Application Process

Application Process

To qualify for E-rate funding, schools and libraries must submit three separate forms to SLD. These forms must be submitted in the following order: Form 470 describes the service that a school/library intends to purchase. Using the information provided on Form 470, SLD will post the request for services to the SLD Web site for 28 days. Form 471 details the services for which a contract has been signed. Form 471 can be filed with the SLD after the 28-day Web-posting period. Form 486 confirms that contracted services are completed and that the vendor should be paid by SLD. Application for E-rate funding is a two-step process.

Step 1

Applications can be submitted at any time of the year for contracts or after July 1, 2000 if you intend to purchase telecommunications services or Internet access on a month-to-month basis.

Eligible schools, libraries, and consortia file Form 470 electronically or on paper. Electronic filing is encouraged: http://www.sl.universalservice.org/menu.asp. Electronic versions of Form 470 and Form 470 Instructions can be accessed via the Web at http://www.sl.universalservice.org/form.

Information from most Form 470s will be posted on the SLD Web Site which begins the competitive bidding process. Schools and libraries must wait at least 28 days from the time their Form 470 information is posted on the SLD Web site before they select the most cost-effective proposal. http://www.sl.universalservice.org/menu.asp

It is important to understand that the E-rate process does not supersede any local laws or regulations to bid requirements. All state and local procurement laws, regulations, and procedures must be followed.

If you will purchase services using a multi-year contract that has already qualified for E-rate support, you do not need to file a new Form 470 to cover that contract.

References

Form 470 You can obtain a copy of and instructions for completing this form at: http://www.sl.universalservice.org/form.

Tools to assist in preparing Application Form 470

Minimum Processing Standards There are certain mistakes that will cause automatic rejection of your application. Check here to discover how to avoid this. http://www.sl.universalservice.org/Reference/470mps.asp

Eligible Services List The list of products and services that are eligible for E-rate funding is at this site. http://www.sl.universalservice.org/reference/eligible.asp

Technology Planning To qualify for E-rate funding, you must have a technology plan approved by your designated state agency. If you have questions about the technology plan approval process in your state, contact your State Department of Education. For guidance in developing a technology plan visit these sites. http://www.sl.universalservice.org/apply/step2.asp Technology Planning Guidebook http://www.foothill.fhda.edu/cfi/smart/resources.html National Center for Technology Planning http://www.nctp.com

Mailing Addresses for Form 470

Complete applications should be mailed for Manual Filing. Only the signed Block 5 Certification Page should be mailed for electronic filing.

It is recommended that you send these forms by express delivery or U.S. Postal Service Return Receipt Requested.

SLD-Form 470 c/o Ms. Smith 3833 Greenway Drive Lawrence, Kansas 66046-5444

Step 2

Schools and libraries must wait at least 28 days from the time their Form 470 information is posted on the SLD Web site before they select the most cost-effective proposal and submit Form 471. After the 28-day waiting period, eligible schools, libraries, and consortia can file Form 471 electronically or on paper. Electronic filing is encouraged: http://www.sl.universalservice.org/menu.asp

Electronic versions of Form 471 and the Instructions for Form 471 can be accessed via the Web at http://www.sl.universalservice.org/form.

The application window opened November 6, 2000 and will close on January 18, 2001. Applications should be postmarked by that date to help ensure their chances of being funded.

References

Form 471 You can obtain a copy of and instructions for completing this form at: http://www.sl.universalservice.org/form

Calculating Your Discount

If you are applying for E-rate discounts on eligible services, you must calculate the percentage discount that you and the entities you represent are eligible to receive. For information and examples of calculations for a school, school district, library branch, library system, or consortium, check this site. http://www.sl.universalservice.org/Reference/discount.asp

Tools to assist in preparing Application Form 471

Minimum Processing Standards There are certain mistakes that will cause automatic rejection of your application. Check here to discover how to avoid this. http://www.sl.universalservice.org/reference/471mps.asp

Eligible Services List The list of products and services that are eligible for E-rate funding is at this site. http://www.sl.universalservice.org/reference/eligible.asp

Discount Matrix How to calculate your E-rate discount. http://www.sl.universalservice.org/Reference/dmatrix.asp

MSA/Goldsmith Data Whether or not your district is located in an urban or rural area will have an impact on your discount. For information on how to determine if your school district is urban or rural check this site. http://www.sl.universalservice.org/Reference/msa.asp

Technology Planning To qualify for E-rate funding, you must have a technology plan approved by your designated state agency. If you have questions about the technology plan approval process in your state, contact your State Department of Education. For guidance in developing a technology plan visit these sites. http://www.sl.universalservice.org/apply/step2.asp Technology Planning Guidebook http://www.foothill.fhda.edu/cfi/smart/resources.html National Center for Technology Planning http://www.nctp.com

Guidelines on Special Topics to Assist in Preparing Form 471

Wide Area Networks (WAN) The Wide Area Networks Fact Sheet provides information to assist you in determining what is or is not eligible for E-rate funding. http://www.sl.universalservice.org/Reference/wan.asp

Cost Allocation Guidelines Guidelines for calculating the "pre-discount cost" for discounted services for services that contain eligible and ineligible components and consortia comprising eligible and ineligible entities. http://www.sl.universalservice.org/Reference/costaloc.asp

Electronic Filing Internet Address for Form 470 Select this site to access the online application form. http://www.sl.universalservice.org/menu.asp

Mailing Addresses for Form 471

Complete applications should be mailed for Manual Filing. Only Item 25, description(s) of services, and the signed Block 6 certification should be mailed for electronic filing. Applications should be postmarked by January 18, 2001.

These forms should be sent by express delivery or U.S. Postal Service Return Receipt Requested

SLD-Form 471 c/o Ms. Smith 3833 Greenway Drive Lawrence, Kansas 66046-5444