In March, 2021, Congress passed a new, one-time $7.1 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund to ensure that all K-12 students, educators and library patrons have sufficient broadband for off-campus remote learning. In May 2021, the FCC issued final program regulations and the initial 45-day application window was open from June 29, 2021 – August 13, 2021 to cover equipment and services for Funding Year 2021. A second, 15-day application window was open from September 28, 2021 – October 13 to also cover equipment and services for Funding Year 2021. A third application window was open from April 28, 2022 – May 13, 2022 to cover equipment and services for Funding Year 2022. Qualifying expenses, including laptop and tablet devices and internet access services for those lacking sufficient internet and connected devices are 100% reimbursable with minor limitations. While applicants apply and seek reimbursement using the E-rate One Portal System and forms resembling the existing E-rate forms, the ECF program is entirely separate from the federal E-rate program which funds broadband and internal connections on school/library campus. The program will expire on June 30, 2024. Complete program details can be found below.
ECF Funding Year 2021
- Application Window 1: June 29, 2021 – August 13, 2021
- Application Window 2: September 28, 2021 – October 13, 2021
- Service/Equipment Delivery Deadline: June 30, 2023
- Reimbursement Deadline: 60 days from FCDL, RFCDL or Service Delivery Deadline, or October 30, 2023, whichever is later (updated 8/15/2023)
ECF Funding Year 2022
- Application Window 3: April 28, 2022 – May 13, 2022
- Service/Equipment Delivery Deadline: June 30, 2024
- Reimbursement Deadline: 60 days from FCDL, RFCDL or Service Delivery Deadline, whichever is later (generally August 29, 2024)
New Construction Projects (FY 2021 and FY 2022):
- Construction must be completed within 1 year of FCDL. Invoice deadline is 60 days from this deadline, regardless of funding year.
- Recurring services associated with a new construction funding request have until June 30, 2024 to receive services if the FCDL or approved RFCDL for the new construction services was dated on or after July 1, 2022.
Updates and Data Analysis:
- ECF Window 1 Application Summary Data for PA Applicants
- ECF Window 2 Application Summary Data for PA Applicants
- ECF Window 3 Application Summary Data for PA Applicants
- ECF February 2023 Update/ECF Audits
- ECF August 2022 Update
- UEI/SAM.gov/EIN Requirements for ECF
- Service Delivery Deadlines Extended for Certain ECF FRNs
Guides/Resources:
- ECF Form 472 BEAR Reimbursement Guide - updated Aug 2023
- ECF Reimbursement Update and Reminders
- ECF Unmet Needs Documentation Guidance/Examples ***
- SAM.gov Registration Assistance
- Unused Equipment/Services Guidance
- ECF Audit Preparation and Requirements
- ECF Asset Inventory Template
- FCC ECF Audit Survey
(Older) Guides/Resources:
- ECF Updates. Form 471 Hints/Do’s/Don’t’s - Window 1
- ECF Clarifications, From 471 Hints/Do’s/Don’t’s – Window 2
- ECF Form 471 Application Checklist – Schools
- ECF Form 471 Application Checklist – Libraries
- ECF Form 471 Data Fields
- ECF Vendor Internet Availability Survey
- ECF Vendor Internet Availability Survey Cover Email
- ECF Window 3: Steps to Applying
- ECF Window 3: Form 471 Survey for School Applicants
- ECF Updates. Form 471 Hints/Do’s/Don’t’s - Window 3
Important Links:
- ECF Form 471 Application Portal - Apply Here!
- USAC ECF Information Page
- FCC ECF Information Site
- FCC’s ECF Official Order/Rules
- FCC ECF Window 2 Order
History/Archives:
- FCC Releases DRAFT ECF Rules
- FCC Proposes Framework for New Off-Campus Connectivity Fund (ECF)
- New $7.1 B Fund to Pay for Internet to Student Homes
- Family Survey To Assess Internet & Device Needs
- ECF Order Summary 5-12-2021
- ALA ECF Order Summary
- Second ECF Application Window to Open September 28, 2021
- ECF Presentation 9.8.2021 – Window 2 (for PA schools/libraries)
- ECF Presentation 7.21.2021 Libraries (for PA schools/libraries)
- ECF Presentation 6-16-2021 (for PA schools/libraries)
- ECF Summary - Short (updated 7.28.2021)
- NTIA Broadband Maps
- > Census Broadband & Device Needs Data by School District
- > Census Broadband & Device Needs Data by County
- > Census Broadband & Device Needs Data by Census Tract
- Guide to Registering in SAM.gov
- ECF Window 3 Summary
- ECF Window 3 Presentation
- FCC Announces 3rd ECF Application Window to Cover Purchases Beginning July 1 2022
- FCC Extends FY 2021 Service Delivery Deadline
- FCC ECF FAQ
- FCC Expands Ways to Determine Unmet Needs
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