Common USAC Language

Below is a working list of language specific to USAC. When using these acronyms, abbreviations, words, and phrases, be sure to follow these guidelines carefully to ensure that USAC content is consistent across divisions, for both internal and external audiences.

It is acceptable to use acronyms or abbreviations, as long as you spell out the phrase on first reference. For example, spell out “E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC)” on first reference, and then use “EPC.”

If there is no acronym or abbreviation following a phrase listed below, do not use one. For example, do not use “LBP” as an acronym for “Lifeline Broadband Provider.” Always spell it out, even if used repeatedly.

It is important to abide by the correct capitalization of the acronyms, abbreviations, words, and phrases listed below. The language listed is intentionally capitalized or lowercased according to how it is written below, even if it is an acronym. For example, “eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC)” should not follow title case, and “Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG)” should follow title case.

Please note that when referring to a Universal Service Fund (USF) program, the “p” in program should always be lowercase, unless it is part of a title. For example, “E-Rate program” is correct, whereas “E-Rate Program” is incorrect.

This list is automatically sorted alphabetically. To search by program, click the Program button in the upper right corner of the table. If you are looking for specific language guidance, use the search bar tool. If you have any specific questions about this section of the content guide or have language you would like to see updated or added, please contact communications@usac.org.

Common Mistakes

Rules

498 Company Officer

498 company officer

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

Service Providers

498 ID, 498 ID/Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN), 498 ID/SPIN

SPIN, SPIN/498 ID

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "498 ID/SPIN" is acceptable, as long as "498 ID/Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN)" is spelled out on first reference. 498 ID is listed first; don't use SPIN alone.

USAC General/Service Providers

499 Filer ID

FCC Form 499 Filer ID; Form 499 Filer ID

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. Do not include "FCC" or "Form" when referencing a Filer ID.

USAC General/Service Providers

5G Fund for Rural America

5G fund for rural America

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

High Cost

de minimis

de minimis

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless it is part of a title or the first word in a sentence. Always italicize unless it is part of a title.

Service Providers

ACAM I, ACAM II

ACAMI, ACAMII, ACAM-I, ACAM-II

Include a space between the name of the fund and the roman numeral that follows it.

High Cost

Access Recovery Charge (ARC)

access recovery charge

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "ARC" is acceptable, as long as "Access Recovery Charge (ARC)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

ACP Household Worksheet

ACP household worksheet

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used, except for ACP.

Congressional Response Programs

Acquired Exchange Support (AEX)

acquired exchange support; AES

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "AEX" is acceptable, as long as "Acquired Exchange Support (AEX)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

Address Matching System (AMS)

address matching system; address matching system

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "AMS" is acceptable, as long as "Address Matching System (AMS)" is spelled out on first reference.

Lifeline

Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

affordable connectivity program

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "ACP" is acceptable, as long as "Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)" is spelled out on first reference.

Congressional Response Programs

Alaska Communications System (ACS)

Alaska communications system

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "ACS" is acceptable, as long as "Alaska Communications System (ACS)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

Alaska Plan

Alaska plan; AP

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

High Cost

Allowable Contract Selection Date (ACSD)

allowable contract selection date; Allowable Contract Sign Date

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "ACSD" is acceptable, as long as "Allowable Contract Selection Date (ACSD)" is spelled out on first reference.

Rural Health Care

Alternative Connect America Cost Model (ACAM)

alternative connect America cost model; A-CAM

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "ACAM" is acceptable, as long as "Alternative Connect America Cost Model (ACAM)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

an FCC form

a FCC Form

Use “an,” not “a.” Only capitalize the 'f' in form when you are referring to a particular type of form, such as FCC Form 462.

USAC General

an FCC order

a FCC order; an FCC Order

Use “an,” not “a.” Only capitalize the 'o' in order when you are referring to a particular type of order, such as FCC Order 14-99.

USAC General

annual A/Q true-up

Annual A/Q True Up; annual A/Q true up

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. No acronyms or abbreviations should be used. Always hyphenate.

Service Providers

appeal

Appeal

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence.

USAC General

appellant

Appellant

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence.

USAC General

applicant

Applicant

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence.

USAC General

apply online; recertify online

National Verifier; consumer portal

When writing for consumers, say "apply online" or "recertify online" instead of "National Verifier" or "consumer portal." See "consumer" for more information.

Lifeline

audit

Audit

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence.

USAC General

authorized users

Authorized Users; AS

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. No acronyms or abbreviations should be used.

USAC General

Automated Clearing House (ACH)

automated clearing house

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "ACH" is acceptable, as long as "Automated Clearing House (ACH)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Basic Maintenance of Internal Connections (BMIC)

basic maintenance of internal connections

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "BMIC" is acceptable, as long as "Basic Maintenance of Internal Connections (BMIC)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

Beneficiary and Contributor Audit Program (BCAP)

beneficiary and contributor audit program

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "BCAP" is acceptable, as long as "Beneficiary and Contributor Audit Program (BCAP)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

benefit qualifying person (BQP)

Benefit Qualifying Person

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "BQP" is acceptable, as long as "benefit qualifying person (BQP)" is spelled out on first reference.

Lifeline

bid

Bid

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence.

USAC General

Billed Entity

billed entity; BE

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

USAC General

Billed Entity Number (BEN)

billed entity number

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "BEN" is acceptable as long as "Billed Entity Number (BEN)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Billing Account Number (BAN)

billing account number; Ban

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "BAN" is acceptable, as long as "Billing Account Number (BAN)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)

bureau of Indian education

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "BIE" is acceptable, as long as "Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC Tribal Outreach/E-Rate

Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)

business process outsourcing

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "BPO" is acceptable, as long as "Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

CAF I, CAF II, CAF BLS

CAFI, CAFII, CAF-I, CAF-II, CAFBLS, CAF-BLS

Include a space between the name of the fund and the roman numeral or acronym that follows it.

High Cost

Category Two Budget (C2)

Category 2 Budget; category two budget

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "C2" is acceptable, as long as "Category Two Budget (C2)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

chief administrative officer

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "CAO" is acceptable, as long as "Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

chief financial officer

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "CFO" is acceptable, as long as "Chief Financial Officer (CFO)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA)

children's internet protection act

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "CIPA" is acceptable, as long as "Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)

code of federal regulations

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "CFR" is acceptable, as long as "Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Commission Registration System (CORES) ID

commission registration system ID; CRS

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "CORES ID" is acceptable, as long as "Commission Registration System (CORES) ID" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

commitment adjustment (COMAD)

Commitment Adjustment; CA

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "COMAD" is acceptable, as long as "commitment adjustment (COMAD)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

Commitment Adjustment Letter (CAL)

commitment adjustment letter; COMADL

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "CAL" is acceptable, as long as "Commitment Adjustment Letter (CAL)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

common audit finding

Common Audit Finding; CAF; Circle of Life

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. No acronyms or abbreviations should be used.

USAC General

Common Language Location Identifier (CLLI)

common language location identifier

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "CLLI" is acceptable, as long as "Common Language Location Identifier (CLLI)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

Community Eligibility Option (CEO)

community eligibility option

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "CEO" is acceptable, as long as "Community Eligibility Option (CEO)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)

community eligibility provision

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "CEP" is acceptable, as long as "Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

Community Mental Health Center (CMHS)

community Mental Health Center; community mental health center

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "CMHS" is acceptable, as long as "Community Mental Health Center (CMHS)" is spelled out on first reference.

Rural Health Care

Company Officer

company officer; CO

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

Service Providers

competitive bidding process

Competitive Bidding Process; CBP

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. No acronyms or abbreviations should be used.

USAC General

competitive eligible telecommunications carrier (CETC)

Competitive Eligible Telecommunications Carrier

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "CETC" is acceptable, as long as "competitive eligible telecommunications carrier (CETC)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC)

Competitive Local Exchange Carrier

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "CLEC" is acceptable, as long as "competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

Congressional Response Programs

Appropriated Programs; COVID-19 Broadband Programs

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used. This term includes the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) Program, and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

Congressional Response Programs

Connect America Cost Model (CACM)

connect America cost model

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "CACM" is acceptable, as long as "Connect America Cost Model (CACM)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

Connect America Fund (CAF)

connect America fund

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "CAF" is acceptable, as long as "Connect America Fund (CAF)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

Connect America Fund Broadband Loop Support (CAF BLS)

connect America fund broadband loop support; CAFBLS; CAF-BLS

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "CAF BLS" is acceptable, as long as "Connect America Fund Broadband Loop Support (CAF BLS)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

Connect America Fund Intercarrier Compensation (CAFICC)

connect America fund intercarrier compensation

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "CAFICC" is acceptable, as long as "Connect America Fund Intercarrier Compensation (CAFICC)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

Connect America Fund Phase II (CAFII)

connect America fund phase II; Connect America Fund Phase 2; CAF2

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "CAFII" is acceptable, as long as "Connect America Fund Phase II (CAFII)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

Connected Care Pilot Program (CCPP)

connected care pilot program; Connected Care

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "CCPP" is acceptable, as long as "Connected Care Pilot program (CCPP)" is spelled out on first reference. Capitalize the "p" in "program."

Rural Health Care

Consolidated Post Audit Tracking System (CPATS)

consolidated post audit tracking system

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "CPATS" is acceptable, as long as "Consolidated Post Audit Tracking System (CPATS)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

consortia

Consortia

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. Note that this word is plural.

E-Rate/Rural Health Care

consortium

Consortium

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. Note that this word is singular.

E-Rate/Rural Health Care

Consultant Registration Number (CRN)

consultant registration number

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "CRN" is acceptable, as long as "Consultant Registration Number (CRN)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

consumer

Consumer

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. Use when referring to eligible consumers not yet enrolled in Lifeline.

Lifeline

Continuing Property Record (CPR)

continuing property record

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "CPR" is acceptable, as long as "Continuing Property Record (CPR)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

Contract Award Date (CAD)

contract award date

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "CAD" is acceptable, as long as "Contract Award Date (CAD)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

Contract Expiration Date (CED)

contract expiration date

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "CED" is acceptable, as long as "Contract Expiration Date (CED)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

contract review

Contract Review; CR

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

USAC General

contributor

Contributor

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence.

Service Providers

Contributors/Service Providers Customer Service Center (CSC)

Customer Support Center

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "Contributors/Service Providers CSC" is acceptable, as long as "Customer Service Center (CSC)" is spelled out on first reference.

Service Providers

Core Based Statistical Area

core based statistical area; CBSA

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

Rural Health Care

cost company

Cost Company; CC

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. No acronym or abbreviation should be used.

High Cost

COVID-19 Telehealth Program

COVID-19 telehealth program

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used. The "p" in "program" should be capitalized.

Congressional Response Programs

Critical Access Hospital (CAH)

critical access hospital

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "CAH" is acceptable, as long as "Critical Access Hospital (CAH)" is spelled out on first reference.

Rural Health Care

cure notice

Cure Notice; CN

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. No acronyms or abbreviations should be used.

USAC General

customer service agent; customer support agent

Customer Service Agent; call center agent

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. No acronyms or abbreviations should be used.

USAC General

Customer Service Center (CSC); USAC Customer Service Center (CSC)

Customer Support Center

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "CSC" or "USAC CSC" is acceptable, as long as "Customer Service Center (CSC)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Customer Service Portal; USAC Customer Service Portal

customer service portal

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

USAC General

customer service representative

Customer Service Representative; CSR

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. No acronyms or abbreviations should be used.

USAC General

Data Collection Agent (DCA)

data collection agent

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "DCA" is acceptable, as long as "Data Collection Agent (DCA)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Data Retrieval Tool (DRT)

data retrieval tool

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "DRT" is acceptable, as long as "Data Retrieval Tool (DRT)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

de-commitment and de-obligation

De-commitment; De-obligation

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. Use hyphens.

