On March 31, 2012, the FCC Office of Inspector General (OIG) released their semi-annual report to Congress, which covers activity from October 1, 2011 through March 31, 2012. Much of the OIG’s work is tied to “investigating and supporting civil and criminal prosecutions” of fraud in the four Universal Service programs.
On March 31, 2012, an E-rate beneficiary audit report was completed and the OIG found the applicant non-compliant with “(1) application matters, (2) procurement and service provider selection matters, (3) asset and inventory records, and (4) receipt of services and reimbursement matters.” The OIG is recommending recovery of $2.15 million, which was tied to Funding Years 2008 and 2009.
E-rate applicants and service providers are required to retain all E-rate related documentation for at least five years from the last date of service. USAC provides further guidance regarding document retention policy regulations on their website.