Do you need to file a Form 470?

Yes, if you want to receive E-Rate other than the services arranged for 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 FY2016 AND you already filed a Form 470 in a previous year “establishing” this 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.


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.

The FY2016 Form 471 must be posted before the Form 471 filing window closes at 11:59 PM EDT on April 29, 2016.


What should you do if the competitive bidding period has not expired?

If the 28-day competitive bidding period for your Form 470 has not yet expired, you can gather the data you will need to complete your Form 471 and even begin it by filling in known information. Then after the 28 day waiting period has expired, you can complete the form with the relevant vendor, Form 470 specifications, and contract information, and any remaining fields.


What should you do if the competitive bidding period has expired?

If your 28-day waiting period has already expired (meaning your Allowable Contract Date has passed), you may submit your Form 471 if you have conducted your bid evaluation, selected your vendor(s), and signed a contract (unless you are just purchasing on a month-to-month basis).


How do you know what the allowable contract date is?

The Allowable Contract Date (ACD) is the 29th day after you submit your Form 470, and is the first date that you are permitted to submit your Form 471.