USAC General

Debt Collection Improvement Act (DCIA)

debt collection improvement act

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "DCIA" is acceptable, as long as "Debt Collection Improvement Act (DCIA)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

delegated users

Delegated Users; DU

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. No acronyms or abbreviations should be used.

USAC General

delinquency notices

Delinquincy Notices; DN

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. No acronyms or abbreviations should be used.

Service Providers

delinquent debt

Delinquent Debt; DD

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. No acronyms or abbreviations should be used.

Service Providers

Demand Payment Letter (DPL)

demand payment letter

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "DPL" is acceptable, as long as "Demand Payment Letter (DPL)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate/Rural Health Care

demarcation point (demarc)

Demarcation Point; DP

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "demarc" is acceptable, as long as "demarcation point" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

Detailed Audit Finding (DAF); Detailed Audit Finding (DAF) Worksheet

detailed audit finding; detailed audit finding worksheet

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "DAF" is acceptable, as long as "Detailed Audit Finding (DAF)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Digital Accountability and Transparency Act (DATA Act)

digital accountability and transparency act; DATA

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "DATA Act" is acceptable, as long as "Digital Accountability and Transparency Act (DATA Act)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

discount

free

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. When referencing Lifeline support or services, use "discount" instead of "free." NOTE: Refer to the Lifeline program discount as the Lifeline benefit. For example: "The Lifeline benefit is a discount provided on a consumer’s telephone or broadband service." When describing the benefit, we can refer to it as a discount but when talking about Lifeline in broader terms, use benefit whenever possible.

Lifeline

Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH)

disproportionate share hospital

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "DSH" is acceptable, as long as "Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH)" is spelled out on first reference.

Rural Health Care

duplicate review

Duplicative Review; DR

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. No acronyms or abbreviations should be used.

USAC General

E-File

e-file; E-file

Capitalize "E" and "F" in file.

Service Providers

E-Rate Customer Service Center (CSC)

Customer Support Center; Client Service Bureau

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "E-Rate CSC" is acceptable, as long as "Customer Service Center (CSC)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC)

E-rate productivity center; EPIC; Epic

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "EPC" is acceptable, as long as "E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC)

E-rate productivity center; EPIC; Epic

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "EPC" is acceptable, as long as "E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

E-Rate program

Schools & Libraries, Schools and Libraries program SL, SLD; E-rate Program; E-rate

"E-Rate" is a proper noun and should always be capitalized. Always keep the "p" in "program" lowercase, unless part of a title. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

E-Rate

ECF Portal

ECF portal

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case.

Congressional Response Programs

Educational Service Agency (ESA)

educational service agency

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "ESA" is acceptable, as long as "Educational Service Agency (ESA)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS)

electronic comment filing system

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "ECFS" is acceptable, as long as "Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

eligible consumer/household

Eligible Consumer/Household; low income

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. No abbreviation or acronym should be used. In Lifeline never use “low income.”

Lifeline

eligible services

Eligible Services; ES

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. No acronyms or abbreviations should be used.

USAC General

Eligible Services List (ESL)

eligible services list

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "ESL" is acceptable, as long as "Eligible Services List (ESL)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC)

Eligible Telecommunications Carrier

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "ETC" is acceptable, as long as "eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program

Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program; emergency broadband benefit program; EBBP

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "EBB Program" is acceptable, as long as "Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program" is spelled out on first reference. Capitalize the "P" in Program.

Congressional Response Programs

Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) Program

Emergency Connectivity Program; Emergency Connectivity Fund

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "ECF" is acceptable, as long as "Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) Program" is spelled out on first reference.

Congressional Response Programs

Enhanced Tribal Benefit

Tribal Discount; Tribal Benefit

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

Congressional Response Programs/USAC Tribal Outreach

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

enterprise resource planning

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "ERP" is acceptable, as long as "Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

EPC Administrative Window

EPC administrative window

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used, except for EPC.

E-Rate

evergreen contact

Evergreen Contact; EC

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. No acronyms or abbreviations should be used.

USAC General

Evidence for Rural Rate

evidence for rural rate

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

Rural Health Care

FCC Enforcement Bureau (EB)

FCC enforcement bureau

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "FCC EB" is acceptable, as long as "FCC Enforcement Bureau (EB)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

FCC Form ###

Form ###

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. When referencing a form, always include "FCC".

USAC General

FCC Form 472 (Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement (BEAR) Form); BEAR Form

billed entity applicant reimbursement form

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "BEAR Form" is acceptable, as long as "FCC Form 472 (Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement (BEAR) Form)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

FCC Form 473 (Service Provider Annual Certification (SPAC) Form); SPAC Form

service provider annual certification form

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "SPAC Form" is acceptable, as long as "FCC Form 473 (Service Provider Annual Certification (SPAC) Form)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

FCC Form 474 (Service Provider Invoice (SPI) Form); SPI Form

service provoder invoice form

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "SPI Form" is acceptable, as long as "FCC Form 474 (Service Provider Invoice (SPI) Form)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

FCC Form 499-A or FCC Form 499-Q

Form 499, Form 499A, Form 499Q

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. Always include FCC and use hyphens.

Service Providers

FCC Forms ###

FCC Form ###s

When referring to multiple submissions of a particular FCC form, pluralize the word 'form,' not the number that follows the form.

USAC General

FCC Forms ###

Form ###s/Form ###’s

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. When referencing multiple FCC Forms, make “Form” plural, not the form number.

USAC General

FCC Forms ### and ###

FCC Form ### and ###s

When describing multiple types of FCC forms, pluralize the word 'form,' not the number that follows the form.

USAC General

FCC Order ##

Order ##; FCC order ##

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. When referencing a particular type of order, such as FCC Order 14-99, always include "FCC."

