AF Form 1243: ACPIN Data and Control Record | Download

AF Form 1243: ACPIN Data and Control Record | Download – AF Form 1243, officially titled ACPIN Data and Control Record, is a critical U.S. Air Force form used in the management and configuration control of Computer Program Identification Numbers (CPINs). It supports the Automated Computer Program Identification Number System (ACPINS), which tracks Computer Software Configuration Items (CSCIs) for mission-critical software, national security systems, and related technical documentation.

Air Force software managers, engineers, System Program Offices (SPOs), Air Logistics Complexes (ALCs), Major Commands (MAJCOMs), and authorized contractors rely on this form (or the preferred online ACPINS system) to request new CPIN assignments, updates, revisions, re-identifications, transfers, cancellations, or reinstatements.

What Is ACPIN and Why Does AF Form 1243 Matter?

ACPIN stands for Automated Computer Program Identification Number. The system assigns unique, standardized identifiers to software items (CSCIs or Computer Software Components) to enable:

  • Accurate configuration management
  • Tracking of software versions, changes, and documentation
  • Requisition and distribution of mission-critical software (MCS) for National Security Systems (NSS)
  • Compliance with standards such as MIL-HDBK-61, ANSI/EIA 649, ISO/IEEE 12207, and relevant Air Force Instructions (e.g., AFI 21-303, AFI 63-107)

CPINs help prevent duplication, ensure standardization, and support software lifecycle management across the USAF, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, Foreign Military Sales (FMS), and DoD/contractor partners.

AF Form 1243 serves as the hard-copy alternative when direct online entry into the ACPINS database (typically accessed via secure portals at Tinker AFB) is not feasible—such as for certain Top Secret software (unless waived) or when system access is limited. Online entry through ACPINS is the preferred method for most actions.

The form captures essential data elements for CPIN requests and actions, including the type of action requested, software details, managing organization, and control information.

Who Uses AF Form 1243?

Primary users include:

  • Software managers and engineers at ALCs, MAJCOMs, Field Operating Agencies (FOAs), and SPOs
  • Authorized DoD contractors (with proper SAAR/DD Form 2875 approval and DD Form 2345 for Military Critical Technology List items)
  • Technical Order Distribution Offices (TODOs) and software support activities
  • Personnel involved in configuration management of weapon systems, simulators, training devices, and other mission-critical software

Access to the full ACPINS system requires a System Authorization Access Request (SAAR) via DD Form 2875 and role-based permissions. Accounts are revalidated regularly, with inactive accounts (over 180 days) subject to lockout or deletion.

How to Obtain and Complete AF Form 1243?

Download the official blank form here:
AF Form 1243 PDF (from Air Force e-Publishing).

The form is referenced in TO 00-5-16 (Methods and Procedures for Computer Program Identification Number (CPIN) Management), the primary technical order guiding ACPINS processes. This TO details two authorized methods for CPIN assignment:

  1. Direct online data entry into ACPINS (preferred).
  2. Submission of hard-copy AF Form 1243 to the applicable Managing/Controlling Technical Order (MCTR) or responsible office for manual entry into the database.

Key sections typically included on the form (based on TO 00-5-16 guidance):

  • Action Type: Check one (e.g., New, Version/Revision/Update, Re-identify, Managing Center Transfer, Cancel/Reinstate, etc.).
  • Software identification details (CSCI name, version, related documentation).
  • Managing organization, MAJCOM codes, and standard designators.
  • Requester and approver information.
  • Distribution and control remarks.
  • Privacy Act and handling statements as applicable.

Detailed block-by-block instructions, data element requirements, and examples are provided in TO 00-5-16 (available via official Air Force technical order systems). Pop-up guidance in the online system mirrors these fields. Always use the most current version of the TO for standardization rules and MAJCOM codes (see Appendix in TO 00-5-16).

Submission Process:

  • For online: Log into the ACPINS portal (https://acpins.tinker.af.mil or successor URL) and use the Request screens.
  • For hard copy: Complete AF Form 1243 and route to the appropriate MCTR or SPO for processing and entry into ACPINS.
  • Top Secret software generally requires hard-copy procedures unless a waiver is granted by the Program Manager.

After processing, approved CPINs appear in the system’s compendium and cross-reference lists, supporting requisition through systems like ETIMS (Enhanced Technical Information Management System).

Best Practices and Compliance Tips

  • Prefer Online Entry: It reduces errors through built-in system edits and ensures faster processing.
  • Standardization: Follow CPIN numbering guidelines in TO 00-5-16 to maintain sight-recognizable and consistent designators.
  • Security: Handle classified or sensitive submissions per applicable security protocols. Unclassified data may be entered even for higher-classified software.
  • Documentation: Maintain records of CPIN actions for configuration audits and lifecycle management.
  • Updates: Monitor for revisions to TO 00-5-16 and AF Form 1243 via Air Force e-Publishing (www.e-publishing.af.mil).

Failure to properly assign and track CPINs can impact software configuration control, distribution, and mission readiness.

  • TO 00-5-16: Core guidance on CPIN management and ACPINS procedures.
  • Air Force e-Publishing: Official source for forms and publications.
  • ACPINS Portal: Secure access for eligible users (requires CAC and proper authorization).
  • Supporting forms: DD Form 2875 (SAAR), AFTO Form 43 (related technical order actions), etc.

For the most current instructions, always consult the latest edition of TO 00-5-16 and official Air Force channels. Policies and system URLs may evolve, so verify access through your unit’s information technology or configuration management office.

Need the form? Download it directly from the official link above and pair it with TO 00-5-16 for complete procedural details.

This guide is for informational purposes and is based on publicly referenced Air Force technical orders and publications as of the latest available data. For official use, refer to current directives through secure Air Force systems.

Keywords: AF Form 1243, ACPIN Data and Control Record, CPIN assignment, Air Force software configuration management, ACPINS, TO 00-5-16, USAF forms, mission critical software tracking.