APPENDIX L - eMarketplace Web viewAn automated telephone answering system can provide voice answers to questions using data from the WIC information system. For example, it can be

ATTACHMENT G

PA-WIC GLOSSARY

RFQ # 6100013503

Table of Contents

1. Technical Terminology........................................................1

2. USDA Terminology............................................................13

3. QuickWIC Terminology......................................................................21

Technical TerminologyThe following list contains the technical terms and acronyms related to the technology used in the Pennsylvania WIC System Project. For example, the acronym “HTML” stands for Hypertext Markup Language – the language used to develop Internet applications.

Table 1: Technical Terminology

Term DefinitionAA See Attribute Authority

Active Server Page (ASP) An HTML page that includes one or more scripts (small embedded programs) that are processed on a Microsoft® Web server before the page is sent to the user. An ASP is somewhat similar to a server-side include or a common gateway interface (CGI) application in that all involve programs that run on the server, usually tailoring a page for the user. Typically, the script in the Web page at the server uses input received as the result of the user's request for the page to access data from a database and then builds or customizes the page on the fly before sending it to the requestor.

Adobe® PDF See Adobe ® Portable Data Format .

Adobe® Portable Data Format (PDF) A file format (with a .PDF extension) developed by Adobe Systems that captures formatting information from a variety of desktop publishing applications, making it possible to send formatted documents and have them appear on the recipient's monitor or printer as they were intended. To view a file in PDF format, you need Adobe Reader®, a free application distributed by Adobe Systems.

ADP Automated Data Processing.

algorithm A computational procedure that performs a set of tasks, such as an encryption process, a digital signature process, or cardholder verification.

API See Application Program Interface.

Application Defect A non-conformance with the accepted requirements.

Application Program Interface (API) A formal specification of a collection of procedures and functions available to a client application programmer. These specifications describe the available commands, the arguments or parameters that must be provided when calling the command, and the types of return values when the command execution is completed.

ARU See Automated Response Unit.

ASP See Active Server Page.

asymmetric key cryptography See public key cryptography.

attribute authority (AA) The entity responsible for issuing and verifying the validity of an attribute certificate.

attribute certificate A message, similar to a digital certificate, which is intended to convey information about the subject. The attribute certificate is linked to a specific public key certificate. Thus, the attribute certificate conveys a set of attributes along with a public key certificate identifier or entity name.

authorization The process of determining what types of activities or access is permitted for a given physical or logical resource. Once the identity of the user has been authenticated, he or she may be authorized to have access to a specific location, system, or service.

Attachment G 1 RFQ# 6100013503

Term Definitionautomated response unit (ARU) A designated system for answering telephone calls and providing

information to callers via recorded messages, or transferring calls to a customer service center. An automated telephone answering system can provide voice answers to questions using data from the WIC information system. For example, it can be used to remind clients of appointments, respond to client inquiries, and record problem inquiries. The technology is easily adaptable to multi-language use.

bar code A set of vertical bars of irregular widths representing coded information placed on consumer products and other items, such as identification cards. The vertical lines of varying widths or other more complex encoding patterns enable fast, automated identification of or explanation about items, such as Food Instruments, vouchers, clients, and foods.

binding An affirmation of the relationship between a named entity and its public key or biometric template by a Certificate Authority/Attribute Authority or the acting Registration Authority.

bits per second (BPS) The standard measure of data transmission speeds.

BPS See bits per second.

Bridge Certificate Authority An entity that links two or more Certification Authorities who do not have a cross-certification agreement in place. The Bridge Certificate Authority allows Certificate Authorities to validate each other’s certificates.

browser Short for Web browser, a software application used to locate and display Web pages. The two most popular browsers are Microsoft® Internet Explorer® and Netscape® Navigator. Both of these are graphical browsers that can display graphics as well as text. In addition, most modern browsers can present multimedia information, including sound and video, though they require plug-ins for some formats.

byte A unit of storage capable of holding a single character.

CA See Certificate Authority.

CaliberRM™ An enterprise requirements management system, Borland® CaliberRM™ is designed to facilitate collaboration, impact analysis, and communication in the definition and management of changing requirements, helping teams improve product quality. CaliberRM provides efficient support for distributed organizations and helps teams manage both the expectations and scope of projects for initiatives large and small.

CAM See Certificate Arbitrator Module.

Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) Utilities that allow designers to apply many predefined page display styles to Web pages.

CASE See Computer Aided Software Engineering.

CBT See computer-based training.

CDO See Collaborative Data Objects.

centralized processing A data processing architecture in which the mechanism for processing data (the CPU) is located in a single, central environment such as a data center. Typically, various terminals or PCs are used to access the processing capability maintained in the central location. A mainframe kept in a centralized data center is an example of a centralized processing architecture. Usually, the mainframe has terminals/PCs in separate geographic locations connected to the mainframe. The geographically dispersed terminals/PCs collect data/transactions locally but send these transactions over a network to be processed by the CPU in the mainframe. No processing is performed locally at the site of the terminal/PC.

Certificate Arbitrator Module (CAM) A system that serves as an interface to agency applications by receiving requests for the status of a certificate, passing the certificate validation request to the appropriate Certificate Authority (CA), receiving the certificate validation request response, returning the response from the CA, and reporting the response to the requesting agency application.


Term DefinitionCertificate Authority (CA) A component of the public key Infrastructure. The CA is responsible for

issuing and verifying digital certificates. Digital certificates may contain the public key or information pertinent to the public key.

Certificate Policy A document that sets forth the rules established by the policy-issuing entity governing the issuance, maintenance, use, reliance upon, and revocation of digital certificates.

Certificate Revocation List (CRL) A periodically issued list, digitally signed by a Certificate Authority, identifying certificates that have been suspended or revoked prior to their expiration dates. The list generally indicates the CRL issuer’s name, the date of issue, the date of the next scheduled CRL issue, the suspended or revoked certificates’ serial numbers, and the specific times and reasons for suspension and revocation.

Certification Practice Statement (CPS) A document that states the practices that a Certificate Authority employs in issuing certificates.

client side script The part of the HTML document that is downloaded into the client's browser.

client side scripting The interpretation and execution of the client side script by the client's browser.

Collaborative Data Objects (CDO) A Microsoft technology for building messaging or collaboration applications, or adding these capabilities to existing applications.

COM See Component Object Model.

