FORM 471 APPLICATION GUIDANCE DOCUMENT NOW AVAILABLE ON-LINE

The SLC announced today new reference materials that have been added to its Web Site (www.slcfund.org) to assist applicants in preparing their Form 471, the second step in the Universal Service Fund (*E-rate*) application process.

These new materials include:
  • Minimum Processing Standards: How to Avoid Automatic Rejection. This document describes the circumstances under which applications will be automatically rejected, and how to avoid automatic rejection.
  • Procedures for Processing SLC Applications. This document provides a concise overview of the entire Universal Service Fund application process and describes what happens to applications once received by SLC, including how application problems will be addressed.
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  • Methods to Ease Filing of FCC Form 471. This document describes several ways schools and libraries can fill out Form 471, which must be filed on paper as indicated in the application instructions.
  • SLC Eligible Services: Assignment of the "Funding Request Number." This document explains the process by which the SLC will internally assign a number to each separate row of Items 15 and 16 on the Form 471 and the importance of requesting discounts only for eligible services to be used by eligible entities for eligible purposes. The "Funding Request Number" will be cited in relation to the SLC's approval or rejection of funding requests.
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  • Assignment of the SPIN. This document explains how participating vendors can obtain their required Service Provider Identification Number (*SPIN*). This number is needed before payment to the service providers for the discounted cost of service can be provided. The following documents have not yet been posted on the SLC Web Site, but are forthcoming:
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  • Form 471 Template. A Microsoft Excel template of Form 471 to ease the filing process for applicants.

    • Tips for Using the Form 471 Template. The document will provide guidance to applicants who wish to use Form 471 template.

    Eligible Services List: An update to the current list of services eligible for discounts is forthcoming.

    • Cost Allocation Information Materials: This document will provide guidance on how to determine discounts when bundled eligible and ineligible services are being purchased and when eligible and ineligible entities are purchasing services as a consortium.
  • Calculation of the Pre-Discount Cost: This Pre-Discount Calculation Grid will help applicants accurately determine their discount on eligible services for entry in Items 15 and 16 of Form 471.

    • Form 471 is the application through which schools and libraries indicate their Universal Service Fund discount percentage, what eligible services and equipment they are requesting discounts on, and which service providers they have contracted with for these services. Form 471 can be submitted no earlier than the 29th day after a school or library submits its first-step application, the Form 470, which is posted for 28 days to invite competitive bidding (or held for 28 days if it is for an pre-existing contract). February 27, 1998, was the first date that SLC will began to receive Form 471s from schools and libraries who had met the 28-day requirement.

    Unlike Form 470, which can be filed online or on paper, Form 471 is a manually filed application. Schools and libraries can submit Form 471 via regular U.S. Postal Service delivery to: Schools and Libraries Corporation, P.O. Box 4217, Iowa City, IA 52244-4217. For express delivery or U.S. Postal Service Return Receipt, the address is: Schools and Libraries Corporation, c/o Sherri Chalupa, 2510 N. Dodge Street, Iowa City, IA 52245.

    All applicants who correctly complete both Form 470 and 471 within the 75-day window that began January 30, 1998, will be treated as if they had applied on the same day. After the 75-day window closes, on April 14, applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.

    The Form 471-related materials are the latest in a series of worksheets, fact sheets and FAQs developed by the SLC to help with the Universal Service Fund application process. Many of the Fact Sheets are available at <http://www. neca.org>.

    To date, SLC has received more than 25,600 Form 470 applications from schools and libraries across the country.