Filing for E-rate
Filing for E-rate:
A Step-by-Step Guide to E-rate Filing 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.
Filing Online?
USAC is encouraging applicants to apply online. They claim the electronic process will be faster, more efficient and enable them to be more consistent in their approval and disapproval process.
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. See Form 470 Filing Tips. (When filing for a multi-year contract, an applicant will only need to file a Form 470 the first year of the contract.)
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.
For help in eligibility requirements for SOCS services, see What is eligible for E-rate discounts?
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 only 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. Which can be filed online.-School is billed by the service provider for entire amount of service and USAC pays for the discounted amount, which is set to school.
Form 474 or Service Provider Invoice Form (SPI):
Service provider receives payment for services.
– Service provider will file with USAC.
-School is billed by the service provider only for the amount not eligible for discount. Service provider files and receives funds for the discount directly from USAC.
Re-apply every year
Step 7:
When filing for a multi-year contract: An applicant will only need to file a Form 470 the first year of the contract. However, the applicant will need to file a Form 471 and complete the remaining steps of the E-rate process every year of the multi-year contract to continue to receive reimbursements.
For more detail on the E-rate filing process, visit www.sl.universalservice.org or contact us at erate@fes.org.