COM+™ Software architecture that builds on COM’s integrated services and features, making it easier for developers to create and use software components in any language, using any tool.

commercially available A product that is obtainable on a mass-market basis.

Component Object Model (COM) A software architecture developed by Microsoft that allows applications to be built from binary software components. COM is the underlying architecture that forms the foundation for higher-level software services.

Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE)

The tools that allow organizations to develop system functional requirements, entity relationship diagrams, data warehouses, and other data models.

computer-based training (CBT) Any course of instruction whose primary means of delivery is a computer. The student learns by executing special training programs on a computer. CBT is especially effective for training people to use computer applications because the CBT program can be integrated with the applications so that students can practice using the application as they learn. A CBT course may be delivered via a software product installed on a single computer, through a corporate or educational Intranet, or over the Internet as Web-based training.

CPS See Certification Practice Statement.

CPU The central processing unit.

Critical (Priority Level) Extreme impact on testing schedule; cannot move forward with testing in a certain area until defect is fixed

Example: Application error when attempting to access a new screen

Critical (Severity Level) A very high-impact defect that would create major disruptions to the daily business processes for which there is no workaround; the application is missing a major functional component

Example: Application error when attempting to save data

CRL See Certificate Revocation List.


Term Definitioncryptography The mathematical science used to secure the confidentiality and

authentication of data by replacing it with a transformed version that can be reconverted to reveal the original data only by someone holding the proper cryptographic algorithm and key.

Crystal Reports A data analysis and reporting tool that allows for scalability and system-wide information delivery.

CSS See Cascading Style Sheets.

data integrity A condition in which data has not been altered or destroyed in an unauthorized manner.

data warehouse A collection of data in support of management’s decision-making process that is subject-oriented, integrated, time-variant, and non-volatile. A data warehouse is generally focused on a business concept (for example, claims statements) rather than a business process (for example, paying claims), and contains all the relevant information about the concept that was gathered from multiple processing systems. This information is collected and represented at consistent periods of time, and is not changing rapidly (except that new data is added). A data warehouse is a copy of transaction data specifically structured for query and analysis.

database A systematically arranged collection of computer data, structured so it can be retrieved or manipulated automatically.

database management system (DBMS) A collection of programs that enables a user to store, modify, and extract information from a database. There are many different types of DBMSs, ranging from small systems that run on personal computers to huge systems that run on mainframes. The following are examples of database applications: computerized library systems, automated teller machines, flight reservation systems, and computerized parts inventory systems. From a technical standpoint, DBMSs can differ widely. The internal organization can affect how quickly and flexibly information can be extracted.

DBMS See database management system.

digital certificate A portable block of data in a standardized format, which at a minimum identifies the Certificate Authority issuing it; names or identifies its subscriber; contains the subscriber’s public key; identifies its operational period; and is digitally signed by the Certificate Authority issuing it.

digital signature A unique electronic signature that accompanies documents and messages. The digital signature serves two primary functions: it verifies the authenticity of the party sending the message and it verifies that the content of the message has not been altered.

digitized signature A written signature that has been read by a computer scanner and converted into digital data. It is a capability for recording signatures on an electronic device in a digital format. At this time, the most common, publicly visible use is capturing signature images for credit card purchases in retail stores. More expensive units can be used as a means of electronic identification.

distinguished name A set of data that identifies a real-world entity, such as a person in a computer-based context.

distributed processing A data processing architecture in which the mechanism for processing data, (the CPU), is geographically dispersed. Both the data collection and data processing are performed locally. Data for a single system may be processed at many locations. Some systems allow data to be processed locally, and then upload the data to a central storage capacity.

DLL See Dynamic Linked Library.

Dynamic Linked Library (DLL) A collection of special functions or data that can be linked into programs while they are running. Programming routines used by multiple programs can reside in a single DLL file to avoid duplication.

EML See Extensible Markup Language.


Term Definitionencryption The process of translating data into a cipher, a more secure form of data,

that is less likely to be intercepted and accessed by unauthorized persons. This mechanism is particularly important in executing sensitive transactions.

Extensible Markup Language (EML) A language that describes the semantics of a page’s contents and defines data records on a page.

front end 1) The junction between a user and a computer program. The set of commands and menus through which a user communicates with a program. Also referred to as the user interface. (As an adjective, front-end).

2) In client/server applications, the client part of the program is often called the front end and the server part is called the back end.

3) Compilers – the programs that translate source code into object code, are often composed of two parts: a front end and a back end. The front end checks syntax and detects errors, whereas the back end performs the translation into object code.

function A block of code consisting of a return type, function name, optional parameters, and statements that performs one or more specific tasks within the source program and returns a value to the caller. It is the purpose of, or the action carried out by, a program, routine, or other object.

function body The portion of a function definition that contains the declarations of its local variables and executable statements.

function call A post-fix expression followed by parentheses containing a possibly empty, comma-separated list of expressions, which constitute the actual arguments to the function.

functionality The features, operations, functions, or capability supported by a program or program component. Examples of common functionality are serialization, in-place activation, OLE, and ODBC.

GB See gigabyte.

Geographic Information System (GIS) A system that processes geographic information, such as mapping of geographic points or areas or using mathematical algorithms for measuring distance.

gigabyte (GB) The equivalent of approximately one billion bytes.

GIS See Geographic Information System.

graphical user interface (GUI) A user interface to a computer that is graphics-based rather than textual or command-based.

GUI See graphical user interface.

hashing A software process that computes a value, referred to as a hash word, from a particular data unit in a manner that enables detection of intentional/unauthorized or unintentional/accidental data modification by the recipient of the data.

High (Priority Level) High impact on testing schedule; cannot test a majority of the functionality in a certain area until defect is fixed

Example: Several buttons on a new screen do not function

High (Severity Level) A major defect that results in the loss of parts of business functionality; Defect impact would be contained within the originating system but would create accumulative errors

Example: A mandatory field is not taken into account during the generation of a report

HTML See Hypertext Markup Language.

Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) The language of the Internet. It contains codes attached to text that describe text elements and their relation to one another.


Term DefinitionIIS See Internet Information Server.

information system (IS) In the automated sense, any telecommunications and/or computer-related equipment or interconnected system or subsystems of equipment that is used in the acquisition, storage, manipulation, management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, or reception of voice and/or data, including software, firmware, and hardware. The entire infrastructure, organization, personnel, and components for the collection, processing, storage, transmission, display, dissemination, and disposition of information. For example, the IS that automates WIC processing.

Integration Testing Integration Testing looks at how the transactions and business processes work together. This type of testing also insures that data exchanges and inter-process synchronization works properly. Also, integration testing verifies that exception-processing logic is complete and correct. For example, it ensures that an error returned from a stored procedure call is correct and completely handled so there is no possibility of the system behaving in an unpredictable fashion. The scope of integration testing includes all aspects of the current functional phase of high-level services. Lastly, integration testing is intended to ensure that the current functional phase functions properly after it is connected with the existing system and previous functional phases.

International Standards Organization (ISO)

A worldwide organization dedicated to fostering the development of systems standards. National standards organizations from 100 different countries are members of the ISO, including the United States (American National Standards Institute – ANSI). Member organizations participate in the development of ISO standards.

Internet Explorer The most widely used World Wide Web browser.

Internet Information Server (IIS) (In textual reference, Microsoft Internet Information Server.) The software that renders the active server pages and serves Web pages to browser requests.

interoperability The capability of a system or a product to operate with another system or product directly, that is, without any additional effort from the user. Interoperability can be achieved through mutual conformance to a set of common standards and specifications, or it may also be achieved through the use of a service broker that is able to convert one interface directly into another interface.

IS See information system.

ISO See International Standards Organization.

IT An acronym for Information Technology.

JAD See Joint Application Design.

JavaScript® An object-based scripting language designed to add programmatic capabilities and cross-platform scripting of events, objects and methods to Web pages.

Joint Application Design (JAD) The requirements-gathering sessions conducted to identify and document the needs of the various system users.

JScript® Microsoft's extended implementation of ECMAScript, an international standard based on Netscape's JavaScript and Microsoft JScript languages. JScript is implemented as a Microsoft Windows Script engine. This means that it can be plugged in to any application that supports Windows Script, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, active server pages, and Windows Script Host.

K See kilobyte.

KB See kilobyte.

key A value that organizes the use of a cryptographic system.

key management The process and means by which keys are generated, stored, protected, transferred, loaded, used, revoked, published, and destroyed.


Term Definitionkey pair A private key and its matching public key.

kilobyte (K, KB) Technically, the equivalent of 1,024 bytes, but it is often used loosely as a synonym for 1,000 bytes.

LAN See local area network.

LDAP See Lightweight Directory Access Protocol.

Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP)

An emerging software protocol for enabling anyone to locate organizations, individuals, and other resources such as files and devices in a network, whether on the Internet or on a corporate intranet. LDAP is a lightweight (smaller amount of code) version of DAP (Directory Access Protocol), which is part of X.500, a standard for directory services in a network.

link An area on the screen that typically appears as underlined text and that redirects the user to another location or Web page.

local-area network (LAN) The connectivity of computing hardware (workstations, printers, scanners, etc.), generally within a building, for the purpose of allowing the sharing of computing resources. Connectivity can be wired/cabled or wireless (using radio frequencies or infra-red transmissions).

Low (Priority Level) Very little impact on the testing schedule; can test the other elements within a certain area without integrity concerns

Example: A verification of the date format fails to occur

Low (Severity Level) A cosmetic defect which would have no business or user impact

Example: A spelling mistake in the error message on a pop-up dialog

Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)

A character recognition system that uses special ink and characters. When a MICR document passes through a machine, the magnetic ink is read and translated. MICR provides a secure, high-speed method of scanning and processing information. It is used, for example, on personal checks and Food Instrument checks/vouchers.

MB See megabyte.

mean time between failures (MTBF) The estimated length of time that a system is available and operational between failures.

mean time to repair (MTTR) The estimated length of time needed to bring a system back up and make it fully operational following a system failure.

Medium (Priority Level) Moderate impact on testing schedule; little impact on the majority of the functionality in a certain area

Example: A field on a new screen which should be editable shows as read-only

Medium (Severity Level) A defect that would have a moderate impact on business functionality but could be immediately managed or worked around

Example: A date field accepts both valid and invalid date formats

megabyte (MB) The equivalent of approximately one million bytes.

megahertz (MHz) A single MHz represents one million cycles per second. The speed of microprocessors, called the clock speed, is measured in megahertz.

MHz See megahertz.

MICR See Magnetic Ink Character Recognition.

MICR-capable The capability of a printer to print characters in a MICR font. See also Magnetic Ink Character Recognition.


Term DefinitionMicrosoft Corporation The largest and most influential company in the personal computer

industry. In addition to developing the de facto standards: MS-DOS® and Microsoft Windows® operating systems. The corporation has a strong presence in almost every area of computer software, from programming tools to end-user applications.

Microsoft The first part of the product name for products owned by Microsoft Corporation.

mouse A relative pointing device used to control the cursor on a computer screen.

MTBF See mean time between failures.

MTTR See mean time to repair.

nonrepudiation The means to ensure that a transferred message has been sent and received by the parties claiming to have sent and received the message. Nonrepudiation can be obtained through the use of:1) Digital signatures – function as a unique identifier for an individual,

much like a written signature.2) Confirmation services – the message transfer agent can create digital

receipts to indicate that messages were sent and/or received.3) Timestamps – contain the date and time a document was composed

and proves that a document existed at a certain time.

ODBC See Open Database Connectivity.

OLAP See Online Analytical Processing.

OLAP cube See Online Analytical Processing.

Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) A category of software tools that provides analysis of data stored in a database. OLAP tools enable users to analyze different dimensions of multidimensional data. For example, these tools can provide time series and trend analysis views. OLAP is often used to identify hidden patterns in a group of data that can be used to predict future behavior. The chief component of OLAP is the OLAP server, which sits between a client and a database management system (DBMS). The OLAP server understands how data is organized in the database and has special functions for analyzing the data. There are OLAP servers available for nearly all of the major database systems.

Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) An open or standard application programming interface (API) used to access a database. A database that is ODBC-compliant facilitates the importing, exporting, and converting of files from external databases.

open systems environment A comprehensive set of interfaces, services, and supporting formats, plus user aspects for interoperability or for portability of applications, data, or people, as specified by information technology standards and profiles. An open platform is composed of hardware and software components that adhere to common standards and are non-proprietary such that multiple vendors can supply these components interchangeably. In an open platform, components from multiple vendors using different technological approaches may be assembled and interoperability across products can be ensured. The objective of an open platform is to achieve vendor independence and allow easy transition to emerging technologies.

palm-held computer A small computer so named because its size is approximately the same as a hand, which allows it to be used where it is inconvenient to use or carry a laptop computer. For WIC, it can be used in a clinic where it is inconvenient to carry a laptop computer, or when recording food prices at a vendor location. This type of computer can transfer data to a larger computer via wired or infra-red transmission.

password Confidential authentication information, usually composed of a string of characters, used to provide access to a computer resource.

