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6/14/2013
– News Brief Issued
This week's Schools and Libraries News Brief is now available. Receive E-rate tips, deadline reminders, and answers to your questions in this weekly newsletter. Subscribe to it and receive it each week in your inbox.
This week's Schools and Libraries News Brief is now available. Receive E-rate tips, deadline reminders, and answers to your questions in this weekly newsletter. Subscribe to it and receive it each week in your inbox.
5/20/2013
– Special Edition News Brief – First Funding Wave for FY2013
A Special Edition of the Schools and Libraries News Brief is now available, announcing the first funding wave for FY2013. Subscribe to the News Brief to receive it each week in your inbox.
A Special Edition of the Schools and Libraries News Brief is now available, announcing the first funding wave for FY2013. Subscribe to the News Brief to receive it each week in your inbox.
5/16/2013
– FCC Issues Public Notice on Carry-forward of Unused Funds
On May 16, the FCC issued Public Notice DA 13-1119 to carry forward $450 million in unused funds to ensure funding is available for all eligible Priority 1 funding requests for FY2013.
On May 16, the FCC issued Public Notice DA 13-1119 to carry forward $450 million in unused funds to ensure funding is available for all eligible Priority 1 funding requests for FY2013.
5/15/2013
– Scheduled Systems Maintenance: 8:30 - 11:59 PM EDT Friday, May 17
The Apply Online page, including Submit a Question, online forms, and most search tools will be unavailable Friday, May 17 from 8:30 PM through 11:59 PM EDT for scheduled system maintenance.
During this time, users may be unable to file, certify, and search for certain forms online.
The Apply Online page, including Submit a Question, online forms, and most search tools will be unavailable Friday, May 17 from 8:30 PM through 11:59 PM EDT for scheduled system maintenance.
During this time, users may be unable to file, certify, and search for certain forms online.
5/2/2013
– Registration Open for Fall Applicant Trainings
This fall, join USAC for an all-day training focused on applicants who participate in the Schools and Libraries (E-rate) Program. The training will cover general E-rate topics for applicants. Register Today!
This fall, join USAC for an all-day training focused on applicants who participate in the Schools and Libraries (E-rate) Program. The training will cover general E-rate topics for applicants. Register Today!
4/24/2013
– List of FY2013 FRNs Missing Item 21 Attachments Now Available
The list of FRNs contains a list of all FY2013 Funding Request Numbers (FRNs) in the USAC database that we believe are missing Item 21 attachments. This list is in alphabetical order by state. The first tab is A-F, the second is G-K, the third is L-P, and the fourth is R-Z.
Find your FRN and follow the instructions below.
Your FRN will be on this list if:
If you believe you have submitted an Item 21 attachment online, go to the Item 21 attachment web page; enter your Billed Entity Number, FCC Form 471 application number, and security code; and click Continue. If an FRN shows any status other than “submitted online,” click the status, complete your attachment, and click the “submit” button. This action will complete the process and submit your attachment.
If you believe you have submitted an Item 21 attachment by email, fax, or paper, first review your copy of the submission for accuracy. You can then call the Client Service Bureau (CSB) at (888) 203-8100 to check the status of your submission. Be sure to have your FCC Form 471 application number, the method of submission (email, fax, or paper) and the date of submission.
If we still do not have your Item 21 attachment, you will need to resubmit it.
The list of FRNs contains a list of all FY2013 Funding Request Numbers (FRNs) in the USAC database that we believe are missing Item 21 attachments. This list is in alphabetical order by state. The first tab is A-F, the second is G-K, the third is L-P, and the fourth is R-Z.
Find your FRN and follow the instructions below.
Your FRN will be on this list if:
- You did not file an Item 21 attachment and should have filed one.
- You started an Item 21 attachment online but did not submit it by April 17, 2013. (Clicking the “Save and Exit” button does not submit your attachment.)
- You submitted an Item 21 attachment by email, fax, or on paper, but you did not correctly identify the FRN, the FCC Form 471 application number, or both in time for USAC to log it by March 28, 2013.
