The Funding Year 2016 Form 471 filing window has been extended to May 26, 2016, for all applicants. This change is the result of difficulties encountered with USAC’s new EPC system. In recent weeks, applicants have submitted numerous requests for an extension of the filing window deadline. Originally scheduled to close April 29, the new window closing date will allow USAC additional time to enhance its system while also giving applicants more time to prepare their paperwork.
Extra Filing Window for Libraries and Consortia
In an addition to extending the normal filing window, there will also be a second filing window opened specifically for libraries and consortia. The current EPC system requires that these applicants wait for their constituent schools and school districts to enter their information into EPC first. The so-called “second window” will close on July 21, 2016, providing time after schools have submitted their paperwork for libraries and consortia to submit their own complete and accurate applications. The effective Form 470 deadline for these applications will be June 23, 2016.
NOTE: libraries and consortia are not required to wait for this second filing window period. If their applications can move forward prior to May 26, they are encouraged not to wait to submit their forms.
Application Review to Begin April 18
For those applications already submitted, the application review process (known as Program Integrity Assurance, or PIA) will begin as early as April 18, 2016. