USAC has announced that the FY 2016 Form 471 application window will open at noon EST on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, and close at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Friday, Apr. 29, 2016. The Form 471 filing window will be open for 87 days. The last date for applicants to post a Form 470 and start the competitive bidding and procurement cycle is Apr. 1, 2016, as FCC rules dictate that Form 470 responses need to be received for a minimum of 28 days before being evaluated. The filing window will be a little over two weeks longer than the usual filing window.
USAC pointed out that the extended application window for FY2016 reflects the reality that this is an initial launch of a new system, E-rate Productivity Center (EPC), which will, despite their best efforts, likely present many opportunities for learning and improvement as users begin filing their applications. USAC is requesting feedback on user experience and where improvements can be made. The best ways for providing feedback are the call center at (888) 203-8100, or at EPCfeedback@usac.org.