20201222_mh1.pdf

DECISION MEMORANDUM 1

DECISION MEMORANDUM

TO: COMMISSIONER KJELLANDER
COMMISSIONER RAPER
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON
COMMISSION SECRETARY
COMMISSION STAFF
LEGAL

FROM: MATT HUNTER
DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL

DATE: DECEMBER 18, 2020

SUBJECT: CONTRACT WITH THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE USF PROGRAM

The current contract between the Commission and its Universal Service Fund (USF)
Administrator, Alyson Anderson, expires on December 31, 2020.
BACKGROUND
Idaho Code § 62-610 authorizes the Commission to establish the USF, and Idaho Code
§ 62-610(2) directs that the USF surcharge be remitted to the fund administrator on a monthly
basis. USF Rule 102 states that the Commission “shall contract with an administrator of the
universal service fund.” IDAPA 31.46.01.102. Idaho Code § 62-610F(3) further requires that the
Commission shall contract with a neutral third-party for administration of the fund. The purpose
of the USF is to provide for the universal availability of local exchange service and long-distance
service at reasonably comparable prices throughout the State of Idaho. See Idaho Code § 62-
610(1).
The Commission has contracted with Ms. Anderson to administer the USF for many
years. Commission Staff is planning to offer Ms. Anderson a one-year contract, subject to
Commission approval.
THE PROPOSED CONTRACT
The contract is for one year, beginning January 1, 2021. The USF Administrator is
compensated at a rate of $18,000 annually. Additionally, the contract allows the Administrator to
be compensated for reasonable administration expenses “incurred pursuant to a budget approved
in advanced by the Commission.”
DECISION MEMORANDUM 2

STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff believes that Ms. Anderson has admirably performed the duties as the USF
Administrator. She has administered the program since it was established, and has efficiently
discharged her duties during her tenure. Thus, Staff recommends that the Commission enter into
the one-year contract with Ms. Anderson.
COMMISSION DECISION
Does the Commission wish to:
1. Contract with Ms. Anderson to administer the USF; and
2. Authorize the Commission President to sign the contract on the Commission’s
behalf?

Matt Hunter
Deputy Attorney General

I:\Legal\CONTRACTS\USF_Anderson\Memos\One-year contract for USF_mh.docx