FEDERAL UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND Clause Samples
The Federal Universal Service Fund clause outlines the responsibilities of parties regarding contributions to the federal program that supports universal access to telecommunications services. Typically, this clause specifies that charges related to the Universal Service Fund (USF) will be passed through to the customer as a separate line item on invoices, reflecting the provider’s obligation to collect and remit these fees to the government. Its core function is to ensure compliance with federal regulations and to clarify how USF-related costs are handled in the contractual relationship, thereby preventing disputes over these mandatory charges.
FEDERAL UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND. Federal Grant programs are available to schools and libraries under the Universal Service Fund. This program, also referred to as E-rate funding, provides supports to schools and libraries in accessing telecommunications services. To the extent such programs are applicable to the Services under this Contract, as determined by the State, or required by law, Contractor agrees to:
a. Provide Contract telecommunications Services to public entities qualified for Universal Service Fund Support;
b. Be certified as a USAC;
c. Meet Federal requirements for timeliness and accuracy in processing E-rate and other USAC program request and invoicing; and
d. Ensure that DTS/ONS has pre-approved the use of Contract Services by Customers otherwise qualified for the Federal Universal Service Fund.
FEDERAL UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND. A variable surcharge ranging between 15% and 20% levied against interstate telecommunications services as authorized by the Federal Communications Commission in 1997. Vendor: Inclusive term for any Bidder or Contractor. Vendor Performance Report: A report completed by the using agency and submitted to State Purchasing Bureau documenting products or services delivered or performed which exceed or fail to meet the terms of the purchase order, contract, and/or solicitation specifications. VLAN: Virtual Local Area Network WAN (Wide Area Network): Unless otherwise specified, WAN refers to a high bandwidth (e.g. >100Mbps) wide area data network using IP communication and routing protocols for the purposes of interconnecting numerous Local Area Networks (LANs) Will: See Mandatory/Shall/Will/Must. Work Day: See Business Day.
FEDERAL UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 requires that Phonesty contribute to the Federal Universal Service Fund (“FUSF”). The FUSF helps to make phone service affordable and available to all Americans, including consumers with low incomes; those living in areas where the cost of providing telephone service is high; public schools and libraries; and rural health care providers. The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) delegates the administration of the FUSF to the Universal Service Administrative Company (“USAC”). Each quarter, USAC announces, and the FCC approves, a “contribution factor.” The contribution factor is a percentage of the total interstate/international revenue for which each interstate carrier is responsible for contributing to the FUSF in order to sustain the FUSF System. As permitted by FCC regulations, Phonesty has opted to ▇▇▇▇ FUSF as a separate line item. Consistent with such regulations, Phonesty only bills FUSF line item charges in an amount equal to the quarterly contribution factor currently in effect. This is a permissible pass-through fee but is not a tax or charge mandated by the government. Please visit USAC’s Website for more information on the FCC’s Universal Service Fund.
FEDERAL UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND. E-Rate Filings. SCS is responsible for all E-Rate filings as the applicant. Contractor shall provide all allowable support to assist SCS in obtaining E-Rate funding. SCS shall consult with Contractor on all E-Rate filings other than those related to competitive bidding in order to allow Contractor to assist as allowable under the FCC/E-Rate rules. Inaction by Contractor will not relieve SCS of any responsibility for payment or E-Rate filings/funding unless Contractor fails to respond to a direct request for information from the E-Rate program.
a. Provide Services and/or Deliverables qualified for Universal Service Fund Support;
b. Be certified as a USAC Service Provider; and
c. Meet Federal requirements for timeliness and accuracy in processing E-rate and other USAC program requests and invoicing.