PDA See personal digital assistant.

PDF1 See Adobe Portable Data Format.


Term DefinitionPentium® microprocessor A 32-bit microprocessor introduced by Intel® in 1993.

personal digital assistant (PDA) A type of small computational device for handling information. See also palm-held computer.

pivot table A reorganized view of data, more specifically, a way of changing rows to columns and columns to rows. Pivot tables are used to create a data layout that presents a more comprehensible response to an inquiry than what is presented with the original layout.

PKI See public key infrastructure.

point of sale (POS) In terms of automated processing, a site where purchases can be made electronically through an electronic cash register or card acceptance device.

POS See point of sale.

private key A mathematical key used to create digital signatures, and, depending upon the algorithm, to decrypt messages or files, with the corresponding public key. This key is kept secret by the user.

Private Virtual Network See Virtual Private Network.

public key A mathematical key that can be made publicly available and which is used to verify signatures created with its corresponding private key. Depending on the algorithm, public keys are also used to encrypt messages or files that can then be decrypted with the corresponding private key.

public key cryptography A type of encryption that uses a key pair of mathematically related cryptographic keys. The public key can be made available to anyone who wants to use it and can encrypt information or verify a digital signature. The private key is kept secret by its holder and can decrypt information or generate a digital signature. Also known as asymmetric key cryptography.

public key infrastructure (PKI) The architecture, organization, techniques, practices, and procedures that collectively support the implementation and operation of a certificate-based public key cryptographic system. Further, a communications infrastructure that allows users to exchange money and data over the Internet in a secure environment. There are four basic components:1) The Certificate Authority (CA) responsible for issuing and verifying

digital certificates.2) The Registration Authority (RA) that provides verification to the CA

prior to issuance of digital certificates.3) One or multiple directories to hold certificates with public keys.4) A system for managing the certificates.Also Included in a PKI are the certificate policies and agreements between parties that document the operating rules, procedural policies, and liabilities of the parties operating within the PKI.

RA See Registration Authority.

radio frequency identification (RFID) An access control system that features a tag embedded with both a circuit and an antenna. As the antenna enters the electronic field of the reader, it generates energy for the circuit, and then transmits the identification number in the tag to the reader.

Registration Authority (RA) A component of the public key infrastructure. The RA acts as a gatekeeper by providing verification to the Certificate Authority before granting a request for a digital certificate.

Release Work Plan (RWP) Release Work Plan (RWP) is combination of separate documents designed to provide a high-level overview of the project, project risks, and the timeline for a specific release. It consists of the following DOH EPMM Documents:A. Project CharterB. Project PlanC. A Risk Management Plan

relying party A recipient who acts in reliance on a certificate and digital signature.


Term Definitionrevocation The process of permanently ending the operational period of a certificate

from a specified time forward. Generally, revocation is performed when a private key has been compromised.

RFID See radio frequency identification.

root The CA that issues the first certificate in a certification chain. The root’s public key must be known in advance by a certificate user in order to validate a certificate chain.

SAM See Secure Access Module.

secret key cryptography A cryptographic system that uses the same key, known as a secret key algorithm, to encipher and decipher messages. This is contrasted with asymmetric key cryptography, which uses a secure public/private key pair. Also know as symmetric key cryptography.

Secure Access Module (SAM) A software module contained in a card access device that allows the card and terminal to mutually authenticate each other.

security The features and procedures used to reduce the possibility of fraudulent use, asset compromise, smart card counterfeiting, or other subversion.

security group A security classification applied to a group of users for assigning similar access rights to a system.

security policy A document that articulates a course or method of action to guide and determine present and future decisions and practices regarding the protections maintained by a trustworthy system.

Security Testing Security Testing tests the system to ensure that all defined role-based user profiles have access to data and processes and perform functionality as per specifications and to avoid any hacking attempts.

selectable A type of parameter that the end user can select, that is, one that is not preset by a system administrator.

server-side include (SSI) The HTML comment that directs the Web server to generate data dynamically for a Web page whenever the page is requested. For example, all the pages on a Web site may use the same header data at the top of each page. This header information is stored in a separate file that all pages of the site include before processing.

server-side scripting (SSS) The enabling of scripts to run on the server rather than on the client machine. Enables visitors to have personalized views of the content.

SIV See speaker identity verification.

speaker identity verification (SIV) The key feature of voice recognition software that extracts and compares unique features of a speech sample with a known sample, and then accepts or rejects access based on this comparison.

SQL Server® An industrial-strength database manager (supplied by Microsoft) providing decision support, transaction processing, and line of business applications.

SSI See server-side include.

SSS See server-side scripting.

Stress/Load Testing Stress/Load testing includes conducting performance tests on the system by identifying peak usage within units of work and system components to peak capacity. The process also includes strategies for monitoring and resolving performance issues.

storage An electronic/mechanical-magnetic device that holds information for subsequent use or retrieval.

style sheet In word processing and desktop publishing, a file or form that defines the layout of a document. When a style sheet is completed, such parameters as the page size, margins, and fonts are specified. Style sheets are useful because the same style sheet can be used for many documents. Style sheets are also called templates. See also Cascading Style Sheets.


Term Definitionsubscriber A person who is the subject of, has been issued a certificate for, is capable

of using, and is authorized to use, the private key that corresponds to the public key listed in the certificate.

symmetric key cryptography See secret key cryptography.

synchronization The process of ensuring two independent entities act in a coordinated (synchronized) mode of operation. Communications, software components, and hardware systems often perform a synchronization process when establishing a connection to another entity.

Systems Testing Systems Testing is testing the system as a whole to ensure compliance with the requirements specifications. This includes: verifying that the inputs into the system produce the desired responses and outputs, continual retesting (regression testing) to ensure that changes to any one component does not adversely affect the functionality of the system and that all expected results continue to be met. Systems testing, regression testing and quality assurance testing must be performed for each functional phase and for all bug fix maintenance.

template See style sheet.

transaction server A device that provides developers with the easiest way to build and deploy scalable server applications for business and the Internet, which includes transactions, scalability services, connections management, and point-and-click administration.

