Time for Form 470

Now’s the time to start filing for the 2011 Funding Year, which covers the 2011/2012 fiscal year.  There are some fairly substantial changes coming to the E-rate program this funding year, including form changes, so I would encourage you to file your forms now before they change.  Luckily, if you file your Form 470 before the change, you will not have to resubmit them.

 

I will have more information on the changes in the E-Rate program in November (so stay tuned!).

 

What is Form 470?

 

Form 470 is the first form you file for a FY for E-rate.  I refer to it as the “this is what I would like to have” form, because it is just covering generalities.  You can put down your technology wish-list, of sorts.  Want to increase the number of phone lines you have or want to add a dedicated fax line?  Then go ahead and put it in your Form 470.  Form 470 does not lock you into receiving the services you put down – it just lets the SLD know that you may be asking for reimbursement for these services in the future.

What do I need to apply?

All you need for your Form 470 is your Billed Entity Number, the number of phone/fax lines you have, and some basic information about your Internet Access.  You don’t need SPIN numbers, or specific bill amounts on Form 470 – it’s all about generalities!

You can apply online, or on paper. 
Online: http://www.sl.universalservice.org/menu.asp
Paper: http://www.universalservice.org/sl/tools/required-forms.aspx

When can I file the next form?

You will have to wait a minimum of 28 days between the time you submit your Form 470 and the time you submit your Form 471.  This is to allow those who are going out for bids to get them in and evaluate them.  Even if you are not going into a contract, you still have to wait the 28 days.

When is the deadline for filing Form 470?

Right now the deadline is not set, since the window has not opened to file Form 471.  I would expect the deadline to be sometime in late December to mid-January.  Because of the 28-day wait time, the deadline for the Form 471 determines the deadline for Form 470.  Until the window has opened to file Form 471 and the deadline for that form has been determined, the deadline for Form 470 cannot be set. December/January is the traditional deadline time, though.  But by then, the new forms will be out, and you will have to use those.  That isn’t a bad thing, but it would probably be easier for you to fill out the forms that you are used to, rather than learning the new ones.

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