Clarification on Multi-Year Tariff Arrangements
Message Posted January 13, 2000
It's my understanding that there is great confusion over how to file E-rate
forms if you have tariffed services delivered on a multi-year basis. After
a series of discussions with major telecommunications providers and the
Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of USAC, I have put together some
guidance that I hope will be helpful.
The first and basic premise is that the SLD does not recognize the existence
of multi-year tariff agreements. According to their rules and the 471
application, there can only be a one-year tariff OR a multi-year contract.
If it is a one-year tariff arrangement, there is no written contract, and
both parties assume that the arrangement ends after one year. If the school
or library has agreed to a multi-year tariff (presumably to gain a lower
rate), the SLD considers that a contract, for which there must be a
beginning date and an ending date.
Advice for 471 filings:
If the applicant has a one-year tariff arrangement for which no contract has
been signed, they should only use a 'T' on the 471 application.
If the applicant has a multi-year tariff arrangement, they have 2 options.
1) Consider it a one-year tariff and place a 'T' on their 471, and re-bid
that service by posting a 470 annually (in which case all bids must be
considered); or
2) Contact their service provider to request a signed contract and contract
number assigned to the arrangement, and instead of placing a 'T' on the 471
they use the contract number and contract signing dates.
Incidentally, the same rule applies for a contract that has been signed for
a one-year tariff. It is considered a contract and not a tariff, and the
applicant therefore should NOT use a 'T' on their 471, but instead should
use the applicable contract number and signing dates.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
-- Julie
Julie L. Tritt
Executive Policy Specialist
Pennsylvania Department of Education
333 Market Street, 10th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17126
(717) 705-4486
(717) 787-7222 - fax
jtritt@state.pa.us
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