E-rate Update - Last Minute Reminders
Message Posted January 29, 1998
On the eve of THE day we've all been waiting for, I just want to pass on a few important reminders.
The web site is supposed to go operational at 5:00 a.m. tomorrow, Friday, January 30. It will only handle 1000 simultaneous users; therefore, there is a good chance that you won't be able to access the web site on your first try. You may want to sign-on either early in the morning (before the West coast is at work), late at night, or during the weekend. Please be patient!
Please also remember that it is NOT crucial that you complete your form on the first day or two of the program. The 75-day window was established to alleviate the first-come, first-served, rush on the first day. You should not, however, wait several weeks to apply, especially if you are planning to bid new services.
And unfortunately, I'll have to request that ANY questions about the website be directed to the SLC client service bureau [888-203-8100], as I haven't seen the website for myself and won't be much help in these early days.
READ WEBSITE INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO COMPLETING YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION. The are available on the SLC web site NOW, under the "reference" section. In case you don't have a chance to go to the site, I am e-mailing them to you in two separate messages that will follow this. The first will be the Overview of the Website and Navigational Instructions (what buttons do what), including how many characters are permitted in certain fields. The second will be the 19-step checklist that you should review prior to completing your online application. It contains important notes about what documents and numbers you will need in front of you while you are completing your form.
One major item: Be prepared to note down in a secure place your Universal Service Control Number, provided by this system. You will be able to save your work and exit the application. When you press "save and exit," you will automatically return to the SLC Home Page after being asked to record your Universal Service Control Number before you exit the application. The Universal Service Control Number will enable you to return quickly to a completed application, and is required to retrieve an incomplete application. This unique identifier also will be what you will refer to when speaking to an SLC Customer Service Representative about your application.
Another major item: Having released the form, be sure to print the completed certification page for signature. If you exit without printing, you will not be able to return to the application for this print function. This page then must be mailed in to the SLC to complete your application. Your Form 471 will not be processed until the signature/certification page has been received.
Have ready the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) code number assigned to the applicant, if you know it. If you do not know it, the on-line application will help you find that information, as needed. (Block 1, Item (3a)) HOWEVER, IT IS NOT REQUIRED. Please note that your first input page provides an opportunity to enter an NCES code. At the school level, this is a 12-digit code, comprised of two digits for the state, five for the district, and five for the school -- in that order. Public school's NCES codes are available at [www.nces.ed.gov/ccdweb/school/school.htm].
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