USAC’s Schools and Libraries Division hosts monthly service provider conference calls, providing information and guidance for vendors participating in the E-rate program. Highlights from February’s service provider call include:
USAC has released several funding waves from FY2004-2011 in the month of January. Further funding wave analysis can be viewed on Funds For Learning’s website here.
Update on Form 498 Filer ID Validation: USAC website upgrades were conducted the weekend of January 7-8. This update may have caused a change to the email address the SLD has on file for service providers using electronic notifications. Form 498 authorized users may need to request a new user name and password for e-filing, and service providers can call the USAC Form 498 helpline for further clarification: 1-888-641-8722; Extension 3; Extension 1.
Form 471 Filing Window: The FY2012 filing window closes on 11:59 ET on March 20th. As of February 8:
3,551 applicants have submitted Forms 471
Total requested amount: $196.89 million
Total pre-discount amount: $260.25 million
Invoicing Update: In the last month, the SLD reimbursed 1,466 service providers totaling $149 million. This was against $201.1 million worth of total requests, and the SLD reported that 98 percent of the invoices were processed within 30 days.
Update on “Under Review” FRN Status in FCDL: In situations where a Form 471 may have some FRNs that have completed PIA review, but others still which are pending, USAC will be issuing FCDLs indicating funding decisions on the complete FRNs and an “Under Review” status for the FRNs that are still pending.
Note: The below information is not the official minutes from the call, but simply notes from Funds For Learning. The official minutes for this call, as well as call minutes from previous months, can be found here.