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8/17/2018 – National Verifier, NLAD, and LCS Connectivity and Login Issues

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.

7/30/2018 – 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 – UPDATE - National Verifier Service Provider Portal Intermittent Sign-In Issues

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.

6/18/2018 – USAC Announces National Verifier Soft Launch

6/18/2018 – Legacy System Outage Due to System Maintenance - June 18

The Schools and Libraries (E-rate) Program legacy systems will be unavailable from 6:00-8:00 p.m. EDT on Monday, June 18 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.

6/15/2018 – News Brief Issued

6/14/2018 – Newsletter for June 2018

Upcoming Deadline Reminder: FY2018 Filing Window Closes June 29, 2018

The FY2018 filing window closes in two weeks, on Friday, June 29, 2018. To be considered eligible for funding, you must submit your funding requests (FCC Forms 462 for the HCF Program and FCC Forms 466 for the Telecom Program) by the close of the filing window on June 29, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Funding requests submitted after June 29, 2018 will not be accepted.

We would like to remind applicants to submit their funding request forms as soon as possible, so as to avoid running into any last minute challenges, such as system issues or password resets.

View our how-to guides and tip sheets to assist you during the submission process:

• Funding request summary
• Funding Request Best Practices webinar recording, slides, and FAQs
• Guide for FY2017 applicants
• Urban and rural rate guidance (Telecom Program only)

For more information on submitting funding requests:

• Individual HCPs applying in the HCF Program
• Consortia applying in the HCF Program
• HCPs applying in the Telecom Program

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
• For more information about submitting LOAs, please see the submission guide.

FY2017 Information

FY2017 Funding Information Available Now

FY2017 funding information was announced on March 16, 2018 and is available on our website here. Following the announcement, the RHC Program hosted a webinar further explaining the funding breakdown. The recording and slides are available on our website here: FY2017 Funding Information Webinar. 

Did you receive your FY2017 Funding Commitment Letter (FCL)? Download our How to Read your FY2017 FCL tip sheet. 

6/8/2018 – News Brief Issued

6/7/2018 – Rate Floor Data Due July 2, 2018

Incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) receiving High Cost support must file their annual rate floor data with USAC by July 2, 2018. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules require carriers to report all residential rates in their service areas that fall below a minimum amount called the "rate floor," along with the number of lines served at those rates. The rate floor is currently set at $18.

Carriers must submit rates that met this criteria as June 1, 2018 by Monday, July 2, 2018. Carriers should use the rate floor data collection report and certification form on the High Cost Forms page and submit it via email to USAC at hccerts@usac.org. Carriers must also file this information with the FCC, relevant state commissions and U.S. Territory or Tribal governments as appropriate.   

6/7/2018 – FCC Extends Form 481 Deadline to July 16, 2018

6/1/2018 – News Brief Issued

6/1/2018 – E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) Outage Due to System Maintenance: June 3-4

The E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) and the EPC training site will be unavailable from Sunday, June 3 at 7:00 p.m EDT through Monday, June 4 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.

5/31/2018 – FCC Form 471 Data Tools Outage Resolved

5/30/2018 – My Portal Outage Due to System Maintenance Thursday, May 31

5/30/2018 – Lifeline Program Newsletter - May 2018

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

 May Headlines:

• Have You Started Using the New, Universal Lifeline Consumer Forms?
• Mark Your Calendar: Enrollment in 2019 USAC-Elected Recertification Opens in July
• Changes to NLAD Account Management Structure: One "ETC Admin" per SPIN
• Notable updates to the NLAD and LCS Systems 
• USF Funds Have Transferred to the U.S. Treasury
• Lifeline's Document Retention Rules
• Webinar on May 30: Universal Consumer Forms
• Webinar on June 13: Annual Recertification Process

5/30/2018 – NLAD 3.20.0 Production Release

NLAD version 3.20.0 was released into the Production environment today, May 30, 2018.

A new third-party identification verification (TPIV) checking process in the National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) was released that will prevent NLAD users from enrolling deceased subscribers in the Lifeline Program.

This code was previously released to the pre-production environment in early May and is now available in the production environment.

Two New UI Error Messages:

New error message during verify transactions

      "TPIV WebService: Subscriber is identified as deceased" 

New error message during enroll and transfer transactions

      "TPIV_FAIL_DECEASED: Subscriber is identified as deceased" 

One New API Error Message:

"TPIV_FAIL_DECEASED: Subscriber is identified as deceased" 

One New Argument for POST/Resolution/Submit Request:

      Field name: fullNameDeceasedTCode
      Field description: Full Name Deceased Error Resolution Code
      Data description: Resolution error codes are required to complete a dispute resolution submission.
      These codes reference specific NLAD failures relating to third party identity verification (TPIV) errors.
      Required status: Conditional  Conditional requirements: Required if transaction error =
      TPIV_FAIL_DECEASED
      Type: Alpha-numeric
      Format: T14, T16, T18, T19, T20, T21, T22

Questions about NLAD?

If you have any questions, contact us at NLADSupport@usac.org or (877) 524-1325.  

5/25/2018 – News Brief Issued

5/24/2018 – Update on NLAD Performance

5/23/2018 – Legacy System Outage Due to System Maintenance - May 24

The Schools and Libraries (E-rate) Program legacy systems will be unavailable from 6:00-9:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday, May 24 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.

5/21/2018 – E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) Outage Due to System Maintenance: Monday, May 21

The E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) will be unavailable starting Monday, May 21, from 7:00 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.

5/21/2018 – My Portal Outage Due to System Maintenance Tuesday, May 29

5/18/2018 – News Brief Issued

5/18/2018 – Legacy System Outage Due to System Maintenance - May 18-19

The Schools and Libraries (E-rate) Program legacy systems will be unavailable from 8:00 p.m. EDT on Friday, May 18 through 2:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday, May 19 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.

5/18/2018 – May 2018 Contributor Invoice Summary Now Available Online

The May 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

5/16/2018 – Scheduled System Maintenance on Friday, May 18 + "Confirm Link Up" Back Online

5/11/2018 – News Brief Issued

5/10/2018 – E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) Outage Due to System Maintenance: May 11-12

The E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) will be unavailable from Friday, May 11 at 7:00 p.m EDT through Saturday, May 12 at 11:00 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.

5/10/2018 – E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) *TRAINING SITE* Outage Due to System Maintenance: May 10-11

The E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) *TRAINING SITE* will be unavailable from Thursday, May 10 at 7:00 p.m. EDT through Friday, May 11 at 10:00 a.m. EDT for system maintenance. During this time, users will be unable to log in to and use the training site. We apologize for any inconvenience.

5/9/2018 – Reminder: Request for Proposal (RFP) Opt-Out Available for FY2018

As mentioned in our Request for Services webinar, HCF Program applicants may choose to bypass the formal USAC RFP review when submitting their FCC Form 461. During the formal RFP review, RHC identifies areas of potential non-compliance with competitive bidding requirements and makes recommendations. Watch the webinar and download the slides and summary here. 

To opt-out of this formal review, applicants must email rhc-assist@usac.org at the time of FCC Form 461 submission.  

For more information about RFPs, please download the RFP Checklist. 

5/8/2018 – Temporary Fix for Time-Outs + "Confirm Link Up" is Disabled

Update to Enhance NLAD Performance

USAC is aware of the slow performance and time-outs that certain users are experiencing today in the National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD).

In response, USAC is temporarily disabling the "Confirm Link Up" functionality, which will increase the system's performance. Users will notice increased system performance shortly.

"Confirm Link Up" Function Disabled

To alleviate slow performance and time-outs in the NLAD system, USAC is disabling the "Confirm Link Up" functionality this afternoon, until mid-next week. 

The "Confirm Link Up" functionality verifies whether a subscriber already received Link Up at their address, and does not impact NLAD users' ability to enroll subscribers in Link Up. If a user attempts to use the "Confirm Link Up" functionality, they will receive an error message stating "Service Temporarily Unavailable."

The "Confirm Link Up" function will be available again mid-next week, once a permanent fix for NLAD's performance issues is in place.

We apologize for this inconvenience.

Questions about NLAD?

If you have any questions, contact us at NLADSupport@usac.org or (877) 524-1325.

5/4/2018 – My Portal Browser Issue

5/4/2018 – News Brief Issued

5/3/2018 – Newsletter for May 2018

Recommended Submission Milestones Approaching

To ensure that you stay on track with your forms and are able to submit your funding request before the FY2018 filing window closes, USAC has developed recommended submission milestones for all HCF and Telecom program forms. These milestones account for both the minimum competitive bidding time required under RHC Program rules and time for USAC review:

• For individual HCPs and consortia in the HCF Program NOT using an RFP: we recommend submitting your FCC Form 461 by May 14, 2018.
• For HCPs in the Telecom Program: we recommend submitting your FCC Form 465 by May 14, 2018. 

Please note that these suggested submission dates, not deadlines enforced by RHC Program rules. View all the recommended submission milestones for FY2018.

FY2018 Filing Window Closes June 29, 2018

The FY2018 filing window has been extended through June 29, 2018, giving applicants additional time to submit their FY2018 funding requests. To be considered eligible for funding, you must submit your funding requests (FCC Forms 462 for the HCF Program and FCC Forms 466 in the Telecom Program) by the close of the window on June 29, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Funding requests submitted after June 29, 2018 will not be accepted.

