This week the SLD notified 2,725 applicants and 1,095 service providers about the status of their 2006 applications. More than $100 million of funding was committed in this initial wave with over $3 billion still pending.
Several large school districts received funding commitments in this first wave. It would seem that the SLD's goal is not just to process as many applications as they can, but also work on the more complex school district's applications side by side.
For the first funding wave in 2006, 25 applicants were denied due to the 30% rule. If 30% or more of a funding request is for ineligible services or products the entire funding request will get denied. It is critical to only request eligible services and products.
FCC rules require applicants to wait at least 28 days after the Form 470 request is posted to the USAC website before signing a contract for a new service. For FY 2006, 21 applicants were denied because a contract for a new service was signed prior to the required 28-day competitive bidding waiting period.
Additionally, 8 applicants were denied because the contract was not signed and dated by both parties before the Form 471 deadline.
The full funding waves can be viewed at E-rate Manager Wave Reports.
