SLD Program Review

1
SLD Program Review

Train-the-Trainer Workshop September 17-18,
2001 Schools Libraries Division, USAC
2
SLD Program Overview

• From Technology Planning to Payment or
  Reimbursement for Discounted Services
• See Process Chart

3
(No Transcript)
4
SLD Program Overview

• Discounts available on three types of services
• Telecommunications Services
• Internet Access
• Internal Connections

5
SLD Program Overview

• Why These Services?
• Purpose of fund is affordable access to advanced
  telecommunications services by schools and
  libraries down to the classroom level
• Focus of program is on infrastructure and
  transport, NOT content and end-user equipment

6
SLD Program Overview

• Eligible Schools Libraries apply for discounts
  through the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD)
  of the Universal Service Administrative Company
  (USAC) which also administers
• Rural Health Care Program
• High Cost Program
• Low Income Program

7
SLD Program Overview

• Apply each year to request funds
• Funding level capped annually at 2.25 Billion
• Application process significantly in advance of
  discounts or reimbursements
• Rules of Priority
• Priority 1 Telecommunications Services and
  Internet Access
• Priority 2 Internal Connections

8
SLD Program Overview

• FUNDING PRIORITIES
• Established by the FCC in June 1998 for use when
  demand for E-rate discounts exceeds available
  funding
• PRIORITY ONE Telecommunications Services and
  Internet Access
• All approved funding requests will be funded at
  all discount levels if funds are available
• PRIORITY TWO Internal Connections
• Funds go first to neediest applicants (90
  discount level), then to others in order of
  discount until funds are exhausted

9
SLD Program Overview

• Program Eligibility Issues
• Eligible Entities
• Eligible Purpose (Educational)
• Eligible Services

10
SLD Program OverviewEligible Entities

• Eligible Entities--Schools
• Schools must meet the statutory definition of an
  elementary or secondary school found in the
  Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
• Must not operate as a for-profit business
• Must not have an endowment exceeding 50 million

11
SLD Program OverviewEligible Entities

• Eligible Entities--Schools
• Statutory Definitions in ESEA
• The term elementary school means a nonprofit
  institutional day or residential school,
  including a public elementary charter school,
  that provides elementary education, as determined
  under state law.
• The term secondary school means a nonprofit
  institutional day or residential school,
  including a public secondary charter school, that
  provides secondary education, as determined under
  state law, except that such term does not include
  any education beyond grade 12.
• Note that under some state laws, Pre-K, Adult Ed,
  and/or Juvenile Justice schools may be included.

12
SLD Program OverviewEligible Entities

• Eligible Entities--Libraries
• Must meet the statutory definition of library or
  library consortium found in the Library Services
  and Technology Act and must be eligible for
  assistance from a state library administrative
  agency under that Act.
• A librarys eligibility for universal service
  funding also depends on its funding as an
  independent entity.
• Only libraries whose budgets are completely
  separate from any schools (including, but not
  limited to, elementary and secondary schools,
  colleges, and universities) shall be eligible to
  receive discounted services from the universal
  service support mechanism.
• Libraries operating as for-profit businesses
  shall not be eligible for discounts.

13
SLD Program OverviewEligible Entities

• Library. A library includes
• a public library
• a public elementary school or secondary school
  library
• an academic library
• a research library, which for the purposes of
  this definition means a library that
• Makes publicly available library services and
  materials suitable for scholarly research and not
  otherwise available to the public and
• Is not an integral part of an institution of
  higher education and
• a private library, but only if the state in which
  such private library is located determines that
  the library should be considered a library for
  the purposes of this definition.

14
SLD Program OverviewEligible Entities

• Library consortium. A library consortium is
  any local, statewide, regional, or interstate
  cooperative association of libraries that
  provides for the systematic and effective
  coordination of the resources of schools, public,
  academic, and special libraries and information
  centers, for improving services to the clientele
  of such libraries.