Unit Testing Unit Testing tests and reviews the basic building blocks of the system such as a screen or program to ensure that they have been built as per specifications and focuses on removing any defects prior to integration testing. This includes a code review for best practices and input and output testing. It shall be conducted in an informal manner and is used to make sure that transactions and business processes are working according to their design specifications.

UML® See Unified Modeling Language®.

Unified Modeling Language (UML) A third-generation language for specifying, visualizing, and documenting the artifacts of an object-oriented system under development. The UML represents the unification of the Booch, Objectory, and Object Modeling Technique (OMT) methods, and is their direct and upwardly compatible successor.

User Acceptance Testing User Acceptance Testing takes place after the other tests. The unit and component integration tests are run to ensure that the current functional phase is performing well against its design specifications. User Acceptance Testing ensures that the current functional phase is meeting end user requirements and expectations. Note that User Acceptance Testing scenarios can be provided from any end user including WIC Clinics, the Program Office, or BIT.

VB See Visual Basic®. A colloquial or informal reference not used in formal writing.

VBS See VBScript. A colloquial or informal reference not used in formal writing.

VBScript A fast, portable, lightweight interpreter used by World Wide Web browsers and other applications that use Microsoft ActiveX® Controls, Automation servers, and Java™ applets. Informally referred to as VBS.

virtual private network (VPN) A type of network used for advanced encryption that allows entities to establish secure, end-to-end, private network connections over third-party networks, such as the Internet or extranets.

Visual Basic® A Microsoft programming language used for creating high-performance components and applications. This language allows developers to create robust applications that reside on the client or server, or operate in a distributed n-tier environment. Informally referred to as VB.

VPN See virtual private network.

WAN See wide-area network.


Term DefinitionWeb-enabled application An application that is aware of its connection to the Internet or an Intranet

and has the ability to communicate with one or more Web servers using the HTTP protocol. This can also refer to an application that resides on a Web-server and is run via a browser such as Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer.

wide-area network (WAN) Typically, the connectivity of smaller networks over a large, geographical area.

wireless network A network normally used in place of a cabled, wired local-area network. Can be used in portable/mobile situations. Radio or light devices are used instead of wires or cables to conduct transmissions of data, programs, etc.


USDA TerminologyThe following list contains USDA-specific terms having specific meaning to the WIC program. For example, the term “participant” has a specific meaning within the WIC program.

Table 2: USDA Terminology

Term Definitionabuse The misuse of the WIC program by either a participant or a vendor. Abuse

normally involves a fraudulent act such as dual participation by a WIC participant or including unauthorized WIC foods in the redemption of a Food Instrument by a WIC vendor.

anthropometrical measurements The body measurements of a WIC infant or child.

anti-tamper The technology available to prevent unauthorized alteration or modification of cards.

anti-tearing The processes that prevent data loss when a smart card is withdrawn from the contracts during a data operation.

applicant A person that has applied for WIC benefits and is either not yet certified or is certified but placed on a waiting list to receive WIC benefits.

authorized representative A person designated by a WIC participant to access food benefits. For example, a pregnant woman’s husband may be designated as an authorized representative so he can shop for her. Some states use the term proxy or endorser for the authorized representative.

biometric template A stored, formatted record of an individual’s biometric features. Typically, a live scan of an individual’s biometric attributes is translated through a specific algorithm into a digital record that can be stored in a database or on an integrated circuit chip card.

biometrics An automatic identification process for verifying the identity of individuals based on unique behavioral or physiological characteristics. Behavioral biometrics includes voice, signature, and keyboard typing technique. Physical biometrics includes fingerprint, hand geometry, facial recognition, and iris and retinal scanning.

BMI See Body Mass Index.

Body Mass Index (BMI) The ratio of an individual's weight to height for the same age group and sex. Calculated from anthropometrical measurements taken during certification.

caseload The number of WIC participants that can be supported by a given food grant amount. Generally, caseload management processing includes the translation of food grant dollars into caseload estimates, the collection and storage of information on caseload allocations to local agencies, and the tracking of actual participation against assigned caseloads.

CDC See Center for Disease Control.

Center for Disease Control (CDC) The federal agency that serves as the national focus for developing and applying disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and education activities. WIC is required to provide participant data to the CDC.

certification The process of ensuring an applicant meets all requisites for receiving WIC benefits, including residency, income, categorical, and nutritional risk requirements. Certification includes collecting basic applicant information, determining client nutritional risk, certifying eligible applicants, prescribing participant food packages, and checking for dual participation and process transfers.


Term DefinitionCivil Money Penalty (CMP) The claim assessed by the state agency against a vendor who misuses

program funds. Monetary payments received by the vendor management or program integrity staff from vendors for assessed sanctions may be used for food or Nutritional Services and Administration expenditures.

client appointment A scheduled, face-to-face meeting for collecting nutritional risk data, decide a participant's or applicant’s certification or recertification, and to distribute Food Instruments.

clinic The facilities owned and operated by the local agency where WIC services are provided and benefits are prescribed to WIC participants. Some clinics are mobile.

CMP See Civil Money Penalty.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

A program designed to improve the health of low-income pregnant and breastfeeding women, other new mothers up to one year postpartum, infants, children up to age six, and elderly people at least 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA commodity foods. It provides food and administrative funds to states to supplement the diets of these groups.

Competent Professional Authority (CPA) A healthcare professional with specialized training who can evaluate the nutritional risks of the WIC participants and prescribe the WIC benefits.

compliance monitoring The investigation of WIC vendors to ensure that they adhere to WIC regulations. Compliance monitoring may include compliance buys, routine monitoring visits, and vendor record reviews.

compromise A violation or suspected violation of a security policy in which an unauthorized disclosure of or loss of control over sensitive information may have occurred.

conversion If approved by the Food and Nutrition Service, use of food funds for Nutrition Services and Administration (NSA) costs. A state agency may also use NSA funds for food funds at any time.

CPA See Competent Professional Authority.

CSC See Customer Service Center.

CSFP See Commodity Supplemental Food Program.

CSR See Customer Service Representative.

Customer Service Center (CSC) A customer service unit staffed with operators or Customer Service Representatives.

