How to file for E-rate discounts for SOCS
If you are applying for E-rate discounts for SOCS, this information will aid you in the process:
- When applying for E-rate funding for any of SOCS services, list the service provider as Foundation for Educational Services, not FES.
- The spin number for Foundation for Educational Services is 143028010.
- When filling out your Form 470 and 471 for SOCS Email, check the box for Internet Access. Under the description, input “Email Services” and record the number of prospective users.
Filing
Online?
This year, USAC is encouraging applicants to apply online. They
promise that the electronic process will be faster, more efficient
and enable them to be more consistent in their approval and
disapproval in their decision making.
You must have a PIN before you can electronically certify your signature on any of the E-rate forms. To request a PIN, visit https://slpin.universalservice.org/Pin/PinArea.aspx.
E-rate forms are online at http://www.sl.universalservice.org/menu.asp.
The E-rate filing process at a glance
Step 1: Fill out a Form 470 based on your requested service and file. The application will be posted for 28 days to allow vendors to bid for the service for which you applied. After your application form is filed, you will receive a Form 470 Receipt Notification Letter.
Step 2: After waiting 28 days, you may sign a contract with your chosen vendor.
Step 3: After waiting 28 days, file a Form 471. This form will detail the service(s) and vendor you choose. Upon receipt of the form, you will receive a Form 471 Receipt Acknowledgement Letter.
Funding Process
Step 4: Once your Form 471 has been reviewed, a Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL) will be sent to you (the applicant) and the chosen vendor (service provider) stating whether your application has been approved or denied. You have 60 days to appeal if the service is denied.
Step 5: Once you receive your FCDL (Form 471), file a Form 486. This is a Receipt of Service Confirmation Form that lists the funding request for the service(s) once it has begun.
Reimbursement Process
Step 6: File the invoice form chosen -- either the Form 472 or Form 474.
Form 472
or Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement Form
(BEAR): Applicants
will receive reimbursement for services directly from the service
provider.
- School and service provider files jointly. School
initiates form and service provider signs off on form. School
submits to USAC directly.
Form 474
or Service Provider Invoice Form (SPI):
Service provider
receives payment for services.
– Service provider will file with
USAC.
Re-apply every year
Step 7: When filing for a multi-year contract, an applicant will need to file a Form 470 the first year of the contract. In each of the years following, the applicant need only file a Form 471 and complete the remaining steps of the E-rate process to continue to receive reimbursements.
For more detail on the E-rate filing process, visit www.sl.universalservice.org.
