Sep 26, 20206 min read

USAC's Schools and Libraries News Brief for The Week of September 25, 2020

TIP OF THE WEEK:

For applicants who want to certify an FCC Form 471 during the second FY2020 FCC Form 471 application filing window, please review the FAQs below. You should also review the additional information in the September 18 SL News Brief and the September 21 Special Edition SL News Brief.

Commitments for Funding Year (FY) 2020

FY2020. USAC released FY2020 Wave 22 Funding Commitment Decision Letters (FCDLs) on September 24. As of September 25, FY2020 commitments total over $1.67 billion. On the date that FCDLs are issued, you can access your FCDL notification from the Notifications section of your landing page in the E-rate Productivity Center (EPC).

One Portal Reminder for EPC Users and BEAR Form Filers

EPC users and BEAR Form filers must log in to One Portal and set up their user credentials before they can use either of these applications. One Portal is the multifactor authentication (MFA) system that we put in place to increase the security of Universal Service Fund (USF) IT applications. MFA is a method of authenticating a computer user during the login process by requiring the user to enter two or more separate pieces of information, such as a password known to the user and a separate system-generated code sent to the user to enter in order to gain access. We created One Portal accounts for existing EPC users and BEAR Form filers before the MFA system was deployed, and we continue to create One Portal accounts for new EPC users and new BEAR Form filers. Whether you are an experienced user or a new user, if you have not already logged into One Portal and set up your login credentials, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible. This way we will be able to help you with any login issues you encounter now so that you are prepared for the next time you need access. To start the process, click the blue Sign In button at the top of any USAC web page. You will see the instructions on how to log in for the first time and set up your credentials. If you have any problems, you can call our Client Service Bureau (CSB) at (888) 203-8100 for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Second FY2020 Application Filing Window

On September 16, 2020, the FCC released an Order (DA 20-1091) directing USAC to open a second FCC Form 471 application filing window for FY2020. This window opened on Monday, September 21, 2020 at noon EDT and will close on Friday, October 16, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Here are some frequently asked questions we have received at CSB about the second FY2020 application filing window and responses:

Q. What are the requirements for applicants who want to apply for support during the second FY2020 filing window?

A. Services requested during this second FY2020 application filing window are limited to additional on-campus Category One internet access and/or data transmission services needed to meet schools' additional bandwidth needs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in FY2020. To request support during this window, schools must meet the following requirements:

they already sought bids for the services by posting an FCC Form 470;
they received a Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL) from USAC approving a funding request for Category One internet access and/or data transmission services that relied on that FCC Form 470 or they have such a request pending with USAC; and
they are requesting additional E-rate discounts on an FCC Form 471 during this second window to purchase additional bandwidth through their existing service provider or a new service provider.

Q. Can libraries apply for additional bandwidth?

A. No. This funding opportunity is only available to schools.

Q. I need some associated hardware to make use of my additional bandwidth. Can I apply for discounts on Category Two equipment?

A. No. Eligible services are limited to Category One internet access and/or data transmission services needed to meet a school's additional bandwidth needs as a result of COVID-19 only.

Q. Do I have to certify a new FY2020 FCC Form 470 to apply for additional bandwidth?

A. No. If you previously certified an FCC Form 470 for the services you are requesting, you can cite to that FCC Form 470 application number on the FCC Form 471 you certify during the second window. Note, however, that some applicants may want to file a new FCC Form 470 if required to do so by state or local procurement rules or regulations. In this case, the applicant is not required to wait 28 days before certifying an FCC Form 471 that cites to the new FCC Form 470 application number.

Q. Do I have to create a new contract record before I can file my FCC Form 471?

A. If the FCC Form 470 and the resulting contract you signed cover the additional bandwidth you are requesting, you can cite to your existing contract record. However, if you have signed a contract amendment or a new contract, you should create a new contract record for the amended or new contract and cite to that new contract record on your FCC Form 471.

Q. If my internet is provided on a month-to-month basis, am I required to sign a contract?

A. No. You can request the additional bandwidth on a month-to-month basis as well.

Q. What information do I need to provide on my FCC Form 471?

A. The Order requires that you provide the following information in the narrative section of the new FCC Form 471 funding request:

the identification numbers for the original FY2020 FCC Form 471 and the original Funding Request Numbers (FRNs) that previously relied on the FCC Form 470;
a statement confirming that the requested E-rate discounts are for additional bandwidth needed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; and
additional information in the narrative section about the price per megabit in the original and new funding requests and highlighting any difference in pricing.

In addition, USAC is asking applicants to include a statement in the narrative section clarifying whether your request is for additional bandwidth on an existing circuit or if you are installing a brand new circuit. This information will help our reviewers understand how your new request fits with your original request. Any other clarifying information you would like to add that would help us understand your request would be appreciated.

Q. My new FCC Form 471 filed during the second FY2020 filing window is showing an out-of-window status. Do I need to file a waiver request with the FCC?

A. No. As long as you certify your new FY2020 FCC Form 471 between September 21, 2020 and October 16, 2020 (i.e., during the second window), USAC will move your form to an in-window status within 24 hours of submission and add your form to the queue for Program Integrity Assurance (PIA) review. Note, if you certify your FCC Form 471 after October 16, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. EDT (i.e., after the second window closes), you will have to file a waiver request with the FCC.

Q. I certified an out-of-window FCC Form 471 before the second FY2020 filing window opened on September 21, 2020. Will USAC move my form in-window so that it is considered during this second window?

A. No. To request support during the second FY2020 filing window, you must certify a new FY2020 FCC Form 471 during the second window and meet the requirements in the Order.

Q. I applied for internet access after the original FY2020 application filing window closed. Can I apply for additional bandwidth now?

A. If you have not already done so, you should file a waiver request with the FCC for your out-of-window FCC Form 471. You can certify your new FCC Form 471 for additional bandwidth, but we will not be able to review your application unless the FCC approves your waiver request for the out-of-window FCC Form 471.

Erratum

In the September 18 SL News Brief and the September 21 Special Edition SL News Brief, the first bullet under the requirements for applicants who want to apply for additional bandwidth read as follows:

they already sought bids for the services by posting an FCC Form 470 for FY2020;

The language "for FY2020" has been removed from those prior editions consistent with the requirements laid out in the Order.

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