Examples of E-Rate Forms for Funding of School Loop
The following are examples of how to fill out E-Rate forms (470, 471 and 486) for School Loop. In order to receive E-rate funds, applicants must file three separate forms annually with the SLD to obtain funding. (See E-Rate Step-by-Step for an overview of the process). A basic overview of the process is outlined below.1. Form 470 - (Typically July through January)
Applicants begin the E-Rate process by filing Form 470, which identifies requests for services such as E-Mail and Web Hosting services. The services requested should reflect the goals and priorities outlined in your technology plan. This action posts your requests on the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) website to obtain competitive bids.
It is generally advised that you check both boxes in Block 2, Item 7b, to indicate that you will consider multi-year contracts or contracts that contain a voluntary extension option. By checking these boxes, you will have the option of utilizing one of these types of contracts if you should decide to do so.
If you wish to receive a proposal from School Loop or from other vendors providing similar services, simply check Box 9 (Internet Access) and enter "E-Mail and Web Hosting Services” along with the total number of users and school sites you wish to cover. Check 9a if you have a RFP for the services requested. Otherwise check 9b indicating no RFP. Below is an example of what Form 470 Block 2, Box 9 might look like: 
Download Form 470 at: www.usac.org/sl/tools/required-forms.aspx
Wait 28 Days
After the Form 470 is posted, applicants wait 28 days while service providers submit bids for the services requested. After this competitive process, applicants may then select a vendor and may sign contracts on or after allowable contract date (which is given to you when you submit your Form 470).
2. Form 471 - (Typically November through early February)
Applicant files Form 471 with the SLD before the end of filing window to request the services awarded during the bidding process. This form identifies the vendor selected, contract dates, costs, and the discount requested. If you were to select School Loop for “E-Mail and Web Hosting Services,” your Form 471 Block 5 would look similar to the one below:
Download Form 471 at: www.usac.org/sl/tools/required-forms.aspx
Filling in the 471
It is important that you correctly supply the information highlighted in yellow on the sample Form 471 above. Actual information will vary. Item 12 is your 470 application number. Item 15b comes from your signed contract. Item 17 is the allowable contract date given to you when you filed your 470. Item 18 is the date you awarded the contract to School Loop. Items 19 and 20a are normally July 1 though June 30. Contract expiration Date and Calculation Items are obtained from information included in your signed contract with School Loop. The Item 21 attachment is the label of the “description of service” attachment for this request. Enter the worksheet number in 22b from Block 4 that identifies which schools will use this service.
SLD Review
The SLD reviews every application and contacts applicants for clarifications of their requests (if necessary) before the application is approved. The reviewers are called the Program Integrity Assurance Team or (PIA). It is critical that you respond to all requests for information from the PIA. Applications may be denied if you do not respond in a timely manner. You can always request an extension if you need additional time to respond to questions.
Funding Letter
When the review process is completed the SLD mails applicants and service providers Funding Commitment Decision Letters (FCDLs) which indicate approval/denial of requests. If your request has been approved you may then begin to implement the services. If your request has been denied you can appeal the decision.
3. Form 486 - (July 1 or within 120 after the Funding Letter)
After receiving the funding letter, applicants submit Form 486 to SLD to request that funding be “turned-on” and certify compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act. If School Loop was named on your Form 486, Block 3 would look similar to the one below:
Downlad Form 486 at: www.usac.org/sl/tools/required-forms.aspx
Reimbursement
After receiving the Form 486 Notification letter applicants can work with the service provider and opt to receive reimbursements by check or by discounted bills. School Loop will assist you with this process to ensure that you receive discounts on E-Mail and Web Hosting Services as soon as possible.
Questions
School Loop will assist you with E-Rate as allowed under program rules. We can offer general guidance on these rules and the application process but we cannot assist in areas such as filing the Form 470 or provide help with the competitive bidding process.