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10/17/2018 – E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) Outage Due to System Maintenance: October 21-22

The E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) and the EPC training site will be unavailable from Sunday, October 21 at 7:00 p.m EDT through Monday, October 22 at 1:00 a.m. EDT for monthly system maintenance. During this time, users will be unable to log in to and use EPC. 

We apologize for any inconvenience.

10/17/2018 – Scheduled System Maintenance Friday, October 19

10/12/2018 – News Brief Issued

10/12/2018 – E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) *TRAINING SITE* Outage Due to System Maintenance: October 15

10/11/2018 – 2018 E-rate Program Training Begins Next Week

USAC’s annual fall training starts on Monday, October 15, 2018 at USAC’s office located at 700 12th Street NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20005. For those of you joining us at USAC next week, here are a few tips and reminders to help you prepare for the training.

Registration: Please bring your registration confirmation with you along with a photo ID. We are at full capacity and will not be able to accommodate walk-in registrations. The name on the registration must match the name of the person who attends the training.

There is a three-step check-in process in the building lobby:

1. Go to the security desk in the lobby to receive your security pass.
2. After you receive your security pass, go to USAC’s registration desk in the lobby to check in and receive your name badge and training agenda.
3. Find a USAC representative by the elevators to guide you to the training event.

NOTE: If you are attending both days of training, you will need to request a security pass and check in at the beginning of each day.

Download the Training Materials: Training materials are available on our website. We will be going paperless this year, and will not have printouts. Please plan accordingly.

Food: Attendees should make their own arrangements for meals. USAC will provide recommendations for nearby breakfast and lunch options within walking distance.

We look forward to seeing you next week. For information on other fall training events, please reference our 2018 Applicant & Service Provider Trainings page.

10/11/2018 – FCC and USAC Announce Second National Verifier Launch

Today, the FCC and USAC announced the launch of the National Verifier in five additional states and one territory beginning Monday, October 15:

• Guam
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• New Hampshire
• North Dakota
• South Dakota

At that time, service providers in the states and territory can begin using the National Verifier to determine subscriber eligibility. During the soft launch period, service providers can continue using their legacy eligibility checking procedures if they choose.

About the National Verifier

The National Verifier shifts the responsibility for determining a consumer's Lifeline eligibility from phone and internet service providers to the program's administrator, the Universal Service Administrative Company. The National Verifier will establish whether a consumer is eligible by electronically querying state and federal data sources, and if necessary, manually reviewing supporting documents. An overview of the National Verifier can be found on USAC's website.

Service providers who do business in any of the states or territory listed in this bulletin who did not receive an email about National Verifier training schedule for Launch 2 should email LifelineProgram@usac.org to be added to the National Verifier Launch 2 training list (this is different from the initial launch states training list).

10/10/2018 – October Webinar - Registration is Now Open

Join USAC for the monthly E-rate Program webinar. In October, we will discuss the E-rate Productivity Center (EPC).

This webinar is designed to help new applicants become familiar with the E-rate Productivity Center (EPC). EPC is the account and application management portal for the E-rate Program. Program participants use this tool to manage program processes, receive notifications and to contact customer service. In this webinar, you will learn about basic navigation in EPC, including logging in for the first time.

10/8/2018 – Connect America Fund Map Now Available

10/5/2018 – News Brief Issued

10/4/2018 – Newsletter for October 2018

Revised FY2017 HCP Support Schedules (HSS) Distributed

HCPs and service providers in the Telecom Program were emailed revised FY2017 HCP Support Schedules, which now reflect the 100% support amount (no proration).

Access Your Revised FY2017 FCL in My Portal

The Revised FY2017 Funding Commitment Letters (FCLs) you received via email are now also available in My Portal. Download the How to Find Your FCL in My Portal Tip Sheet for more information on accessing your FCL

RHC Program Funding Cap Order

On June 25, 2018, the FCC issued an Order that adopted rules to: (1) increase the annual RHC Program funding cap to $571 million and apply it to FY2017; (2) annually adjust the RHC Program funding cap for inflation, beginning with FY2018; and (3) establish a process to carry-forward unused funds from past funding years for use in future funding years. The rules became effective upon publication of the Order in the Federal Register on June 29, 2018.

Watch the 2018 RHC Program Funding Cap Order Information Webinar and download the FAQ Sheet.

What this means for FY2017: Due to the increase in the RHC Program funding cap for FY2017, all previously approved FY2017 funding requests will receive 100% of their approved funding amount. The proration that was previously applied to FY2017 funding commitments has been removed, and revised Funding Commitment Letters (FCLs) have been issued via email. If you have not received your revised FY2017 FCL or have questions about it, please contact RHC-Assist@usac.org.

Please log in to My Portal and make sure you are up to date with your FY2017 invoices. If you have questions about the invoicing process, please look at our program invoicing pages for additional information: HCF Invoicing Page and Telecom Invoicing Page.

What this means for FY2018: As noted in the FCC’s 2018 RHC Program Funding Cap Order, the RHC Program funding cap for FY2018 will be $581 million, adjusted for inflation. As a reminder, the FY2018 filing window closed on Friday, June 29, 2018. Applicants are currently unable to submit funding requests for FY2018.

Important Reminders for FY2018

Upcoming Invoicing Training

The HCF Program invoicing deadline for FY2017 commitments ending on June 30, 2018 is December 31, 2018. The RHC Program Team will be hosting a webinar covering the invoicing process and best practices on November 15, 2018. Register today!