15
SLD Program OverviewEligible Entities

• Consortium
• Of Eligible Schools and/or Libraries
• Of Eligible and Ineligible Entities
• Ineligible Entities would pay the lower
  pre-discount prices
• Only Eligible Schools and Libraries would receive
  the added benefit of universal service discount
  mechanisms

16
SLD Program OverviewEligible Purpose

• Educational purpose is defined as
• The primary purpose of the services for which
  support is sought must be the delivery of
  services into classrooms or other places of
  instruction at schools and libraries that meet
  the statutory definition of an eligible
  institution. Support for the administrative
  functions of a library or education program is
  permitted so long as the services are part of the
  network of shared services for learning.
  Universal service support will be limited to
  services delivered to the onsite educational
  facility or facilities. Services at a personal
  residence or at locations that do not host places
  of instruction or are not accessible to library
  patrons, with the exception of a centralized
  district office or similar facility, are not
  eligible for support.

17
SLD Program OverviewEligible Services

• No end user equipment (phones, fax machines)
• Telecommunications Services
• Basic Telecommunications Services (local long
  distance voice services)
• Advanced Telecommunications Services (T-1, ATM,
  Frame Relay, etc.)
• See eligible services presentation and list for
  more detail

18
SLD Program OverviewEligible Services

• Internet Access Services
• Special Rules regarding Internet Content
• Generally no content supported
• Bundled must show that approach is most
  cost-effective
• See eligible services presentation and list for
  more detail

19
SLD Program OverviewEligible Services

• Internal Connections
• Wiring
• Routers
• Switches
• Hubs
• Network servers
• System software
• Wireless LANs
• Private branch exchange (PBX)
• See eligible services presentation and list for
  more detail

20
SLD Program OverviewEligible Services

• Eligible Services List provides detail about
  specific services
• Updated periodically
• List is available on web site
• If service is NOT on list
• Assume it is not eligible
• When in doubt, break it out! If you want to
  request discounts on a service of questionable
  eligibility, include it as a SEPARATE Funding
  Request

21
SLD Program Overview Establishing Discount

• National School Lunch Program Eligibility
• Information needed for each school
• Usually available at school district level OR
  from state
• Libraries use data from local school district(s)
  in which they are located

22
SLD Program Overview Establishing Discount

• Officially sanctioned measures exist for
  alternative methods of determining poverty
  levels.
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Need-based tuition assistance programs that rely
  on family income data comparable to NSLP
• Medicaid
• Food stamps
• Supplementary Security Income
• Federal public housing assistance (Section 8)
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

23
SLD Program Overview Establishing Discount
of Students Eligible for Natl School Lunch
Program
Discounts
24
Develop a Technology Plan
After Form 470 is posted, wait at least 28 days
before negotiating a contract or agreement
Program Integrity Assurance review
Receive discounts on bills or reimbursement by
check or credit
Problem Resolution (manual filing)
Form 470 Services Requested
Form 471 Services Ordered
Form 486 Services Confirmed
Applicant
AP 486 Ltr
RNL
RAL
FCDL AP Ltr
(AP copy)
BEAR Approval Ltr
Form 472 BEAR Form
FCDL SP Ltr
SP 486 Ltr
OR
Form 474 SP Invoice Form
Service Provider
Form 498 Apply for SPIN
Form 473 Annual Cert
(if not done previously)
Check filed Forms 470, contact applicants and
respond with bids
Negotiate a contract or agreement
Assist with Program Integrity Assurance review
BEAR or SPIF invoice review (correct errors /
resubmit if needed)
Receive USAC remittance statement and payment
25
SLD Program OverviewTechnology Plan

• Five SLD technology plan criteria
• Goals and Objectives
• Professional Development
• Needs Assessment
• Budget
• Evaluation
• Vendors cannot write or approve technology plans
• No Tech plan required for basic telephone
  services
• Tech plans approved for no more than 3 years

26
SLD Program OverviewTechnology Plan

• Tech Plan Approvers Certified by SLD
• State Education and Library Agencies
• Some nonpublic school associations
• Agree to evaluate Tech Plans for relevant
  criteria
• Agree to limit length of tech plans to three
  years
• Call Client Service Bureau for assistance in
  locating certified approver

27
Develop a Technology Plan
After Form 470 is posted, wait at least 28 days
before negotiating a contract or agreement
Program Integrity Assurance review
Receive discounts on bills or reimbursement by
check or credit
Problem Resolution (manual filing)
Form 470 Services Requested
Form 471 Services Ordered
Form 486 Services Confirmed
Applicant
AP 486 Ltr
RNL
RAL
FCDL AP Ltr
(AP copy)
BEAR Approval Ltr
Form 472 BEAR Form
FCDL SP Ltr
SP 486 Ltr
OR
Form 474 SP Invoice Form
Service Provider
Form 498 Apply for SPIN
Form 473 Annual Cert
(if not done previously)
Check filed Forms 470, contact applicants and
respond with bids
Negotiate a contract or agreement
Assist with Program Integrity Assurance review
BEAR or SPIF invoice review (correct errors /
resubmit if needed)
Receive USAC remittance statement and payment
28
SLD Program OverviewForm 470

