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Latest News Archive
Federal Communications Commission Adopts Pilot Program Under Rural Health Care Mechanism
On Tuesday, September 26, 2006, the Federal Communications Commission announced the establishment of a pilot program to help public and non-profit health care providers build state and region-wide broadband networks dedicated to the provision of health care services, and connect those networks to Internet2. The pilot program will fund up to 85% of the costs incurred to deploy state or regional broadband networks dedicated to health care and up to 85% of the costs of connecting the regional and/or statewide to Internet2.
For further information about the new pilot program, click on the link below to read the complete FCC news release.
USAC will provide more information as it becomes available.
- DOC-267605A1 [PDF, 106 KB]
USAC Names Bill England Vice President of the Rural Health Care Division
USAC today announced that Bill England has been named Vice President of the Rural Health Care Division. Mr. England brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position and has been deeply involved with the administration of the Rural Health Care Program since its inception.
“I applaud the selection of Bill England to lead the Rural Health Care Program,” said Jay H. Sanders, M.D., chairman of USAC’s Rural Health Care Committee. “Bill has worked for many years to realize the potential of communication and information technologies to improve access, quality, and cost of health care.”
“He brings a depth of experience and sensitivity to the needs of program participants that is unparalleled,” added Dr. Sanders. “As Chairman of the Rural Health Care Committee, I genuinely look forward to working with Bill and continuing to learn from him in his new capacity." Mr. England’s appointment is effective immediately.
Request for Proposals for Audit Services
As part of its role as Administrator, USAC is responsible for taking measures to protect the integrity of the Universal Service Fund (USF) and the Support Mechanisms by preventing and detecting waste, fraud, and abuse. In accordance with that role, USAC has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) inviting the submission of offers from multiple independent public accounting firms, to perform audits and, for those firms with the requisite capability, to provide investigative support services, including audit, computer forensic support services, and telecommunications expertise. Below you will find a list of links to the RFPs for Audits submitted by USAC in June 2006. Please be advised that the RFP submission window is now officially closed.
Request for Proposals for Audit Services
- USAC Issues Request for Proposals to Perform Audits of USF Contributors (6-20-2006)
- USAC Issues Request to Perform Audits for the Rural Health Care Support Mechanism (6-19-06)
- USAC Revises Request to Perform Audits for the Low Income Support Mechanism (6-19-06)
- USAC Issues Request to Perform Audits for the High Cost Support Mechanism (6-16-06)
IT Request for Proposals
IT Request for Proposals
Below is a list of links to IT RFPs submitted by USAC in June 2006. Please be advised that the RFP submission window is now officially closed.
USAC Issues Proposal for Colocation System Hosting Services (6/13/06)
USAC Issues Request for Proposal for SAN Storage Capacity Upgrade (6/7/06)
USAC Names Mel Blackwell Vice President of the Schools and Libraries Division
USAC today announced that Mel Blackwell has been named Vice President of the Schools and Libraries Division. Mr. Blackwell brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position, having served as acting vice president of the Schools and Libraries Division since June 2005 and having been involved with the administration of the universal service support mechanisms since 1998.
“I am confident that Mel will continue to lead the Schools and Libraries Program in the right direction and build on our recent successes,” said Brian Talbott, chairman of the USAC Board of Directors and executive director of the Association of Educational Service Agencies.
Anne Campbell, Chair of the Schools and Libraries Committee of the USAC Board of Directors, stated “I am excited about Mel’s selection and look forward to continued progress in the administration of the Schools and Libraries Program.”
Mr. Blackwell’s appointment is effective immediately.USAC Announces a 7th Training Session to the 2006 Schools and Libraries Training
USAC is pleased to announce the opening of a seventh training session to the Fall 2006 Schools & Libraries Program Training schedule. This additional training event will occur on October 19-20, 2006 in San Diego, California. Registration is complimentary and space is limited to the first 200 registrants. For more information about this training, see the San Diego Training information page.
USAC Will Release First Commitments for Funding Year 2006 in the Schools and Libraries Program April 26
The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) today announced it will release wave one of funding commitment decision letters (FCDLs) to Funding Year 2006 school and library applicants April 26. USAC will send over 4,880 letters committing more than $126.4 million in Universal Service Fund support. This first wave of FY2006 is being released two months earlier than the first wave in FY2005. The letters notify applicants of funding commitments for Priority One services (telecommunications and Internet access) for all discount bands from 20% - 90%.
- View the Press Release [PDF, 36 KB]
USAC Issues Request for Proposal for Application Security Support
The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) is requesting proposals from organizations to provide application security support. This Request for Proposal (PDF) describes the services requested and provides instructions on how to respond. Proposals must be submitted on February 27, 2006 or earlier to be considered for award and be valid for a period of 120 days. Inquiries may be directed by electronic mail at rfp@universalservice.org.
USAC Elects Board of Directors Officers, Appoints Board Members to Committees, and Elects Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs
Washington, DC - On March 1, the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) Board of Directors elected officers, committee chairs and vice chairs, and appointed members to committees.
Terms begin immediately and will end at the conclusion of the January 2007 Board of Directors meeting, when such member's successor has been elected or when such member resigns such position from the Board, is removed by resolution of the Board, or such member's Board term expires.
USAC Files 2005 Annual Report with FCC and Congress
The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) today filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the U.S. Congress its 2005 Annual Report.
As required by FCC rules, USAC's annual report provides information about its operations, activities, and accomplishments during 2005, including administration of the Universal Service Fund (USF) and participation by beneficiaries and service providers in each of the universal service programs -High Cost, Low Income, Rural Health Care and Schools and Libraries.
- View the USAC 2005 Annual Report [ PDF, 3.2MB]
