• Applicants
  • Step 1: Determine Eligibility
  • Step 2: Develop a Technology Plan
  • Step 3: Open a Competitive Bidding Process
  • Step 4: Select a Service Provider
  • Step 5: Calculate the Discount Level
  • Step 6: Determine Your Eligible Services
  • Step 7: Submit Your Application for Program Support
  • Step 8: Undergo Application Review
  • Step 9: Receive Your Funding Decision
  • Step 10: Begin Receipt of Services
  • Step 11: Invoice USAC
• Service Providers
  • Step 1: Obtain a Service Provider Identification Number
  • Step 2: Search Applicant Requests for Service
  • Step 3: Respond to Applicant Requests
  • Step 4: Applicants Select Service Provider
  • Step 5: Assist Applicants with Application Review
  • Step 6: Receive Funding Commitment Decision Letter
  • Step 7: Begin Providing Services
  • Step 8: File Annual Certification
  • Step 9: Invoice USAC

About the Schools and Libraries Program:

• Overview of the Program
• Overview of the Process
• Outreach and Training
• Site Visits
• Filing Appeals
• Understanding Audits

Schools and Libraries Tools:

• Apply Online
• Commitments
• Submit a Question
• Latest News
• Calendar/Reminders
• Required Forms
• Reference Area
• Search Tools
• Changes and Corrections
• Suspensions and Debarments
• Program Compliance - Whistleblower Hotline
• Submitting A Complaint

HATS - Questions

Ask questions about site visits by email, phone or fax:
Site Visit Questions
Phone: (800) 248-7758
Fax: (703) 940-0203

Submit a Question
Phone: 1 (888) 641-8722
Fax: 1 (888) 637-6226
Frequently Asked Questions

How was I selected?  USAC has identified potential applicants based on a random sampling of entities who have repeatedly been subject to PIA Selective Reviews and/or USAC funding denials.  An entity’s selection has no bearing on its current application decisions or status.

How long will the visit last?  Visits will typically last approximately four hours.  There is no set time limit, and much of the exact length of the visit will depend on the applicant’s understanding of the application process, and their willingness to provide feedback regarding their experiences and their suggestions.

Do I need to prepare anything in advance?  No.  You do not need to have anything prepared for the visit.  The Site Reviewers will not require any documentation or access to classrooms, equipment or administrative files.  Since part of the site visit process may include a “walk-through” of the USAC website, the applicant may wish to have a workstation nearby that may be viewed by multiple people.

Who can attend the site visit?  Anyone may attend the site visit.  Those who will benefit most by attending are those individuals who actively participate in the Universal Service Fund Schools and Libraries program application process.

What will USAC do with the information?  Feedback collected during the site visit process will be used by USAC for a number of purposes, including:

• Identifying those areas of the application process that have proven challenging to applicants.
• Improving USAC’s outreach, training and communication efforts.
• Improving USAC’s administration of the Universal Service Fund Schools and Libraries program.