Customer Service Representative (CSR) A person responsible for taking telephone calls and providing information and services to clients as needed.

discrimination letter A form letter allowing participants to formally protest if they believe someone associated with WIC has discriminated against them.

DTR Registered Dietetic Technician

dual enrollment A status in which individuals are enrolled in more than one WIC clinic or in WIC and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) concurrently.

dual participation A status in which participants are enrolled and receiving nutritional food benefits from more than one WIC program, for example, from multiple clinics, or from both WIC and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP).

Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment Program (EPSDT)

A program providing prevention services for any Medicaid-eligible child up to age 21. EPSDT provides coverage of comprehensive health, vision, hearing, and dental screenings, as well as immunizations, laboratory tests, assisted technology devices, and services in screenings, diagnosis, and treatment. The purpose of this program is to assess health needs and assure that health problems are diagnosed and treated early, before they become more complex and their treatment more costly.


Term DefinitionEBT See electronic benefits transfer.

ECR system See Electronic Cash Register system.

EDC See estimated date of confinement.

electronic benefits transfer (EBT) The use of an electronic mechanism to transfer value from a program to a benefit recipient.

Electronic Cash Register system (ECR) An in-store automated system that scans items electronically for purchase, obtains the Universal Product Code and price of the item, adds the item to the cash register receipt, and then totals the entire purchase to arrive at a purchase total.

Electronic Payment System (EPS) See Electronic Cash Register system.

electronic purse A mechanism that allows end users to pay for goods and services electronically. The function of the electronic purse is to maintain a pool of value that is decremented as transactions are performed.

electronic service delivery (ESD) The use of a unique client identifier and advanced electronic technology to provide integrated and efficient client-centered service delivery. ESD functions are described in the Functional Requirements Document.

eligibility requirements See certification.

endorser A person designated by a WIC participant to access food benefits. For example, a pregnant woman’s husband may be designated as an endorser proxy so he can shop for her. See also proxy.

enrollee An applicant who has been certified as eligible for WIC benefits, but to whom food benefits have not yet been issued.

EPS An electronic payment system. See Electronic Cash Register system.

EPSDT See Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment Program.

ESD See electronic service delivery.

estimated date of confinement (EDC) A pregnant woman’s due date.

false acceptance rate (FAR) The rate at which an unauthorized individual is accepted by the system as a valid user.

false rejection rate (FRR) The rate at which an individual authorized to use the system is rejected as an invalid user.

FAR See false acceptance rate.

Farmer’s Market Coupon (FMC) A food instrument issued by the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program that can be redeemed only at a farmer’s market.

Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP )

A nutritional enhancement program operated by the state's Department of Agriculture.

Federal Participant Characteristics Report (PC report)

A federal report that is prepared every two years from a minimum and supplemental data set transmitted by the state agency to the Food and Nutrition Service. The data set contains a census of specific participant data items for the month of April.

FI See Food Instrument.

FMC See Farmer’s Market Coupon.

FMNP See Farmers' Market Nutrition Program.

FNS See Food and Nutrition Service.

Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) The bureau within the U.S. Department of Agriculture that oversees and funds the WIC programs in each state.

Food Instrument (FI) The printed paper vouchers or food checks that document the specified WIC foods and the amounts of these foods for a specified period of time that have been prescribed for a WIC participant and that can be redeemed at an authorized WIC vendor. FIs are commonly called WIC checks.


Term Definitionfood package The set of foods recommended for specific categories of WIC participants

and/or risk factors. Food packages may be tailored for individual participants because of special nutritional needs, incomplete benefit periods, etc.

food prescription The specific food items and quantities that have been prescribed for a participant by a Competent Professional Authority for a specified period of time. The food prescription also describes the number of Food Instruments that will be created, how the food items are distributed between the Food Instruments, and, optionally, where the Food Instruments can be redeemed.

Food Stamp Program (FSP) A federal program that provides monthly benefits that help low-income households buy the food they need for good health.

fraud A fraudulent act committed by a vendor or participant that may be grounds for disqualification. See also abuse.

FRD See Functional Requirements Document.

FRR See false rejection rate.

FSP See Food Stamp Program.

FTE See full-time equivalent.

full-time equivalent (FTE) A computed statistic representing the number of full-time employees that could have been employed if the reported number of hours worked by part-time employees had been worked by full-time employees.

Functional Requirements Document A document describing the model WIC information system, which contains a comprehensive description of functions that can be automated to support the WIC program, as well as basic functions for an electronic benefit transfer/electronic service delivery system. The document is intended to help state agencies to prepare an RFP for automation services. Referred to informally as the FRD, FRED, and FRED-E.

genetic An indication that a person is related to other members of the family by origin.

hematocrit A test, usually by centrifugation, determining the relative amounts of plasma and corpuscles in blood.

hemoglobin An iron-containing respiratory element of red blood cells that functions primarily in the transport of oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body

high-risk participants An individual the local agency will monitor more frequently and offer more intensive nutritional education because of his or her nutritional and health evaluation.

I/C Infant or Child

identification authentication The process of determining the identity of a user who is attempting to access a physical location or computer resource. Authentication can occur through a variety of mechanisms including challenge/response, time-based code sequences, biometric comparison, or other techniques.

identification card The card issued to a benefit family when they become certified in the WIC program that they use when receiving or using their Food Instruments.

Integrity Profile (TIP report) An annual report required by Food and Nutritional Services about WIC vendors that includes vendor characteristics, training, compliance activities, and sanctions.

last menstrual period The date of last menstrual period. By convention, pregnancies are dated in weeks starting from the first day of a woman's last menstrual period.

LMP See last menstrual period.

local agency Unit which administers the WIC program at the local level, providing services to one or more counties (or parishes).


Term DefinitionMA See Medical Assistance

manufacturer rebate The sum a state WIC agency can collect from a manufacturer for redeemed formula. See also rebate.

MDS See minimum data set.

Medicaid See Medical Assistance.

Medical Assistance (MA) A federally funded program administered by the state providing medical benefits to needy individuals. Participation in Medicaid provides automatic income eligibility for WIC. The program is the responsibility of the states that share the costs with the federal government.

minimum data set A collection of required data items which must be collected and reported.

NSA Grant Nutrition Services and Administration Grant

nutritional risk A factor that considers the participant’s nutritional and health characteristics for the purpose of monitoring and providing the appropriate health care referrals and WIC prescription, and for evaluating the participant’s health and nutritional progress in the WIC program.

