Form 470 Step-by-Step for Libraries E-Rate FY2014

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: - Telecommunication- Internal Connections - Internet Access - Basic Maintenance  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 Now combined into one category

Form 470  Libraries 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 don’t have the code – you can’t get back in, and 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”

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. 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 you upgrade later in the funding year.

Complete if you are applying for Internet Access Click Next to Continue List cell phones with Internet Access here to receive funding for the data service Save & Exit Option is located at the top of each screen

Complete if you are applying for Internal Connections Click Next to Continue The “Two in Five” rule applies to Internal Connection equipment

Click Next to Continue Complete if you are applying for Basic Maint. Of Internal Connections Basic Maint. can be requested yearly

List an Optional Contact if you will not be available Check this box if there are “No” bidding requirement Optional Click Next

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

Read and Check each Certification Check second option in 17 if applying for Priority 1 requests only Check second option in 16 for libraries

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 check the second option in Item 17 stating no technology plan required and are requesting Priority 2 services, will you receive an error message.

Click Submit After submitting your application, you will receive the option to certify – choose either Paper or Electronic method. *Note - Electronic certification requires a PIN

After You Submit Your Form 470 After clicking,follow the instructions to certify it.  If you have a PIN, click “Electronic Certification” to certify your form online.  If you do not have a PIN, click “Paper Certification” to certify your form on paper.  Sign the paper certification and mail to USAC.  A PIN will be received in approx. 3-4 weeks Submit

Questions?

Support E-Rate Support and Information Lorrie Germann: