*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