Watch RHC 101

On September 26, the RHC Program Team hosted RHC 101: An Introduction to the RHC Program webinar. This webinar covered the basics of the program including eligibility requirements and how to get started. Were you unable to make it? The recording and slides are posted on our website here.

Appeal Decisions

USAC is no longer sending appeal decisions via postal mail. If you have appealed a decision made by USAC, you will receive your appeal decision via email. Applicants seeking FCC review of a decision issued by USAC must follow the FCC’s regular appeal procedures.  

New Extended RHC Help Desk Hours!

As of August 1^st, the RHC Help Desk hours were extended from 8:00 a.m. ET – 5:00 p.m. ET to 8:00 a.m. ET – 8:00 p.m. ET. We hope these longer operational hours will help meet the needs of our stakeholders on both coasts, and, in an effort to provide more one-on-one guidance, we are increasing the number of dedicated staff responding to phone calls and emails. Our goal with this expansion is to deliver thorough, helpful answers and guidance to you, faster.

What to Do if You Receive an Information Request

Applicants must upload all required documentation with the submission of their FCC Forms 462 or 466. FCC Forms submitted with incomplete or missing documentation will not be reviewed, and RHC reviewers will reach out to all account holders (the primary and all secondary and tertiary account holders associated with that HCP) with a request for additional information (“Information Request”). Information Requests are sent to collect any missing documentation, address deficiencies, or to ask clarifying questions about the FCC Form. If you receive an Information Request, you must respond to it within 14 calendar days. Once you respond, the RHC reviewers will work with you, to the extent they can, to ensure that they have all the necessary documentation to complete their review. Failure to respond within the 14 calendar day timeframe will result in an automatic denial, so be sure to meet that deadline! 

LOA/TPAs Must Be Up to Date

In order to be considered eligible for funding in FY2018, Letters of Agency (LOA) and Third Party Authorizations (TPA) must be up to date through a minimum of FY2018. Be especially mindful if you are an HCP using a consultant, a consortium leader, or a consultant filing on behalf of a consortium leader. Before submitting a form, please check to ensure your authorization documents are up to date.

FCC Forms 462 and 466 submitted with expired LOAs or TPAs will result in applicants receiving Information Requests.

• Download a Sample TPA or Sample LOA

10/2/2018 – 4Q2018 498/499 Spotlight Newsletter

10/2/2018 – November 2018 FCC Form 499-Q due November 1, 2018

The November 2018 FCC Form 499-Q (quarterly Telecommunications Reporting Worksheet) projects the 2019 1^st quarter revenue of a contributor.  The form must be certified and submitted to USAC by Thursday, November 1, 2018.

Filers that do not have a direct universal service obligation (de minimis) are not required to file the FCC Form 499-Q however USAC recommends that de minimis filers notify USAC via email ("Form499@usac.org)" of its de minimis status each quarter. 

The data reported on this form is used to calculate the FCC universal service contribution factor and circularity factor, as well as to calculate the filer's monthly universal service contribution obligation. 

Watch this video to learn how to review reported revenue data prior to submitting to USAC to ensure accurate invoices are generated.

Filer can make changes to the November 2018 FCC Form 499-Q until December 17, 2018. 

After that date, no revisions to the November 2018 Form 499-Q will be accepted.

10/1/2018 – New Invoice Deadline Extension Tool Now Available in EPC

In last week's SL News Brief, we noted that we were working on a new invoice deadline extension tool in the E-rate Productivity Center (EPC).

The new EPC invoice extension deadline tool is now available. Applicants, consultants, and service providers will be able to request invoice deadline extensions for their Funding Request Numbers (FRNs) for Funding Year (FY) 2016 and forward by using the new tool.

As a reminder, program participants will use the existing legacy tool (the tool that applicants and service providers can access through the online BEAR Form) to request invoice deadline extensions for FRNs from FY2015 and previous funding years.

Visit the Invoice Deadline Extensions page for more information.

9/28/2018 – News Brief Issued

9/27/2018 – Lifeline Program Newsletter - September 2018

The September 2018 issue of Lifeline Program News is now available. Sign up to receive the newsletter by email in the Subscription Center.

September headlines:

• Check NLAD Prior to Snapshot Date
• Universal Forms Submission Guidance
• National Verifier Update
• Minimum Service Standards Increase
• Did You Know? NLAD Changes
• October Lifeline Program Webinar

9/25/2018 – Upcoming Scheduled System Maintenance Thursday, September 27

9/25/2018 – My Portal Outage Due to System Maintenance Friday, September 28

9/25/2018 – Invoice Deadline Extension Tool Update

In last week's SL News Brief, we noted that we were working on a new invoice deadline extension tool in the E-rate Productivity Center (EPC). The new EPC tool will be used to request invoice deadline extensions for Funding Request Numbers (FRNs) for funding years after Funding Year (FY) 2015. Over the weekend, we removed the legacy tool option for submitting extension requests for post-FY2015 FRNs.

The existing legacy tool (the tool accessed through the online BEAR Form) can be used to request invoice deadline extensions for FRNs from FY2015 and previous funding years. 

The new EPC tool will be available October 1.You can submit an invoice deadline extension request by opening a customer service case in EPC this week, but we suggest that you wait for the new EPC tool. (We will not be able to process those requests until the new EPC tool becomes available.)

9/21/2018 – News Brief Issued

9/19/2018 – E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) Outage Due to System Maintenance: September 23-24

The E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) and the EPC training site will be unavailable from Sunday, September 23 at 7:00 p.m EDT through Monday, September 24 at 1:00 a.m. EDT for monthly system maintenance. During this time, users will be unable to log in to and use EPC. 