- Your Item 21 attachment and the Item 21 Attachment Urgent Reminder Letter crossed in the mail.
If you believe you have submitted an Item 21 attachment online, go to the Item 21 attachment web page; enter your Billed Entity Number, FCC Form 471 application number, and security code; and click Continue. If an FRN shows any status other than “submitted online,” click the status, complete your attachment, and click the “submit” button. This action will complete the process and submit your attachment.
If you believe you have submitted an Item 21 attachment by email, fax, or paper, first review your copy of the submission for accuracy. You can then call the Client Service Bureau (CSB) at (888) 203-8100 to check the status of your submission. Be sure to have your FCC Form 471 application number, the method of submission (email, fax, or paper) and the date of submission.
If we still do not have your Item 21 attachment, you will need to resubmit it.
4/22/2013
– Deadline for FY2013 FCC Form 471 Certifications and Item 21 Attachments Extended to May 15
USAC will issue two sets of letters later this week – one to applicants that filed an FCC Form 471 online before the close of the filing window but did not complete the certification process, the other to remind applicants to submit their Item 21 attachments. Both sets of letters will be issued on Thursday, April 25; appropriate actions must be taken on or before Wednesday, May 15.
If you do not certify your FCC Form 471 on or before May 15, it will be considered out-of-window. You can certify an FCC Form 471 online or on paper.
If you do not submit an Item 21 attachment on or before May 15, the Block 5 Funding Request Number (FRN) associated with that Item 21 attachment will be considered out-of-window. You can submit an Item 21 attachment online, by email, by fax, or by mail or delivery service.
Each letter is discussed in the April 19 News Brief.
USAC will issue two sets of letters later this week – one to applicants that filed an FCC Form 471 online before the close of the filing window but did not complete the certification process, the other to remind applicants to submit their Item 21 attachments. Both sets of letters will be issued on Thursday, April 25; appropriate actions must be taken on or before Wednesday, May 15.
If you do not certify your FCC Form 471 on or before May 15, it will be considered out-of-window. You can certify an FCC Form 471 online or on paper.
If you do not submit an Item 21 attachment on or before May 15, the Block 5 Funding Request Number (FRN) associated with that Item 21 attachment will be considered out-of-window. You can submit an Item 21 attachment online, by email, by fax, or by mail or delivery service.
Each letter is discussed in the April 19 News Brief.
4/22/2013
– USAC Provides Demand Estimate for Funding Year 2013 to FCC
On April 22, 2013, the Schools and Libraries Program of the USAC reported to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that $4.986 billion in requested funding has been estimated for schools and libraries seeking discounts for Funding Year 2013. This estimate is based on the dollars requested in 45,189 applications received or postmarked by March 14, 2013, the close of the FCC Form 471 application filing window.
There are several factors that will reduce ultimately the funds requested from the estimated level. First, while efforts have been made to eliminate duplicate requests, inevitably we will discover more duplication as we process these applications. Second, USAC's efforts to assure that funds are committed only for eligible services, for use by eligible entities with the appropriate discount rate, and are otherwise consistent with program rules, will further reduce the demand.
For detailed information, please refer to the FY2013 Demand Estimate.
On April 22, 2013, the Schools and Libraries Program of the USAC reported to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that $4.986 billion in requested funding has been estimated for schools and libraries seeking discounts for Funding Year 2013. This estimate is based on the dollars requested in 45,189 applications received or postmarked by March 14, 2013, the close of the FCC Form 471 application filing window.
There are several factors that will reduce ultimately the funds requested from the estimated level. First, while efforts have been made to eliminate duplicate requests, inevitably we will discover more duplication as we process these applications. Second, USAC's efforts to assure that funds are committed only for eligible services, for use by eligible entities with the appropriate discount rate, and are otherwise consistent with program rules, will further reduce the demand.
For detailed information, please refer to the FY2013 Demand Estimate.
