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Schools & Libraries News Archives for 2006
Two Public Notices Released by FCC. (11/28/06)
The FCC has released two public notices relating to petitions for clarification or waiver of the Commission’s rules.
Public Notice DA 06-2369 [PDF, 133KB] (released November 27, 2006) invites comment on a petition filed by the State E-rate Coordinators’ Alliance [PDF, 31KB]. This petition asks the Commission to clarify its contract extension rules as they apply to state replacement contracts.
Public Notice DA 06-2371 [PDF, 161KB] (released November 27, 2006) invites comment on a petition filed by E-Rate Central [PDF, 135KB]. This petition seeks guidance from the Commission on the proper method for disposing of equipment when its value or usefulness precludes the possibility of transferring the equipment to another eligible facility.
Comments should be submitted on or before December 18, 2006, and reply comments should be submitted on or before January 8, 2007. Comments should reference CC Docket No. 02-6. The public notices contain information on how to file comments.
FY2007 Window Will Open November 14, 2006 (10/20/06)
The FCC issued Public Notice FCC 06-158 [PDF, 34KB] October 19, 2006, which released the FY2007 Eligible Services List [PDF, 247KB]. This notice waived the requirement that the Eligible Services List be published at least 60 days before the commencement of the filing window, which allows USAC to open the window on November 14, 2006.
The Form 471 application filing window for Funding Year 2007 will open at noon EST on Tuesday, November 14, 2006 and will close at 11:59 pm EST on Wednesday, February 7, 2007. The filing window will be open for 86 days.
Note that the FY2007 Eligible Services List has important new information regarding interconnected Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP), redundant components, installation and configuration (training), KVM switches, fees for Universal Service administration, and wireless Internet.
Please review the Public Notice FCC 06-158 [PDF, 34KB] and the FY2007 Eligible Services List [PDF, 247KB] carefully for expanded details. Also, please check the USAC website for further details in the coming weeks.
The November 2006 Window Announcement for 2007 is available in the News Brief archives.
Online BEAR Form Scheduled for Release in Mid-November(10/17/06)
USAC plans to release the online version of the BEAR Form (FCC Form 472) in mid–November. Both the applicant and service provider will be able to submit their respective sections of the form online, which will be much faster and easier than paper submission. However, the option to file and certify on paper will continue to be available.
The online BEAR Form is in the final stages of testing and, based on test results, will go live in mid-November. Look for more details in the near future.
Remember that the invoicing deadline for Funding Year 2005 recurring (monthly) services is Monday, October 30, 2006. If you will need additional time to obtain the necessary certifications, please follow the guidelines in the Invoice Deadlines and Extension Requests posted on this website as soon as possible in order to request an extension.
Form 486 Deadline Relief for FY2005 Applicants (10/31/06)
In the Alaska Gateway order (DA 06-1871, released on September 14, 2006), the FCC provided relief to certain applicants that did not timely file a Form 486. The FCC has directed USAC to apply the guidance in this order to all Funding Year 2005 applicants that either filed a Form 486 after the deadline or that failed to file a Form 486.
USAC is developing procedures to implement this guidance. Please watch the website for further details.
2007 Eligible Services List updated (10/26/06)
The FCC issued Public Notice FCC 06-158 [PDF, 34KB] October 19, 2006, which released the FY2007 Eligible Services List [PDF, 1.1MB]. Applicants should use the 2007 Eligible Services List to prepare their applications for the upcoming Funding Year 2007 filing window. This version includes activated links to aid navigation.
The Schools and Libraries Client Service Bureau will be closed on November 23 and November 24, 2006 in observance of Thanksgiving. (11/22/06)
The Schools and Libraries Client Service Bureau will be closed on Thursday, November 23, and Friday, November 24, 2006 in observance of Thanksgiving. The Client Service Bureau will resume normal operations on Monday, November 27, 2006 at 8:00 a.m. EDT.
CSB Fax Scheduled to be Down Tonight, Thursday from 10PM ET Until 1AM ET for Maintenance (10/12/06)
The toll-free fax service (1-888-276-8736) for our Client Service Bureau (CSB) will be down for scheduled maintenance tonight, Thursday, 10/12/06 at 10PM ET and is expected to again be available after 1AM ET, Friday morning. CSB will still be available during normal business hours via email using the Submit a Question feature on our website or toll-free via phone at 1-888-203-8100. The Interactive Voice Response Unit will continue to be available at the toll-free number for recorded information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Thank you for your patience during this maintenance.
