*For all those who wish to apply for E-Rate on their own for Funding Year
2024 (meaning filing for E-Rate for products and services other than those
that Networkmaine provides its members):*


*The FY2024 Form 471 Filing Window is now open and you can begin working on
your form(s) in EPC.*


*Frequently Asked Questions*


*1. Does this apply to me?*

*Question: *Do you want to request E-Rate funding for any FY2024 (July 1,
2024 - June 30, 2025) eligible products and services not provided by
Networkmaine?


   - *If so*, then *YES*!



*2. Can I file an FY2024 Form 471 now for new products and services that I
want to purchase?*


*Question:* Have you posted an FY2024 Form 470?


   - *If no*, then *DO THAT FIRST*! And file it *SOON*! The last day to
   file an FY2024 Form 470 is February 28, 2024.
   - *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 FY2024 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.
      - Enter your contract into the Contracts Module before beginning your
      Form 471. If your FY2024 Form 471 includes a contracted service (which is
      required for most applications), the form must refer to a
contract that has
      been entered and saved in the Contracts Module and it is easier
to complete
      this step before beginning your form. Instructions for creating
a contract
      record in EPC are attached.


*3. Can I file an FY2024 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, 2025. 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. You would need to File an FY2024 Form 470 to launch a
   competitive bidding process for FY2024 products and services. See FAQ #2.


*4. 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 as soon as they
   are ready.
   - The Contracts Module guide is attached to this email.
   - 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*

*FY2024 Form 470 Deadline: *February 28, 2024

*FY2024 Form 471 Application Filing Window:* January 17, 2024 at 12:00 Noon
ET – March 27, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET

_________________________________________________

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