USAC General

FCC Registration Number (FCC RN)

FCCRN, Federal Registration Number (FRN)

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "FCC RN" is acceptable, as long as "FCC Registration Number (FCC RN)" is spelled out on first reference. NOTE: the FCC refers to this as FRN, but USAC does not because we already use the term “FRN.”

USAC General

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

the Commission; federal communcations commission

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "FCC" is acceptable, as long as "Federal Communications Commission (FCC)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)

federal employer identification number

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "FEIN" is acceptable, as long as "Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Federal Financial Management Improvement Act 1996 (FFMIA)

federal financial management improvement act 1996

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "FFMIA" is acceptable, as long as "Federal Financial Management Improvement Act 1996 (FFMIA)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Federal Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (Federal GAAP)

federal generally accepted accounting principles

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "Federal GAAP" is acceptable, as long as "Federal Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (Federal GAAP)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA)

federal information security management act

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "FISMA" is acceptable, as long as "Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG)

federal poverty guidelines

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "FPG" is acceptable, as long as "Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)

federal public housing assistance

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "FPHA" is acceptable, as long as "Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)" is spelled out on first reference.

Lifeline

Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)

federally qualified health center

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "FQHC" is acceptable, as long as "Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)" is spelled out on first reference.

Rural Health Care

federally recognized

federally-recognized; Federally Recognized; FR

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. No acronym or abbreviations should be used. Use in reference to Tribes but never Tribal lands. Do not use a hyphen.

USAC Tribal Outreach

filer

Filer

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence.

USAC General

Filer ID

filer ID

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. Only abbreviate "ID."

Service Providers

Filer ID Deactivation Request

filer ID deactivation request

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. Only abbreviate "ID."

Service Providers

filing window

Filing Window; FW

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. No acronym or abbreviations should be used. See Funding Year comments for more information.

USAC General

Food and Nutrition Services (FNS)

food and nutrition service

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "FNS" is acceptable, as long as "Food and Nutrition Services (FNS)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC Tribal Outreach/Lifeline

Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

food distribution program on Indian reservations

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "FDPIR" is acceptable, as long as "Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC Tribal Outreach/Lifeline

FQHC Look-Alike (LAL)

FQHC look-alike

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "FQHC LAL" is acceptable, as long as "FQHC Look-Alike (LAL)" is spelled out on first reference.

Rural Health Care

Fraud Risk Group (FRG)

fraud risk group

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "FRG" is acceptable, as long as "Fraud Risk Group (FRG)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

freedom of information act

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "FOIA" is acceptable, as long as "Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Frozen High Cost Support (FHCS)

frozen high cost support

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "FHCS" is acceptable, as long as "Frozen High Cost Support (FHCS)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

full launch

Full Launch; FL; hard launch

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. No abbreviations or acronym should be used. Use “full launch” instead of “hard launch” when referring to a National Verifier full launch.

Lifeline

Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL)

funding commitment decision letter

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "FCDL" is acceptable, as long as "Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

Funding Commitment Letter (FCL)

funding commitment letter

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "FCL" is acceptable, as long as "Funding Commitment Letter (FCL)" is spelled out on first reference.

Rural Health Care

Funding Request Number (FRN)

funding request number

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "FRN" is acceptable, as long as "Funding Request Number (FRN)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

funding year

Funding Year

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence, or referring to a specific year.

USAC General

Funding Year (FY) YYYY (Month, Day YYYY through Month, Day YYYY)

funding year YYYY

Use “Funding Year (FY) YYYY” on first reference and “FYYYYY” after that. Specifiy range of dates for funding year on first reference. For example, on first reference say "Funding Year (FY) 2021 (July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022). On second reference, say "FY2021." Capitalize "Funding Year" when referring to a specific year, lowercase when speaking in general terms.

USAC General

General Accounting Office (GAO)

government accountability office; general accounting office; General Accounting Office

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "GAO" is acceptable, if "General Accounting Office (GAO)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

General Contact

general contact; GC

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

USAC General

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)

generally accepted accounting principles

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "GAAP" is acceptable, as long as "Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS)

generally accepted auditing standards

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "GAAS" is acceptable, as long as "Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS)

generally accepted government auditing standards

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "GAGAS" is acceptable, as long as "Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

geographic information system (GIS)

Geographic Information System

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "GIS" is acceptable, as long as "geographic information system (GIS)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Head Start

head start; HS

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

E-Rate

health care provider (HCP)

Health Care Provider; Healthcare provider; healthcare provider

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "HCP" is acceptable, as long as "health care provider (HCP)" is spelled out on first reference.

Rural Health Care

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

health insurance portability and accountability act

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "HIPAA" is acceptable, as long as "Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)" is spelled out on first reference.

Rural Health Care

Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF); Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) Program

Healthcare Connect Fund program; Health Care Connect Fund; healthcare connect fund

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "HCF" is acceptable, as long as "Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) Program" is spelled out on first reference. Capitalize the "p" in "program."

Rural Health Care

Healthcare Provider Shortage Area (HPSA)

healthcare provider shortage area

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "HPSA" is acceptable, as long as "Healthcare Provider Shortage Area (HPSA)" is spelled out on first reference.

Rural Health Care

High Cost Customer Service Center (CSC)

Customer Support Center

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "High Cost CSC" is acceptable, as long as "Customer Service Center (CSC)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

High Cost Loop (HCL)

high cost loop

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "HCL" is acceptable, as long as "High Cost Loop (HCL)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

High Cost Model (HCM)

high cost model

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "HCM" is acceptable, as long as "High Cost Model (HCM)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

High Cost program

High Cost Program

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case, except for the "p" in "program." Always spell out "High Cost" and only use the acronym "HC" in instances where space is tight, such as in charts or graphs.

High Cost

High Cost Universal Broadband (HUBB) portal

high cost universal broadband portal; HUBB

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case, except for the word "portal." The use of "HUBB portal" is acceptable, as long as "High Cost Universal Broadband (HUBB) portal" is spelled out on first reference. Do not capitalize the "p" in portal and do not leave out the word "portal."

