In June and July 2003, ACE users, CBP employees, and members of the trade community began training. The first employees trained on the ACE Secure Data Portal were account managers for the first 41 importer accounts, as well as client representatives associated with these accounts. Instructors led the training and provided a "hands-on" session on the live ACE system.

"Being allowed to sit down and spend hands-on time with the ACE Secure Data Portal made me feel more at ease with the new technology and it gave me an understanding of what is being offered," said National Account Manager Cynthia Whittenburg from Brunswick, Ga. "Now with ACE, I find my job is evolving to keep up with current trends in trade and automation. The training showed me exactly how ACE will free up my time, allowing me to focus on more complex security and trade issues such as the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)."

The CBP Modernization Office (CBPMO) is using both Instructor-Led Training (ILT) and Computer-Based Training (CBT). This mix of training methods allows training to be delivered in a limited time to a large, geographically dispersed audience. To determine which group should receive ILT or CBT, the CBPMO assesses the learning needs of each group of users and takes into account how their jobs will change by using ACE.

"In the CBPMO, we understand the importance of employee training and user acceptance. We are building ACE for the users-the people in the field and in the trade community," said CBPMO Business Executive Lawrence J. Rosenzweig. "The ACE Secure Data Portal will be a success once we ensure that CBP employees fully understand the capabilities and the features provided. Modernization is all about change. The key is to get people involved."

The CBPMO will continue to communicate with employees the training opportunities available in e-mail flash announcements, future editions of the Customs and Border Protection Today, and on the Modernization Web site: http://cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/about/modernization/.