We apologize for any inconvenience.

9/19/2018 – Upcoming Scheduled System Maintenance, Sept. 21, 27 & Oct. 19.

Scheduled System Maintenance Friday, September 21

The National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) and the Lifeline Claims System (LCS) will be unavailable due to scheduled system maintenance starting Friday, September 21 at 10 p.m. ET until Saturday, September 22 at 2 a.m. ET.

The NLAD and LCS pre-production and production environments will not be available for use during this time.

Scheduled System Maintenance Thursday, September 27

NLAD and LCS pre-production environments will be unavailable due to scheduled system maintenance starting Thursday, September 27 at 6 p.m. ET. 

The outage is expected to last 6 hours.

Scheduled System Maintenance Friday, October 19

NLAD and LCS will be unavailable due to scheduled maintenance starting Friday, October 19 at 10 p.m. ET until Saturday, October 20 at 8 a.m. ET. 

Please note the longer maintenance window in October. The length of the outage may change. If so, USAC will send an updated bulletin.

The NLAD and LCS pre-production and production environments will not be available for use during this time.

9/17/2018 – Customer Service Operations Back to Normal

9/14/2018 – News Brief Issued

9/14/2018 – *UPDATE* Hurricane Florence Impact on Customer Service

Now that Hurricane Florence has made landfall, our call centers are feeling the effects of the weather event. If you try contacting the E-rate Client Service Bureau, the Rural Health Care Support Center, or the High Cost Support Center today, or the Lifeline Support Center over the next couple of days, you might experience longer than normal wait times. We are working as quickly as possible to answer your calls. We appreciate your patience.

***

As the storm moves inland, we are experiencing longer than normal wait times that may continue in the coming days. We appreciate your patience.

9/14/2018 – *UPDATE* Hurricane Florence Impact on Customer Service

Now that Hurricane Florence has made landfall, our call centers are feeling the effects of the weather event. If you try contacting the Lifeline Support Center over the next couple of days, you might experience longer than normal wait times. We are working as quickly as possible to answer your calls. We appreciate your patience.

***

USAC’s customer service operations are located in the projected path of Hurricane Florence. In the coming days, we anticipate service disruptions to USAC’s phone and email support including the E-rate Client Service Bureau, the Rural Health Care Support Center and the High Cost Support Center.

USAC is monitoring the storm and working to meet your customer service needs while ensuring the safety of our team. As the storm moves inland, we are experiencing longer than normal wait times that may continue in the coming days. We appreciate your patience.

9/14/2018 – *UPDATE* Hurricane Florence Impact on Customer Service

***

USAC’s customer service operations are located in the projected path of Hurricane Florence. In the coming days, we anticipate service disruptions to USAC’s phone and email support including the E-rate Client Service Bureau, the Rural Health Care Support Center and the High Cost Support Center. USAC is monitoring the storm and working to meet your customer service needs while ensuring the safety of our team.

As the storm moves inland, we are experiencing longer than normal wait times that may continue in the coming days. We appreciate your patience.

9/14/2018 – FCC Form 481 Non-confidential Data Now Available

USAC has published non-confidential FCC Form 481 data filed in July by carriers participating in the High Cost program. This data can be found on the tools page of the High Cost website.

Beginning with the 2018 filing year, USAC is providing public access to most FCC Form 481 data filed annually by carriers that receive High Cost support. Eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) that participate in the High Cost program must file FCC Form 481 with USAC by July 1 every year. This form collects financial and operations information used to validate carrier support.  

The public data file contains a separate tab for each section of Form 481 being published, with individual lines in each section displayed by column. Cells that are blacked out in the data file indicate the exclusion of certain information subject to protective order or not routinely available for inspection, consistent with 47 C.F.R. § 0.457(d), as well as data subject to a carrier request for confidential treatment. We may make this information public, in accordance with any FCC review of confidentiality requests, in a subsequent publication of the data.

In addition, narrative attachments to the Form 481 filings, and detailed information filed by Alaska Plan participants about newly available back-haul capacity, are currently excluded from public release.

9/13/2018 – FCC Announces 4th Quarter 2018 Contribution Factor Increase to 20.1 Percent

9/13/2018 – FCC Announces 4th Quarter 2018 Contribution Factor Increase to 20.1 Percent

9/12/2018 – New HUBB Features Now Available

USAC has updated the High Cost Universal Broadband (HUBB) portal to allow certain revisions to broadband deployment data already certified in the system. Carriers can now edit the following information in the HUBB:        

• Address, city and state  
• Speed tier  
• Multi-dwelling units (MDU)

In addition, carriers that have certified “no locations to upload” may now undo that certification and file new locations with the system while the filing window is open.    Other HUBB changes include an updated Manage Uploads page and an updated Milestone Certification page, as well as a new Notifications page to serve as a central location for HUBB announcements.  

These system updates are intended to help carriers more easily navigate the HUBB to file broadband deployment data with USAC and more easily track the status of their filings. The changes reflect the input of carriers that use the system, including feedback gathered during ongoing user testing.

9/12/2018 – Hurricane Florence Potential Impact on Customer Service Operations

9/11/2018 – NLAD 4.8.0 Production Release

9/7/2018 – 2018 E-rate Training - Register Today!

The Schools and Libraries Program will hold training sessions for E-rate Program participants this fall. During the training you'll have the opportunity to ask questions and hear directly from members of the USAC Schools and Libraries team on key topics important to successful participation in the program. 

