New Invoicing Rules Take Effect 2/11/21

On February 11, 2021, the FCC Order establishing new rules allowing “up to 120 days to submit invoices after USAC issues a Revised Funding Commitment Decision Letter approving a post-commitment request or granting an appeal of a previously denied or reduced funding request” was published in the Federal Register, making them effective.  The new regulations “facilitate program participants’ ability to meet evolving needs…without jeopardizing their ability to obtain reimbursement or necessitating a Commission waiver proceeding,” officially streamlining what could previously be an arduous process.

Summary of Order: On December 10, 2020, the Federal Communications Commission released an Order updating the E-rate program’s invoice deadline rules. The new rules allow “up to 120 days to submit invoices after USAC issues a Revised Funding Commitment Decision Letter approving a post-commitment request or granting an appeal of a previously denied or reduced funding request.” The Commission also granted “relief to certain program participants that were excluded from an earlier invoicing relief order and provide a one-time waiver opportunity for program participants that were unable to timely submit an invoice because they were awaiting a post-commitment decision.”

Effective immediately upon the Order’s publication in the Federal Register, section 54.514 of the Code of Federal Regulations will be updated to read:

(a) Invoice filing deadline.  Invoices must be submitted to the Administrator:

(1) 120 days after the last day to receive service,
(2) 120 days after the date of the FCC Form 486 Notification Letter, or
(3) 120 days after the date of the Revised Funding Commitment Decision Letter approving a post-commitment request made by the applicant or service provider or a successful appeal of a previously denied or reduced funding request, whichever is latest.The FCC Order may be viewed in its entirety here

From Funds for Learning