AF Form 3557: Utility Service Annual Review (Download PDF) – AF Form 3557, officially titled Utility Service Annual Review, is a key Department of the Air Force form used to document the annual review of utility rates and agreements for reimbursable customers on Air Force installations. Civil engineering (CE) squadrons and resource advisors rely on this form to ensure accurate billing, cost control, and compliance with Department of the Air Force (DAF) policy.
This article explains the purpose of AF Form 3557, who completes it, its role in utility management, and how to access the official PDF.
What Is AF Form 3557 Used For?
AF Form 3557 records the annual review of utility agreements and rates for reimbursable (non-appropriated or external) customers. It helps verify that rates charged for utilities—such as electricity, gas, water, or other services—remain fair, current, and aligned with agreements.
Key objectives include:
- Documenting changes in utility rates or agreements.
- Identifying and resolving billing or rate issues.
- Supporting cost recovery for utilities provided to entities like Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) activities, privatized housing (under certain conditions), other DoD agencies, or authorized non-federal customers.
- Maintaining audit-ready records of reviews and corrective actions.
Note: AF Form 3557 focuses on reimbursable rate reviews, not the purchase of utilities from external providers. Separate forms handle utility purchase contract reviews:
- AF Form 3550 – Electric Service
- AF Form 3551 – Gas Service
- AF Form 3552 – Water and Sewage Service
Governing Regulation: DAFMAN 32-1061
The primary authority for AF Form 3557 is DAFMAN 32-1061, Providing Utilities to Department of the Air Force Installations (with updates via DAFGM 2025-01).
According to paragraph 4.11 (Utility Reimbursable Rate Review):
“The CE squadron resource advisor or delegee will complete AF Form 3557, Utility Service Annual Review, no later than 1 January of each year to record the annual review and changes in utility agreements and rates for reimbursable customers. (T-3)”
Personnel must retain a copy of the latest review along with records of any actions taken to resolve identified problems or implement recommendations.
This process ensures the Department of the Air Force recovers appropriate costs while maintaining transparency and efficiency in utility management across installations.
Who Completes AF Form 3557?
- Primary responsibility: CE Squadron Resource Advisor or their designated representative.
- Support role: Installation Energy Manager or Civil Engineer (BCE) staff may provide data or coordinate.
- It applies to Air Force, Air National Guard, and Space Force installations managing reimbursable utility services.
The form captures details such as:
- Utility type and customer classification.
- Current rates and consumption data.
- Comparison with prior periods.
- Any recommended adjustments or corrective actions.
- Signatures and dates for accountability.
Why the Annual Review Matters?
Utility costs represent a significant portion of installation operating expenses. Regular reviews help:
- Detect rate discrepancies or billing errors early.
- Adapt to changing utility tariffs or consumption patterns.
- Ensure compliance with federal regulations and DoD/DAF policy on reimbursable services.
- Support broader energy management and resilience goals, including data reported through tools like the Utility System Operational Report Tracker (USORT).
Failing to complete timely reviews can lead to inaccurate reimbursements, audit findings, or lost revenue for the installation.
How to Download AF Form 3557?
The official fillable PDF is available through the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing site:
→ Download AF Form 3557 here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a4/form/af3557/af3557.pdf
Always use the latest version from the official e-Publishing portal to ensure compliance. The form released on February 10, 2016, remains the referenced edition in current guidance.
Related resources:
- Full DAFMAN 32-1061 (with 2025 guidance memorandum): Available on e-Publishing.af.mil.
- AF Forms 3550, 3551, and 3552 for utility purchase contract reviews.
Best Practices for Completing AF Form 3557
- Start early — Gather consumption data, rate schedules, and prior-year reviews before the 1 January deadline.
- Coordinate — Work with the installation Energy Manager, financial management, and affected customers.
- Document thoroughly — Note any rate changes, anomalies, or efficiency recommendations.
- File properly — Maintain records per AFMAN 33-363 and local file plans for audit readiness.
- Address issues promptly — Track and document corrective actions resulting from the review.
For complex cases involving privatized military family housing or special customer classifications, cross-reference AF Form 3556 (Utility Service Agreement) and related guidance in DAFMAN 32-1061.
Conclusion
AF Form 3557 plays a vital role in responsible utility management for the U.S. Air Force. By conducting and documenting these annual reviews, CE professionals help control costs, ensure accurate reimbursements, and maintain compliance with DAF policy.
Air Force civil engineers, resource advisors, and energy managers should familiarize themselves with DAFMAN 32-1061 and keep the official form bookmarked for quick access.
Need the form?
Download the latest AF Form 3557 PDF
For questions specific to your installation, consult your local CE squadron or the Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) for tailored guidance.
This information is based on current Department of the Air Force publications as of 2025–2026 guidance. Always verify the latest directives on e-Publishing.af.mil, as policies and forms can be updated.