USAC’s Schools and Libraries News Brief of November 8, 2019 announces the launch of a major update to the entire USAC website including the Schools & Libraries (E-rate) site. Three points stressed in the News Brief are:
- The primary purpose of the update is to improve the site’s design and functionality to help users find the information they need. Menus are being expanded to simplify site navigation and to “put key dates and resources front and center.” FAQ sections, for example, will be updated to permit searches by topic of specific key words.
- Most of the underlying content remains the same but not all earlier URLs will be maintained. Any use of out-of-date URLS will be redirected to the USAC landing page to provide access to the new search capability.
- Changes to the USAC website may limit the functionality and/or data display of certain legacy forms and tools for a few days this week.
Although the News Brief indicated that the launch of the new site was scheduled for Veterans Day, Monday, November 11th, at least some elements of the new site were up and running last Saturday with the new homepage URL usac.org/e-rate/ (replacing usac.org/sl/). The new homepage has three main sections as shown below.
- EPC login and links to the applicant and service provider legacy invoice systems; links to key resources; and important upcoming dates.
- Links to what had previously been shown as the basic program steps for both applicants and service providers.
- Simplified step-by-step diagram of the bidding, application, and invoicing process with a link to a more detailed explanation.
The News Brief also reports the following EPC updates:
- The addition of a Pending Inquiries Grid on each applicant’s Landing Page including a line items for outstanding inquires (except invoice and COMAD inquiries).
- An update to PIA outreach templates that will now permit applicant uploads and/or narrative comments on all templates.