E-RATE
PROCESS
TIMELINE
1
FCC Form 470
Description of Services Needed.
​
Generally filed September through December (though may be filed as early as July 1st); form must be filed online and posted for 28 calendar days
2
​Posting and Contract Negotiation Period/Competitive Bidding
By FCC rule, this period must be 28 calendar days at a minimum; bids from vendors are received for service and must be evaluated by the applicant at the close of the 28 day posting period.
3
​FCC Form 471
Services Ordered.
​
May be filed after 28 day posting period; must be filed in the FCC established filing window (typically early December through mid- March); any Form 471 filed outside of the window will not be considered for funding.
4
Program Integrity Assurance (PIA)
An extensive review and validation of the submitted E-rate application; once contacted by PIA, an applicant has 15 calendar days to respond.
5
Funding Commitment Decision
Funding Commitment Decision Letter is issued by the SLD upon successful review of the application; one letter per Form 471 is issued.
6
​Form 486
Receipt of Services.
​
Must be filed within 120 days of July 1st or the date on your funding commitment letter, whichever is later; this form verifies the existence of a valid technology plan (if necessary) and compliance with The Children’s Internet Protection Act
7
Discount or Reimbursement Calculation
Applicant may choose to receive the E-rate discount on the monthly service bill or receive a lump sum reimbursement payment.
8
Form 472
Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement (BEAR).
​
Applicants choosing to receive a lump sum reimbursement payment must complete a BEAR form to receive payment; form may be completed monthly, quarterly, bi-annually, or annually after service is received and paid for.