4/17/2013
– Website and Application Outages starting 8:00 PM Friday, April 19 through 11:59 PM EDT Saturday, April 20
The Apply Online page, including Submit a Question, online forms, and most search tools will be unavailable from 8:00 PM Friday, April 19 through 11:59 PM EDT Saturday, April 20 for scheduled system maintenance. During this time, users may be unable to file, certify, and search for certain forms online.
The Apply Online page, including Submit a Question, online forms, and most search tools will be unavailable from 8:00 PM Friday, April 19 through 11:59 PM EDT Saturday, April 20 for scheduled system maintenance. During this time, users may be unable to file, certify, and search for certain forms online.
3/9/2013
– Special Edition News Briefs - Tips for Last Minute Filers
Check in daily for quick tips and helpful hints on how to file your FCC Forms 471.
March 9, 2013 - Block 1 Reminders
March 10, 2013 - Block 2 Reminders
March 11, 2013 - Block 4 Reminders
March 12, 2013 - Block 5 Reminders
March 13, 2013 - Block 6 and Item 21 Reminders
If you would like to receive these filing tips via email, subscribe to the Schools and Libraries News Brief, a weekly email publication.
Check in daily for quick tips and helpful hints on how to file your FCC Forms 471.
March 9, 2013 - Block 1 Reminders
March 10, 2013 - Block 2 Reminders
March 11, 2013 - Block 4 Reminders
March 12, 2013 - Block 5 Reminders
March 13, 2013 - Block 6 and Item 21 Reminders
If you would like to receive these filing tips via email, subscribe to the Schools and Libraries News Brief, a weekly email publication.
3/4/2013
– Have a question? Call CSB this Weekend
The Client Service Bureau (CSB) is once again offering extended hours during the last week of the filing window. CSB is generally busiest on weekdays between 11:00 AM and 5:30 PM EST, so we suggest you call them at (888) 203-8100 before or after those times, or during this coming weekend.
Here is a list of CSB's extended hours for the FY2013 filing window:
The Client Service Bureau (CSB) is once again offering extended hours during the last week of the filing window. CSB is generally busiest on weekdays between 11:00 AM and 5:30 PM EST, so we suggest you call them at (888) 203-8100 before or after those times, or during this coming weekend.
Here is a list of CSB's extended hours for the FY2013 filing window:
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Day
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Date
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Open
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Close
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Saturday
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March 9
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9:00 AM EST
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6:00 PM EST
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Sunday
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March 10
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9:00 AM EDT
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6:00 PM EDT
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Monday
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March 11
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8:00 AM EDT
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8:00 PM EDT
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Tuesday
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March 12
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8:00 AM EDT
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8:00 PM EDT
|
|
Wednesday
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March 13
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8:00 AM EDT
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8:00 PM EDT
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Thursday
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March 14
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8:00 AM EDT
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11:59 PM EDT
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2/22/2013
– "470 No 471" Email Notifications Issued
Today, USAC emailed each FCC Form 470 contact person or authorized person with a timely posted FCC Form 470 not cited on any FCC Form 471 Block 5 funding request (Item 12 on the form) as of February 15.
Of the over 27,000 forms that require FCC Forms 471, all but 800 received notification via email.
Today, USAC emailed each FCC Form 470 contact person or authorized person with a timely posted FCC Form 470 not cited on any FCC Form 471 Block 5 funding request (Item 12 on the form) as of February 15.
Of the over 27,000 forms that require FCC Forms 471, all but 800 received notification via email.
- If the contact person email address appeared in Item 6e of the form, the email was sent to the contact person.
- If the contact person email address was blank but the authorized person email address appeared in Item 27f of the form, the email was sent to the authorized person.
- NOTE: If both email address fields were blank, USAC issued a letter – one per form – and sent the letters to the contact person street address (Item 6b of the form).
For each unique email address, this message contains all affected FCC Form 470 application numbers and entity numbers. We expect this improved format to prove more helpful and less confusing to applicants.
Each year, USAC sends a notification to applicants that have timely posted an FCC Form 470 to the USAC website but not yet filed an FCC Form 471 funding request citing that form.
