E-rate Form 471 Deadline Extended Until April 29, 2020
March 13, 2020
In light of the school closings nationwide due to the COVID-19 virus, the FCC has extended the FY 2020 Form 471 filing window deadline until Wednesday, April 29, 2020 (a 35-day extension).
During this time, PIA reviews will continue and applicants that have submitted applications will receive PIA inquiries. However, the FCC has directed USAC to provide all applicants with an automatic 14-day extension for PIA requests.
I have spoken with several applicants in the last few days about board meeting cancellations and other obstacles that were creating issues with meeting the original deadline, so this news should come as a welcome reprieve. However, for all other applicants that are prepared to file applications, I strongly encourage you to file by the original March 25, if possible. The earlier you file, the sooner you will be funded.
We are going to also request the FCC to consider providing relief to all other deadlines that may occur during this month, including appeals, 486 deadlines, audits, etc. I will be in touch if and when I have any updates about those deadlines.
Form 470 Deadline: Although the FCC’s Notice did not mention this, I believe that those of you that missed the original Form 470 deadline (or PEPPM mini-bid deadline) have been given an unintentional gift because with this extension, you presumably now have additional time to post Form 470s and be able to meet the new April 29, 2020 deadline.
During this time, I will continue to be available to assist with your E-rate filings. I know many of you will be working remotely and regardless of whether I come to my office or telecommute from home, my service and availability to you will not change. The best way to reach me is always via e-mail at jtschell@comcast.net.
If you have any questions about this extension, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
The FCC’s official extension notice is available at: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-20-273A1.pdf
Stay healthy, my E-rate family.
– Julie
Julie Tritt Schell
Pennsylvania E-rate Coordinator
717-730-7133 – o
jtschell@comcast.net
www.e-ratepa.org