SPIN Changes

FCC Order 19-78 formalized the process to request Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN) changes in the Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) and Telecommunications (Telecom) Programs. In certain situations, applicants can request a change of the SPIN. This number is also known as the service provider’s 498 ID.

A SPIN change can be either corrective or operational. All SPIN changes must be requested by the invoice filing deadline.

Corrective SPIN Change

A corrective SPIN change is any amendment to the SPIN associated with a Funding Request Number (FRN) that does not involve a change to the service provider associated with that FRN. This occurs when:

• A change is required for clerical or data entry errors (e.g., fixing clerical errors or situations where the applicant names the correct service provider in the funding request but provides the incorrect SPIN).
• There is an update to a service provider’s SPIN that has changed due to the merger of companies or the acquisition of one company by another.
• Effectuating a change that was not initiated by the applicant.

Operational SPIN Change

An operational SPIN change is a request to change the actual service provider associated with an FRN. This occurs when:

• The applicant has a legitimate reason to change providers (e.g., breach of contract or the service provider is unable to perform); and
• The applicant’s newly selected service provider received the next highest point value in the original bid evaluation, assuming there were multiple bidders.

NOTE: Changing service providers because the services are available at a lower cost from another service provider or because the applicant now wishes to do business with a service provider that did not participate in the competitive bidding process are not considered legitimate reasons for change, and requests citing such reasons will be denied.

When to File a SPIN Change Request

A request for a SPIN change on a FRN must be received no later than the service delivery deadline for that FRN. Applicants should notify USAC of their intent to change service providers as soon as the decision is made and should advise USAC of the proposed effective date of the change.

To minimize confusion and delays, applicants should send the request for the change to USAC before the change takes place so that USAC has time to process the request before the submission of any invoices for services rendered by the new service provider. Once the request is received, USAC will make no additional payments on the FRN until the change is reviewed and either: (1) approved and the SPIN is changed, or (2) denied and USAC verifies that additional invoices are for services actually rendered to the applicant by the original service provider.

How to File a SPIN Change Request

If the SPIN change occurs after the FRN is approved, applicants should submit SPIN change requests as follows:

• Telecom Program
  • The applicant can make the change on the FCC Form 467 in My Portal if the form has not been submitted yet.
  • If the FCC Form 467 has been approved but an invoice has not yet been submitted, the applicant should send an email to RHC-Invoicing@usac.org.
  • If an invoice has already been submitted the applicant should send an email to the RHC-Invoicing@usac.org with the SPIN change request. The affected FRN should be included in the subject line of the email.
• HCF Program
  • For Funding Years 2022 and after, the applicant should submit the SPIN Change request through RHC Connect.
  • For Funding Years 2021 and prior, the applicant should send an email to the RHC-Invoicing@usac.org with the SPIN change request. The affected FRN should be included in the subject line of the email.

If a corrective SPIN change is needed before a FRN has been committed, applicants should reach out to the RHC Customer Service Center with the request. The affected FRN should be included in the subject line of the email.

As part of this request, applicants must also certify to the following:

• That the SPIN change is allowed under all applicable state and local procurement rules and under the terms of the contract, if any, between the applicant and its original service provider, and
• That the applicant has notified its original service provider of its intent to change service providers.

Note: In the event that the applicant’s original service provider is no longer in business, the applicant must instead certify that it attempted to notify its original service provider of its intent to change service providers but could not because the service provider is not available for contact.