• See Form 470 Step-by-Step Description of
  Services Requested and Certification
  presentation for details on filling out the form
  (Notebook Tab 2)

29
SLD Program OverviewForm 470

• File Form 470 to begin the required competitive
  bidding process
• Requests for tariffed or month-to-month services
  and requests for new contractual services must be
  posted on the SLD web site for a period of at
  least 28 days before you can select a vendor,
  before you can enter into a contract or
  agreement, and before you can sign and postmark
  the Form 471 (after the opening of the
  application window)
• File Form 470 for tariffed and/or month-to-month
  services each year
• File Form 470 just once for each multi-year
  contract

30
SLD Program OverviewForm 470

• Description of Needs (Wish List)
• File online or on paper

31
470 Online Demonstration
32
Develop a Technology Plan
After Form 470 is posted, wait at least 28 days
before negotiating a contract or agreement
Program Integrity Assurance review
Receive discounts on bills or reimbursement by
check or credit
Problem Resolution (manual filing)
Form 470 Services Requested
Form 471 Services Ordered
Form 486 Services Confirmed
Applicant
AP 486 Ltr
RNL
RAL
FCDL AP Ltr
(AP copy)
BEAR Approval Ltr
Form 472 BEAR Form
FCDL SP Ltr
SP 486 Ltr
OR
Form 474 SP Invoice Form
Service Provider
Form 498 Apply for SPIN
Form 473 Annual Cert
(if not done previously)
Check filed Forms 470, contact applicants and
respond with bids
Negotiate a contract or agreement
Assist with Program Integrity Assurance review
BEAR or SPIF invoice review (correct errors /
resubmit if needed)
Receive USAC remittance statement and payment
33
SLD Program Overview470 Receipt Notification
Letter

• Confirms receipt of Form 470
• Provides Form 470 Application Number assigned by
  the SLD
• Provides the date the Form 470 was posted to the
  web site
• Provides Allowable Vendor Selection/Contract Date
  (28-days after 470 is posted)
• Provides receipt status of Block 5 certification
  page

34
Develop a Technology Plan
After Form 470 is posted, wait at least 28 days
before negotiating a contract or agreement
Program Integrity Assurance review
Receive discounts on bills or reimbursement by
check or credit
Problem Resolution (manual filing)
Form 470 Services Requested
Form 471 Services Ordered
Form 486 Services Confirmed
Applicant
AP 486 Ltr
RNL
RAL
FCDL AP Ltr
(AP copy)
BEAR Approval Ltr
Form 472 BEAR Form
FCDL SP Ltr
SP 486 Ltr
OR
Form 474 SP Invoice Form
Service Provider
Form 498 Apply for SPIN
Form 473 Annual Cert
(if not done previously)
Check filed Forms 470, contact applicants and
respond with bids
Negotiate a contract or agreement
Assist with Program Integrity Assurance review
BEAR or SPIF invoice review (correct errors /
resubmit if needed)
Receive USAC remittance statement and payment
35
WAIT 28 DAYS!!!!!
36
Develop a Technology Plan
After Form 470 is posted, wait at least 28 days
before negotiating a contract or agreement
Program Integrity Assurance review
Receive discounts on bills or reimbursement by
check or credit
Problem Resolution (manual filing)
Form 470 Services Requested
Form 471 Services Ordered
Form 486 Services Confirmed
Applicant
AP 486 Ltr
RNL
RAL
FCDL AP Ltr
(AP copy)
BEAR Approval Ltr
Form 472 BEAR Form
FCDL SP Ltr
SP 486 Ltr
OR
Form 474 SP Invoice Form
Service Provider
Form 498 Apply for SPIN
Form 473 Annual Cert
(if not done previously)
Check filed Forms 470, contact applicants and
respond with bids
Negotiate a contract or agreement
Assist with Program Integrity Assurance review
BEAR or SPIF invoice review (correct errors /
resubmit if needed)
Receive USAC remittance statement and payment
37
SLD Program OverviewForm 471

