The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) and Office of the Managing Director (OMD) released a Public Notice seeking comment on potential reforms to the operations and management of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), which administers the Universal Service Fund (USF). The Commission aims to strengthen USAC’s internal processes and improve its management structure to increase efficiency in its administration of USF programs. The Commission requests comment on the following items: (1) the current state of USAC operations; (2) how the USF’s administration should be reformed or made more efficient; (3) the changes to USAC’s operations and internal management processes that are necessary to maximize operational efficiency, transparency, accountability, and speed; (4) improving efficiency of USAC’s role in the recoveries of USF funds and audits of USF program beneficiaries; (5) audits of USAC processes; (6) the composition of USAC’s Board of Directors; and (7) preventing USAC Board member conflicts of interest. Comments on the Public Notice are due May 15.
