Form 470 Step-by-Step Lorrie Germann, State E-Rate Coordinator

The Purpose of the Form 470 The Form 470:  Announces a school’s intent to participate in the  E-Rate program and lists the services desired: - Internet Access/- Internal Connections/ BroadbandManaged WiFi - Telecommunication/- Basic Maintenance Voice Service  Acts as an RFP  Begins the mandatory 28 day competitive bidding process  If a service is not listed on a Form 470, you cannot request it on a Form 471 Current version states Priority 1 Services

Form 470  You must apply for E-Rate funding each year  The only time you don’t need to file a Form 470 is in the second (or later) year of a multi-year contract which was established in a previous year’s Form 470. Note: This applies only to the services you are receiving in a multi-year contract. You must still file a 470 for everything else!

Before Beginning Your Form 470  When the online 470 application gives you an application number – write it down or print the page.  If you are unable to complete the form or the system times out, you cannot access the form without the application number, and you will be forced to start over.

Before You Begin Your Form 470 Use Internet Explorer 6.0 and above. Other browsers may cause errors.Internet Explorer 6.0 Always enable “Pop-Ups” in your browser – otherwise you will miss things you really need to see. Clear your Internet cache and your temporary Internet files before you begin. If you will be submitting multiple forms, clear your Internet cache after each form. So that you don’t loose any of your work - remember to use the SLD’s navigational buttons – NOT the buttons in your browser.

Let’s Begin The Form 470 On-Line Filing Process

Start by Clicking “Apply Online”

Click on “Create Form 470”

Enter Zip Code or Entity No. and Click on Next

If correct, click on Next

A dialog box asks that you verify the information in Block 1, Items 1 – 4. If correct, click “OK”

Choose the Applicant Type and Recipients of Services The “Form Identifier” is user created The system will assign the application number Select Funding Year Enter the number of Eligible Entities Top Portion of Block 1

Enter the Contact Person’s Name If the address is the same as listed in 4a, click here, otherwise, fill in 6b Choose your preferred method of contact If application is prepared by a consultant, enter the Registration Number or Search Click on Next to continue Bottom Portion of Block 1

* Important – Print this page before continuing, then click Next

Select the kinds of service you are seeking. Only the chosen options will be presented to you. Verbiage may change to reflect new Category system Click on Next

Note: If you do not choose a category of service on a Form 470, you can not request the service on a Form 471 Select if you will have an RFP and where it will be located, otherwise, choose “No” Describe the Service, and Quantity or Capacity Click on Next *You can no longer choose your preference to receive funding. You must arrange with your Service Provider

In the Quantity/Capacity description, use terms like “a minimum of” or “or greater”. If you don’t, you will not be able to increase on the Form 471 or if you upgrade later in the funding year.

Complete if you are applying for Internal Connections Click Next to Continue Always include “Or Equivalent” when requesting a specific make/model Services listed will be based on your Category 2 budget

Click Next to Continue Complete if you are applying for Basic Maint. Of Internal Connections Basic Maint. can be requested yearly Services listed will be based on your Category 2 budget

List an Optional Contact if you will not be available Check this box if there are “No” bidding requirement Optional Click Next **Very Important!! You must state this Form 470 is for FY2015

You are presented with this screen a second time if you need to add additional services or make changes.

You will receive a Pop-up if you de-select a service

Search for Billed Entity by Zip Code or Entity No. Click on District Name and Add Click Next

You will receive a confirmation screen. If correct, click on “Next”.

Read and Check each Certification Check second option in 17 if applying for Priority 1 requests only In updated version, Tech Plan certification will be removed

Provide information of the person authorized to certify the application. Can be different than the contact person in Block 1 If a consultant has been given the authority to make certification, check here

Click Next If you are mailing a paper certification, send by USPS certified mail, or FedEx, UPS, etc. so that you have proof is was sent.

Remember, in order to certify your form online you must have a PIN The 28-day waiting period begins when you click on “Submit”, not when your certification is received.

Questions?

Ohio Department of Education E-Rate Support and Information Lorrie Germann: Office Cell To subscribe to the E-Rate list, send an with no message to Contact Information