Formatting External Data

These steps describe the process used to prepare the IFA Excel data file into a format that is acceptable to the FIRST import process. This process is completed using Excel, outside of the FIRST system.

1. Save a copy of the EDAIFA file into the subfolder created prior to performing the IFA process.

2. After receiving the EDAIFA data file, make a copy and rename it to IFA.xls.

3. In Excel, delete the columns that contain IFA related data.

4. Rename and rearrange the columns of data as follows:

   • Column A = CDN

   • Column B = DISTRICT NAME

   • Column C = TOTAL ##-## State Share (where ##-## represents the previous year. For example, 04-05)

5. Save the file (IFA.xls) into the subfolder created within step 6 or the Massage Administrative cost Ratio data file use case.