April 5, 2019<\/p>\n
A few quick E-rate updates because I know you\u2019ve been going through E-rate withdraw.<\/p>\n
E-rate Funding Waves:<\/strong>\u00a0 I expect the FCC to issue their approval to USAC within the next week stating there are enough funds available to cover the FY 2019 demand.\u00a0 After that, USAC will likely begin issuing funding commitment decision letters (FCDLs) around April 22.<\/p>\n PIA Reviews Actively Underway:<\/strong>\u00a0 Many applicants are receiving PIA outreach, seeking additional information related to their Form 471 applications.\u00a0 \u00a0This year we\u2019re seeing a major emphasis on substantiation of requested dollar amounts, including taxes.\u00a0 All PIA inquiries are done in EPC, and all applicant responses to these inquiries must be submitted via EPC.\u00a0 You can request an extension if you need more time to respond, but the sooner you respond, the sooner you\u2019ll be funded.\u00a0 The PIA Review Guide is available at:\u00a0 https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/?p=30611<\/a>.\u00a0 If you need to make changes to your application, you can do so \u2013 prior to funding commitment \u2013 using the RAL Modification process, guide at:\u00a0\u00a0 https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/?p=29751<\/a>.<\/p>\n Purchasing Category 2 Equipment Now:<\/strong>\u00a0 Applicants are allowed to purchase their C2 equipment now, even if they haven\u2019t yet received their FCDLs, because E-rate rules permit the purchase\/installation of equipment after April 1 (3 months ahead of the start of the funding year).\u00a0 Vendor invoices to schools\/libraries are permitted to be dated on or after April 1, but BEARs or vendor SPIs cannot be submitted to USAC for reimbursement until July 1 (or the FCDL\/486 submission date, whichever is later).\u00a0 If you do purchase equipment before receiving the FCDL, know that vendors may want you to pay 100% of the cost and then seek reimbursement from USAC via the BEAR.\u00a0 \u00a0When purchasing C2 equipment, please review these purchasing\/documentation guidelines:\u00a0 https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/?p=30711<\/a>.<\/p>\n Nationwide E-rate Survey:\u00a0 <\/strong>A nationwide E-rate survey is being conducted by Funds for Learning, asking schools and libraries to contribute their opinions and experiences with the E-rate application process.\u00a0 Please take 3 minutes and complete the survey (anonymously, if you prefer), even if you don\u2019t actually file the applications.\u00a0 At the end of the survey, respondents have the opportunity to provide any additional comments they want to convey to USAC and the FCC and I can tell you that they are read!\u00a0 The nationwide results will be tabulated into a comprehensive report which is then shared with the FCC, USAC and the general public.\u00a0 The survey is available at:\u00a0https:\/\/www.surveymonkey.com\/r\/E-rate19<\/a><\/strong>. \u00a0Not only do I want the federal policy makers and administrator to hear from PA applicants, but I want PA to have the MOST responses of any other state!\u00a0 I hope you will take a few minutes and complete it in the next few days.\u00a0 Thanks!<\/p>\n Thank you.<\/strong>\u00a0 In February my dear friend, Deb Kriete, sent a message to this listserve announcing that PAECT presented me with the PAECT Special Award for 2019.\u00a0 I want you all to know how deeply grateful I was (and am) for this recognition, despite being horribly embarrassed that she sent it to the listserve. The messages you sent me in return were simply amazing and brought me to tears — I read and saved every single one. \u00a0\u00a0Last weekend my father-in-law, a retired truck driver, congratulated me on the end of the window (isn\u2019t it funny that he doesn\u2019t know what E-rate is, but he knows I have a busy, busy season each year called a window).\u00a0 I gave him a broad smile.\u00a0 He then paused and said, \u201cThis doesn\u2019t feel like work to you, does it?\u201d\u00a0 I said — not a single day.\u00a0 Thank you again, my E-rate family.<\/p>\n — Julie<\/p>\n Julie Tritt Schell
\nPennsylvania E-rate Coordinator
\n717-730-7133 – o
\njtschell@comcast.net<\/a>
\nwww.e-ratepa.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n