2/19/2013
– Registration Now Open for Spring Service Provider Trainings
This spring, join USAC at a training session for service providers that participate in the Schools and Libraries (E-rate) Program. The training will cover general E-rate topics for service providers. The training sessions are complimentary and both present the same information.
This spring, join USAC at a training session for service providers that participate in the Schools and Libraries (E-rate) Program. The training will cover general E-rate topics for service providers. The training sessions are complimentary and both present the same information.
2/19/2013
– IT Systems Modernization Project Seeking Comments by March 22
The Schools and Libraries Program is in the process of updating its current internal systems. The goal is to modernize Schools and Libraries information technology (IT) systems to improve operational efficiencies and to enhance the customer experience.
USAC is seeking comments from E-rate stakeholders and IT providers on this project. These comments will be used to shape the current vision. The complete Request for Comment is available for review.
Interested parties may file comments by March 22 and reply comments by April 12. All information submitted including names and addresses will be publicly available via the Comments page on the USAC website within two business days of submittal. USAC will post all comments verbatim, including any personal information provided.
Visit the Comments page to view any comments or reply comments submitted.
The Schools and Libraries Program is in the process of updating its current internal systems. The goal is to modernize Schools and Libraries information technology (IT) systems to improve operational efficiencies and to enhance the customer experience.
USAC is seeking comments from E-rate stakeholders and IT providers on this project. These comments will be used to shape the current vision. The complete Request for Comment is available for review.
Interested parties may file comments by March 22 and reply comments by April 12. All information submitted including names and addresses will be publicly available via the Comments page on the USAC website within two business days of submittal. USAC will post all comments verbatim, including any personal information provided.
Visit the Comments page to view any comments or reply comments submitted.
1/28/2013
– FCC Form 470 Deadline is Thursday, February 14, 2013
February 14, 2013 is the last possible date to post an FCC Form 470 on USAC’s website, meet the 28-day posting requirement for the competitive bidding process, and submit your FCC Form 471 and Item 21 Attachment(s) on the March 14, 2013 filing window closing date.
If you are filing on paper, we will make every effort to post your form by February 14 if we receive it by February 7. Whether filing online or on paper, the applicant is responsible for meeting the 28-day posting requirement.
For more information about FCC Form 470, see Step 2: Competitive Bidding, or contact the Client Service Bureau.
The December 12, 2012 Special Edition News Brief also provides more helpful reminders for applicants.
February 14, 2013 is the last possible date to post an FCC Form 470 on USAC’s website, meet the 28-day posting requirement for the competitive bidding process, and submit your FCC Form 471 and Item 21 Attachment(s) on the March 14, 2013 filing window closing date.
If you are filing on paper, we will make every effort to post your form by February 14 if we receive it by February 7. Whether filing online or on paper, the applicant is responsible for meeting the 28-day posting requirement.
For more information about FCC Form 470, see Step 2: Competitive Bidding, or contact the Client Service Bureau.
The December 12, 2012 Special Edition News Brief also provides more helpful reminders for applicants.
1/16/2013
– Website and Application Outages Due to Scheduled System Maintenance: Saturday, January 19
The entire USAC website, including all static content, will be unavailable Saturday, January 19 from 8:00 AM through 10:00 AM EST due to scheduled maintenance. In addition, certain applications will be unavailable from Friday, January 18 at 11:59 PM to Saturday, January 19 at 10:00 AM EST. These applications include E-File, My Portal, funding commitment search tools, the News Brief archives, and training archives. The Schools and Libraries "Apply Online" page, "Submit a Question" page, online forms, and other search tools will be available except during the two-hour period when the entire website is down. We apologize for any inconvenience.
The entire USAC website, including all static content, will be unavailable Saturday, January 19 from 8:00 AM through 10:00 AM EST due to scheduled maintenance. In addition, certain applications will be unavailable from Friday, January 18 at 11:59 PM to Saturday, January 19 at 10:00 AM EST. These applications include E-File, My Portal, funding commitment search tools, the News Brief archives, and training archives. The Schools and Libraries "Apply Online" page, "Submit a Question" page, online forms, and other search tools will be available except during the two-hour period when the entire website is down. We apologize for any inconvenience.