High Cost

improper payment

Improper Payment; IP

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

USAC General

Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act (IPERA)

Improper Payments Elimination & Recovery Act; improper payments elimination and recovery act

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "IPERA" is acceptable, as long as "Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act (IPERA)" is spelled out on first reference. Do not use an ampersand.

USAC General

Improper Payments Information Act (IPIA)

improper payments information act

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "IPIA" is acceptable, as long as "Improper Payments Information Act (IPIA)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Incremental Support (IS)

incremental support

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "IS" is acceptable, as long as "Incremental Support (IS)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC)

Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "ILEC" is acceptable, as long as "incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

independent economic household (IEH)

Independent Economic Household

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "IEH" is acceptable as long as "independent economic household (IEH)" is spelled out on first reference.

Lifeline

Indian Health Service (IHS)

Indian health service

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "IHS" is acceptable, as long as "Indian Health Service (IHS)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC Tribal Outreach

Institute of Museum and Library Services

Institute for Museum & Library Services; institute of museum and library services

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used. Do not use an ampersand.

E-Rate

Intercarrier Compensation (ICC), Intercarrier Compensation (ICC) Recovery

intercarrier compensation; IC

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "ICC" or "ICC Recovery" is acceptable, as long as "Intercarrier Compensation (ICC)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

interexchange (IXC) carrier

Interexchange Carrier; IC

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "IXC carrier" is acceptable, as long as "interexchange (IXC) carrier" is spelled out on first reference. Use IXC after "interexchange" and before "carrier."

High Cost

Internal Connections (IC)

internal connections

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "IC" is acceptable, as long as "Internal Connections (IC)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP)

internet control message protocol

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "ICMP" is acceptable, as long as "Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

Internet Safety Policy (ISP)

internet safety policy

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "ISP" is acceptable, as long as "Internet Safety Policy (ISP)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

internet service provider (ISP)

Internet Service Provider

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "ISP" is acceptable as long as "internet service provider (ISP)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Interstate Access Support (IAS)

interstate access support

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "IAS" is acceptable, as long as "Interstate Access Support (IAS)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

Interstate Common Line Support (ICLS)

interstate common line support

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "ICLS" is acceptable, as long as "Interstate Common Line Support (ICLS)" is spelled out on first reference. Don’t add “support” after the acronym.

High Cost

interstate telecommunications

Interstate Telecommunications; IT

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

Service Providers

interstate telecommunications service provider (ITSP)

Interstate Telecommunications Service Provider

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "ITSP" is acceptable, as long as "interstate telecommunications service provider (ITSP)" is spelled out on first reference.

Service Providers

invoice

Invoice

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence.

USAC General

invoice deadlines

Invoice Deadlines; ID

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

USAC General

Invoice Status Report (ISR)

invoice status report

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "ISR" is acceptable, as long as "Invoice Status Report (ISR)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

launch

Launch

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence.

Lifeline

lessons learned

Lessons Learned; Circle of Life

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

USAC General

Letter of Agency (LOA)

letter of agency; Letter of Authorization

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "LOA" is acceptable, as long as "Letter of Agency (LOA)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate/Rural Health Care

Letter of Credit (LOC)

letter of credit

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "LOC" is acceptable, as long as "Letter of Credit (LOC)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

Letter of Exemption (LOE)

letter of exemption

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "LOE" is acceptable, as long as "Letter of Exemption (LOE)" is spelled out on first reference.

Rural Health Care

Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA)

Library Services & Technology Act; library services and technology act

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "LSTA" is acceptable, as long as "Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA)" is spelled out on first reference. Do not use an ampersand.

E-Rate

Lifeline Broadband Provider

lifeline broadband provider; LBP

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

Lifeline

Lifeline Customer Service Center (CSC)

Customer Support Center; Lifeline Support Center

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "Lifeline CSC" is acceptable, as long as "Customer Service Center (CSC)" is spelled out on first reference.

Lifeline

Lifeline National Verifier (NV); National Verifier (NV)

lifeline national verifier; LNV; the Verifier

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "NV" is acceptable, as long as "National Verifier (NV)" is spelled out on first reference.

Lifeline

Lifeline program

Lifeline Program; LL

This is a proper noun and should always be capitalized. Do not use an acronym. Preferred shortening is just “Lifeline.” Use "LI" only if absolutely necessary, such as in a table or chart where space is tight. Do not capitalize "p" in "program."

Lifeline

Lifeline Program Household Worksheet (household worksheet)

lifeline program household worksheet; LPHW

Lifeline Program Household Worksheet may be shortened to “household worksheet” but avoid using an acronym.

Lifeline

local area network (LAN)

Local Area Network

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "LAN" is acceptable, as long as "local area network (LAN)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate/Rural Health Care

local education agency (LEA)

Local Education Agency

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "LEA" is acceptable, as long as "local education agency (LEA)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

Local Exchange Routing Guide (LERG)

local exchange routing guide

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "LERG" is acceptable, as long as "Local Exchange Routing Guide (LERG)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

local number portability (LNP)

Local Number Portability

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "LNP" is acceptable, as long as "local number portability (LNP)" is spelled out on first reference.

Service Providers

Local Number Portability Administration (LNPA)

local number portability administration

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "LNPA" is acceptable, as long as "Local Number Portability Administration (LNPA)" is spelled out on first reference.

Service Providers

Lowest Corresponding Price (LCP)

lowest corresponding price

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "LCP" is acceptable, as long as "Lowest Corresponding Price (LCP)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

Managed Internal Broadband Services (MIBS)

managed internal broadband services

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "MIBS" is acceptable, as long as "Managed Internal Broadband Services (MIBS)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

maximum allowable distance (MAD)

Maximum Allowable Distance

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "MAD" is acceptable, as long as "maximum allowable distance (MAD)" is spelled out on first reference.