• See Form 471 Step-by-Step Description of
  Services Ordered and Certification presentation
  for details on filling out the form (Notebook Tab
  3)

38
SLD Program OverviewForm 471

• Timely, Predictable Application Window For Form
  471
• Window opens in early November and closes in
  mid-January (actual dates posted annually on web
  site)
• Application window applies only to Form 471.
  Form 470, if required, can be filed at any time
  as long as it meets posting requirements. (See
  Slide 29)
• Forms 471 postmarked within the application
  window will be treated as though simultaneously
  received

39
SLD Program OverviewForm 471

• FILE ONLINE to speed processing and receipt of
  your Funding Commitment Decision Letter
• Features of Online Form 471
• Mac or PC Platform
• Netscape or Internet Explorer, v. 4.x or higher
• Automated calculations for discounts based on
  data entered by client
• Customized screen based on application type
  school, school district, library (outlet/branch,
  system), consortium

40
SLD Program OverviewForm 471

• Must have legally binding agreement with service
  provider before filing Form 471
• The earliest date that a Form 471 can be filed
  will be the date established by the SLD as the
  opening of the Form 471 application window
• Make sure to list alternate contact information
  in Block 1, Item 6f so that we can reach you to
  continue the processing of your application

41
SLD Program OverviewForm 471

• For those filing electronically
• MAKE CERTAIN THAT YOUR FORM 471 APPLICATION
  NUMBER IS INDICATED ON THE CERTIFICATION PAGE AND
  ON THE ITEM 21 ATTACHMENT SO THAT THOSE DOCUMENTS
  CAN BE MATCHED TO YOUR ELECTRONICALLY FILED FORM.

42
SLD Program OverviewForm 471

• Eligible services purchased at a discount shall
  not be sold, resold, or transferred in
  consideration of money or any other thing of
  value
• Permissible Fees
• Eligible entities are not prohibited from
  charging fees for any services that are not
  subject to a universal service discount such as
  computer lab fees, fees to cover the cost of
  training, or consortium membership fees for
  example

43
471 Online Demonstration
44
Develop a Technology Plan
After Form 470 is posted, wait at least 28 days
before negotiating a contract or agreement
Program Integrity Assurance review
Receive discounts on bills or reimbursement by
check or credit
Problem Resolution (manual filing)
Form 470 Services Requested
Form 471 Services Ordered
Form 486 Services Confirmed
Applicant
AP 486 Ltr
RNL
RAL
FCDL AP Ltr
(AP copy)
BEAR Approval Ltr
Form 472 BEAR Form
FCDL SP Ltr
SP 486 Ltr
OR
Form 474 SP Invoice Form
Service Provider
Form 498 Apply for SPIN
Form 473 Annual Cert
(if not done previously)
Check filed Forms 470, contact applicants and
respond with bids
Negotiate a contract or agreement
Assist with Program Integrity Assurance review
BEAR or SPIF invoice review (correct errors /
resubmit if needed)
Receive USAC remittance statement and payment
45
SLD Program OverviewProblem Resolution

• If you filed your Form 471 manually and your Form
  471 has met the Minimum Processing Standards, you
  may receive calls from the Client Service Bureau
  seeking clarification on the information you have
  provided so that your form can be successfully
  data entered

46
Develop a Technology Plan
After Form 470 is posted, wait at least 28 days
before negotiating a contract or agreement
Program Integrity Assurance review
Receive discounts on bills or reimbursement by
check or credit
Problem Resolution (manual filing)
Form 470 Services Requested
Form 471 Services Ordered
Form 486 Services Confirmed
Applicant
AP 486 Ltr
RNL
RAL
FCDL AP Ltr
(AP copy)
BEAR Approval Ltr
Form 472 BEAR Form
FCDL SP Ltr
SP 486 Ltr
OR
Form 474 SP Invoice Form
Service Provider
Form 498 Apply for SPIN
Form 473 Annual Cert
(if not done previously)
Check filed Forms 470, contact applicants and
respond with bids
Negotiate a contract or agreement
Assist with Program Integrity Assurance review
BEAR or SPIF invoice review (correct errors /
resubmit if needed)
Receive USAC remittance statement and payment
47
SLD Program Overview471 Receipt Acknowledgment
Letter

