{"id":35620,"date":"2024-08-08T18:03:25","date_gmt":"2024-08-08T18:03:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/e-ratepaorg.local\/?p=35620"},"modified":"2024-08-12T18:07:07","modified_gmt":"2024-08-12T18:07:07","slug":"august-2024-e-rate-update","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/?p=35620","title":{"rendered":"August 2024 E-rate Update"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"color: #222222;\">August 8, 2024<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Cybersecurity Pilot Webinar:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>On Wednesday, August 14 at 3:00 p.m., I will be hosting a 90 min. webinar to provide PA schools and libraries with an introduction to the FCC\u2019s new $200 million Cybersecurity Pilot Program.\u00a0 If you are interested in submitting an application this fall to be considered for the pilot, please plan to attend.\u00a0 Schools and libraries may register at:\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/cciu.zoom.us\/meeting\/register\/tJ0sfuCvqT4rEtd-aSTfxEkkoVadYnUPePzt\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/cciu.zoom.us\/meeting\/register\/tJ0sfuCvqT4rEtd-aSTfxEkkoVadYnUPePzt&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1723571907250000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0KNTZgokjHe-l84T7ZkZlz\">https:\/\/cciu.zoom.us\/meeting\/register\/tJ0sfuCvqT4rEtd-aSTfxEkkoVadYnUPePzt<\/a>.\u00a0 Although the FCC hasn\u2019t given a date for when the application process will open, I suspect it will be sometime in September.\u00a0 If you intend to apply, you can start preparing now for part one of the Form 484 application process by:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Reading a summary of Cyber Pilot Program:\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Cybersecurity-Pilot-Summary-June-2024.pdf\" class=\"mtli_attachment mtli_pdf\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Cybersecurity-Pilot-Summary-June-2024.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1723571907250000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Ey42qE6gwe3TCDvBQiOrd\">https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Cybersecurity-Pilot-Summary-June-2024.pdf<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Gathering the information that will be required in the Form 484 application, outlined in paragraph 63 of the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/docs.fcc.gov\/public\/attachments\/FCC-24-63A1.pdf\" class=\"mtli_attachment mtli_pdf\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/docs.fcc.gov\/public\/attachments\/FCC-24-63A1.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1723571907250000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1XIKnTxW7tRy-_Y5tdEVej\">Cyber Pilot Order<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Reviewing the Pilot\u2019s eligible services list:\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fcc.gov\/cybersecurity-pilot\/cybersecurity-pilot-eligible-services-list\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.fcc.gov\/cybersecurity-pilot\/cybersecurity-pilot-eligible-services-list&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1723571907250000&amp;usg=AOvVaw02-cM7D0H-2bzYUNV7EAEc\">https:\/\/www.fcc.gov\/cybersecurity-pilot\/cybersecurity-pilot-eligible-services-list<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Subscribing to USAC\u2019s Cyber Pilot newsletter:\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/survey.alchemer.com\/s3\/7881841\/E-Rate-Cyber-Pilot-Program-Email-List\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/survey.alchemer.com\/s3\/7881841\/E-Rate-Cyber-Pilot-Program-Email-List&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1723571907250000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Wjqjo1d0iOE9vmYxuwIrS\">https:\/\/survey.alchemer.com\/s3\/7881841\/E-Rate-Cyber-Pilot-Program-Email-List<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Wi-Fi Hotspots to be E-rate Eligible for FY 2025:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>The FCC has voted to allow Wi-Fi hotspots for students and staff with unmet needs to be eligible beginning in FY 2025.\u00a0 The FCC\u2019s Order is now available at:\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/docs.fcc.gov\/public\/attachments\/FCC-24-76A1.pdf\" class=\"mtli_attachment mtli_pdf\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/docs.fcc.gov\/public\/attachments\/FCC-24-76A1.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1723571907250000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0X7dq7wJfge09ZWMAPAV2w\">https:\/\/docs.fcc.gov\/public\/attachments\/FCC-24-76A1.pdf<\/a>.\u00a0 Although what\u2019s eligible is the generally the same as ECF, there are many added conditions.\u00a0 First, applicants will have a 3-year, pre-discount budget that is based on the applicant\u2019s size (a school\u2019s enrollment or a library\u2019s square footage) up to a maximum of 20% of students (schools) or 5.5 hotspots for each 1000 square feet (libraries).\u00a0 There also is a maximum pre-discount cap of $15\/hotspot plan and $90\/hotspot device.\u00a0 The E-rate competitive bidding rules will apply, as well as E-rate discounts.\u00a0 I will be sending out a full summary soon.\u00a0 Also, USAC is hosting a Wi-Fi Hotspot Eligibility webinar on August 15 at 2:00 p.m.