I hope everyone remains safe and healthy while trying to keep up with the demands and challenges of our new realities. We were fortunate to have additional time to complete E-Rate filings but the deadline is right around the corner, so the time has come to turn our attention back to the world of E-Rate. Please let me know if I can assist you in any way possible. Networkmaine continues to be open for business, but on a telecommuting basis. I am working my regular schedule (albeit from home) and am easily accessible by email, which is the best way to reach me for assistance. I am able to remotely retrieve voice mail messages, but if you need to speak with me in person, please just email me your question, a good number to call you back, and times you are available. I will then get in touch with you as soon as possible. *FY2020 Form 471 Filings* Just a few days remain until the extended FY2020 Form 471 deadline. As of the writing of this email, I have heard no rumors that the FCC might extend the deadline even further, so make sure to get your application in on time. The FY2020 filing window closes at *11:59 PM EDT on Wednesday, April 29, 2020.* A Form 471 must be filed by all applicants requesting FY2020 E-Rate funding for products or services not arranged by Networkmaine. For guides on all things Form 471 related, visit http://erate.networkmaine.net and please remember the following rules: - Do not certify your Form 471 before the Allowable Contract Date (28 days after your Form 470 was submitted) - Do not certify your Form 471 before you have signed a contract with the chosen service provider - Do certify your Form 471 before the window closes! *PIA Inquiries* Many of you have already filed your FY2020 Form 471 applications and are already receiving PIA review inquiries. Typically, responses to PIA review inquiries are due within 15 days of issuance, with the option of a 7-day extension. However, the FCC granted E-Rate applicants an automatic 30-day extension to respond to PIA inquiries. Unfortunately, EPC is hard-coded in such a way that it cannot be updated to reflect these extended PIA due dates, so you very likely will receive automatic email reminder notices based on normal PIA deadlines that include incorrect deadlines. *A few things to know:* 1. USAC has made assurances that applicants will not be denied for being non-responsive during this time. Your funding will not be affected if you fail to answer by the deadline shown in EPC (contrary to what the email states). This does not mean we get to forgo FY2020 PIA all together, but given the challenges presented by COVID-19, reviewers have been asked to provide additional time when needed. 2. You do not have to request an extension as you normally would - it is automatically granted, but the system will not reflect extended response deadlines. Reviewers will instead continue their attempts to contact you, and when you are able to respond, they will continue their review. 3. If you choose to proactively request an extension, the system will automatically generate a new due date based on the typical 7-day extension. Disregard this date. You get an additional 30 days to respond per the FCC’s Order. 4. And finally, although you are afforded a 30 day extension to respond to PIA inquiries, I highly recommend that you respond in a timely manner, whenever possible, so your funding committment is not delayed. _________________________________________________ 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