REGISTER HERE 

USAC will be conducting in-person E-rate training sessions at the following locations:

Applicant Trainings

• October 15/16 – Washington, DC
• October 18/19 – Washington, DC
• October 22/23 – Palatine, IL (Chicago area)
• November 1/2 – Sacramento, CA
• November 13/14 – Omaha, NE
• November 28/29 – Atlanta,GA

Service Provider Trainings

• December 3 – Washington, DC
• December 4/5 – Washington, DC

9/7/2018 – News Brief Issued

9/6/2018 – Newsletter for September 2018

8/31/2018 – News Brief Issued

8/31/2018 – FY2017 Annual Report for HCF & Pilot Program Consortia Due September 30

Per Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) Program rules, all consortia receiving Rural Health Care (RHC) Program funding are required to submit an annual report to USAC using an Excel template (available for download on the USAC website) to supplement information collected in RHC Program application forms. The reports for funding year (FY) 2017 (July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018) are due September 30, 2018.

Who Needs to Submit the Annual report?
HCF Program consortia must submit an annual report for each funding year in which the consortium received HCF support and for the life of a supported facility for which the consortium received large upfront payments.

Pilot Program consortia must submit an annual report for each year in which the consortium receives Pilot support.

How to Submit the Annual Report
HCF consortia annual report instructions:

1. Open the annual report template hyperlinked under “Excel template” on the HCF consortia annual report page.
2. Review the telehealth applications in column A of the “Telehealth Services” tab. Select “Yes” using the dropdown in column B for each telehealth application for which the consortium received funding in FY2017.
3. Save the template with the consortium name and HCP number in the file name to your computer.
4. Email the completed template to RHC-assist@usac.org by September 30, 2018.

Pilot Program consortia annual report instructions:

1. Open the annual report template hyperlinked under “Excel template” on the Pilot Program consortia annual report page.
2. Review the telehealth applications in column A of the “Telehealth Services” tab. Select “Yes” using the dropdown in column B for each telehealth application for which the consortium received funding in FY2017.
3. If the Pilot Program consortium bid for services in FY2016, the consortium must complete both the “Telehealth Services” tab and “Competitive Bidding Information” tab. To complete the “Competitive weight, and the evaluation criteria using the dropdown in column F.
4. Save the template with the consortium name and HCP number in the file name to your computer.
5. Email the completed template to RHC-assist@usac.org by September 30, 2018.

Failure to submit the required annual report(s) by the deadline may result in the denial of program funding.

8/30/2018 – Estimated de minimis Threshold for Calendar Year 2018 Published

For calendar year 2018, filers that report less than $62,655.75 of combined interstate and international revenues on Line 423, columns (d) and (e) of the 2018 FCC Form 499-A will likely be considered de minimis for calendar year 2018.

This threshold is an estimate based on the FCC's estimated factor for calendar year 2018.

Read more about how filer's qualify for de minimis status here.

8/30/2018 – E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) *TRAINING SITE* Outage Due to System Maintenance: August 30

8/29/2018 – Lifeline Program Newsletter - August 2018

The August 2018 issue of Lifeline Program News is now available. Sign up to receive the newsletter by email in the Subscription Center. 

August Headlines:

• USAC-Elected Recertification Elections Close August 31
• Minimum Service Standards Increase December 1
• National Verifier: August Announcements
• Did You Know? New Address Resolution Code Added in NLAD
• Did You Know? Upcoming Changes to NLAD Reports
• Webinar on September 12: Lifeline 101

8/27/2018 – My Portal Outage Due to System Maintenance Wednesday, August 29

8/27/2018 – USAC Elected Recertification Election Form Available Until August 31

8/27/2018 – NLAD 4.6.0 Pre-Production Release

8/24/2018 – News Brief Issued

8/23/2018 – Systems Down For Maintenance Starting Friday, August 24 at 9PM ET

All High Cost systems will be unavailable from Friday, August 24 at 9PM ET to Saturday, August 25 at 9AM for monthly system maintenance. This includes HUBB, MF II Challenge Process Portal and the state access tools for HUBB and 481 data.  During this time, users will be unable to log in to and use the HUBB. We apologize for any inconvenience.

8/22/2018 – September Webinar - Registration is Now Open

Join USAC for the monthly E-rate Program webinar. In September, we will discuss the invoicing process.

This webinar is designed to help E-rate Program applicants and service providers understand the invoicing process. In this webinar, you will learn more about filing FCC Forms 472 (BEAR), FCC Forms 474 (SPI), electronic invoicing for service providers, invoice deadlines and more.

8/22/2018 – Legacy System Outage Due to System Maintenance - August 24-25

The Schools and Libraries (E-rate) Program legacy systems will be unavailable from 9:00 p.m. EDT on Friday, August 24 through 10:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday, August 25 for system maintenance. During this time, users will be unable to file invoices and use some of the search tools. The BEAR training site will also be unavailable. NOTE: The E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) may be affected by this outage. EPC users may experience related system slowness or intermittent outages during this maintenance window. We apologize for any inconvenience.

8/22/2018 – E-File Outage Due to System Maintenance: August 24-25

USAC's E-File system will be unavailable for all users from 9:00 p.m. EDT on Friday, August 24 through 10:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday, August 25 for system maintenance. During this time the E-file login page will be unavailable and users will be unable to file, certify, and search for FCC Forms 498 or 499. All online FCC forms for contributors, service providers, and eligible telecommunications carriers will not be accessible. NOTE: The E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) may be affected by this outage. EPC users may experience related system slowness or intermittent outages during this maintenance window. We apologize for any inconvenience.

