USAC Application Process Flowchart
July 1 - February(estimated) File Form 470
Form 470 is a public request for bids or quotations that are posted on the USAC site. Applicants carry out a competitive bidding process to select the most cost-effective companies to provide the goods and/or services requested.
January - March (estimated) File Form 471
Form 471 is a request for funding for specific equipment and services at a specific price, based on the outcome of the Form 470 bid process. It cannot be filed until 28 days after the establishing Form 470 has been filed.
Submit RAL (if necessary)
A RAL (Receipt Acknowledgement Letter) lets you modify or cancel a funding request that you made in Form 471. This process is done through EPC. Once you have received an FCDL it is too late to modify the Form 471 request.
PIA Review
PIA (“Program Integrity Assurance”) reviews are requests for clarification or additional information about Form 471s. In most cases, once you have answered PIA’s questions you will be funded. In some cases, however, your funding request will be denied.
FCDLs Issued
The FCDL (Funding Commitment Decision Letter) is USAC’s official notification that it has, or has not, approved the funding request that you made in your Form 471. If your request is denied, you have the option of filing an appeal within 60 days of receiving the FCDL. If you plan to appeal a decision, we recommend that you contact DPI for guidance before you begin.
July 1 Start of Funding Year
File Form 486 to inform USAC that funded services have begun or funded equipment has been received and to indicate the status of compliance with Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA).
During the Funding Year
File Form 472s (“BEAR forms”), including provider or vendor invoices, to request direct reimbursement from USAC. This can be done at intervals of your choice throughout the funding year, or at the end of the funding year after all services have been received.
Ask your vendor or provider to file a Form 474 (“SPI”). They will then send you a discounted bill. Form 474 is the vendor’s request for reimbursement from USAC, to cover the discounted amount of your bill