12/12/2012
– FY2013 Application Window Now Open
The FY2013 application filing window for the FCC Form 471 opened at noon EST today and will close at 11:59 PM EDT on Thursday, March 14, 2013. The window will be open for 93 days. For more information, check out the Special Edition News Brief.
The FY2013 application filing window for the FCC Form 471 opened at noon EST today and will close at 11:59 PM EDT on Thursday, March 14, 2013. The window will be open for 93 days. For more information, check out the Special Edition News Brief.
12/12/2012
– Special Edition News Brief Issued
A Special Edition of the Schools and Libraries News Brief is now available, announcing the opening of the FY2013 window and providing tips and reminders for filing. Subscribe to the News Brief to receive it each week in your inbox.
A Special Edition of the Schools and Libraries News Brief is now available, announcing the opening of the FY2013 window and providing tips and reminders for filing. Subscribe to the News Brief to receive it each week in your inbox.
11/26/2012
– New Version of FCC Form 498 Now Available
Beginning November 26, 2012, all service providers must use the new FCC Form 498 when applying for a new SPIN (Service Provider Identification Number) or when making changes to contact or remittance information to an existing SPIN.
USAC has posted the new FCC Form 498 and instructions on its website. No prior years’ forms will be accepted; service providers who submit an outdated form will receive notice from USAC that the form could not be processed. E-File users will automatically see the newest version of the form upon log in, and their information will pre-populate.
Features of the new FCC Form 498 include:
• an additional field in block 3 for a company's Federal Registration Number (FRN);
• a column for the Study Area Code Company Name in Block 8;
• the ability for a carrier to designate an alternate bank account for the payment of BEAR funds in Block 11;
• a box in Block 1 and a supplemental information sheet to allow respondents to include information about affiliates;
• an update to the Principal Communications Types in Block 14 to include additional business types as listed on the FCC Form 499-A;
• a box after every program on the form that will allow service providers to cease participation in the associated program without having to deactivate their entire SPIN.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the FCC Form 498 and the notice was published in the Federal Register on November 21, 2012.
Please contact USAC Customer Operations at (888)641-8722 with any questions about the new FCC Form 498.
Beginning November 26, 2012, all service providers must use the new FCC Form 498 when applying for a new SPIN (Service Provider Identification Number) or when making changes to contact or remittance information to an existing SPIN.
USAC has posted the new FCC Form 498 and instructions on its website. No prior years’ forms will be accepted; service providers who submit an outdated form will receive notice from USAC that the form could not be processed. E-File users will automatically see the newest version of the form upon log in, and their information will pre-populate.
Features of the new FCC Form 498 include:
• an additional field in block 3 for a company's Federal Registration Number (FRN);
• a column for the Study Area Code Company Name in Block 8;
• the ability for a carrier to designate an alternate bank account for the payment of BEAR funds in Block 11;
• a box in Block 1 and a supplemental information sheet to allow respondents to include information about affiliates;
• an update to the Principal Communications Types in Block 14 to include additional business types as listed on the FCC Form 499-A;
• a box after every program on the form that will allow service providers to cease participation in the associated program without having to deactivate their entire SPIN.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the FCC Form 498 and the notice was published in the Federal Register on November 21, 2012.
Please contact USAC Customer Operations at (888)641-8722 with any questions about the new FCC Form 498.
11/13/2012
– FY2013 Window Dates Announced
The FY2013 application filing window for the FCC Form 471 will open at noon EST on Wednesday, December 12, 2012, and close at 11:59 PM EDT on Thursday, March 14, 2013. The window will be open for 93 days. For more information, please refer to the Schools and Libraries Special Edition News Brief, issued November 13, 2012.
The FY2013 application filing window for the FCC Form 471 will open at noon EST on Wednesday, December 12, 2012, and close at 11:59 PM EDT on Thursday, March 14, 2013. The window will be open for 93 days. For more information, please refer to the Schools and Libraries Special Edition News Brief, issued November 13, 2012.