The Schools and Libraries Client Service Bureau will be closed on Monday, September 4, 2006 in observance of Labor Day. (8/30/06)
The Schools and Libraries Client Service Bureau will be closed on Monday, September 4, 2006 in observance of Labor Day. The Client Service Bureau will resume normal operations on Tuesday, September 5, 2006 at 8:00 a.m. EDT.
2006 Fall Training Agenda and Presentation Materials (8/31/06)
Forms 470 posting for Hurricane Katrina relief under the FCC extension MUST be shipped for overnight delivery today. (8/31/06)
Forms 470 posting for Hurricane Katrina relief under the FCC extension MUST be shipped for overnight delivery today to meet the 28-day competitive bidding posting requirement. The Order extending USF relief to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina (FCC 06-23. released March 1, 2006) extended the deadline for posting FY2006 Forms 470. Since September 4 is a Federal holiday, the posting deadline for Forms 470 is September 1, 2006. As such, Forms 470 MUST be shipped for overnight delivery today.
FCC Issues Public Notice on Eligible Services List (7/27/06)
On July 21, 2006, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Public Notice (FCC 06-109) [PDF, 391KB] establishing the comment period for the Funding Year 2007 Eligible Services List.
Comments on the draft Eligible Services List, which is attached to the Public Notice, are due to the FCC on or before August 4, 2006. Reply comments are due to the FCC on or before August 14, 2006. For information on filing comments with the FCC, please refer to the Public Notice.
USAC has prepared a Summary of Proposed Changes [PDF, 30KB] document and a version of the draft list with active links [PDF 838KB] to assist the comment process.
This proceeding is limited to determining what services are eligible under the FCC’s current rules; it is not intended to be a vehicle for changing any eligibility rules.
USAC Names Mel Blackwell Vice President of the Schools and Libraries Division (7/25/06)
USAC today announced that Mel Blackwell has been named Vice President of the Schools and Libraries Division. Mr. Blackwell brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position, having served as acting vice president of the Schools and Libraries Division since June 2005 and having been involved with the administration of the universal service support mechanisms since 1998.
“I am confident that Mel will continue to lead the Schools and Libraries Program in the right direction and build on our recent successes,” said Brian Talbott, chairman of the USAC Board of Directors and executive director of the Association of Educational Service Agencies.
Anne Campbell, Chair of the Schools and Libraries Committee of the USAC Board of Directors, stated “I am excited about Mel’s selection and look forward to continued progress in the administration of the Schools and Libraries Program.”
Mr. Blackwell’s appointment is effective immediately.USAC Announces a 7th Training Session to the 2006 Schools and Libraries Training (7/14/06)
USAC is pleased to announce the opening of a seventh training session to the Fall 2006 Schools & Libraries Program Training schedule. This additional training event will occur on October 19-20, 2006 in San Diego, California. Registration is complimentary and space is limited to the first 200 registrants. For more information about this training, see the San Diego Training information page.
The Schools and Libraries Client Service Bureau will be closed on Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4, 2006 in observance of the Fourth of July (6/29/06)
The Schools and Libraries Client Service Bureau will be closed on Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4, 2006 in observance of the Fourth of July. The Client Service Bureau will resume normal operations on Wednesday, July 5, 2006 at 8:00 a.m. EDT.
Table of Applicants Listed in the Bishop Perry Order (FCC 06-54) 5/22/06
USAC has published a table of all applicants listed in the three appendices of the first appeals remand order FCC 06-54. The list contains the following:
- Billed Entity Name
- Billed Entity Number
- Appendix (A, B, or C)
- Funding Year
- Form 470/471 Application Number as shown in the order
- Actual Form 470/471 Application Number, if different from that shown in the order
Applications that featured only barcodes (in the format NEC.xxx.xx-xx-xx.xxxxxxxx) have now been assigned an application number, which appears in the final column. Other entries identify and correct any discrepancies in the data listed in the appendices.
Information on applications that were not specifically included in this list but that will receive relief under this order will be provided in the future.
The FCC directed USAC to process the applications listed in the appendices and issue a decision within 60 days from the release date of the order. USAC is reaching out to applicants for additional information needed to complete this processing. However, USAC may not be able to complete processing for those applicants that do not respond within the required timeframe.
