Federal Communications Commission	DA 24-29


DA 24-29
Released:  January 11, 2024

WIRELINE COMPETITION BUREAU ANNOUNCES FEBRUARY 12, 2024 DEADLINE FOR CERTIFYING AND SUBMITTING ENHANCED A-CAM CYBERSECURITY AND SUPPLY CHAIN RISK MANAGEMENT PLANS
WC Docket Nos. 10-90, 14-58, 09-197, 16-271

The Commission required Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model (A-CAM) carriers to implement operational cybersecurity and supply chain risk management plans by January 1, 2024—the start of the Enhanced A-CAM support term—to “emphasize the critical importance of cybersecurity and supply chain risk management in modern broadband networks, consistent with broader initiatives across the federal government . . . .” 47 CFR § 54.308(e)(1); Connect America Fund et al., WC Docket No. 10-90 et al., Report and Order et al., FCC 23-60, at 47, para. 109 (July 24, 2023) (Enhanced A-CAM Order). 
  Enhanced A-CAM carriers must certify and submit such plans to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) by January 2, 2024 or within 30 days of approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act, whichever is later. 47 CFR § 54.308(e)(2); Enhanced A-CAM Order at 47, para. 109. 
  On January 11, 2024, the Wireline Competition Bureau published an Effective Date Notice in the Federal Register announcing that the Office of Management and Budget had approved the relevant information collection. Federal Communications Commission, Final rule, Announcement of Effective Date, 89 Fed. Reg. 1833 (Jan. 11, 2023).
  Accordingly, carriers must certify and submit their cybersecurity and supply chain risk management plans by 11:59 p.m. EST on Monday, February 12, 2024.   

More information about certifying and submitting the plans using USAC’s Enhanced A-CAM Cybersecurity and Supply Chain Risk Management Plan Certification Filing System is available at: https://www.usac.org/wp-content/uploads/high-cost/documents/Tools/EACAM-CSCRMP-Certification-Filing-System-User-Guide.pdf.  

If an Enhanced A-CAM carrier fails to submit the plans and make the certification by the deadline, or does not have in place operational plans at any time during the support term, the Bureau will direct USAC to withhold 25% of monthly support until the carrier comes into compliance. 47 CFR § 54.308(e)(3); Enhanced A-CAM Order at 47, 49, paras. 109, 112.
  If an Enhanced A-CAM carrier makes a substantive modification to its plans, it must submit its updated plan to USAC within 30 days of making the modification. 47 CFR § 54.308(e)(6); Enhanced A-CAM Order at 48-49, para. 112.
  


For additional information, please contact Heidi Lankau (Heidi.Lankau@fcc.gov) of the Wireline Competition Bureau, Telecommunications Access Policy Division, (202) 418-2876. 

-FCC-


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