Improved Management Can Enhance FCC Decision Making for the Universal Service Fund Low-Income Program.

The Government Accountability Office examined 1) how the Federal Communications Commission's Lifeline and LinkUp program participation and support payments have changed over the last 5 years (2005-2009), and factors that may have affected participation; 2) the extent to which goals and measures are used to manage the programs; and 3) the extent to which mechanisms are in place to evaluate program risks and monitor controls over compliance with program rules.

GAO surveyed state public utility commissions; reviewed key policies, procedures, and rules; and interviewed agency officials and stakeholders.

GAO suggests that the FCC should A) clearly define performance goals and develop quantifiable measures that can be used to determine the program’s success, B) conduct a needs assessment and develop implementation and evaluation plans for the proposed low-income pilot programs, C) conduct a robust risk assessment, and D) implement a systematic process to consider audit results.

(GAO-11-11)