8/22/2018 – E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) Outage Due to System Maintenance: August 26-27

The E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) and the EPC training site will be unavailable from Sunday, August 26 at 7:00 p.m EDT through Monday, August 27 at 1:00 a.m. EDT for monthly system maintenance. During this time, users will be unable to log in to and use EPC. 

We apologize for any inconvenience.

8/21/2018 – Legacy System Outage Due to System Maintenance - August 21

The Schools and Libraries (E-rate) Program legacy systems will be unavailable from 6:00-8:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, August 21 for system maintenance. During this time, users will be unable to file invoices and use some of the search tools. The BEAR training site will also be unavailable. We apologize for any inconvenience.

NOTE: The E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) will not be affected by this maintenance.

8/17/2018 – News Brief Issued

8/15/2018 – My Portal System Update Regarding Draft Forms

RHC will be updating My Portal with FY2017 Funding Cap information during August. Once the system updates are complete, applicants will see updated commitment information for FY2017 funding request numbers (FRNs), as well as the non-prorated amounts when submitting the FCC Form 463 (HCF Program Invoice and Disbursement Form) and both the FCC Form 467 (Telecom Program Connection and Certification Form) and Telecom Program Invoice. 

This update will temporarily impact the submission of FY2017 FCC Form 463, FCC Form 467, and the Telecom Program Invoice. FCC Forms 463, 467, and Telecom Program Invoices will not be accepted between August 22nd and September 4th. Please make sure to submit these forms prior to August 22nd, or after September 4th. 

Applicants should also refrain from creating any FY2017 FCC Forms 463, FCC Forms 467, and Telecom Program Invoice drafts during this time, as they will no longer be valid after system updates are made.

FY2017 applicants can begin submitting FCC Form 463, FCC Form 467, and Telecom Program Invoice again on September 5th.

More Information about Invoicing

• Invoicing FAQs (HCF Program)
• Individual HCPs Invoicing Video Series (HCF Program)
• Consortia Invoicing Video Series (HCF Program)
• November 2017 Invoicing Best Practices Webinar Recording, Slides, and Webinar Summary (HCF Program)
• Submitting Invoices for Service Providers (Telecom Program

8/10/2018 – News Brief Issued

8/7/2018 – Newsletter for August 2018

RHC Program Funding Cap Order

On June 25, 2018, the FCC issued an Order that adopted rules to: (1) increase the annual RHC Program funding cap to $571 million and apply it to FY2017; (2) annually adjust the RHC Program funding cap for inflation, beginning with FY2018; and (3) establish a process to carry-forward unused funds from past funding years for use in future funding years. The rules became effective upon publication of the Order in the Federal Register on June 29, 2018.

Watch the 2018 RHC Program Funding Cap Order Information Webinar and download the FAQ Sheet.

What this means for FY2017: Due to the increase in the RHC Program funding cap for FY2017, all previously approved FY2017 funding requests will receive 100% of their approved funding amount. The proration that was previously applied to FY2017 funding commitments has been removed, and revised Funding Commitment Letters (FCLs) have been issued via email.

If you have not received your revised FY2017 FCL or have questions about it, please contact RHC-Assist@usac.org.

Impact on Invoicing for FY2017: Applicants and service providers have received their revised FCLs via email over the past few weeks and all applicants may now continue invoicing. While the commitment amount in My Portal will continue to reflect the proration at this time, you may continue the invoicing process as normal. USAC will adjust the disbursement amount of approved invoices to ensure that service providers receive the full, non-prorated commitment amount. If you have fully or partially invoiced, no further action is needed on previously submitted invoices. Please look to our program invoicing pages for information on the invoicing process: HCF Invoicing Page and Telecom Invoicing Page.

Service Provider FY2017 Remittance Statements: As stated above, if you have fully or partially invoiced, no further action is required on previously submitted invoices. The service provider will automatically receive the difference in the upcoming payment disbursement and the payment will be reflected on the remittance statement as “True Up” with the associated invoice number. Download the Remittance Statement Tip Sheet for more information.

What this means for FY2018: As noted in the FCC’s 2018 RHC Program Funding Cap Order, the RHC Program funding cap for FY2018 will be $581 million, adjusted for inflation. As a reminder, the FY2018 filing window closed on Friday, June 29, 2018. Applicants are unable to submit funding requests at this time.

My Portal Updates: FY2017 Site and Service Substitutions, FCC Forms 463 and 467, and Telecom Program Invoice

RHC will be updating My Portal with FY2017 Funding Cap information during August. Once the system updates are complete, applicants will see updated commitment information, as well as the non-prorated amounts when submitting the FCC Form 463 (HCF Program Invoice and Disbursement Form) and both the FCC Form 467 (Telecom Program Connection and Certification Form) and Telecom Program Invoice. This system update will allow applicants to access updated commitment information for FY2017 funding request numbers (FRNs).

FY2017 Site and Service Substitutions: Due to the My Portal system updates, FY2017 site and service substitutions will not be accepted between August 1^st and September 4^th. Additionally, site and service substitutions for FY2017 in draft status will no longer be valid after system updates are made. Applicants therefore should refrain from creating any FY2017 draft site and service substitutions between August 1^st and September 4^th, as they will not be valid due to system updates. These changes will not impact site and service substitutions for prior funding years. Applicants may continue to submit prior year site and service substitutions as usual during this time.

FY2017 applicants can begin submitting site and service substitutions again on September 5^th.