11/13/2012
– Special Edition News Brief Issued
A Special Edition of the Schools and Libraries News Brief is now available, announcing the FY2013 window dates and tips and reminders for filing. Subscribe to the News Brief to receive it each week in your inbox.
A Special Edition of the Schools and Libraries News Brief is now available, announcing the FY2013 window dates and tips and reminders for filing. Subscribe to the News Brief to receive it each week in your inbox.
11/2/2012
– FCC Form 486 and FY2011 Recurring Services Invoice Deadlines Extended to Jan. 28, 2013
Due to the impact of Hurricane Sandy, USAC has extended the deadlines for FCC Form 486 and Funding Year 2011 recurring services invoice submissions until January 28, 2013. USAC will make this change for all participants and participants will not need to request this change individually.
The FCC Form 486 deadline for Funding Year 2012 FRNs has been moved to January 28, 2013. Any FCC Form 486 with a deadline up to that date will now be due on January 28, 2013, thus giving additional time to submit forms that may have missed the October deadline.
Additionally, recurring services delivered for Funding Year 2011 FRNs will now have an extended deadline until January 28, 2013. This is the same deadline as non-recurring services, making all invoices for Funding Year 2011 FRNs due at the same time.
We continue to monitor federal disaster declarations, and will allow extra time for applicants in the areas designated for relief to comply with various deadlines, including responding to PIA, and other program requirements. As usual, for those outside the federally declared disaster areas, if additional time to respond to PIA requests is needed, please do not hesitate to contact your reviewer and request such.
We will continue to post any new information to this website as necessary.
Due to the impact of Hurricane Sandy, USAC has extended the deadlines for FCC Form 486 and Funding Year 2011 recurring services invoice submissions until January 28, 2013. USAC will make this change for all participants and participants will not need to request this change individually.
The FCC Form 486 deadline for Funding Year 2012 FRNs has been moved to January 28, 2013. Any FCC Form 486 with a deadline up to that date will now be due on January 28, 2013, thus giving additional time to submit forms that may have missed the October deadline.
Additionally, recurring services delivered for Funding Year 2011 FRNs will now have an extended deadline until January 28, 2013. This is the same deadline as non-recurring services, making all invoices for Funding Year 2011 FRNs due at the same time.
We continue to monitor federal disaster declarations, and will allow extra time for applicants in the areas designated for relief to comply with various deadlines, including responding to PIA, and other program requirements. As usual, for those outside the federally declared disaster areas, if additional time to respond to PIA requests is needed, please do not hesitate to contact your reviewer and request such.
We will continue to post any new information to this website as necessary.
10/30/2012
– Status of USAC Operations Due to Hurricane Sandy
USAC operations have only been moderately affected by Hurricane Sandy. We are continuing to process applications and pay invoices as quickly as possible. Furthermore, the Client Service Bureau in Kansas remains open and ready to answer program questions. The fall applicant training sessions will continue as scheduled in Minneapolis, Portland, and Los Angeles.
As always, we will monitor federal disaster declarations, and will allow extra time for applicants in the areas designated for relief to comply with various deadlines, including responding to PIA, and other program requirements. Applicants requiring additional time to submit their BEAR invoices should request an invoice deadline extension as soon as possible.
We will continue to post any new information to this website as necessary.
USAC operations have only been moderately affected by Hurricane Sandy. We are continuing to process applications and pay invoices as quickly as possible. Furthermore, the Client Service Bureau in Kansas remains open and ready to answer program questions. The fall applicant training sessions will continue as scheduled in Minneapolis, Portland, and Los Angeles.
As always, we will monitor federal disaster declarations, and will allow extra time for applicants in the areas designated for relief to comply with various deadlines, including responding to PIA, and other program requirements. Applicants requiring additional time to submit their BEAR invoices should request an invoice deadline extension as soon as possible.
We will continue to post any new information to this website as necessary.
