Form 486 Certifications:
Applicants who will be filing the Form 486 must certify their compliance with two E-rate program requirements. The first, for those applying for Priority 2 equipment and services, is having an approved technology plan. The form asks the name, or names in the case of consortia, of the technology plan approver(s). The technology plan must satisfy the basic requirements set by the E-rate program. Additional information on technology plan requirements, and suggestions for developing the four required plan components, can be found in E-Rate Central’s Tech Plan Primer.
The second certification is for compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), which requires schools and libraries receiving discounts on Internet Access, Internal Connections, and/or Basic Maintenance services to certify that they are enforcing a policy of Internet safety that includes measures to block or filter Internet access for both minors and adults to certain visual depictions. As of FY 2012, the certification has been expanded to include providing training to students about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms, and cyber bullying awareness and response.
For consortia, the lead member is responsible for ensuring that necessary certifications are made and for responding to USAC inquiries on behalf of the consortium members. The consortium leader must collect from each consortium member a signed FCC Form 479, Certification by Administrative Authority to Billed Entity of Compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act, to establish that member’s status under CIPA. After all FCC Forms 479 have been collected, the consortium leader can complete the Form 486. The Form 479 is not required if the consortium requested funding only for telecommunications services. The consortium leader does not submit FCC Forms 479 to USAC, but must retain them for its records for a period of five years after the last day of service delivered for a particular year. This form may be requested during an audit or other review process.