Funding Status
The application window for FY 2011 is scheduled to close at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Thursday, March 24, 2011 (see below).
Wave 43 for FY 2010 will be released on Tuesday, March 22nd. Cumulative funding for FY 2010 is currently $2.37 billion. Priority 2 funding is still being awarded at 81% and above, and denied at 79% and below.
No funding wave for FY 2009 is scheduled for this week.
FY 2011 Applications: The Final Days
Warning: The deadline for filing Form 471 applications for FY 2011, the next funding year, is Thursday, March 24, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Applications completed online or postmarked after this time and date will be treated as received outside the filing window and may not be funded.
For the inevitable applicants who are going to wait until Thursday to submit their Form 471s, we offer the following suggestions:
- For online filers. This is a particularly bad year to wait until the last few days to file an online Form 471. Historically, the online filing system has tended to become overloaded during the last day or two, but problems are more likely this year because of the system changes implemented early this year that are still not completely bug free. If last-minute problems are experienced with the SLD's online data entry system, it is important to document that the filing had been in process when problems developed. In particular:
- We suggest periodic screen printouts - particularly of the screen that appears early in the filing process displaying the Form 471 number and security code. It is also important to call the SLD's help line (888-203-8100) to report problems. The help line will remain open one-half hour past the 11:59 p.m. EDT deadline on Thursday. If you call with a filing problem, make sure you retain the assigned Case Number.
- To avoid problems from the outset, be sure to use Internet Explorer, not an alternative browser. The SLD's latest guidance for avoiding or dealing with a variety of possible online filing problems is available at Online Troubleshooting.
Remember that all Form 471s should also be certified by the deadline. If the application is not certified online using a PIN, the certification should be printed out, signed and dated, and mailed by the deadline. If the application is submitted online and on time, but not certified, the SLD will provide a reminder and a second chance to do so. If at all possible, please do not rely on this second chance.
Remember also that the new E-rate rules in effect for FY 2011 require Item 21 attachments to be filed by the close of the window. Item 21 attachments may be submitted online as a part of the online Form 471 process, or by e-mail, fax, or mail. Again, we expect some flexibility on this requirement, but encourage applicants not to count on it.
- When mailing a paper Form 471, Item 21 attachments, and/or a certification to the SLD, we recommend that the postmark date be documented. If using an express mailing service (e.g., FedEx), the electronic pickup date in the tracking system serves as the "postmark." Make sure you know the time of the latest express mail pickup in your area.
If using the U.S. Postal Service, similar advice applies. Use certified mail and make sure the certification is time-stamped before the 11:59 p.m. EDT deadline. Some post offices have later closing times than others. Check the USPS Web site to find offices near you and check their closing times.
- Any Form 470 referenced in a Form 471 must also be signed and certified to be valid. Applicants who filed a Form 470 online a month or two ago, but who did not electronically certify it online, should make sure that their paper certification pages have been submitted. The deadline for submitting a Form 470 certification is the same as the Form 471 deadline.
The easiest way to confirm that a specific Form 470 has been certified is to use the Form 470 Search Posted feature on the SLD Web site. The first section of a posted Form 470 should show a Certification Received Date. If this field is blank, and you just mailed the certification, make sure you can document the postmark date. If you mailed the certification a while ago, and the field is still blank, we suggest resubmitting the certification before the deadline.
Additional information on the Form 471 application process is contained in two SLD News Briefs issued last week (summarized below).
E-Rate Updates and Reminders
Requested Clarification on New Gift Rules:
The Education & Library Networks Coalition ("EdLiNC"), representing most of the major K-12 public and private education associations and the American Library Association, filed an ex parte request with the FCC seeking further clarification on the application of the Federal Gift Rules on the E-rate program. Specifically, EdLiNC asked the FCC to address the following questions:
- Who within the E-Rate applicant community are covered by the Federal Gift Rules?
- How are widely attended gatherings under the Federal Gift Rules defined, particularly in connection with non-profit association conferences and related sub-events?
- What E-Rate vendor sponsorships of non-profit associations and their conferences are permissible under the Federal Gift Rules?
- How may E-Rate providers participate in raffles, auctions and similar activities related to non-profit association conferences?.
The SLD issued two News Briefs covering various aspects of the Form 471 application process. The March 15th issue discusses the following preparatory steps:
- Get an FCC Registration Number ("FCCRN"), if needed. Applicants cannot complete even the first page of an online Form 471 without an FCCRN.
- Review, and correct if necessary, entity name, number, address, and category.
- Request Entity Numbers for any new entities.
- Locate NCES codes (for schools) or FSCS codes (for libraries). If filing online, you can bypass the NCES/FSCS fields, but only after bypassing a warning.
- Locate Service Provider Identification Numbers ("SPINs) for each service provider. For new vendors, who have not yet received SPINs, you can temporarily use the "dummy" SPIN 143666666.
- Check the Form 470 cited for each funding request. As indicated above, make sure each Form 470 cited has been certified.
- Review the information requested in Block 2 about high-speed Internet access services to each entity.
- Have the required student data necessary for Block 4 discount rate calculations. The new Form 471 requires libraries to enter actual student data for their home school district. Schools must provide more detailed information on entity types this year.
- Certify your Form 471, either electronically or on paper.
- Submit your Item 21 attachments.
The March 18th issue provides a little more detail on entity numbers, SPINs, and NCES or FSCS codes, together with a few other thoughts for last-minute filers. It also lists the extended hours of Client Service Bureau operation during this last week.