A.

Funding Commitments for FY2006 and FY2005

B.

FY2007 Window Update

C.

Update on New and Revised Letters

D.

Update on Service Provider Training

E.

Two-in-Five Tool Update

F.

Invoicing Update

G.

Online BEAR Update

H.

Other

I .

General Questions Received by E-mail

1. In a Midwestern state, the regional educational consortiums (operating under the state umbrella) act as service providers for both telecommunications and Internet services for member districts. The state, through the dept. of education, provides cash grants to districts that purchase services from the consortium service provider. Districts purchasing services from providers other than the consortium are denied the cash grants. The state run consortium is encouraging applicants to select their bid while reminding applicants that by doing so they can receive the grants. I understand that some of this may be viewed as a state funding issue. Can you review “an open and fair competitive bidding process” and how this may be affected by these actions? Thank you.

2. We have filled out several 498 forms and changed information by mailing and faxing in the forms yet the information is not being changed. How long should this take and how many times do we need to send it in? Our contact passed away in June and 6 months later is still receiving emails. We need to get this changed. Thanks.

3. What is the proper procedure for returning funds to USAC for overbilling on an FRN that is now out of funds? At one time I was told that USAC would contact us regarding payment, is this correct? If so, how does this happen, how long does it take, and how do we submit the amount to USAC?

4. As a Service Provider with multiple, multiple SPINs, is there a way to create a "master" SPIN in order to be able to access all of my online BEARs at one time? Or, at least be able to see what SPINs have Pending Certifications? To date, I am unable to receive the notifications because of a Form 498 situation that currently exists. We are working on this but a "master" or pseudo SPIN would be helpful.

5. Two years ago, an applicant filed a 470 for Priority One services and looked over bids during the 28-day waiting period. They decided on a five-year contract but with school board meetings and lawyer reviews, they missed the mid-February 471 signing deadline and it was signed in early March. The first year they were denied (withdrawn, actually, because PIA told them that they had "missed the window"). The second year's 471 application has been pending for a year for no known reason. I just want to confirm that this contract, while dated early March, is valid for the remaining years of the contract--they waited the 28 days, were not funded the first year due to a late contract signature, but the remaining four years are valid on the contract with E-Rate, right? Thanks.

6. Recently a FL applicant filed a 470 asking for Digital Transmission Service and a WAN. We responded with a network solution and were told that they wanted their VoIP voice/video/data solution, which includes equipment on their prem. It would be more than the "single router/switch at the point of demarcation". The applicant said that they had been leasing this equipment under their monthly WAN payment from a wireless provider for several years. I thought that the Dec 03 FCC 3rd Order disallowed this type of arrangement. Am I right? If the applicant wants Interconnected VoIP for FY2007, did they need to mention that specifically on the 470 under Telecom and Internet Access? I know that you had a Friday News Brief that mentioned filing under both categories.

7. Rumor has it that FY2005 80% Priority Two funding will be approved soon. If applicants had signed a Basic Maintenance contract but had not implemented it until they received the funding letter, can they still use this? What dates should they use on their 486 for the Service Start Date? On Internal Connections, if it hasn't been installed, can they still use it? What date should they use on their 486 for the Service Start Date? I've heard that SLD will not pay for anything that has an invoice before the Service Start Date on the 486. Thanks.