Now that the Form 471 Filing Window has been announced by USAC, in addition
to updating your EPC profile within the Administrative Window, it is time
to get serious about filing an FY2017 Form 470 to launch a competitive
bidding process for desired products and services.


*Deadline to file an FY2017 Form 470:*
*April 13, 2017*



*Do you need to file a Form 470?*

Yes, if you want to receive E-Rate for the year July 1, 2017 - June 30,
2018 beyond the services arranged for you by Networkmaine

     AND you are requesting reimbursements for month to month services

     OR you have an expiring contract

     OR you need to sign a new contract for existing or new services

     OR you want to purchase eligible products or equipment

No, if you have an existing multi-year contract in place as a result of a
competitive bidding process that includes ALL of FY2017 AND you already
filed a Form 470 in a previous year “establishing” that contract


*Where do you file the Form 470?*

You must file the Form 470 by accessing the account in the EPC Portal for
the Billed Entity that will negotiate with potential service providers for
eligible products and services. Either the Account Administrator or another
EPC user that has been given Full Permissions for the Form 470 can certify
the form. In most cases, the account for the school district is the Billed
Entity, unless your school is listed as an independent school in EPC. No
paper forms will be accepted by USAC.


*What happens after you file the Form 470?*

You must wait 28 days after the Form 470 is posted or you issue any RFPs
before you can complete your competitive bidding process, select a service
provider, sign a contract, and submit a Form 471 within the Form 471 Filing
Window.

_____________________________________________

Anne Perloff
Maine State E-Rate Coordinator for Schools
Networkmaine ... a unit of the University of Maine System

Web: www.networkmaine.net/erate/

Email: [log in to unmask]

Phone: 207-*581*-3584
                    |
                 *Note that my phone number has changed*

Fax: 207-581-1604

Mail:
Networkmaine
5752 Neville Hall, Rm 255
Orono, ME 04469-5752