View our how-to guides and tip sheets to assist you during the submission process:

• Funding request summary
• Funding Request Best Practices webinar recording, slides, and FAQs
• Guide for FY2017 applicants
• Urban and rural rate guidance (Telecom Program only)

Read more about funding requests:

• Individual HCPs applying in the HCF Program
• Consortia applying in the HCF Program
• HCPs applying in the Telecom Program

FY2017 Funding and Proration Information Available Now

USAC announced FY2017 funding and proration information on March 16, 2018 and this information is available on our website here. Following the announcement, the RHC Program hosted a webinar for individuals who received an FCL further explaining the proration factors and funding breakdown. The recording and slides are available on our website: FY2017 Funding Information Webinar.

Did you receive your FY2017 Funding Commitment Letter (FCL)? Download our How to Read your FY2017 FCL tip sheet. 

Important Reminders for FY2018

New Resource! Competitive Bidding FAQ: For FCC Forms 461 & FCC Forms 465 that receive one or zero bids, we have posted a printable PDF with best practices and answers to common questions. 

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. Forms submitted with incomplete or missing documentation cannot be reviewed, and RHC reviewers will reach out to account holders with a request for additional information (an “Information Request”). RHC will also reach out with Information Requests to clarify specific items related to an application. If you receive an Information Request, you must respond to it within 14 calendar days. If requesting an extension, RHC must receive your request via email prior to the 14 calendar day deadline. Once you respond, the reviewers will be happy to work with you to ensure that they have all the necessary documentation to complete their review. Failure to respond in some fashion within the 14 calendar day timeframe results in a 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 Funding Year 2018. 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
• For more information about submitting LOAs, please see the submission guide.

Service Provider FY2017 Voluntary Price Reductions per FCC 17-164

In December 2017, the FCC issued a waiver allowing, but not requiring, service providers to lower the cost of service on a one-time basis for HCPs which requested Telecom and/or HCF program support in FY2017. Under this order, the amount of RHC Program funding committed would not change, but service providers may voluntarily reduce the cost of service for HCPs up to the amount by which their RHC Program support was impacted by proration in FY2017.

This order does not affect FY2018 funding requests or funding determinations in any way. HCPs and service providers should determine on their own whether they want to participate. If a service provider reduces its rate downward, that change will not affect the original FCL or any of the language or dollar amounts located therein.

If you decide to take advantage of this waiver, you must notify USAC within 90 days of receiving your FY2017 FCL. Documentation should be emailed to RHC-Assist@usac.org. The email should include the following subject line: “FY17 Service Provider Voluntary Price Reductions [include FRN no.]”

Please include the following information in your email:

A statement signed by the service provider and the HCP detailing the reduction in cost of service. Specifically, this statement must include:

• Date
• HCP name
• HCP number
• Funding Request Number (FRN)
• Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN)
• Total cost to be remitted by HCP to the service provider
• Affirmative statement detailing the nature and impact regarding a reduction in the cost of service

A record or documentation from the service provider to the HCP that memorializes the reduction in the cost of service, to include:

• Type of Service
• Cost of Service
• Dates of Service

If you have any questions about service provider voluntary reductions, please email RHC-Assist@usac.org.

USF Disbursements Will Now Be Coming from the U.S. Treasury

As of May 2018, USAC will accept payments to and distribute funds from the U.S. Treasury. Note: This is not a change to USAC’s administration of the universal service fund (USF). 

For those service providers in the RHC Program receiving disbursements from USAC, no changes are needed. Disbursements will come from the U.S. Treasury, continue to be made via ACH transfers, and continue to be identified as coming from USAC. In the Rural Health Care Program, invoices that are approved by USAC are typically processed on the upcoming payment batch date, which occur on the 6th and the 21st of each month. If the payment batch date falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment batch date will be on the next business day.

Service providers can expect the payment from the approved submitted invoices to USAC to be reflected in their bank accounts approximately three business days after the payment batch date.

5/2/2018 – NLAD Service Temporarily Restored; Additional Maintenance Tonight

NLAD & LCS Service Restored Temporarily

The National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) and Lifeline Claims System (LCS) is back in service temporarily this afternoon and will remain available until 9:00 p.m. ET.

Transaction reports will not be available during this time. Additional maintenance is required to restore report functionality; USAC will conduct additional unscheduled maintenance tonight, May 2, starting at 9:00 p.m. ET.

Early Reimbursement Payment Deadline Extension

The deadline to submit Lifeline reimbursement claims and receive same-month payment will be extended until Thursday, May 10.                     
Unscheduled Maintenance Tonight, May 2

The National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) and the Lifeline Claims System (LCS) will be unavailable due to unscheduled system maintenance tonight, Wednesday, May 2, 2018, from 9:00 p.m. ET to 9:00 am ET on Thursday, May 3, 2018.

We sincerely apologize for the disruption. 

