On May 31, 2017, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released several appeal decisions related to the requests for review, requests for waiver, and petitions for reconsideration of E-rate beneficiaries. The FCC dismissed 10 requests, granted 65 and denied 34 appeals on various grounds.
Successful Appeals were tied to:
- Ineligible Items Not Included as Factor in Vendor Selection
- Eligible Entities
- Granted on Reconsideration – Technology Plan Requirement
- Granting Additional Time to Respond to USAC’s Request for Information
- Incorrect Service Start Date on FCC Form 486
- Late-Filed FCC Form 471 Applications Filed within 14 Days of the Close of the Window
- Ministerial and/or Clerical Error
- Unable to Timely Invoice Awaiting USAC Action
- Waiver of Appeal Filing Deadline
Appeals involving the below issues were denied:
- Considering Price of Eligible and Ineligible Items as Primary Factor in Vendor Selection Process
- Failure to Consider All Bids
- Improper Service Provider Involvement
- Invoice Deadline Extension Requests
- Late-Filed FCC Form 471 Applications
- State Master Contract
- Untimely Filed Requests for Review
The streamlined appeal decisions can be viewed here.