Thursday, March 24 is Last Day to File 471s for FY 2011!
Message Posted April 23, 2011
This is your final reminder that the Funding Year 2011 Form 471 Filing Window closes at 11:59 p.m. EST, Thursday, March 24! Congratulations to the 843 entities that already have submitted. But for the 420 applicants that have not yet hit submit (and you know who you are)... here are a few quick reminders:
1) Form 471 Server Errors: Many applicants are reporting receiving '471 Server Errors' when they click on certain buttons in the Form 471. If you receive this error message, try the following: In Internet Explorer: Go to Tools > Internet Options > Privacy > Sites > and add "www.usac.org" and "www.sl.universalservice.org" and click "Allow". Also, be sure you're using a PC and Internet Explorer to complete the form, as the new Form 471 doesn't seem to like Mac's or other web interfaces. If you still have problems, here is a list of other troubleshooting methods you can try: http://www.sl.universalservice.org/tipsAndTroubleshooting.htm.
2) Calling CSB: If you call the SLD's Client Service Bureau (888-203-8100) this week (8am - 8pm M-W, and 8am - midnight Fri), hit '0' when you reach the recording to reach a live agent. Don't leave a message.
3) Correcting a mistake: If you have made an error on your 471, you can correct it 1 of 2 ways:
a/ Submit a new 471 before the March 24 deadline with a new, correct FRN, and then cancel the original erroneous FRN when the BLUE Receipt Acknowledgement Letter (RAL) arrives. -- OR --
b/ Wait and just correct the mistake on the RAL. You are permitted to increase your funding request using the RAL. More information about RAL corrections will be forthcoming.
4) Item 21 Attachments: New requirement for FY 2011: Item 21 attachments are required to be submitted or postmarked by the close of the window. If they aren't submitted, I expect there may be a small grace period after the window closes where they will still be accepted. Please don't rely on this.
5) NCES Codes: If your school doesn't have an NCES code -- leave it blank! If you've already looked on the NCES database http://nces.ed.gov/GLOBALLOCATOR/ and your school doesn't have one, leave it blank on the form. You'll get a pop-up reminder, just hit OK and proceed with your application. Also, only school buildings have NCES codes -- non-instructional facilities (NIFs) do not. There is NO WAY to request an NCES code.
6) If you don't have a PIN: You can submit your 471 online even if you don't have a PIN. Hit submit, then print out the paper certification and mail it to the SLD by Thursday, March 24. The SLD will then mail you a PIN about 2 weeks later that you can use to certify all future E-rate applications.
7) Questions about Forms: If you have a question about a particular item on the Form, please refer to one of these previous e-mails as the answer is likely there!
Form 471: http://www.e-ratepa.org/Listserve-Archive/2011/03-07-11.htm
FAQs: http://www.e-ratepa.org/Listserve-Archive/2011/03-08-11.htm
Item 21 Attachments: http://www.e-ratepa.org/Listserve-Archive/2011/03-12-11.htm
Basic Maintenance: http://www.e-ratepa.org/Listserve-Archive/2011/02-14-11.htm
E-mail me if you need assistance. Happy Filing!
-- Julie
Julie Tritt Schell
PA E-rate Coordinator
717-730-7133 - o
717-730-9060 - f
jtschell@comcast.net
www.e-ratepa.org
Penn*link
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