E-Rate Form 471:

Form 471 Funding window will open at 12:00pm (EST) on Tuesday, December 14, 2004 and close at 11:59pm (EST)  on Thursday, February 17, 2005.  There is a new Form 471 for Funding Year 2005 and will become available for online filing on December 14th.  Click here to review a PowerPoint presentation provided by SLD that summarizes the changes.

E-Rate Form 470:

Schools wishing to participate in the E-Rate program for funding year 2005 - 2006 may begin filing E-Rate Form 470. The FCC is in the process of approving a new Form 470, but in the meantime, schools should use the May 2003 Form 470. It is recommended for schools to complete the Form 470 using the May 2003 version due to pending changes on the newer version. As a reminder, NWOCA or any other service provider is not allowed to assist you with completing the Form 470. If you need assistance, please contact the SLD.

Internal Connections, a priority 2 funding, may be lowered to a 70% or even 60% discount level rather than at 80%. This may mean that your school will be eligible to receive discounts on internal connections.  It's recommended for schools at a 60% discount level to apply for internal connections.

Authorized Person:

It's been reported that Program of Integrity Assurance (PIA) plans to call the person who is listed as the Authorized Person on the forms.  This person has the authority to procure services for the school district. This person needs to be aware that PIA may call and they should be informed about what services the schools plan to receive.

Non-Instructional Facilities:

Non-Instructional Facilities (NIF's) must have an entity number and a FCC RN for Funding Year 2005 applications. NIF's is defined as not having any classrooms or access to public libraries. If there is a classroom or library space in the facility, the discount is calculated as if it were a school or library, not a NIF. Call SLD to request an entity number.

Technology Plans:

When planning for E-Rate, it is important for schools to make sure their Technology Plan is current. To be in compliance with E-Rate guidelines, plans need to be revised and approved every THREE years. Technology Plans need to be approved by authorized entities (SchoolNet approves Public Schools and Non-Public Schools receive certification from their approved agency).

Funding Year 2004 - 2005

Funding Decision Commitment Letters:

The SLD issued a public notice indicating they will resume issuance of Funding Commitment Decision Letters within the next two weeks.