Step 4: Submit Funding Requests

Once you select a service provider and sign a contract, you will then submit the FCC Form 462 (Funding Request Form). The FCC Form 462 provides information to USAC about the services, equipment, or facilities selected, as well as how much funding you are requesting. It also certifies that the services selected were the most cost-effective of the offers received during competitive bidding. If you are requesting funding through the HCF Program, you must submit this form.

Information on the FCC Form 462 includes the type of service(s), equipment, or facilities ordered; rates; name of service provider(s); and date(s) of service provider selection. You can include multiple expenses on one FCC Form 462 if they are from the same service provider. If you are requesting services from multiple service providers, submit one FCC Form 462 per service provider.

You must submit the FCC Form 462 with all supporting documentation (e.g., copies of all bids received, the bid evaluation criteria, scoring matrix, signed contract, etc.).

Program rules prohibit duplicative funding for the same service for the same sites from more than one FCC program. This includes the RHC programs (HCF and Telecom), the COVID-19 Telehealth Program and the Connected Care Pilot Program.

Things to Know

Information Requests: As you submit your FCC Form 462, please upload all required documentation with your form. If USAC does not receive sufficient documentation, RHC program reviewers will reach out to you with a request for more information (“Information Request”). Reviewers send Information Requests to collect any missing documentation, address deficiencies, or to ask clarifying questions about the FCC form. If you receive an Information Request, you must respond to it within 14 calendar days. Failure to respond within 14 calendar days will result in a denial of your funding request.

Upgrades: If you anticipate an upgrade during the funding year, you should include this information in your contract and supporting documentation. Service upgrades are permitted as part of an evergreen contract only if the upgrades are proposed during the competitive bidding process, and the contract provides for the possibility of service upgrades.

When to Submit the FCC Form 462

You must submit your funding request during a filing window for funding consideration. Filing windows are fixed periods of time during which all submitted requests are treated as having been received at the same time. USAC will make funding decisions after the close of each filing window. NOTE: Forms that are in draft status are not considered submitted. Each FCC Form 462 must be signed, certified and submitted prior to the filing window deadline to be considered for funding. For specific filing window dates, visit the Filing Windows webpage.

The material on these webpages is provided for general information only and should not be relied upon or used as the sole basis for making decisions without consulting the RHC program rules, orders, and other primary sources of information. Applicants and service providers are ultimately responsible for knowing and complying with all RHC program rules and procedures.