Upcoming FY2025 E-Rate Form 471 Deadline & Filing Tips
Good morning E-Rate Community,
This is another reminder of the upcoming FY2025 E-Rate Form 471 deadline:
March 26th – FY2025 Form 471 Application deadline. The window closes at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Here are a few tips that may help with the filing process:
If you filed a new FY2025 Form 470 and have waited the minimum 28-day waiting period, create a bid matrix to evaluate bids received before awarding a contract and filing the Form 471. If needed, I’ve uploaded a sample bid matrix for both Category 1 and Category 2 requests on my “Resources Library” page at https://www.ohio-k12.help/e-rate-support/resource-library/. If only one bid is received, but you feel it meets your needs and is cost-effective, you don’t need to construct a bid matrix; however, USAC recommends documenting the decision. This could be something written on dated letterhead or by sending yourself an email that will show a date stamp.
Schools/districts must update the enrollment and NLSP counts. If you could not do that in the portal before the “Admin” window closed, you can provide the information in the narrative of each funding request on your Form 471/s. I have provided two versions of the MR-81 report from Ohio’s Department of Education and Workforce (DEW). There is the “October 2024 MR-81 Traditional NSLP ” report and the “CEP Only MR-81,” which includes the “CEP Base Year” information. It can be found under the “Resources Library” link listed above. After you submit your Form 471, USAC recommends that you can follow up with a RAL correction in EPC to make the necessary corrections on your form. For step-by-step instructions on submitting corrections, I’ve provided a guide called “FCC Form 471 RAL Corrections” to explain the process. This is also located under the “Resources Library” link listed above.
If you’ve submitted your Form 471, you can check the application status by drilling down to the form. You’ll see the “Review Status” breadcrumbs at the top of the page. If it’s listed as “Outreach”, click “Review Inquiries” to see the pending inquiries. The response deadline will be listed, but if you need more time, click “Request Extension”. You’ll automatically receive seven additional days the first time you do this. However, if you request a second extension, that will require a PIA manager’s approval.
As in previous years, it’s typical for Form 471 reviewers to ask for verification of enrollment and NLSP counts, especially if the counts you used will increase your discount rate. One option often mentioned in the inquiry is a letter from the state. If you receive this type of inquiry, please let me know, and I can write the validation letter for you.
Lastly, if you have chosen a service provider that may have applied for but not yet received a Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN), USAC provides an “Interim SPIN” you may use as a placeholder in order to file your 471 application in a timely manner. This is typically made available approximately 10 days before the Form 471 deadline. I’ll provide the number as soon as USAC announces its availability. Once your provider receives their SPIN, you can update the information through the Receipt Acknowledgment Letter (RAL) modification process mentioned above or during PIA review. While using the interim SPIN, you’ll reference your chosen quote or contract’s product/service details and costs.
If you have questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Lorrie
Lorrie Germann
State E-Rate Coordinator
On behalf of the Ohio Department of Education
lorrie.germann@education.ohio.gov
www.ohio-k12.help/erate
Office: 740-223-2420
Cell: 740-253-1153