USAC Submits RFI to Upgrade its Portal Ahead of 5G

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As 5G infrastructure development continues to gain traction, The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) is taking steps to ensure accuracy of data and conformance to FCC standards. USAC is authorized to confirm that telecom providers meet buildout requirements before dispersing money from the Universal Service Fund. To better manage the high level of data submitted by USF carriers, the organization is seeking to upgrade its High Cost Broadband Portal. 

USAC reportedly submitted a seven-page request for information (RFI) to help gather information needed to prepare for future RFI’s. The USAC states in the RFI: ““The purpose of the RFI is to gather information from U.S.-based companies that have an established record of accomplishment of cost-effectively automating manual, repetitive and rule-based processes using Robotic Process Automations.” 

According to Telecompetitor, verifying data provided by carriers – where they’ve deployed broadband using USF funding and performance date – requires a lengthy, evidence-based process.

“Throughout the verification process, the verifications team exchanges messages with carriers, requesting supporting documentation that is both structured and unstructured in nature,” the RFI explains. “The team then reaches a decision regarding qualifying broadband deployment at a given location [single geo-coordinate] or a coverage area. To complete the verification, USAC must manage varying procedures and personnel, undergo multiple layers of manual reviews, meet project timelines, assess the status of a given review, and provide feedback to team members to ensure projects stay both accurate and on time.”

According to the RFI, a verification case management system, verification workflow tool, and external user interfaces are planned for the upgrade. Vendor responses are due August 28, and vendor demonstrations are on schedule for September 1 and 2. 

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