April 6, 2017<\/p>\n
~ 35 Days Until the Form 471 Deadline ~<\/p>\n
Happy April, E-raters!\u00a0 Here are a few updates to keep you updated on the latest happenings.<\/p>\n
Last Minute Form 470s or PEPPM Mini-Bids<\/strong><\/p>\n If you haven\u2019t done so already, it\u2019s time to post any last minute Form 470s for new equipment, for MTM services (must be filed annually), or for services covered under a new contract. \u00a0 For specific Form 470 reminders and hints, see:\u00a0 https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/?p=19351<\/a>.\u00a0 The very last day that you can post a 470 is April 13, but this only leaves the final day of the Form 471 window \u2013 May 11 — to evaluate your bids, obtain local approvals, sign contracts and complete the 471.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n FY 2017 RAL Corrections\/Cancellations<\/strong><\/p>\n Several applicants have filed Form 471s and would like to make changes to those applications, cancel individual FRNs or cancel the 471 entirely.\u00a0 That function is performed using the \u201cRAL Correction Process\u201d found with your Form 471, which is now operational for FY 2017.\u00a0\u00a0 For specific instructions on where to find and how to use the RAL Correction Process, see:\u00a0 https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/?p=19551<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Voice Services Eligibility for FY 2017<\/strong><\/p>\n I\u2019ve received a few questions about the eligibility of voice services for FY 2017.\u00a0 Voice services are continuing to be phased out, with FY 2017 reducing voice discounts by 60%.\u00a0 This means that the only applicants still eligible for voice discounts are those in the 70, 80 and 90% discount bands (their discounts would be 10, 20 or 30%).\u00a0 This includes voice services and Category 2 voice equipment.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Status of SPIN Changes\/Service Substitutions\/Appeals<\/strong><\/p>\n Lots and lots of you submitted SPIN Change Requests, Service Substitution Requests and Appeals (many over 6 months ago) and they\u2019re still pending.\u00a0 The delays have been due to fact that USAC has been building the back-end functionality to process those post-commitment requests and issue decisions in the new EPC system.\u00a0 We\u2019ve been told that USAC has just begun issuing decisions or requesting more information related to those Post Commitment Requests, but it will take some time to get through the backlog.\u00a0 If USAC has questions about your Appeal, SPIN Change Request or Service Substitution Request they will post those questions in EPC and send you an e-mail letting you know you have X number of days to answer those questions.\u00a0 Post Commitment Decisions will now be called RFCDLs (Revised Funding Commitment Decision Letters) and will be posted in EPC under Notifications (top of Landing Page).\u00a0 Applicants will receive an e-mail notifying them that a decision has been made and their RFCDL is available in EPC.<\/p>\n Copy FRN Functionality<\/strong><\/p>\n The FY 2017 Form 471 now allows you to Copy a previously created FY 2016 or FY 2017 FRN to your FY 2017 application \u2013 a step that will save you time when submitting your FY 2017 Form 471s.\u00a0\u00a0 Copy FRN will be most useful for recurring service FRNs, such as Category 1 and Basic Maintenance, but can be used for Category 2 requests as well (such as when you realize a mistake after the 471 has been certified and want to start over on a new 471).\u00a0 For more details about the Copy FRN feature and to view the Guide, see:\u00a0 https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/?p=19301<\/a>.<\/p>\n FRN Line Items Bulk Upload Tool<\/strong><\/p>\n When creating Internal Connections FRNs with multiple FRN Line Items or multiple Recipients of Service, applicants can use a Bulk Upload feature where a Template is created off-line and then uploaded into the FRN.\u00a0 It\u2019s a true lifesaver for some applications!\u00a0 \u00a0For more details about the Bulk Upload feature and to view the Guide, see:\u00a0 https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/?p=19371<\/a>.<\/p>\n Category 2 Budget Changes<\/strong><\/p>\n The FCC recently adjusted the FY 2017 Category 2 budgets for inflation as follows:\u00a0 <\/strong>2017 = $153.47\/student, $2.35\/square foot (non-urban libraries), $6.05\/sq. foot (large urban libraries) – or minimum of $9,412.80\/school\/library.\u00a0 For more information on how this will impact your FY 2017 application, and how to calculate your remaining C2 budgets, see:\u00a0 https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/?p=19251<\/a>.\u00a0 One slight update:\u00a0 For the few applicants that revised their FY 2016 E-rate funding request because they were \u201cover budget\u201d and now want to increase that funding request, USAC is considering the best way to make such a request (appeal, etc.) and the deadline for doing so.\u00a0 I\u2019ll let you know when more information becomes available.<\/p>\n Category 1 and Category 2 Filing Guides<\/strong><\/p>\n If you have any questions about any of these or any other E-rate topics, please don\u2019t hesitate to e-mail me at jtschell@comcast.net<\/a>!<\/p>\n — Julie<\/p>\n Julie Tritt Schell Penn*link<\/p>\n\n\n
\nPA E-rate Coordinator
\n717-730-7133 – o
\n717-730-9060 – f
\njtschell@comcast.net<\/a>
\nwww.e-ratepa.org<\/a><\/p>\n