FY2017 FCC Form 463, FCC Form 467, and the Telecom Program Invoice: The My Portal updates in August will also impact the submission of FY2017 FCC Form 463, FCC Form 467, and the Telecom Program Invoice. Please keep in mind that FCC Forms 463, 467, and Telecom Program Invoices will not be accepted between August 22^nd and September 4^th. Please make sure to submit these forms prior to August 22^nd, or after September 4^th. Applicants should also refrain from creating any FY2017 FCC Forms 463, FCC Forms 467, and Telecom Program Invoice drafts during this time, as they will no longer be valid after system updates are made.

FY2017 applicants can begin submitting FCC Form 463, FCC Form 467, and Telecom Program Invoice again on September 5^th.

Important Reminders for FY2018

New Extended RHC Help Desk Hours!

Starting August 1^st, the RHC Help Desk hours will be extended from 8:00 a.m. ET – 5:00 p.m. ET to 8:00 a.m. ET – 8:00 p.m. ET. We hope these longer operational hours will help meet the needs of our stakeholders on both coasts, and, in an effort to provide more one-on-one guidance, we are increasing the number of dedicated staff responding to phone calls and emails. Our goal with this expansion is to deliver thorough, helpful answers and guidance to you, faster.

What to Do if You Receive an Information Request

As you submit your FCC Form 462 or 466, please upload all required documentation with your forms. FCC Forms submitted with incomplete or missing documentation will not be reviewed, and RHC reviewers will reach out to all account holders (the primary and all secondary and tertiary account holders associated with that HCP) with a request for additional information (“Information Request”). Information Requests are sent to collect any missing documentation, address deficiencies, or to ask clarifying questions about the FCC Form. If you receive an Information Request, you must respond to it within 14 calendar days. Once you respond, the RHC reviewers will work with you, to the extent they can, to ensure that they have all the necessary documentation to complete their review. Failure to respond within the 14 calendar day timeframe will result in an automatic denial, so be sure to meet that deadline! 

LOA/TPAs Must Be Up to Date

In order to be considered eligible for funding in FY2018, Letters of Agency (LOA) and Third Party Authorizations (TPA) must be up to date through a minimum of FY2018. Be especially mindful if you are an HCP using a consultant, a consortium leader, or a consultant filing on behalf of a consortium leader. Before submitting a form, please check to ensure your authorization documents are up to date.

FCC Forms 462 and 466 submitted with expired LOAs or TPAs will result in applicants receiving Information Requests.

• Download a Sample TPA or Sample LOA

8/3/2018 – News Brief Issued

8/2/2018 – Budget Control Mechanism for the Fourth Quarter of 2018 Now Available

7/31/2018 – FCC Issues Public Notice on Draft ESL for FY2019

On July 30, 2018, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Public Notice (DA 18-789) establishing the comment period for the Funding Year (FY) 2019 Eligible Services List (ESL). Comments on the draft ESL, which is attached to the Public Notice, are due to the FCC on or before August 29, 2018. Reply comments are due to the FCC on or before September 13, 2018. For information on filing comments with the FCC, please refer to the Public Notice.

7/31/2018 – E-File Outage Due to System Maintenance: August 2

USAC's E-Filesystem will be unavailable for all users on Thursday, August 2, 2018, from 8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT, for system maintenance. During this time the E-file login page will be unavailable and users will be unable to file, certify, and search for FCC Forms 498 or 499. All online FCC forms for contributors, service providers, and eligible telecommunications carriers will not be accessible. The E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) will not be affected by this outage. We apologize for any inconvenience.

7/31/2018 – Lifeline Program Newsletter - July 2018

The July 2018 issue of Lifeline Program News is now available. Sign up to receive the newsletter by email in the Subscription Center.

July Headlines:

USAC-Elected Recertification Elections Open
Minimum Service Standards Increase December 1
Universal Forms Requirement in Effect
National Verifier Update
Using Coordinates to Correct AMS Errors
Webinar on August 8: Tribal Mapping Tool Demo

7/30/2018 – August Webinar - Registration is Now Open

Join USAC for the monthly E-rate Program webinar. In August, we will discuss the competitive bidding process.

In this webinar, we will provide information for applicants and service providers about each step in the competitive bidding process including filing and searching for Funding Year 2019 FCC Forms 470, request for proposal (RFP) documents, responding to bids, and more.

7/27/2018 – News Brief Issued

7/26/2018 – Legacy System Outage Due to System Maintenance - July 27-28

The Schools and Libraries (E-rate) Program legacy systems will be unavailable from 9:00 p.m. EDT on Friday, July 27 through 10:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday, July 28 for system maintenance. During this time, users will be unable to file invoices and use some of the search tools. The BEAR training site will also be unavailable. We apologize for any inconvenience.

NOTE: The E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) will not be affected by this maintenance.

7/25/2018 – My Portal System Updates Regarding FY2017 Site and Service Substitutions

The RHC Program will be updating My Portal with FY2017 Funding Cap information during August 2018. Once the system updates are complete, applicants will see updated commitment information, as well as the non-prorated amounts when submitting the FCC Form 463 (Invoice and Disbursement Form) and both the FCC Form 467 (Connection and Certification Form) and Telecom Invoice. This system update will allow applicants to access updated and accurate commitment information for FY2017 funding request numbers (FRNs).

The necessary My Portal system updates will mean that FY2017 site and service substitutions will not be accepted during August. Additionally, site and service substitutions that are in draft status will no longer be valid after system updates are made. We ask that FY2017 applicants submit all site and service substitutions by Tuesday, July 31^st, and refrain from submitting any in the month of August. Please also refrain from creating any draft site and service substitutions in August, as they will not be valid due to system updates. These changes will not impact site and service substitutions for prior years, which will continue to be accepted during August; applicants may continue to submit prior year site and service substitutions as usual during this time.

