ITAP.docx

IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
 REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL -- ADMINISTRATOR, TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
In its 1998 session, the Idaho Legislature approved amendments to the Idaho Telecommunications Assistance Program (ITAP) set forth in Title 56, Chapter 9, Idaho Code.  The purpose of the program is to provide eligible recipients of telecommunications service with a reduction in cost of basic telecommunications services to promote universal service.
By its amendments to the ITAP statute, the Idaho Legislature created responsibilities for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW), telecommunications carriers, and the Idaho Public Utilities Commission.  Pursuant to Section 56-903, the IDHW will establish eligibility criteria for program recipients based on income, and will take applications from eligible ITAP participants.  At least once each year, IDHW will provide a list of eligible recipients to each telecommunications company designated by the IPUC.  The telecommunications carriers will determine from the list those recipients to whom the company provides service.
The IPUC is charged with the responsibility to determine and impose a uniform statewide monthly surcharge on each end user’s business, residential and wireless access service.  The surcharge must be an amount sufficient to reimburse each carrier of residential basic local exchange service for the total amount of telephone assistance discounts provided, as well as the carrier’s and an administrator’s expenses of administering the ITAP plan.  The surcharge must be explicitly stated on end user’s billing statements.  Pursuant to Section 56-904(2), the IPUC may contract with a neutral third party to act as administrator for the ITAP program.  The administrator will collect the surcharge from the telecommunications carriers, distribute assistance revenues, and perform other tasks as assigned by the IPUC.
Pursuant to Section 56-904, the IPUC has determined to contract with an administrator for the ITAP program.  Accordingly, the Commission is interested in receiving proposals from prospective administrators.  If you are interested in serving as an administrator, the IPUC would like to review a brief written proposal.  Please submit a proposal to the IPUC no later than June 19, 1998.
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