Rural Health Care

Medically Underserved Area/Population (MUA/P)

medically underserved area/population

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "MUA/P" is acceptable, as long as "Medically Underserved Area/Population (MUA/P)" is spelled out on first reference.

Rural Health Care

Memorandum Opinion and Order (MO&O)

memorandum opinion and order

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "MO&O" is acceptable, as long as "Memorandum Opinion and Order (MO&O)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Midyear Review

Mid-year Review; MR

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used. Do not use a hyphen.

USAC General

ministerial and clerical (M&C)

Ministerial and Clerical

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "M&C" is acceptable, as long as "ministerial and clerical (M&C)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

minutes of use (MOU)

Minutes of Use

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "MOU" is acceptable, as long as "minutes of use (MOU)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

Mobility Fund

mobility fund; MF

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

High Cost

Mobility Fund II (MFII) Challenge Process

Mobility Fund 2 Challenge Process; mobility fund II challenge process; mobility fund 2 challenge process; MFII challenge process

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "MFII" is acceptable, as long as "Mobility Fund II (MFII) Challenge Process" is spelled out on first reference. "Challenge Process" should come after the acronym.

High Cost

Mobility Fund II (MFII); Mobility Fund Phase II (MFII)

Mobility Fund Phase 2; mobility fund phase II; mobility fund phase 2; MF2

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "MFII" is acceptable, as long as "Mobility Fund II (MFII)" or "Mobility Fund Phase II (MFII)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

Mobility Fund Phase II (MFII) Auction

Mobility Fund Phase 2 Auction; mobility fund phase II auction; mobility fund phase 2 auction; MF2 auction

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "MFII" is acceptable, as long as "Mobility Fund Phase II (MFII) Auction" is spelled out on first reference. "Auction" should come after the acronym.

High Cost

Modernization Order

modernization order; MO

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

USAC General

multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Multi-Factor Authentication

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "MFA" is acceptable, as long as "multi-factor authentication (MFA)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

multi-line business (MLB)

Multi-Line Business

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "MLB" is acceptable, as long as "multi-line business (MLB)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

multiple-bill (multi-bill) circuit

Multiple Bill Circuit; MBC

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "multi-bill circuit" is acceptable, as long as "multiple-bill (multi-bill) circuit" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

My Portal

my portal

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used. My Portal is two words.

Rural Health Care

national average cost per loop (NACPL)

National Average Cost Per Loop

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "NACPL" is acceptable, as long as "national average cost per loop (NACPL)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

national center for education statistics

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "NCES" is acceptable, as long as "National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA)

national exchange carrier association

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "NECA" is acceptable, as long as "National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD)

national lifeline accountability database

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "NLAD" is acceptable, as long as "National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD)" is spelled out on first reference.

Lifeline

National School Lunch Program (NSLP)

national school lunch program

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "NSLP" is acceptable, as long as "National School Lunch Program (NSLP)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)

National Telecommunications & Information Administration; national telecommunications and information administration

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "NTIA" is acceptable, as long as "National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)" is spelled out on first reference. Do not use an ampersand.

USAC General

National Verifier Eligibility Check Application Programming Interface (API)

national verifier eligibility check application programming interface

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "API" is acceptable, as long as "National Verifier Eligibility Check Application Programming Interface (API)" is spelled out on first reference.

Lifeline

Network Cost Worksheet (NCW)

network cost worksheet

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "NCW" is acceptable, as long as "Network Cost Worksheet (NCW)" is spelled out on first reference.

Rural Health Care

network plan

Network Plan; NP

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

USAC General

NLAD opt-out states

opt-out states

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. Do not leave “NLAD” out.

Lifeline

non-instructional facility (NIF)

Non-Instructional Facility

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "NIF" is acceptable, as long as "non-instructional facility (NIF)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

Non-Standard Improper Payment

non-standard improper payment; NSIP

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

USAC General

North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA)

North American numbering plan administration

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "NANPA" is acceptable, as long as "North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA)" is spelled out on first reference.

Service Providers

Notice of Apparent Liability (NAL)

notice of apparent liability

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "NAL" is acceptable, as long as "Notice of Apparent Liability (NAL)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Notice of Dismissal (NOD)

notice of dismissal

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "NOD" is acceptable, as long as "Notice of Dismissal (NOD)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Notice of Inquiry (NOI)

notice of inquiry

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "NOI" is acceptable, as long as "Notice of Inquiry (NOI)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)

notice of proposed rulemaking

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "NPRM" is acceptable, as long as "Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Notice of Resolved Issue (NORI)

notice of resolved issue

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "NORI" is acceptable, as long as "Notice of Resolved Issue (NORI)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Office of Inspector General (OIG)

office of inspector general

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "OIG" is acceptable, as long as "Office of Inspector General (OIG)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

office of managemetn and budget

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "OMB" is acceptable, as long as "Office of Management and Budget (OMB)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

One Portal

one portal

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

USAC General

Open Data; USAC Open Data

open data

Open Data is a proper noun and should be capitalized when we talk about our website, initiative or team. However, open data as a concept is not a proper noun and should not be capitalized. For example: "Organizations around the country are converting datasets to open data;" "USAC is launching a new open data tool called the E-Rate Invoicing Open Data Tool on the USAC Open Data website."

USAC General

Order

order

Capitalize when when referencing a formal FCC Order (such as CAFT Order or Lifeline Reform Order); otherwise keep lowercase.

USAC General

order

Order

Keep lowercase unless it is part of a proper noun or when referencing a formal FCC Order (such as CAFT Order or Lifeline Reform Order).

USAC General

participants

Participants

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence.

USAC General

Past Due Letter (PDL)

past due letter

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "PDL" is acceptable, as long as "Past Due Letter (PDL)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Payment Quality Assurance (PQA); Payment Quality Assurance (PQA) program

payment quality assurance; payment quality assurance program

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "PQA" is acceptable, as long as "Payment Quality Assurance (PQA)" is spelled out on first reference. The "p" in "program" should always be lowercase.

USAC General

pending

Pending

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence.

USAC General

Performance Measures Module (PMM)

performance measures module

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "PMM" is acceptable, as long as "Performance Measures Module (PMM)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

Personal Identification Number (PIN)

personal identification number

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "PIN" is acceptable, as long as "Personal Identification Number (PIN)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Personally Identifiable Information

personally identifiable information; PII

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

USAC General

Preparer

preparer

This is a proper noun and should follow title case.

Service Providers

price cap

price-cap

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. Do not use a hyphen.

High Cost

Program Integrity Assurance (PIA)

program integrity assurance

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "PIA" is acceptable, as long as "Program Integrity Assurance (PIA)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

program year

Program Year; PY

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence, or if referring to a specific year. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

USAC General

Program Year 20XX

PY20XX

This is a proper noun if referring to a specific year, and should therefre follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

USAC General

Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through FCC Programs

protecting against national security threats to the communications supply chain through FCC programs

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used, with the exception of "FCC".

USAC General

Public Notice (PN)

public notice

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "PN" is acceptable, as long as "Public Notice (PN)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Public Utility Commission

public utility commission; PUC

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

Lifeline

Q1 YYYY

1QYYYY; Q3 YYYY

When referencing a quarter, use “Q” directly followed by the quarter number, a space, and the year. For example, "Q3 2024."

USAC General

Quantity of Expense Periods

quantity of expense periods

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

Rural Health Care

rate-of-return (ROR)

rate of return

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "ROR" is acceptable, as long as "rate-of-return (ROR)" is spelled out on first reference. Use hyphens.

High Cost

Receipt Acknowledgement Letter (RAL)

receipt acknowledgement letter

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "RAL" is acceptable, as long as "Receipt Acknowledgement Letter (RAL)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

recertification

Recertification

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence.

USAC General

recovery of improperly disbursed funds (RIDF)

Recovery of Improperly Disbursed Funds

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "RIDF" is acceptable, as long as "recovery of improperly disbursed funds (RIDF)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

Red Light Rule

red light rule; RLR

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

USAC General

Red Light status

Red Light Status; red light status; RLS

"Red Light" is a proper noun and should always follow title case; "status" is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

USAC General

Representative Accountability Database (RAD)

representative accountability database

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "RAD" is acceptable, as long as "Representative Accountability Database (RAD)" is spelled out on first reference.

Lifeline

request for proposal (RFP)

Request for Proposal

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "RFP" is acceptable, as long as "request for proposal (RFP)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

reverification

Reverification

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence.

USAC General

Revised Funding Commitment Decision Letter (RFCDL)

revised funding commitment decision letter

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "RFCDL" is acceptable, as long as "Revised Funding Commitment Decision Letter (RFCDL)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

RHC Connect

RHC connect

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case.

Rural Health Care

RHC Customer Service Center

RHC Help Desk; RHC CSC

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used, except "RHC."

Rural Health Care

Rural Broadband Experiments (RBE)

rural broadband experiments

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "RBE" is acceptable, as long as "Rural Broadband Experiments (RBE)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF)

rural digital opportunity fund

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "RDOF" is acceptable, as long as "Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

Rural Health Care (RHC) program

rural health care

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "RHC" is acceptable, as long as "Rural Health Care (RHC)" is spelled out on first reference. The "p" in "program" should always be lowercase.

Rural Health Care

Rural Health Care Rates Database; RHC Rates Database

rural health care rates database; RHCRD

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used, with the exception of "RHC."

Rural Health Care

Safety Net Additive (SNA)

safety net additive

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "SNA" is acceptable, as long as "Safety Net Additive (SNA)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

Safety Valve Support (SVS)

safety valve support

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "SVS" is acceptable, as long as "Safety Valve Support (SVS)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

Section 508 Compliance

section 508 compliance

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

USAC General

Selective Review Information Request (SRIR)

selective review information request

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "SRIR" is acceptable, as long as "Selective Review Information Request (SRIR)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

service level agreement (SLA)

Service Level Agreement

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "SLA" is acceptable, as long as "service level agreement (SLA)" is spelled out on first reference.

Rural Health Care

service provider

Service Provider (SP)

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

Service Providers

single-line business (SLB)

Single-Line Business

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "SLB" is acceptable, as long as "single-line business (SLB)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

skilled nursing facility (SNF)

Skilled Nursing Facility

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "SNF" is acceptable, as long as "skilled nursing facility (SNF)" is spelled out on first reference.

Rural Health Care

software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN)

Software-Defined Wide Area Network

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "SD-WAN" is acceptable, as long as "software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "WIC" is acceptable, as long as "Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)" is spelled out on first reference.

Congressional Response Programs

Standard Improper Payment

standard improper payment

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

USAC General

state educational agency (SEA)

State Educational Agency

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "SEA" is acceptable, as long as "state educational agency (SEA)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

state master contract (SMC)

State Master Contract

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "SMC" is acceptable, as long as "state master contract (SMC)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

study area average cost per loop (SACPL)

Study Area Average Cost Per Loop

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "SACPL" is acceptable, as long as "study area average cost per loop (SACPL)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

Study Area Code (SAC)

study area code

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "SAC" is acceptable, as long as "Study Area Code (SAC)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

subject matter expert (SME)

Subject Matter Expert

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "SME" is acceptable, as long as "subject matter expert (SME)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

subscriber

Subsciber

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. Use when referring to consumers enrolled in Lifeline.

Lifeline

subscriber line charge (SLC)

Subscriber Line Charge; subcriber line count

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "SLC" is acceptable, as long as "subcriber line charge (SLC)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

supplemental nutrition assistance program

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "SNAP" is acceptable, as long as "Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)" is spelled out on first reference.

Lifeline

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

supplemental security income

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "SSI" is acceptable, as long as "Supplemental Security Income (SSI)" is spelled out on first reference.