5/2/2018 – E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) Outage Due to System Maintenance: Sunday, May 6

The E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) will be unavailable starting Sunday, May 6, from 7:00 p.m EDT through midnight EDT for monthly system maintenance. During this time, users will be unable to log in to and use EPC.

The EPC training site will also be unavailable during this time. We apologize for any inconvenience.

5/2/2018 – NLAD & LCS Out of Service

NLAD & LCS Out of Service

The National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) and Lifeline Claims System (LCS) are out of service at this time. We will provide another update as soon as possible.

Additional maintenance is required to restore report functionality; USAC will conduct additional unscheduled maintenance tonight, May 2, starting at 9:00 p.m. ET.

Early Reimbursement Payment Deadline Extension

The deadline to submit Lifeline reimbursement claims and receive same-month payment will be extended. We will announce the new early payment deadline once NLAD and the LCS are functioning normally.

Unscheduled Maintenance Tonight, May 2

The National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) and the Lifeline Claims System (LCS) will be unavailable due to unscheduled system maintenance tonight, Wednesday, May 2, 2018, from 9:00 p.m. ET to 9:00 am ET on Thursday, May 3, 2018.

We sincerely apologize for this disruption and are working diligently to resolve the issue. 

5/2/2018 – NLAD Unscheduled Maintenance until Noon ET

5/1/2018 – Update + Unscheduled System Maintenance Tonight

NLAD and LCS Update

The National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) is back in service. To resume service, USAC disabled the NLAD transaction reports (both the Summary and Detailed Transaction Reports), which will not be available for use today.

The May 1 NLAD Snapshot Reports are available in NLAD now; however, the data will not be available in the Lifeline Claims System (LCS) for some users until later today.

USAC is working to increase the performance of transactions, and will closely monitor NLAD today and tomorrow. To fix the issues with transaction reports, USAC is conducting unscheduled NLAD maintenance today, May 1, 2018. Access to the reports will be restored tomorrow, May 2.

Unscheduled NLAD Maintenance Today, May 1

The National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) will be unavailable due to unscheduled system maintenance today, Tuesday, May 1, 2018, from 6 p.m. ET to Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at 6 a.m. ET.

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

We apologize for the inconvenience and early maintenance start time. The start time was selected due to the complexity of the issue, and the length of time required to fix it.

Questions about NLAD?

If you have any questions, contact us at NLADSupport@usac.org or (877) 524-1325.

5/1/2018 – NLAD Currently Down

The National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) is currently out of service. USAC is aware of the issue and is actively working toward a resolution. We will provide an update shortly.

Questions about NLAD?

If you have any questions, contact us at NLADSupport@usac.org or (877) 524-1325.

5/1/2018 – My Portal Outage Due to System Maintenance Thursday May 3, 2018

5/1/2018 – Budget Control Mechanism for 2018-2019 Now Available

4/30/2018 – NLAD Intermittent Connectivity Issues

The National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) experienced intermittent connectivity issues between 2:45 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. ET. This was affecting some users' ability to conduct transactions in NLAD and was causing slow response times to API requests.

USAC is actively working to resolve the issue and is closely monitoring the system as we resolve the underlying problems which caused performance issues over the last week.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

Questions about NLAD? 

If you have any questions, contact us at NLADSupport@usac.org or (877) 524-1325.

4/27/2018 – News Brief Issued

4/26/2018 – HUBB Outage Due to System Maintenance: Friday, April 27

4/26/2018 – Legacy System Outage Due to System Maintenance - April 27-28

The Schools and Libraries (E-rate) Program legacy systems will be unavailable from 8:00 PM EDT on Friday, April 27 through 2:00 AM EDT on Saturday, April 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.

4/25/2018 – My Portal Outage Due to System Maintenance, Friday April 27, through Saturday, April 28, 2018

4/24/2018 – Scheduled System Maintenance on Thursday, April 26 & Friday, April 27

Scheduled System Maintenance on Thursday, April 26

The National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) will be unavailable due to scheduled system maintenance on Thursday, April 26 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET.

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

Monthly Scheduled System Maintenance on Friday, April 27

The National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) will be unavailable due to monthly scheduled system maintenance starting Friday, April 27 at 10 p.m. until Saturday, April 28 at 2 a.m. ET.

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

For a full calendar list of scheduled maintenance, visit the Maintenance Schedule page on the Lifeline Program website. 

4/24/2018 – Special Edition News Brief Issued

4/23/2018 – Lifeline Program Newsletter - April 2018

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

April Headlines:

• Universal Consumer Forms Requirements
• FCC Form 555 Revisions for Hurricane-Affected Areas
• NLAD Tribal Verification Map - Work in Progress
• Lifeline Resources for Beginners
• Notable Updates to the NLAD + LCS Systems
• FCC Form 481 Now Available; Due July 2
• Webinar on May 9: Universal Consumer Forms