The FCC continues to update its master ECF FAQ document to reflect new guidance. The most recent updates as of September 9th (marked with an asterisk) include the following questions and answers:
*6.14 Q: After submitting an application during the first application filing window, a school or library realizes they need additional equipment and services to meet their students’, school staff’s, or library patrons’ unmet needs. Can the school or library submit another application during the second window to address these unmet needs?
A: Yes. If a school or library determines there is additional need for eligible equipment and/or services, they may submit another application during the second application filing window to address these unmet needs. However, applicants should not seek support for equipment and services already requested during the first filing window. Applicants requesting support for similar services or equipment should clearly explain the differences between their requests. See FAQ 7.10.
*7.9 Q: How will requests be prioritized?
A: In the event that demand exceeds available funding during any ECF application filing window, funding requests will be prioritized based on an applicant’s E-Rate discount rate for category one services, adjusted to provide a five percent increase for rural schools and libraries. This means that those schools and libraries entitled to a higher E-Rate discount will receive funding ahead of those entitled to a lower discount rate, as reflected in the discount matrix provided in section 54.1708(c) of the ECF rules.
*7.10 Q: If a school or library submitted an application during the first application filing window and has not heard from USAC on their funding request by the time the second application filing window opens (e.g., September 28, 2021), should they re-apply for funding in the second window?
A: No. Applicants should not re-file applications that were already submitted in the first application filing window. Submitting duplicate requests may lead to additional delay in the review of applications and will be denied.
*7.11 Q: If I have the credentials to access the ECF Portal, can I begin filling out my application for the second application filing window before the window opens?
A: No. Applicants should not begin completing an ECF Form 471 in the ECF Portal for the second application filing window until the window opens on September 28, 2021.
*9.8 Q: What should an applicant or service provider submit along with a request for reimbursement (ECF Form 472/474)?
A: Each request for reimbursement must be accompanied by a vendor invoice supporting the amount requested. Vendor invoices must include the level of detail needed for USAC to validate the following information during its review of this supporting documentation.
- A date of the service for non-recurring charges, or a bill date for recurring charges that is consistent with what was entered on the ECF Form 472/474.
- A date of the service or bill that is acceptable based on the relevant funding period.
- The equipment or services provided are the same as what was approved on the ECF Form 471 (unless modified pursuant to an approved post-commitment change) and are at or below the price approved on the ECF Form 471.
- The service provider who provided the equipment or services is the same as the service provider approved on the ECF Form 471 (unless modified pursuant to an approved post-commitment change).
- The service or equipment has been delivered.
*9.9 Q: Can a school or library submit a reimbursement request after it has received the ECF-supported equipment but before it distributes the equipment to their students, school staff, or library patrons?
A: Yes. While the school or library must have received the equipment or services prior to submitting their request for reimbursement and must certify to this on the ECF Form 472, they can seek reimbursement before distributing the equipment or services to students, school staff members, or library patrons with an unmet need.
Applicants and service providers are also reminded of the need to certify on their reimbursement requests (ECF Forms 472/474) that they are not willfully or knowingly requesting reimbursement for equipment or services that are not being used.