Schools and Libraries

Data Retrieval Tool - Applications, Funding Commitments & Disbursements

Data Retrieval Tool

This tool allows searches for information related to applications, funding commitments, and disbursements.

Data Requests Instructions

Beginning on the next screen, the DRT provides access to expanded FCC Form 471, Services Ordered and Certification Form and Funding Request Number (FRN) data. You can go directly to the Funding Request Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) or follow the step-by-step instructions and guidance below to assist you. More information about the tool is located below.

Step 1: Enter the criteria for your data search

This screen allows you to define the parameters of your search.

Required Criteria
Choose the Funding Year - The Funding Year for which you are requesting data.

Choose at least one:

  • State – The state for which you are requesting data. 
  • Billed Entity Number (BEN) – This limits your results to the BEN you enter. The result will include all FRNs associated with that BEN.
  • SPIN – This limits your results to all FRNs featuring that SPIN for the FY and State selected.

Optional Criteria
These fields can be entered to limit the results of your query by returning only data matching your selected criteria.

  1. FRN Service Type – The category (or categories) of service for which you are requesting data.
  2. Type of 471 Application – The type of application(s) for which you are requesting data.
  3. 471 Application Number – This limits your results to the Form 471 Application Number you enter.  The result will include all FRNs associated with that Application Number.
  4. FRN – This limits your results to a single FRN.
  5. Wave Number – This limits your results to funding decisions issued in the Funding Year and Wave Number you indicate. You must enter a three character Wave Number. For example, for Wave 4, enter "004". For Wave 10B, enter "10B."
  6. Appeal Wave Number – This limits your results to funding decisions issued in the Funding Year and Wave Number you indicate. You must enter a three character Wave Number. For example, for Wave 4, enter "004". For Wave 10B, enter "10B."

The default criteria for "FRN Service Type" and "Type of 471 Application" are "All of the above". 
Once you've entered the desired criteria, choose ">>Select Data Points" or ">>Select Standard Report."

Step 2:  Select your data points (This step will be skipped if you select the standard report in step 1)

This screen allows you to select the data points you want to view in your data file.  If you want to select all the data points, simply click the check box next to the "SELECT ALL" option.  Otherwise, select checkboxes next to the data points you want in the data file.

Please note that the 471 Application Number and the FRN will ALWAYS appear in the data file, regardless of what other data points you choose.

A complete list of field names and descriptions can be viewed on the Field Names and Descriptions page..

When finished selecting data points, scroll to the bottom and click on the "Build Data File!" button.

Step 3:  Download data file

If Report Type of "Excel (.xls)" was selected in Step 1:
The Excel file will be displayed in a separate window and should be saved to your local computer.

If Report Type of "Tab-Delimited File (.tsv)" was selected in Step 1:
The tab-delimited file will appear in a separate window. Depending on your local computer settings, it may open up automatically in your spreadsheet program.

Special Notes

  1. If an FCDL has not been issued for an FRN, the following conditions apply:
    1. Total amount Committed by USAC, Commitment Status, Commitment Status Text and Date of FCDL will be blank in the results and
    2. Item 23 results will reflect data featured on the original Form 471, whether entered by the Applicant online or by USAC from a paper Form 471.  These will appear in the columns prefixed by "ORIG".   The columns prefixed by "COMM" will be blank.
  2. If an FCDL has been issued for an FRN:
    1. Data will appear for FRNs that have been committed or denied,
    2. FRNs with a Pending Status will not appear,
    3. Committed data reflects what is stored in USAC's Commitment Database today (i.e., data reflects any commitments for meritorious appeals, as well as Form 486 and Form 500 adjustments and other funding adjustments, if applicable to that FRN),
    4. Both committed and original data will be shown if a committed FRN is different than the FRN as originally entered into USAC's system and
    5. Results prefixed by "ORIG" will be blank if a committed FRN is the same as the original data.
    6. Commitment data will appear one day after the date of the FCDL.
  3. If an Applicant has not yet submitted a Form 486 to USAC, the "FRN service start date as shown on the Form 486" field will be blank.
  4. The database used by this tool contains only non-canceled applications that meet the window filing requirements for that funding year.
  5. The data request will show by funding request number (FRN) the funding that has been AUTHORIZED FOR DISBURSEMENT to date. It is possible that an authorization for an amount was approved, but no disbursement has yet been made for that amount. If you have questions about an amount, please contact the service provider on that FRN.
  6. If the authorized to disbursed amount is greater than the committed amount for a specific FRN, this indicates that USAC reduced the funding commitment after it had authorized an amount for disbursement. If funds were disbursed in excess of the adjusted commitment for that FRN, USAC seeks recovery of those funds.

Support

For assistance downloading the data or using the DRT, submit an email. Choose Data Retrieval tool in Topic Inquiry, choose GO, and complete the information requested. You may also call our Client Service Bureau toll-free at 1-888-203-8100.


Funding Request Data Retrieval Tool


Last modified on 5/19/2010