March 25, 2015<\/p>\n
~ New Instructions for NIF-only IUs on Consortium 471s ~<\/p>\n
Intermediate Units (and perhaps some Diocesan entities) have multiple ways to file their E-rate applications, depending on what services they are procuring, for whom those services are being procured, and whether an IU has its own schools or not.\u00a0 The instructions on how IUs should file their Form 471s for each situation have generally not changed over the years, but I thought it would be helpful to spell-out exactly how to file for each scenario.\u00a0 Also, with the new Form 471, there is a technical problem (described in # 3) because the online application will not permit a NIF (non-instructional facility)-only entity to be a stand-alone consortium member.\u00a0 USAC has provided guidance as a work-around for this year if you are in this situation.<\/p>\n
1)\u00a0 IU FILING FOR ITS OWN SERVICES – WHERE SERVICE ISN’T BEING SHARED WITH ITS DISTRICTS<\/strong><\/p>\n 2) \u00a0IU AS CONSORTIUM LEAD – WHERE IU HAS SCHOOLS OF ITS OWN<\/strong><\/p>\n 3)\u00a0 IU AS CONSORTIUM LEAD – WHERE IU HAS NO SCHOOLS<\/strong><\/p>\n As it currently stands, the new Form 471 application will not permit the filing of a consortium application in which the IU is a consortium member but has no schools.\u00a0 Although not perfect, the following is USAC’s guidance on how to file in these situations:<\/p>\n If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at jtschell@comcast.net<\/a><\/p>\n — Julie<\/p>\n Julie Tritt Schell 717-730-7133 – o<\/p>\n 717-730-9060 – f<\/p>\n\n
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\nPA E-rate Coordinator<\/p>\n