FY2017 applicants can begin submitting site and service substitutions again in September.

7/25/2018 – E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) Outage Due to System Maintenance: July 29-30

The E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) and the EPC training site will be unavailable from Sunday, July 29 at 7:00 p.m EDT through Monday, July 30 at 1:00 a.m. EDT for monthly system maintenance. During this time, users will be unable to log in to and use EPC. We apologize for any inconvenience.

7/25/2018 – My Portal Outage Due To System Maintenance Thursday, August 2

7/25/2018 – Production Release of LCS v2.4.0

Enhancements to the "Filing History" page in the Lifeline Claims Systems (LCS) were released into the National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) production environment on Monday, July 23, 2018.

In this release, new "search" and "PDF" services were added that enable users to review the history of certified (original and revised) Lifeline claims and to download a printable PDF. 

The list of available claims a user can retrieve, view, and download is dependent on the data month of the claim.

The "Filing History" archive in LCS includes:

      - All 2018 and future original and revised certified claims submitted through LCS 

      - The most recent original or revised certified FCC Forms 497 submitted through E-File (FY 2017 and prior) 

Note: Original and revised paper FCC Forms 497 submitted by email, fax, ore mail are not retrievable in LCS.

Please refer to the LCS User Guide, which is also available in the Lifeline Claims System, and the LCS Upload Validation Rules for details on how to complete the input template.

How to Log In to the Lifeline Claims System

LCS users will log in through the NLAD production environment to access the Lifeline Claims System. The LCS landing page will differ depending on a user's E-File entitlements.

7/24/2018 – National Verifier Service Provider Portal Intermittent Sign-In Issues

7/20/2018 – News Brief Issued

7/20/2018 – E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) Outage Due to System Maintenance: July 22-23

The E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) will be unavailable from Sunday, July 22 at 7:00 p.m EDT through Monday, July 23 at 1:00 a.m. EDT for system maintenance. During this time, users will be unable to log in to and use EPC. We apologize for any inconvenience.

7/19/2018 – Assistance with Filing the FCC Form 470

We have posted a video series on how to file FCC Form 470 for Funding Year 2019, using a single FCC Form 470 as an example from the beginning to the end of the filing process. This video series is located in the Online Learning Library and includes the following:

• Starting Your FCC Form 470
• Service Requests: Category One
• Service Requests: Category Two
• FCC Form 470 Technical Contact, Procurement Information, and Certification
• Post an Additional RFP Document
• How to Search for FCC Forms 470
  

For step-by-step information on filing – including screenshots of each step in the process – we have also posted an FCC Form 470 User Guide. For a list with descriptions of the service type options in Category One, you can refer to the Category One Services Drop-Down Menu Reference Table. 

7/18/2018 – Watch the 2018 Funding Cap Order Informational Webinar Today!

7/16/2018 – Service Providers in National Verifier States Not Required to Perform 2018 Recertification

7/13/2018 – News Brief Issued

7/13/2018 – E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) Outage Due to System Maintenance: July 14-15

The E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) and the EPC training site will be unavailable from Saturday, July 14 at 11:00 p.m EDT through Sunday, July 15 at 4:00 a.m. EDT for system maintenance. During this time, users will be unable to log in to and use EPC. We apologize for any inconvenience.

7/12/2018 – National Verifier Service Provider Portal Issue Resolved

7/12/2018 – Legacy System Outage Due to System Maintenance - July 12

The Schools and Libraries (E-rate) Program legacy systems will be unavailable from 6:00-8:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday, July 12 for system maintenance. During this time, users will be unable to file invoices and use some of the search tools. The BEAR training site will also be unavailable. We apologize for any inconvenience.

NOTE: The E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) will not be affected by this maintenance.

7/10/2018 – My Portal Outage Due To System Maintenance Thursday, July 12

7/9/2018 – Newsletter for July 2018

FCC 2018 RHC Program Funding Cap Order

June 25, 2018 - The FCC has issued an Order that adopts rules to: (1) increase the annual RHC Program funding cap to $571 million and apply it to FY2017; (2) annually adjust the RHC Program funding cap for inflation, beginning with FY2018; and (3) establish a process to carry-forward unused funds from past funding years for use in future funding years. The rules became effective immediately upon publication of the Order in the Federal Register on June 29, 2018.

Read and download the FCC’s RHC 2018 Funding Cap Order and FAQ sheet.

Informational Webinar on the FCC 2018 RHC Program Funding Cap Order

Join us on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. ET.

Register Here!

Can’t make it? Webinar recording and an FAQ fact sheet will be posted on our website.

Please note that the webinar will focus exclusively on USAC's implementation of the Order and no FCC representatives will be participating.

Additional information about what the RHC 2018 Funding Cap Order means for program participants is forthcoming. General guidance for FY2017 and FY2018 funding requests (FCC Form 462 for the HCF Program and FCC Form 466 in the Telecom Program) is below. 

What this means for FY2017: Due to the increase in the RHC Program funding cap for FY2017, all previously approved FY2017 funding requests will receive 100% of their approved funding amount. The proration that was previously applied to FY2017 funding commitments will be removed, and revised Funding Commitment Letters (FCLs) will be issued. Please discontinue invoicing against the previously issued FY2017 FCLs showing prorated commitments at this time. As noted above, we will share additional information about the issuance of revised FY2017 FCLs shortly, including updated invoicing instructions.

