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E-Rate News
October 13th, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?
To participate in the Schools and Libraries Program, potential applicants, recipients of service, and service providers must first determine if they are eligible. To be eligible for E-rate discounts, a library:
- must be eligible for assistance from a state library administrative agency under the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA)
- must not operate as a for-profit business
- must have a budget completely separate from any schools
Libraries are not required to have received LSTA funds; they must only be eligible to receive it.

(From the USAC Schools and Libraries News Brief 10/2/09)
E-Rate
E-Rate News
October 5th, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?

If you have a currently approved technology plan, verify the date that your plan expires. If it expires on or before June 30, 2010, you should already be working on the written technology plan that will form the basis for your FY2010 Form 470.

(From Schools and Libraries News Brief September 25, 2009)
E-Rate
E-Rate News
September 28th, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?
Although we are a few months away from the FY2010 application filing window, applicants should be working on any remaining issues from previous funding years in order to simplify their preparations for the FY2010 window. Below are some tips for applicants:
- Finish filing BEAR Forms for FY2008 recurring services. The invoicing deadline for FY2008 recurring services is October 28, 2009–less than five weeks from today.
- Check the status of FY2008 non-recurring services. September 30 following the funding year is generally the deadline for delivery and installation of non-recurring services. Although September 30, 2009 is the deadline for most FY2008 non-recurring services, it can also be the deadline for services from earlier funding years if you have received an extension.
- File Form 500 to return funds to USAC that you will not need. If you have completed invoicing USAC for the cost of services delivered on an FRN and your properly completed invoice have been paid, check to see if any funds remain on the FRN. If so, it would be helpful if you would reduce the committed amount on the FRN to the exact amount you actually used.
- Submit your FY2009 Form 486 if you have not already done so. If your FY2009 FCDL is dated on or before July 1, 2009 and your service start date is July 1, your deadline to file Form 486 is October 29, 2009.
(from USAC’s Schools and Libraries News Brief, 9/18/09)
E-Rate
E-Rate News
September 21st, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?

Now would be a good time to start gathering up documents that will allow you to easily and correctly complete invoicing activities for any previous funding years. Examples of these documents include customer bills, descriptions of service, BEAR Forms already submitted for the funding year, BEAR Notification Letters, and Quarterly Disbursement Reports.

In addition, you should start collecting important documentation before it gets lost or misplaced. The E-rate Binder on the USAC website contains a suggested list and organizational format that should help you comply with the program’s five-year documentation retention requirement.

(From the USAC’s Schools and Libraries News Brief on 9/11/09)
E-Rate
E-Rate News
September 14th, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?
Here are a few reminders to take into account during the USAC upgrade:
- Forms 470 cannot be completed and posted ONLINE. However, applicants can still submit Forms 470 ON PAPER and mail them to us, following the form instructions.
- Service providers will not be able to submit a SPI Form 474 online or approve a BEAR Form 472 online.
- The Client Service Bureau will not have access to USAC’s online systems. They will not be able to create or update entity numbers and entity information or provide status information on program forms or requests. They can, however, confirm receipt of forms submitted on paper.
(From the USAC Schools and Libraries New Brief 9/4/09)
E-Rate
E-Rate News
September 8th, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?

USAC released FY2009 Wave 19 Funding Commitment Decision Letters (FCDLs) yesterday. This wave included commitments for approved Internal Connections and Basic Maintenance for schools and libraries at 85% and above. As of August 28, FY2009 commitments total over $720 million. Check to see if you have a commitment by using USAC’s Automated Search of Commitments tool.
E-Rate
E-Rate News
September 1st, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?
General reminders during the USAC system upgrade:
- For all forms and requests (e.g., appeals, deadline extensions, SPIN changes, service substitutions), submit them as soon as possible. Follow the submission guidance in the Reference Area for each type of request, but note that Submit a Question WILL NOT be available as an option to submit requests during the upgrade. Remember also that USAC will not be able to work on reviews of forms and requests during the upgrade.
- If you have any status requests, make them as soon as possible as well. USAC staff and the Client Service Bureau will not have access to most USAC systems during the upgrade, and will only be able to verify receipt of paper forms
(USAC’s Schools and Libraries News Brief – Update August 20, 2009)
E-Rate
E-Rate News
August 24th, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?

USAC is in the process of improving its Schools and Libraries Program information technology (IT) systems. As part of this effort, a major upgrade of the IT infrastructure will take place the first two weeks of September.

During the infrastructure upgrade all interactive portions of the website will be down and all commitment waves and disbursements will be suspended. However the static areas of the website, i.e., Reference Area, training materials, announcements and downloadable paper forms will continue to be up and running. A more complete explanation of the upgrade and FAQs can be found here.
E-Rate
E-Rate News
August 17th, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?

On July 31, 2009, the FCC issued a Public Notice announcing $900 million in unused Schools and Libraries funds will be carried forward from previous funding years. As a result, disbursements to schools and libraries in Funding Year 2009 will increase and support will be provided in excess of the annual $2.25 billion cap.
E-Rate
E-Rate News
August 10th, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?
Are you up to date on requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)? CIPA requirements include the following three items:

Technology Protection Measure

A technology protection measure is a specific technology that blocks or filters Internet access. It must protect against access by adults and minors to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or – with respect to use of computers with Internet access by minors – harmful to minors. It may be disabled for adults engaged in bona fide research or other lawful purposes. For schools, the policy must also include monitoring the online activities of minors.

Internet Safety Policy

The Internet safety policy must address the following issues:
- Access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web
- The safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications
- Unauthorized access including “hacking” and other unlawful activities by minors online
- Unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors
- Measures designed to restrict minors’ access to materials harmful to minors
Public Notice and Hearing

The authority with responsibility for administration of the school or library must provide reasonable public notice and hold at least one public hearing to address a proposed technology protection measure and Internet safety policy.

CIPA compliance is required of schools, but libraries are not required to comply if they only apply for E-Rate discounts for Priority One services.

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