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Submit a Whistleblower Alert

Assuring effective stewardship of the federal universal service programs and the universal service fund (USF) by guarding against misuse or waste of funds is a priority shared by USAC, the FCC and Congress, as well as program applicants, service providers, and the general public. To that end, this page allows applicants, service providers, contributors, and others to alert USAC to instances in which program funds are possibly being misapplied or program rule violations might exist.

If you are aware of waste, fraud, or abuse of USF program funds, USAC encourages you to report it. USAC treats each report of waste, fraud, or abuse as a serious and urgent matter requiring immediate attention.

If you would like to report an instance of USF waste, fraud, or abuse, please follow the procedures outlined below. USAC has other means for submitting an inquiry or complaint.

What kinds of things should I report?

Instances of USF support being misapplied, mismanaged, or violations of law, rules, or regulations by program participants or service providers.

What are my rights?

All reports are considered confidential. Laws protect you from reprisals (i.e., any action taken against you because you filed this report).

What should I expect?

If you believe there is a misuse of funds or a violation of rules:

1. Contact USAC as described below.

• If calling, tell the operator you want to report a "whistleblower alert" concerning USF waste, fraud, or abuse. You will be connected to specially trained staff who will record your report.
• If submitting via email or via U.S. mail, please reference "whistleblower alert" and the name of the program in your report. USAC staff will respond to your submission.

2. The USAC staff person who contacts you will ask a series of questions to obtain as much information about the situation as possible.

• You may choose to remain anonymous. If you opt to identify yourself so USAC can contact you for additional information, we will make every effort to maintain confidentiality as the investigation proceeds. If appropriate or required by law, USAC will turn over information related to whistleblower alerts and results of our investigation to the FCC or law enforcement.

3. After your report is received, it will be investigated. Because the report and investigation are confidential, USAC is not at liberty to provide the status or outcome of the investigation.