*For all those who wish to apply for E-Rate on their own for Funding Year
2022 (meaning filing for E-Rate for products and services other than those
that Networkmaine provides its members):*



*The FY2022 Form 471 Filing Window is now open and you can begin working on
your form in EPC.*


*Frequently Asked Questions*


*Does this apply to me?*

Do you want to request E-Rate funding for any FY2022 (July 1, 2022 - June
30, 2023) eligible products and services not provided by Networkmaine? *If
so*, then *YES*!



*Can I file an FY2022 Form 471 now for new products and services that I
want to purchase?*


Question: Have you posted an FY2022 Form 470?


   - *If no*, then *DO THAT FIRST*! And file it *SOON*! The last day to
   file an FY2022 Form 470 is February 22, 2022.
   - *If yes BUT the 28 day competitive bidding waiting period has NOT
   elapsed* (28 days from the date you posted a Form 470 or uploaded an RFP
   or an RFP amendment, whichever is later), then *SIT TIGHT*! Wait the 28
   days before signing a contract and filing your FY2022 Form 471.
   - *If yes AND if the 28 day competitive bidding waiting period HAS
   elapsed AND you have signed your contract,* then *YES*! You can log into
   EPC now and get the ball rolling on your Form 471.
      - Suggestion: Enter your contract into the Contracts Module before
      beginning your Form 471. If your FY2022 Form 471 includes a contracted
      service, the form must refer to a contract that has been entered
and saved
      in the Contracts Module and it is easier to complete this before
beginning
      your form.


*Can I file an FY2022 Form 471 now if I have an ongoing multi-year
contract?*

Question: Is this Form 471 a funding request that is part of an ongoing
multi-year contract signed as a result of a Form 470 competitively bid in a
prior funding year?


   - *If yes*, then *YES*! No new Form 470 is required for these services
   as long as the existing E-Rate vetted contract runs at least through June
   30, 2023. You can log into EPC now and file your Form 471.
   - *If no* (you have a contract but there was never a Form 470 posted for
   it), then *NO*! All Form 471 funding requests must be for products and
   services that were included on a Form 470 and competitively bid according
   to E-Rate rules.


*Where can I get help?*

Due to file size, I will be sending separate emails with Category 1 and
Category 2 step-by-step guides for filing a Form 471.


The Networkmaine E-Rate Resources website (http://erate.networkmaine.net/)
also has these guides as well as additional guides and guidance of various
types.


Feel free to call or email me with any questions.




*Upcoming E-Rate Deadlines*

*FY2022 Form 470 Deadline*: February 22, 2022

*FY2022 Form 471 Application Filing Window*: January 12, 2022 at 12:00 Noon
EST – March 22, 2022 at 11:59 PM EDT

_________________________________________________

Anne Perloff
Maine State E-Rate Coordinator for Schools
Networkmaine, University of Maine System US:IT

Web: erate.networkmaine.net

Email: [log in to unmask]

Phone: 207-581-3584

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