Fiscal Y2K start causes minor computer problems

The Energy Department and the National Science Foundation reported minor computer system glitches as the federal fiscal calendar rolled into 2000 last week.

Overall, the President's Council on Year 2000 Conversion reported a smooth transition in the first major test of agencies' Y2K fixes.

Both DOE, which reported a failed purchasing system, and NSF, which reported glitches on a grant information system, said they fixed the fiscal Y2K problems by the close of business on Oct. 1, the first day of fiscal 2000.

"The Y2K Council will continue to work with federal agencies to monitor and report on any other fiscal year 2000 difficulties," the council said in a statement.