\u00a0 Register at:\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/register.gotowebinar.com\/register\/8683570542546423639?source=Webinars\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/register.gotowebinar.com\/register\/8683570542546423639?source%3DWebinars&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1723571907250000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1vsvrExlzpVg8d042TnaFX\">https:\/\/register.gotowebinar.com\/register\/8683570542546423639?source=Webinars<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Emergency Connectivity Fund Reimbursement Deadline:<\/strong>\u00a0 The final day to submit ECF BEARs for reimbursement is August 29.\u00a0\u00a0 This date applies to most ECF Window 3 funding requests, although there are a few FRNs from Windows 1 and 2 that can still submit invoices.\u00a0 For a list of all ECF FRNs marked as BEAR, with unexpired invoice deadlines and funding remaining as of July 17, see:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/PA-FRNs-With-Remaining-Funds-as-of-July-17.xlsx\" class=\"mtli_attachment mtli_xlsx\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/PA-FRNs-With-Remaining-Funds-as-of-July-17.xlsx&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1723571907250000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0hGbHt9lQWllkFkK04UlET\">https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/PA-FRNs-With-Remaining-Funds-as-of-July-17.xlsx<\/a>.\u00a0 This deadline will not be extended until October (like they did with the August 2023 ECF invoice deadline) because of the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/?p=35522\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/?p%3D35522&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1723571907250000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3IDv0eWJoXmaBPSryYnn_b\">Congressional recission requirement<\/a>.\u00a0 Therefore, it\u2019s extremely important that you submit your ECF invoice to USAC as soon as possible.\u00a0 Reminder: Because of the recission requirement, USAC cannot approve any SPIN changes, invoice mode changes or appeals.\u00a0 Also, it\u2019s too late to actually purchase equipment and services.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Digital Connectivity Technology Program Applications Accepted Through 8\/19\/24<\/strong>\u00a0&#8211; This is a reminder that the PA Broadband Authority\u2019s $20 million\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dced.pa.gov\/programs\/covid-19-arpa-digital-connectivity-technology-program\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/dced.pa.gov\/programs\/covid-19-arpa-digital-connectivity-technology-program\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1723571907250000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3YOHkL_Go1LWbRw81aIIai\">Digital Connectivity Technology Program<\/a>\u00a0is still accepting applications through Monday, August 19, 2024.\u00a0 The grant will fund laptops for eligible public-facing institutions such as libraries, municipalities, not-for-profits, and other community anchor institutions, who will make them available to individuals who lack access to the technology needed to meaningfully participate in our digital economy.\u00a0 More information regarding this grant, including the grant\u2019s guidelines, a pre-recorded webinar providing an overview of the program, as well as an FAQ, go to:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dced.pa.gov\/programs\/covid-19-arpa-digital-connectivity-technology-program\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/dced.pa.gov\/programs\/covid-19-arpa-digital-connectivity-technology-program\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1723571907250000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3YOHkL_Go1LWbRw81aIIai\">https:\/\/dced.pa.gov\/programs\/covid-19-arpa-digital-connectivity-technology-program\/<\/a>.\u00a0 The PBDA strongly encourages interested applicants to review the program FAQ before applying.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Reminder to Whitelist New E-mail Address:<\/strong>\u00a0 Thank you for your patience as we transitioned to the new listserve and worked through some kinks.\u00a0 I will be sending messages on the new listserve from\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:jtschell@e-ratepa.org\" target=\"_blank\">jtschell@e-ratepa.org<\/a>; therefore, please whitelist\u00a0<strong><a href=\"mailto:jtschell@e-ratepa.org\" target=\"_blank\">jtschell@e-ratepa.org<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0right away.\u00a0 The messages may appear they\u2019re coming through the\u00a0comcast.net\u00a0account, but the system is configured to send them from the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/e-ratepa.org&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1723571907250000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3-0gKj9vkfNaF5KsPG-gT5\">e-ratepa.org<\/a>\u00a0domain.<\/p>\n<p><strong>REMINDERS<\/strong><strong>:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Reminder to File FY 2023 BEARs:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>The deadline to file FY 2023 BEARs for recurring services is October 28, 2024.