Lifeline

Supply Chain First Report and Order

supply chain first report and order

This specific order is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

USAC General

supply chain order(s)

Supply Chain Order

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

USAC General

System for Award Management (SAM)

system for award management

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "SAM" is acceptable, as long as "System for Award Management (SAM)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Tariff Review Plan (TRP)

tariff review plan

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "TRP" is acceptable, as long as "Tariff Review Plan (TRP)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

team

Team

When referring to a USAC team, the word "team" should not be part of the proper noun and should therefore remain lowercase unless in a title. For example: "Shared Services team"

USAC General

Telecom Invoice

telecom invoice

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

Rural Health Care

telecommunications

tele-communications

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. Do not use a hyphen.

USAC General

Telecommunications (Telecom) Program

Telecommunications program

Since referring to a specific program, "Telecommunications" in this case is part of a proper noun and should be capitalized. "Telecom" is an acceptable abbreviation as long as "Telecommunications (Telecom)" is spelled out on first reference. Capitalize the "p" in "program."

Rural Health Care

telecommunications carrier

Telecommunications Carrier; TC

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

USAC General

Telecommunications Plant In Service (TPIS)

telecommunications plant in service

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "TPIS" is acceptable, as long as "Telecommunications Plant in Service (TPIS)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

telecommunications provider/company

telephone provider/company

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

USAC General

Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS)

telecommunications relay services

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "TRS" is acceptable, as long as "Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS)" is spelled out on first reference.

Service Providers

telehealth

Telehealth; tele-health

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. Do not use a hyphen.

Rural Health Care

telemedicine

Telemedicine; tele-medicine

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. Do not use a hyphen.

Rural Health Care

third party authorization (TPA)

Third Party Authorization

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "TPA" is acceptable, as long as "third party authorization (TPA)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Third Party Identity Verification (TPIV)

third party identity verification

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "TPIV" is acceptable, as long as "Third Party Identity Verification (TPIV)" is spelled out on first reference.

Lifeline

Transformation Order

transformation order; TO

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

High Cost

Tribal

tribal

Always capitalize. Using Tribal as a stand alone noun is not preferred. Use tribe or tribes if it is a stand alone noun.

USAC Tribal Outreach

Tribal college and university (TCU)

Tribal College and University

"Tribal" is always capitalized and "college and university" is never capitalized unless part of a title.

USAC Tribal Outreach

Tribal Head Start

tribal head start; THS

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

USAC Tribal Outreach/Lifeline

Tribal Identification Number

tribal identification number; TIN

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

USAC Tribal Outreach

Tribal land; non-Tribal land

Tribal Land; Native Land

"Tribal" is always capitalized and "land" is never capitalized unless part of a title. "Native" is inconsistent with USAC language.

USAC Tribal Outreach

Tribal Liaison

tribal liaison

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

USAC Tribal Outreach

Tribal Nation

Tribal nation

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

USAC Tribal Outreach

Tribal Partner

Tribal Stakeholder

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

USAC Tribal Outreach

Tribal Training

Tribal Webinar

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

USAC Tribal Outreach

Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (Tribal TANF)

Tribally-administered termporary assistance to needy families

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "Tribal TANF" is acceptable, as long as "Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (Tribal TANF)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC Tribal Outreach/Lifeline

Tribe

tribe

Capitalized when part of a proper noun. Use the official name for a tribe posted in the Federal Register. This content is updated every year. For example: "The Shawnee Tribe is located in Oklahoma."

USAC Tribal Outreach

tribe

Tribe

This should remain lowercase when not part of a proper noun. For example: "The tribe is one of 39 federally recognized tribes located in Oklahoma."

USAC Tribal Outreach

true-up

true up or True-Up

This is two words and should always be hyphenated. This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless at the beginning of a sentence, part of a proper noun, or used in a title (such as “2019 True-Up”)

USAC General

Unbundled Network Element (UNE)

unbundled network element

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "UNE" is acceptable, as long as "Unbundled Network Element (UNE)" is spelled out on first reference.

Service Providers

Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

unique entity identifier

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "UEI" is acceptable, if "Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)" is spelled out on first reference.

Service Providers

universal service

Universal Service; US

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

USAC General

Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC)

universal service administrative company

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "USAC" is acceptable, as long as "Universla Service Administration Company (USAC)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

Universal Service Fund (USF); federal Universal Service Fund (USF)

univeral service fund; FUSF; Federal Universal Service Fund

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "USF" is acceptable, as long as "Universal Service Fund (USF)" is spelled out on first reference. Always keep "federal" lowercase, unless part of a title or at the beginning of a sentence.

USAC General

USAC employees or USAC team members

USAC Employees; USAC Team Members

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence.

USAC General

USAC’s Audit Division

USAC IAD; USAC's audit division; AD

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. Only abbreviate "USAC."

USAC General

User Datagram Protocol (UDP)

user datagram protocol

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "UDP" is acceptable, as long as "User Datagram Protocol (UDP)" is spelled out on first reference.

High Cost

vendor

Vendor

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence.

USAC General

Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit

veterans and survivors pension benefit

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

Lifeline

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

voice over internet protocol

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "VoIP" is acceptable, as long as "Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)" is spelled out on first reference. Do not capitalize "over" or "o."

USAC General

Whistleblower Alert/“Code 9 Call”

whistleblower alert (WA)

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. No abbreviations or acronyms should be used.

USAC General

Wide Area Network (WAN)

wide area network

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "WAN" is acceptable, as long as "Wide Area Network (WAN)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate/Rural Health Care

wireless access point (WAP)

Wireless Access Point

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. The use of "WAP" is acceptable, as long as "wireless access point (WAP)" is spelled out on first reference.

E-Rate

Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB)

wireline competition bureau

This is a proper noun and should always follow title case. The use of "WCB" is acceptable, as long as "Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB)" is spelled out on first reference.

USAC General

withdrawn

Withdrawn

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless in a title or at the beginning of a sentence.

USAC General