What this means for FY2018: As noted in the FCC’s RHC 2018 Funding Cap Order, the RHC Program funding cap for FY2018 will be $581 million, adjusted for inflation. As a reminder, the FY2018 filing window closed on Friday, June 29, 2018. Applicants are unable to submit funding requests at this time.

Important Reminders for FY2018

What to Do if You Receive an Information Request

As you submit your FCC Form 462 or 466, please upload all required documentation with your forms. FCC Forms submitted with incomplete or missing documentation will not be reviewed, and RHC reviewers will reach out to all account holders (the primary and all secondary and tertiary account holders associated with that HCP) with a request for additional information (“Information Request”). Information Requests are sent to collect any missing documentation, address deficiencies, or to ask clarifying questions about the FCC Form. If you receive an Information Request, you must respond to it within 14 calendar days. Once you respond, the RHC reviewers will work with you, to the extent they can, to ensure that they have all the necessary documentation to complete their review. Failure to respond within the 14 calendar day timeframe will result in an automatic denial, so be sure to meet that deadline! 

LOA/TPAs Must Be Up to Date

In order to be considered eligible for funding in FY2018, Letters of Agency (LOA) and Third Party Authorizations (TPA) must be up to date through a minimum of FY2018. Be especially mindful if you are an HCP using a consultant, a consortium leader, or a consultant filing on behalf of a consortium leader. Before submitting a form, please check to ensure your authorization documents are up to date.

FCC Forms 462 and 466 submitted with expired LOAs or TPAs will result in applicants receiving Information Requests.

• Download a Sample TPA or Sample LOA

7/3/2018 – Carriers May Now Certify Form 481

7/3/2018 – News Brief Issued

6/29/2018 – News Brief Issued

6/29/2018 – Lifeline Program Newsletter - June 2018

The June 2018 issue of Lifeline Program News is now available. Sign up to receive the newsletter by email in the Subscription Center. 

 June Headlines:

• National Verifier is Live in First-Wave States
  
• Lifeline Support Center Updated Call Center Hours
  
• Reminder: Universal Forms Requirement Begins July 1
• USAC-Elected Recertification Elections for 2019 Opens July 16
  
• Webinar on July 11: USAC-Elected Recertification
  

6/29/2018 – E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) Outage Due to System Maintenance: Saturday, June 30

The E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) will be unavailable starting Saturday, June 30, from 10:00 p.m. EDT through midnight EDT for monthly system maintenance. During this time, users will be unable to log in to and use EPC. We apologize for any inconvenience.

6/28/2018 – E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) Outage Due to System Maintenance: Thursday, June 28

The E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) will be unavailable starting Thursday, June 28, from 10:00 p.m. EDT through midnight EDT for monthly system maintenance. During this time, users will be unable to log in to and use EPC. We apologize for any inconvenience.

6/27/2018 – E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) Outage Due to System Maintenance: July 1-2

The E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) and the EPC training site will be unavailable from Sunday, July 1 at 7:00 p.m EDT through Monday, July 2 at 1:00 a.m. EDT for monthly system maintenance. During this time, users will be unable to log in to and use EPC. We apologize for any inconvenience.

6/26/2018 – Alaska Plan Middle Mile Data Filing Deadline Extended to August 1

6/25/2018 – FCC RHC 2018 Funding Cap Order

June 25, 2018 - The FCC has issued an Order that adopts rules to: (1) increase the annual RHC Program funding cap to $571 million and apply it to FY2017; (2) annually adjust the RHC Program funding cap for inflation, beginning with FY2018; and (3) establish a process to carry-forward unused funds from past funding years for use in future funding years. The rules shall become effective immediately upon publication of the Order in the Federal Register.

You can read and download the FCC’s RHC 2018 Funding Cap Order HERE.

Join us for an informational webinar on the FCC 2018 RHC Funding Cap Order
When: Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.
Register today!
Can't make it? The webinar recording and an FAQ sheet will be posted to our website.

Additional information about what the 2018 Funding Cap Order means for program participants is forthcoming. General guidance for FY2017 and FY2018 funding requests (FCC Form 462 for the HCF Program and FCC Form 466 in the Telecom Program) is below. 

What this means for FY2017: Due to the increase in the RHC Program funding cap for FY2017, all previously approved FY2017 funding requests will receive 100% of their approved funding amount.  The proration that was previously applied to FY2017 funding commitments will be removed, and revised Funding Commitment Letters (FCLs) will be issued.  Please discontinue invoicing against the previously issued FY2017 FCLs showing prorated commitments at this time.  As noted above, we will share additional information about the issuance of revised FY2017 FCLs shortly, including updated invoicing instructions.  Program participants are also invited to join an informational webinar on July 10, 2018.

What this means for FY2018: As noted in the FCC’s RHC 2018 Funding Cap Order, the RHC Program funding cap for FY2018 will be $581 million, adjusted for inflation. As a reminder, the FY2018 filing window closes on Friday, June 29, 2018. To be considered eligible for funding, you must submit your funding requests (FCC Form 462 for the HCF Program and FCC Form 466 in the Telecom Program) by the close of the FY2018 filing window on June 29, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Funding requests submitted after the close of the FY2018 filing window will not be accepted. Submit your funding requests as soon as possible to avoid experiencing any last-minute challenges.

6/22/2018 – News Brief Issued

6/20/2018 – FCC Announces 3rd Quarter 2018 Contribution Factor Decrease to 17.9 Percent

6/20/2018 – June 2018 Contributor Invoice Summary Now Available Online

The June 2018 invoice summary for contributors is now online and available for filers to view in E-File. 

Watch this quick video to learn how to access your online invoice summary.