\u00a0 For a status list of FY 2023 FRNs showing what\u2019s required (if anything) as of July 10, see:\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/?p=35572\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/?p%3D35572&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1723571907250000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3bM3VkUIwDl5KgSeel0a_a\">https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/?p=35572<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>File FY 2024 BEARs beginning July 1, 2024:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>If you\u2019ve already purchased your FY 2024 C2 equipment and have received your FCDL, you can now file the BEAR to seek reimbursement for that funding.\u00a0 Although the invoice deadline for FY 2024 FRNs is more than a year away, submit now and collect your reimbursement before you forget!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>File Form 486s:<\/strong>\u00a0 If you have received your FY 2024 FCDL and have not yet filed the Form 486, don\u2019t forget this important step.\u00a0 Although the deadline to submit is the end of October for most FRNs, you won\u2019t be able to submit a BEAR or receive discounted bills until the 486 is submitted.\u00a0\u00a0Full instructions on the Form 486 can be found at:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Form-486-Filing-Guide-FY-2024.pdf\" class=\"mtli_attachment mtli_pdf\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Form-486-Filing-Guide-FY-2024.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1723571907250000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Ihd9L3i9XKACNJR9VjJEv\">https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Form-486-Filing-Guide-FY-2024.pdf<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reminder to Label and Inventory Category 2 Equipment:<\/strong>\u00a0 If you applied for Category 2 discounts this year, don\u2019t forget to label the equipment before it\u2019s installed, and add the equipment to your asset inventory.\u00a0 For more details on these requirements, in addition to other C2-related issues, please review the Category 2 Purchasing Guide, available at:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Equipment-Purchasing-Guide-FY-2024.pdf\" class=\"mtli_attachment mtli_pdf\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Equipment-Purchasing-Guide-FY-2024.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1723571907250000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3BgpqXZAe_YqEZxNwe8jZU\">https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Equipment-Purchasing-Guide-FY-2024.pdf<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reminder if You Want Discounted Bills:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0Be sure to tell your vendors if you want to receive discounted bills where the vendor then seeks reimbursement.\u00a0 If you prefer to pay your vendor invoices in full and then submit the Form 472 BEAR to seek reimbursement, that\u2019s your option, but you must stick with one invoicing method or the other for the entire funding year for each FRN.<strong>\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Changing EPC Account Administrators\/Adding New EPC Users:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Summer often brings staffing changes and it\u2019s important that the new staff get set up in EPC so they are prepared to file E-rate forms as soon as they\u2019re due.\u00a0 Hints:\u00a0 Only AA\u2019s can create new EPC user accounts and assign User \u2018permissions.\u2019\u00a0 Only AAs can transfer their AA \u2018credentials\u2019 to another existing EPC User.\u00a0 If the AA is the new staff member and the previous AA is no longer with the school or library, contact CSC at 888-203-8100 and they will set up a new EPC AA account (only CSC can do this).\u00a0 For a complete guide on how to add\/remove EPC users, or change AAs, see:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/EPC-How-To-Guide-as-of-Nov-2023.pdf\" class=\"mtli_attachment mtli_pdf\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/EPC-How-To-Guide-as-of-Nov-2023.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1723571907250000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2MVEsumq0G3fqrhjHftTmb\">https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/EPC-How-To-Guide-as-of-Nov-2023.pdf<\/a>. \u00a0Also, if you need any new E-rate contacts added to the PA E-rate Listserve, please e-mail me their contact information.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Please let me know if you have any questions!<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; Julie<\/p>\n<p>Julie Tritt Schell<br \/>\nPennsylvania E-rate Coordinator<br \/>\n717-730-7133 &#8211; o<br \/>\njtschell@comcast.net<br \/>\nwww.e-ratepa.org<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"twitter-share\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?via=eratepenn\" class=\"twitter-share-button\" data-size=\"large\">Tweet<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>August 8, 2024<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[52],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-35620","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-listserve_archive"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35620","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=35620"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35620\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=35620"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=35620"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=35620"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}