NWA National WIC Association (formerly NAWD, or National Association of WIC Directors).

OST Out of State Transfer

overcharge recovery The process of identifying Food Instruments redeemed for an amount greater than the allowable maximum and billing the redeeming vendor for the difference.

PAN See Primary Account Number.

participant The people in a benefit family, who may be eligible to receive WIC benefits, are currently certified to receive WIC benefits, or whose certification for WIC benefits has recently expired. Participants include pregnant women, breast-feeding women (one year postpartum), non-breastfeeding women (six months postpartum), infants (up to one year old, including exclusively breast-fed infants), and children (up to the fifth birthday).

participant care plan An individualized plan set up for each WIC participant that tracks health and nutrition goals, suggested nutrition education, and desired outcomes from the WIC program over time.

Participant Data Form (PDF) A report containing information about one specific participant, including demographics, income sources, nutritional risks, food prescriptions, anthropometrics, and other WIC information.

participant fraud See fraud.

PC report See Federal Participant Characteristics Report.

PDF See Participant Data Form.

peer group A subset of approved vendors of similar size, location, or client population.

PLU The Price Look Up code.

postpartum The period of time after childbirth. Always used as an adjective, for example, a postpartum woman.

postpartum woman–breastfeeding The period of time after childbirth during which a breastfeeding women is eligible for WIC benefits. The maximum time is one year after giving birth.

postpartum woman–non-breastfeeding The period of time after childbirth during which a non-breastfeeding woman is eligible for WIC benefits. The maximum time is six months after giving birth.

PP See postpartum

prescription See food prescription.

Primary Account Number (PAN) A unique identifying number used to reference a financial account.


Term Definitionproof of identity A document that proves the individual is who they claim to be, such as a

driver's license. This is required for all persons associated with WIC, for example, the endorsers and participants.

proof of residency A required document that proves that the benefit family resides in the geographical area for the servicing clinic, normally the county or parish. This document is furnished by the endorser and can include a tax bill or rental agreement.

provider Generally, an individual or organization providing a service. For example, a WIC clinic is a provider of WIC services.

proxy A person designated by a WIC participant to access food benefits. For example, a pregnant woman’s husband may be designated as a proxy so he can shop for her. See also endorser.

RD A Registered Dietitian.

RDA See Recommended Dietary Allowance.

rebate A discounted amount of the purchase price of each WIC item that is returned to the state WIC agency according to the manufacturer's rebate contract. The state agency bills the manufacturer either for the estimated or actual amount of rebated products purchased, usually monthly, depending on the capabilities of the WIC information system.

recertification The periodic process required to permit a WIC participant to continue to receive WIC benefits. Recertification normally occurs every six months.

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) The recommendations for nutrients that state the amount of a nutrient that is needed for most people to stay healthy. They are different for children, adults, males, and females, and are updated as new research findings surface. RDAs are developed by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council.

renewal The process of obtaining a new certificate of the same class and type for the same subject after an existing certificate has expired.

risk code A code indicating the type of nutritional risk the Competent Professional Authority has identified for a participant.

risk factor The type of nutritional risk the Competent Professional Authority has identified for a participant. See also risk code.

risk priority The priority calculated to participants based on their nutritional risk codes. See also risk code and risk factor.

RN Registered Nurse

S&B Salaries and Benefits

SAM See state agency model.

satisfaction survey A survey of the involved parties to determine their relative level of satisfaction with the services being rendered and to identify any problem areas needing to be addressed. WIC local agencies perform these surveys to verify the quality of services being administered by the clinics.

SFMNP Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

SOAP Subjective, Objective Assessment Plan

special formula An infant formula that is not readily commercially available. This item must come from either a special distributor, such as a food bank contracted by WIC, or be prepared by a pharmacy.

spend-back A financial management strategy that supports prior-year over-expenditures with the use of current-year funds.

spend-forward A financial management strategy that supports current-year expenditures by using prior-year unspent funds.


Term Definitionstandard reports A type of report providing pre-defined data sets in a consistent format and

can be requested through a report menu. These recurring reports can be displayed on the screen, printed in hard copy, or saved to a file for later printing or for importing into another software product. To allow for some limited customization of standard reports, the system may allow users to enter data selection or sort parameters to limit the scope of data included in the report or the method of presenting the data.

state agency For this purpose, a WIC program state agency. The WIC organization that administers policies and procedures controlling vendors, food packages, clinic and local agency operations, etc. The state agency also administers security and manages the master code tables used by the WIC application system.

state agency model (SAM) The proposed WIC SAM Project is a Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) five-year initiative to plan, develop, and deploy one to three model Web-based WIC information systems (IS) in WIC state agencies. This project, if funded, will be to create WIC IS models through a federal/state collaborative effort. FNS’ plans are to have the system requirements for each model defined by a consortium of state and local agency representatives with FNS input.

Supplemental Food Programs Division (WIC)

The official name for the division that provides WIC services to the general population. It is administered by the Food and Nutritional Services division of the USDA.

tampering Any unauthorized alteration or modification of a card.

TANF See Temporary Assistance to Needy Families.

Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)

The funding to enhance quality childcare capacity in support of parent capability to obtain or retain employment. This includes cash, payments, vouchers, and other forms of cash-equivalent benefits to meet a family’s ongoing basic needs for food, clothing, shelter, etc. Supportive services such as transportation and child care services for unemployed families are also considered TANF assistance.

termination The cessation of WIC benefits.

TIP report See Integrity Profile.

token A hardware security token containing a user’s private keys, public key certificate, and, optionally, other certificates.

transfer A participant who is changing enrollment from one local agency within a state to another state.

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

The department of the federal government that funds and administers the WIC program.

Universal Product Code (UPC) A unique 12-digit number assigned to retail merchandise that identifies both the product and the vendor that sells the product. The UPC on a product typically appears adjacent to its bar code, the machine-readable representation of the UPC.

UPC See Universal Product Code.

USDA See United States Department of Agriculture.

USDA guideline A guiding principle distributed by the USDA indicating how certain activities should be performed.

USDA regulation A rule required by the USDA that must be followed to remain compliant with their program.

USDA-required minimum data set The minimum set of data a system must maintain to be approved as a WIC application by the USDA.

vendor A grocery retailer authorized by the WIC program to sell WIC-approved foods and redeem WIC Food Instruments.

vendor fraud See fraud.