• Confirms receipt and successful data entry of
  your Form 471
• Letter is sent when required application/materials
  are received
• Provides Funding Request Number(s), SPINs,
  Service Provider Name, Category of Service,
  Pre-discount amount requested, and discount
  percentage
• Can be used for data entry corrections (see
  letter for more detail)
• Can not be used to increase funding or change
  basic contract terms

48
Develop a Technology Plan
After Form 470 is posted, wait at least 28 days
before negotiating a contract or agreement
Program Integrity Assurance review
Receive discounts on bills or reimbursement by
check or credit
Problem Resolution (manual filing)
Form 470 Services Requested
Form 471 Services Ordered
Form 486 Services Confirmed
Applicant
AP 486 Ltr
RNL
RAL
FCDL AP Ltr
(AP copy)
BEAR Approval Ltr
Form 472 BEAR Form
FCDL SP Ltr
SP 486 Ltr
OR
Form 474 SP Invoice Form
Service Provider
Form 498 Apply for SPIN
Form 473 Annual Cert
(if not done previously)
Check filed Forms 470, contact applicants and
respond with bids
Negotiate a contract or agreement
Assist with Program Integrity Assurance review
BEAR or SPIF invoice review (correct errors /
resubmit if needed)
Receive USAC remittance statement and payment
49
SLD Program OverviewProgram Integrity Assurance
Review

• Program Integrity Assurance
• Checks for rule compliance
• Eligible Entities
• Eligible Purpose
• Eligible Services
• Appropriate discount

50
Develop a Technology Plan
After Form 470 is posted, wait at least 28 days
before negotiating a contract or agreement
Program Integrity Assurance review
Receive discounts on bills or reimbursement by
check or credit
Problem Resolution (manual filing)
Form 470 Services Requested
Form 471 Services Ordered
Form 486 Services Confirmed
Applicant
AP 486 Ltr
RNL
RAL
FCDL AP Ltr
(AP copy)
BEAR Approval Ltr
Form 472 BEAR Form
FCDL SP Ltr
SP 486 Ltr
OR
Form 474 SP Invoice Form
Service Provider
Form 498 Apply for SPIN
Form 473 Annual Cert
(if not done previously)
Check filed Forms 470, contact applicants and
respond with bids
Negotiate a contract or agreement
Assist with Program Integrity Assurance review
BEAR or SPIF invoice review (correct errors /
resubmit if needed)
Receive USAC remittance statement and payment
51
SLD Program OverviewFunding Commitment Decision
Letter

• Each Form 471 filed can result in one or more
  FCDLs
• Tells you which FRNs are approved or denied
• Ineligible services in request can result in
  denial of that funding request (FRN)
• Synopsis gives you information needed for filing
  Form 486

52
Develop a Technology Plan
After Form 470 is posted, wait at least 28 days
before negotiating a contract or agreement
Program Integrity Assurance review
Receive discounts on bills or reimbursement by
check or credit
Problem Resolution (manual filing)
Form 470 Services Requested
Form 471 Services Ordered
Form 486 Services Confirmed
Applicant
AP 486 Ltr
RNL
RAL
FCDL AP Ltr
(AP copy)
BEAR Approval Ltr
Form 472 BEAR Form
FCDL SP Ltr
SP 486 Ltr
OR
Form 474 SP Invoice Form
Service Provider
Form 498 Apply for SPIN
Form 473 Annual Cert
(if not done previously)
Check filed Forms 470, contact applicants and
respond with bids
Negotiate a contract or agreement
Assist with Program Integrity Assurance review
BEAR or SPIF invoice review (correct errors /
resubmit if needed)
Receive USAC remittance statement and payment
53
SLD Program OverviewForm 486

• Signifies RECEIVED SERVICE, O.K. to PAY THE
  SERVICE PROVIDER
• Requires approved technology plan before
  submission (other than basic telephone service)
• Can only be for services delivered and installed
  during the funding year
• See CIPA Presentation for 486 filing deadlines