USAC Begins Work to Implement FCC Orders Regarding Appeals Decisions (5/22/06)
On Friday, May 19, 2006, the FCC issued two appeals Orders affecting hundreds of schools, libraries and consortia, remanding their applications to USAC for further consideration. The first Order (FCC 06-54 PDF, 233KB) grants appeals of decisions by USAC denying funding for certain clerical or ministerial errors in the application, such as missing deadlines or leaving portions of a form blank. The second Order (FCC 06-55 PDF, 137KB) addresses USAC’s pattern analysis procedure, requiring USAC to conduct further review to determine whether competitive-bidding violations have occurred.
USAC is working to determine how to implement these appeals decisions and will soon post on our website a list of affected parties by applicant number as well as appropriate instructions regarding the actions you will need to take to comply with the FCC Orders.
By Friday, May 26, 2006, USAC will issue a Remand Acknowledgment Letter [PDF, 70KB] to the applicants listed in the three Appendices attached to FCC 06-54.
If you are interested in how the appeals decisions will impact you or future funding decisions, please check the USAC website and read the weekly NewsBrief for more information as it comes available. We are studying the impact of these Orders on regularly scheduled funding decisions and as the impact becomes known, we will be sure to notify you.
USAC Revises FY2006 Form 470-Related Procedures (5/15/06) (Revised on 7/11/06)
Beginning with FY2006, USAC discontinued the practice of contacting applicants when the Form 470 number did not support the funding request. Through the first several FY2006 waves, this has led to a significant increase in the number of Form 470-related application denials.
Applicants who completed their Form 471 online during the FY2006 application filing window received a "pop-up" that provided specific information about the cited Form 470 that needed to be confirmed before the user was able to proceed. In addition, all applicants received a Receipt Acknowledgment Letter (RAL) with specific instructions to check their Form 470 number and make any necessary changes.
In too many cases, the two safeguards mentioned above have not prevented a number of applicants from referencing an incorrect Form 470 number.
In order to provide high-quality customer service, USAC will revert to the prior practice of contacting applicants who have provided an incorrect Form 470 number for FY2006 applications.
FY2006 applicants who have already been denied for providing an incorrect Form 470 number should correct their applications to show the establishing Form 470 number by following the guidance for correcting ministerial and clerical errors. This is the Form 470 that began the competitive bidding process that led to the specific funding request. After the information has been received, the application will be processed in the normal manner. Applicants will not be required to appeal to USAC for relief.
All applicants are encouraged to review the information provided on the RAL and to submit corrections now, even if the three-week timeframe has passed. Doing so can speed up the review process and result in faster issuance of the Funding Commitment Decision Letter.
If you have questions, please contact the Client Service Bureau at 1-888-203-8100.
Memorial Day Notice (5/26/06)
The Schools and Libraries Client Service Bureau will be closed on Monday, May 29, 2006 in observance of Memorial Day. The Client Service Bureau will resume normal operations on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 at 8:00 a.m. EDT.
USAC Announces 2006 Schools and Libraries Training (4/28/06)
USAC to Update "Focusing on Success" Site Visit Reports Quarterly (4/23/06)
The Universal Service Administrative Company will be updating its report titled: "Focusing on Success: Examples of How the Universal Service Fund is Helping Schools and Libraries around the Country," on a quarterly basis. The latest version is below. Prior versions of the report will be archived on the USAC website. The first report was issued in September 2005.
The site visits provide USAC with valuable feedback about ways to improve the program, to identify "best practices" for use by other program participants, and to verify the receipt and function of invoiced schools and libraries products and services while ensuring that program funds are being used in compliance with FCC rules.
- Focusing on Success - April 2006 [PDF, 1229KB]
USAC Will Release First Commitments for Funding Year 2006 in the Schools and Libraries Program April 26 (4/20/06)
The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) today announced it will release wave one of funding commitment decision letters (FCDLs) to Funding Year 2006 school and library applicants April 26. USAC will send over 4,880 letters committing more than $126.4 million in Universal Service Fund support. This first wave of FY2006 is being released two months earlier than the first wave in FY2005. The letters notify applicants of funding commitments for Priority One services (telecommunications and Internet access) for all discount bands from 20% - 90%.
- View the Press Release [PDF, 36 KB]
New Deadlines Tool (4/3/06)
USAC has posted a new tool on its website to assist applicants and service providers in determining the deadline for particular program forms, requests, and actions. The Deadlines Tool provides general information on deadlines and a specific page for each deadline, together with a means of determining the deadline and a link to additional information.