Term Definitionvendor sanction An action taken against a vendor who is not in compliance with WIC

regulations.

verification of certification (VOC) A document indicating an individual is currently certified to receive WIC benefits at a particular WIC clinic, including the ending date of that certification. This document is issued so a participant can receive WIC benefits automatically by another WIC program, for example, another state, without having to be recertified.

VOC See Verification of Certification.

waiting list A list that maintains information on applicants when a current caseload for a local agency is full. Waiting list applicant records contain the applicant name, address, WIC type, age, county of residence, application date, predicted priority level, and local agency identification number.

Web-based data collection A computer application that presents a data entry form via the Internet. A Web browser presents the user with a page containing a data collection form. After the user enters the data in the form, the data can be reformatted, translated, and transmitted via a network to other data processing systems.

WIC The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. It is a program within the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service.

WIC check See Food Instrument

WIC income eligibility The process of verifying whether an applicant's income meets WIC requirements by comparing the applicant's household size and income with established limits.

WIC program Office See state agency.


QuickWIC TerminologyThe following list contains terms that are specific to the QuickWIC system; for example, the term “benefit family” has a specific meaning to QuickWIC and is not a USDA term.

Table 3: QuickWIC Terminology

Term DefinitionABA See American Banking Association

ABA Number A reference to the first part of the MICR number on the bottom line of a check, which uniquely identifies the bank holding the account that issued the check.

AFI An automatic Food Instrument. See on-demand Food Instrument.

American Banking Association (ABA) The organization regulating the banking industry.

appointment reminders A report containing information about an appointment for one benefits family that is used to remind the endorser about an upcoming appointment and what items to bring to the appointment, such as proof of income, immunization records, and so on.

appointment type A code indicating the type of appointment, for example, a certification, a Food Instrument pickup, or a recertification with lab.

automatic Food Instrument See on-demand Food Instrument.

back-office functions The functions performed by WIC staff that do not involve direct interaction with WIC participants, such as developing the clinic's hours of operation and maintaining standardized food prescriptions.

benefit family One or more WIC participants having the same endorser living at the same address. The members of the benefit family are not necessarily genetically related.

benefit relationship The people in a family who are allowed to receive or handle WIC benefits, that is, the participants, the endorser, and optionally, any proxies. See also benefit family.

Certification and Enrollment The part of the system for recording and monitoring activities related to enrollment and certification of WIC participants.

clinic operating schedule The schedule of the hours a clinic is open on a specific day. It includes the time slots available for appointments. For each available time slot, it includes the maximum number of appointments by type (such as certifications and Food Instrument pickups), and the maximum number of scheduled staff members by type (such as the Competent Professional Authority, aid, or clerk).

clinic roster The list of scheduled appointments for a specific clinic on a specific date. Used to plan the staffing and workflow. It can be presented in several sort orders, by appointment type or by endorser's name.

Community Action Program (CAP) The CAP Special Formula Distribution Center in Lancaster, PA is the distribution center for formulas not readily available in grocery stores.

default operating schedule A template specifying a default operating schedule for the clinic, for example, the Monday schedule. Used to reduce the effort required to maintain the clinic operating schedules.

endorser The WIC-identified contact person for the benefit family who is authorized to pick up and redeem Food Instruments, that is, the person acting as the authorized representative for the benefit family. Each benefit family must have one endorser. However, an individual can be the endorser for multiple benefit families.

enrollment The process of enrolling an individual in the WIC program, including collecting demographic data, recording anthropometrical measurements, determining nutritional risk and an appropriate food prescription, recording income and breastfeeding habits, and recording laboratory results.


Term Definitionfamily See benefit family or income family (usually refers to benefit family).

family appointment A meeting scheduled to collect nutritional risk data, decide a participant’s or applicant's certification or recertification, or distribute Food Instruments.

family identifier A unique identifier assigned to a WIC benefit family. It allows the WIC application to identify the people who make up the benefit family and their relationship within the benefit family.

family member Members of a WIC benefit family. It includes the endorser, the proxy, participants, and applicants assigned to that benefit family.

family roster A list of appointments for a specific family.

family-based A functionality that allows specific data to be collected once for a family, for example, the address, and then applied to all family members. This functionality also allows certain processes to be performed at the family level, for example, the user can print one appointment reminder for several family members' appointments and send it to the endorser responsible for that family.

FI pickup See Food Instrument pickup.

Food Instrument pickup (FI pickup) An appointment type indicating that the endorser is scheduled to pick up the Food Instruments for a participant.

group appointment An appointment scheduled to collect nutritional risk data, determine a participant’s or applicant's certification or recertification, or distribute Food Instruments.

income family One or more WIC participants having the same sources of income that determines income eligibility for WIC benefits.

investigator family A dummy family set up to generate Food Instruments used during a compliance buy.

mailing address The address for the benefit family or vendor where all WIC correspondence is mailed.

mailing label A label produced by the system containing either the benefit family's or vendor's mailing address. Used to mail correspondence to the endorser or store owner. Normally produced in either the Scheduler or Vendor Management portions of the QuickWIC system.

manual Food Instrument (MFI) The multi-part generic Food Instrument not assigned to a specific participant when initially printed.

member A WIC participant who is part of a benefit family. See also family member.

message board A feature in QuickWIC allowing the state agency to broadcast messages to all of the WIC clinics.

MFI See manual Food Instrument.

OFI See on-demand Food Instrument.

on-demand Food Instrument (OFI) A Food Instrument that is printed by the clinic or local agency at their specific location by using a MICR-capable printer.

overbooking The ability to exceed the maximum limit specified in the clinic operating schedule when scheduling participant appointments.

physical address The address where all participants within a benefit family receiving WIC benefits must reside. This must be a physical address, not a P.O. box number.

proxy A person who can act in place of the endorser as the authorized representative for the benefit family.

QuickWIC The application system for PA WIC that processes WIC transactions, including Certification and Enrollment, scheduling, vendor management, Food Instrument issuance and control, and reporting.

resident A person who resides at the benefit family's physical address.


Term Definitionshipping address A location that can be used to ship formula that is not necessarily the

physical address.

title The identifier applied to an individual showing their status, such as MD or PhD, or their position in the organization, such as VP.

trade area A geographical area, not necessarily aligned with political boundaries, indicating the area where a certain set of vendors provide services to WIC participants.

VFI See voided Food Instrument.

voided Food Instrument (VFI) A Food Instrument that has been canceled.
