*Pages 1--2 from Microsoft Word - 44592.doc* PUBLIC NOTICE Federal Communications Commission 445 12 th St., S. W. Washington, D. C. 20554 News Media Information 202 / 418- 0500 Internet: http:// www. fcc. gov TTY: 1- 888- 835- 5322 DA 04- 3851 Wireline Competition Bureau Seeks Comment on the Universal Service Administrative Company’s Audit Resolution Plan CC Docket No. 02- 6 Release Date: November 07, 2004 Comments Due: January 05, 2005 Reply Comments Due: January 20, 2005 In the Fifth Schools Order, the Commission, among other things, required the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) to submit a proposed plan resolving audit findings from various sources. 1 In particular, the Commission directed USAC to propose procedures for resolving all findings arising from audits conducted by USAC’s internal audit department, independent public accounting firms under contract with USAC, or government audit organizations. 2 The Commission also noted that the proposed plan must provide deadlines so that the audit findings are resolved in a timely manner. 3 On October 28, 2004, USAC submitted its Audit Resolution Plan. Here, we seek comment on USAC’s proposed plan attached hereto. Interested parties may file comments no later than 30 days after the release date of this Public Notice. Reply comments may be filed no later than 45 days after the release date of this Public Notice. All pleadings are to reference CC Docket No. 02- 6. Comments may be filed using: (1) the Commission’s Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS), (2) the Federal Government’s eRulemaking Portal, or (3) by filing paper copies. See Electronic Filing of Documents in Rulemaking Proceedings, 63 FR 24121 (1998). Comments filed through the ECFS can be sent as an electronic file via the Internet to http:// www. fcc. gov/ cgb/ ecfs/. Generally, only one copy of an electronic submission must be filed. If multiple docket or rulemaking numbers appear in the caption of this proceeding, however, commenters must transmit one electronic copy of the comments to each docket or rulemaking number referenced in the caption. In completing the transmittal screen, commenters should include their full name, U. S. Postal Service mailing address, and the applicable docket or rulemaking number. Parties may also submit an electronic comment by Internet e- mail. To get filing instructions for e- mail comments, commenters 1 Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism, Fifth Report and Order and Order, CC Docket No. 02- 6, 19 FCC Rcd 15808, 15833 para. 74 (2004) (Fifth Schools Order). 2 Id. 3 Id. 1 2 should send an e- mail to ecfs@ fcc. gov, and should include the following words in the body of the message, "get form." A sample form and directions will be sent in reply. Parties who choose to file by paper must file an original and four copies of each filing. If more than one docket or rulemaking number appears in the caption of this proceeding, commenters must submit two additional copies for each additional docket or rulemaking number. Parties who choose to file by paper must file an original and four copies of each filing. If more than one docket or rulemaking number appears in the caption of this proceeding, commenters must submit two additional copies for each additional docket or rulemaking number. Filings can be sent by hand or messenger delivery, by commercial overnight courier, or by first- class or overnight U. S. Postal Service mail (although we continue to experience delays in receiving U. S. Postal Service mail). One (1) courtesy copy should also be sent to Sheryl Todd, Wireline Competition Bureau, FCC, Room 5- B540, 445 12 th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20554. The Commission's contractor, Natek, Inc., will receive hand- delivered or messenger- delivered paper filings for the Commission's Secretary at 236 Massachusetts Avenue, N. E., Suite 110, Washington, D. C. 20002. -The filing hours at this location are 8: 00 a. m. to 7: 00 p. m. -All hand deliveries must be held together with rubber bands or fasteners. -Any envelopes must be disposed of before entering the building. -Commercial overnight mail (other than U. S. Postal Service Express Mail and Priority Mail) must be sent to 9300 East Hampton Drive, Capitol Heights, MD 20743. -U. S. Postal Service first- class mail, Express Mail, and Priority Mail should be addressed to 445 12th Street, SW, Washington, D. C. 20554. -All filings must be addressed to the Commission's Secretary, Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission. This matter shall be treated as a "permit- but- disclose" proceeding in accordance with the Commission's ex parte rules. See 47 C. F. R. §§ 1. 1200, 1.1206. Persons making oral ex parte presentations are reminded that memoranda summarizing the presentations must contain summaries of the substance of the presentations and not merely a listing of the subjects discussed. More than a one- or two- sentence description of the views and arguments presented is generally required. See 47 C. F. R. § 1.1206( b). Other rules pertaining to oral and written ex parte presentations in permit- but- disclose proceedings are set forth in section 1.1206( b) of the Commission's rules, 47 C. F. R. § 1.1206( b). For further information, contact Karen Franklin, Telecommunications Access Policy Division, Wireline Competition Bureau, (202) 418- 7400. - FCC - 2