*For all those who wish to apply for E-Rate on their own for Funding Year 2021 (meaning filing for E-Rate for products and services other than those that Networkmaine provides its members):* *The FY2021 Form 471 is now available in EPC. * *Frequently Asked Questions* *Does this apply to me?* Do you want to request E-Rate for any FY2021 (July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022) eligible products and services not provided by Networkmaine? *If so,* then *YES*! *Can I file an FY2021 Form 471 now for new products and services that I want to purchase?* Question 1: Have you posted an FY2021 Form 470? - *If no*, then *DO THAT FIRST*! And file it *SOON*! The last day to file an FY2021 Form 470 is February 25, 2021. - *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 filing your FY2021 Form 471. - *If yes AND if the 28 day competitive bidding waiting period HAS elapsed*, then *YES*! You can log into EPC now and get the ball rolling on your Form 471. Question 2: Are you filing for a contracted service? - *If yes*, then enter your contract into the Contracts Module before beginning your Form 471. If your FY2021 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 FY2021 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, 2022. 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 the file size limitations on this mailing list, I will be sending separate 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* *FY2021 Form 470 Deadline: *February 25, 2021 *FY2021 Form 471 Application Filing Window: *January 15, 2021 at 12:00 Noon EST – March 25, 2021 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