54
Develop a Technology Plan
After Form 470 is posted, wait at least 28 days
before negotiating a contract or agreement
Program Integrity Assurance review
Receive discounts on bills or reimbursement by
check or credit
Problem Resolution (manual filing)
Form 470 Services Requested
Form 471 Services Ordered
Form 486 Services Confirmed
Applicant
AP 486 Ltr
RNL
RAL
FCDL AP Ltr
(AP copy)
BEAR Approval Ltr
Form 472 BEAR Form
FCDL SP Ltr
SP 486 Ltr
OR
Form 474 SP Invoice Form
Service Provider
Form 498 Apply for SPIN
Form 473 Annual Cert
(if not done previously)
Check filed Forms 470, contact applicants and
respond with bids
Negotiate a contract or agreement
Assist with Program Integrity Assurance review
BEAR or SPIF invoice review (correct errors /
resubmit if needed)
Receive USAC remittance statement and payment
55
SLD Program OverviewForm 486 Notification Letter

• Confirms Receipt of your Form 486
• Letter will be sent to Applicants and Service
  Providers and will indicate the service start
  date for discounted services
• Letter will reflect any service start date
  changes from what you submitted on the Form 486
  that were necessary to comply with program rules

56
Develop a Technology Plan
After Form 470 is posted, wait at least 28 days
before negotiating a contract or agreement
Program Integrity Assurance review
Receive discounts on bills or reimbursement by
check or credit
Problem Resolution (manual filing)
Form 470 Services Requested
Form 471 Services Ordered
Form 486 Services Confirmed
Applicant
AP 486 Ltr
RNL
RAL
FCDL AP Ltr
(AP copy)
BEAR Approval Ltr
Form 472 BEAR Form
FCDL SP Ltr
SP 486 Ltr
OR
Form 474 SP Invoice Form
Service Provider
Form 498 Apply for SPIN
Form 473 Annual Cert
(if not done previously)
Check filed Forms 470, contact applicants and
respond with bids
Negotiate a contract or agreement
Assist with Program Integrity Assurance review
BEAR or SPIF invoice review (correct errors /
resubmit if needed)
Receive USAC remittance statement and payment
57
SLD Program OverviewBEAR or SPIF

• If you are seeking reimbursements, the applicant
  must file Form 472 Billed Entity Applicant
  Reimbursement Form
• If you are seeking discounts on bills, the
  service provider must file Form 474 Service
  Provider Invoice Form

58
Develop a Technology Plan
After Form 470 is posted, wait at least 28 days
before negotiating a contract or agreement
Program Integrity Assurance review
Receive discounts on bills or reimbursement by
check or credit
Problem Resolution (manual filing)
Form 470 Services Requested
Form 471 Services Ordered
Form 486 Services Confirmed
Applicant
AP 486 Ltr
RNL
RAL
FCDL AP Ltr
(AP copy)
BEAR Approval Ltr
Form 472 BEAR Form
FCDL SP Ltr
SP 486 Ltr
OR
Form 474 SP Invoice Form
Service Provider
Form 498 Apply for SPIN
Form 473 Annual Cert
(if not done previously)
Check filed Forms 470, contact applicants and
respond with bids
Negotiate a contract or agreement
Assist with Program Integrity Assurance review
BEAR or SPIF invoice review (correct errors /
resubmit if needed)
Receive USAC remittance statement and payment
59
SLD Program OverviewBEAR Approval Letter

• Confirms that the BEAR Form has been processed
• Notifies Service Provider to remit to the Form
  471 Billed Entity the amount shown as Total
  Amount of Reimbursement Approved for Payment no
  later than 10 calendar days after receipt of
  payment from USAC

60
Develop a Technology Plan
After Form 470 is posted, wait at least 28 days
before negotiating a contract or agreement
Program Integrity Assurance review
Receive discounts on bills or reimbursement by
check or credit
Problem Resolution (manual filing)
Form 470 Services Requested
Form 471 Services Ordered
Form 486 Services Confirmed
Applicant
AP 486 Ltr
RNL
RAL
FCDL AP Ltr
(AP copy)
BEAR Approval Ltr
Form 472 BEAR Form
FCDL SP Ltr
SP 486 Ltr
OR
Form 474 SP Invoice Form
Service Provider
Form 498 Apply for SPIN
Form 473 Annual Cert
(if not done previously)
Check filed Forms 470, contact applicants and
respond with bids
Negotiate a contract or agreement
Assist with Program Integrity Assurance review
BEAR or SPIF invoice review (correct errors /
resubmit if needed)
Receive USAC remittance statement and payment
61

62
Where to Go For Help

• On the Web www.sl.universalservice.org
• Client Service Bureau 888-203-8100
• Via e-mail question_at_universalservice.org
• Via fax [phone]