ECF Updates
June 10, 2022
Attached: PA ECF FRN Status as of June 10 2022
On Thursday, June 9, USAC issued ECF funding commitments in Wave 16 which included FCDLs for Window 3 applications, as well as FCDLs for applications submitted in Windows 1 and 2. I’m pleased to report that six PA schools received ECF Window 3 funding worth $1,183,189.
In all, PA’s schools and libraries have received $81,855,172 in ECF funding commitments. A complete analysis of all PA FRNs, their funding status, funding amount, and disbursement amount (as of June 10, 2022) is included in the attached spreadsheet. I’ve also included a column that shows the reimbursement deadline, and the funding year eligible service/equipment delivery dates.
ECF Window 3 Funding Cut-Off?
More than $2.8 billion was requested nationwide in ECF funding in Window 3, with current available funding approximately $1.5 billion. This means that applications will be prioritized to fund schools and libraries with the highest economic need first, with a preference for schools and libraries located in rural areas. USAC has not announced a threshold where funding will be cut off, which is good news. See next item for a way you can help.
Return Unused/Unneeded ECF Funding Commitments
Out of the $81 million approved for PA applications, only $20,874,550 has been disbursed thus far. If you do not need all of your ECF commitment, please file a Post Commitment Request in the ECF Portal to decommit the funds so that more applications can be funded in ECF Window 3. To do this, follow these steps: Log into ECF Portal > My Forms and Requests > Click on the ECF 471 Application Number > Related Actions > Create a Post-Commitment Request.
Submitting ECF Form 472 BEAR Invoices to USAC
If you opted to pay the vendor in full and then seek ECF reimbursement (see Column J, attached), don’t forget to take this step by the required deadline(s). For ECF Windows 1 and 2, the invoicing deadline is August 29, 2023. For ECF Window 3, the invoicing deadline is February 29, 2024. A Form 472 BEAR Filing Guide is available at: http://e-ratepa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ECF-Form-472-BEAR-Reimbursement-Filing-Guide-updated-June-2022.pdf. Don’t forget to upload both the vendor invoice AND proof of delivery or shipping.
ECF Window 3 (FY 2022) Equipment Purchase Reminder
If you applied for ECF Window 3 funding for equipment, be 100% certain to NOT to take delivery or pay for equipment prior to July 1, 2022. If you do, those purchases will not qualify for ECF Window 3 funding. If you’ve already ordered the equipment, make it clear to your vendor that they cannot deliver equipment to you prior to July 1. USAC will require proof of shipping or delivery, so if that documentation shows that equipment was shipped prior to July 1, they will then require 3rd party documentation to prove delivery date.
No ECF Summer Deferral Option
In the E-Rate program, USAC allows applicants to place applications on “summer deferral” during summer recess when schools are not in session in order to allow more time to respond to PIA inquiries. However, given the emergency purpose of the Emergency Connectivity Fund, there are no seasonal deferral periods in the ECF Program. Failure to respond to requests for information may lead to the denial of an application. If your contact information has changed or if you will be out of the office for an extended period of time, you can update the holiday and summer contact information in the ECF Portal at any time by using the “Contact Reviewer” button under the Communications or Related Actions tab.
If you have any ECF questions, please let me know. Also, applicants and service providers can contact the ECF Customer Service Center (CSC) with questions at (800) 234-9781 Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, or submit a case in their ECF Portal.
Happy summer, everyone!
– Julie
Julie Tritt Schell
Pennsylvania E-rate Coordinator
717-730-7133 – o
jtschell@comcast.net
www.e-ratepa.org