E-rate Update - Pre-application Checklist
Message Posted January 29, 1998
The SLC has released this checklist for you to review prior to filing your FCC Form 470 electronically. Before you begin the on-line submission of FCC Form 470, please review this list. While the "Save & Exit" function will allow you to stop your processing and return later, taking these preparatory steps will speed your process. These items also are found in the "website instructions" under the reference section on the SLC web site [www.slcfund.org]. -- Julie Tritt
Review the paper FCC Form 470 and all instructions. Keep a copy of the form handy by your side as reference materials. Copies of these items may be downloaded.
Be prepared to note down in a secure place your Universal Service Control Number, provided by this system. This unique identifier will allow you to complete an incomplete application or refer to your application when speaking to an SLC Customer Service Representative.
Make sure you understand the "Help" Function.
Be sure of the precise name of the entity to be used in Block 1, "Name of Applicant." If your name is not already on the SLC database for you to select during the application process, your input of your applicant name will be a permanent feature of the SLC database, and a unique billed entity number will be linked to that name.
Have ready the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) [http://www.nces.ed.gov/ccdweb/school/school.htm] 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.
Identify the name (and relevant phone numbers and addresses) of the contact person for this application. This individual should be able to answer questions regarding the information on this form, including how to obtain a copy of your RFP, if you have one. This individual’s name will be part of the posting; SLC service representatives and/or telecommunications service providers may need to reach this individual.
For schools, know the total number of K-12 students in your schools. (Block 2, Item (7a))
For libraries, know the approximate number of patrons served, as defined by either the census population within your service area or the number of cardholders you serve. (Block 2, Item 7b))
Be able to approximate the total number of buildings and rooms for which you seek service. (Block 2, Item (8) and (9))
Determine whether any eligible services you currently receive qualify as pre-existing contracts. Such contracts must have been signed before this SLC Web Site opened for receiving applications. If your entire application is only for services under pre-existing contracts, then have available the signing and termination dates for each contract. (Block 3, Item (10))
Have you developed a Request For Proposal (RFP) for any of the services to be covered in the FCC Form 470? A RFP is not required by the Schools and libraries Universal Service Program, and is optional. If you have elected to develop a RFP, have you posted the RFP to a Web Site? If so, have the Web Site address handy. (Block 3, Item (11))
Description of Services Requested. Please review the written instructions accompanying the FCC form 470. (Block 3, Items (12) - (15), and (17)). Note that in lieu of attachments for Item (15), space is provided on-line to provide additional information. Please note that the on-line application allows for the entry of 2000 characters in Item 15.
Identify and summarize any state or local restrictions regarding how and when the applicant can be contacted by potential providers. (Block 3, Item (16))
Have ready the results of your technology assessment. (Block 4, Item (18)) While approval of your technology plan is not required at this stage, you may want to read about SLC technology plans and procedures before you begin this application. (See Question #20 in Basic Questions and Answers for how to access Explanation of SLC’s Technology Plan Policies and Procedures and Questions and Answers Regarding SLC’s Technology Plan Policies and Procedures.)
Have ready the name and zip code of each eligible entity (i.e. those eligible entities receiving bills directly from service providers or who are reimbursing a billed entity for services received) and the zip code of each recipient of service. (Block 5, Item (19) and (20))
Review certifications required in Block 6, Items (21) - (26) to verify eligibility and that the person electronically releasing the form has the authority to do so. No edits can be made to the form after its release.
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.
Use the Print feature of your browser to print these Web Site Instructions as a convenient resource for addressing aspects of the application process as you encounter them.
Please remember that not all requested services may necessarily be approved for discounts. Your applications are subject to review by SLC before funds are committed. No funds will be committed until the SLC review of the FCC Form 471. This review will occur after the 75-day filing window closes. The SLC review will consider eligibility of discount recipients, the contract signing dates of pre-existing contracts, and the eligibility of services for which discounts
are requested. Availability of funds and compliance with all of the rules governing this program will also be evaluated. You should thus consider the possibility of a denial of funding or a level of funding below your request, and include appropriate contingencies in any potential contracts for any or all of the requested services.
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