If a deadline is fixed, the page for that deadline simply provides the deadline. If the deadline must be calculated, the page contains calendars and instructions for entering the dates required for the calculation. If a deadline can be extended - either automatically or by request - the link at the top of the page provides information on how to file an extension request.
USAC Provides Demand Estimate for Funding Year 2006 to FCC (3/20/06)
On March 20, 2006, the Schools and Libraries Division of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) reported to the Federal Communications Commission that $3.55 billion in requested funding has been estimated for schools and libraries seeking discounts for Funding Year 2006. This estimate is based on the dollars requested in 39,416 applications received or postmarked by February 16, 2006, the close of the Form 471 application filing window.
There are several factors that will reduce ultimately the funds requested from the estimated level. First, while efforts have been made to eliminate duplicate requests, inevitably we will discover more duplication as we process these applications. Second, USAC's efforts to assure that funds are committed only for eligible services, for use by eligible entities with the appropriate discount rate, and are otherwise consistent with program rules, will further reduce the demand.
For detailed information, please refer to the FY2006 Demand Estimate Letter to FCC [PDF, 438kb] and the FY2006 Demand Estimate Breakdown [PDF, 19kb].
Federal Communications Commission announced the adoption of an Order extending its relief plan to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina (3/2/06)
The Federal Communications Commission announced March 1, 2006, the adoption of an Order extending its relief plan to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina through Universal Service Fund support in the Schools & Libraries and Low Income programs. [ Extension of Deadline Order pdf, 138KB]
USAC will update the information on the www.usac.org/katrina/ website with the specifics of the order.
Approved FY2005 Priority 2 Requests To Be Funded to 88% (3/16/06)
Today the Federal Communications Commission approved the release of funding for Funding Year 2005 Priority 2 commitments down to the 88% discount level. Funding will not be sufficient to fund Priority 2 requests at 76% and below.
Wave 40 for FY2005 will therefore include approved requests for Internal Connections and Basic Maintenance down to the 88% discount level and denials of all Internal Connections and Basic Maintenance requests at 76% and below.
Uncertified Online FY2006 Forms 470 and 471 (2/6/06) (Revised on 2/13/06)
Each day until the close of the window, USAC will update the List of Uncertified Forms 470 and the List of Uncertified Forms 471 that have been filed online.
If you have a PIN, you can certify your form online from the Apply Online page using your Application Number and security code.
Remember to certify your Form 471 (and any Form 470 cited on a Form 471 funding request) before the close of the application filing window on February 16, 2006 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
FY2006 Window Closes on February 16, 2006 (1/30/06)
The FY2006 window will close on Thursday, February 16, 2006 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Applicants are reminded that both Forms 470 and Forms 471 must be certified before the close of the window. If you have a PIN, you are encouraged to certify your forms online.
Remember that you must wait at least 28 days after your Form 470 is posted to this website before you
- Perform your bid evaluations
- Choose your service provider
- Sign a contract (if appropriate)
- Sign, date, and submit your Form 471
In addition, the following must be received by USAC or postmarked by the close of the window in order to be considered within the window:
- Form 471 (whether online or paper)
- Block 6 certification of the Form 471 e-certified by the authorized person online or signed by the authorized person on paper
- The Block 5 certification of any Form 470 cited in a Funding Year 2006 Form 471 e-certified by the authorized person online or signed by the authorized person on paper. A Form 470 with completed certifications submitted in a previous year meets this requirement. Any Funding Year 2006 Form 471, Block 5 funding request based on a Form 470 whose certification has not been received by 11:59 p.m. EST on February 16, 2006, or postmarked on or before February 16, 2006, will be rejected.
Uncertified FY2006 Forms 470 (1/30/06)
As of January 26, 2006, nearly 3,000 Forms 470 for FY2006 have not been certified. Any Form 470 cited on a Form 471 funding request must be certified prior to the close of the FY 2006 application filing window at 11:59 PM EST on February 16, 2006. Please review the List of Uncertified Forms 470 to confirm that your certification has been received and processed.
If you have a PIN, you can certify your Form 470 online from the Apply Online page using your Form 470 Application Number and security code.
The list of uncertified forms will be updated on February 6, and at that time will also include Forms 471 that have not yet been certified. The list will be refreshed daily from February 6 until February 15, 2006.
Remember that Forms 471 and Forms 470 cited on a Form 471 Block 5 funding request must be received by USAC or postmarked by 11:59 p.m. EST on February 16, 2006.
