Rural Health Care
Pilot Program
Outreach
Links
Below is information for Rural Health Care Pilot Program (RHCPP) participants and vendors concerning processes, requirements, and other program related information.
Administrative and Funding Process
Competitive Bidding Requirement Overview
Coordination with HHS
Training Sessions
USAC's Pilot Program Team
Administrative and Funding Process
The Pilot Program administrative process is similar to the regular program, with several improvements to streamline the completion of applications and to accommodate additional data required for the pilot program. A web-accessible portal is available for Project Coordinators to electronically submit information, monitor their status in the administrative process, and interact with their coach. Tools to complete all forms and worksheets are available within the portal. This portal was debuted at the training sessions.
Competitive Bidding Requirement Overview
The RHCPP Selection Order requires the selected participants to conduct a competitive bidding process to select the most cost-effective vendor for design, evaluation, and deployment of the broadband network. To satisfy the competitive bidding requirement, among other things, selected participants must submit an FCC Form 465 that includes a description of services for which the health care provider(s) is seeking support and wait at least 28 days from the date on which this information is posted on USAC's website before making commitments with the selected service provider.
Please also see the Wireline Competition Bureau's Letter to Program Participants on December 20, 2007.
Please feel free to address any concerns by emailing or calling 800-229-5476.
The FCC's 2007 Rural Health Care Pilot Program Selection Order (RHCPP Selection Order) requires selected participants to coordinate the use of their health care networks with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and, in particular, with its Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in instances of national, regional, or local public health emergencies (e.g., pandemics, bioterrorism). In such instances, where feasible, selected participants shall provide access to their supported networks to HHS, including CDC, and other public health officials. Similarly, selected participants shall use Pilot Program funding in ways that are consistent with HHS' health information technology (IT) initiatives that "provide leadership for the development and nationwide implementation of an interoperable health information technology infrastructure to improve the quality and efficiency of health care." Detailed information concerning coordination with HHS IT initiatives can be found in paragraphs 81 and 82 of the RHCPP Selection Order.
Training sessions were held to educate Participants concerning the Pilot Program administrative process and to address more detailed questions about specific projects. The first training conference took place February 12-13, 2008 and a second training session for those who did not attend the first session took place March 11-12, 2008. The training sessions covered the application and funding processes in detail.
The presentations used for the training sessions can be found on the Training Presentations page.
Each Pilot Program Participant has been assigned a member (called a "coach") of USAC's Pilot Program Team. The coach's responsibility is to guide the participant through the administrative process and to ensure that the information submitted by the Project Coordinator meets the requirements of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Project Coordinators will be able to talk or email directly with their coach, share any questions or concerns, and get helpful, timely answers. USAC is committed to a high level of customer service and our team is excited to work with you.
