IE 11 or Chrome, even if those browsers were not the primary ones in use. In addition, a number of agencies reported plans to transition from IE 11 to Microsoft Edge.

If there is any other information regarding your web browsers you wish to share, that information would be welcome.

Please respond to Sam McClure (sam.mcclure@nara.gov) by Monday, April 27, 2020.

LAURENCE BREWER
Chief Records Officer 
for the U.S. Government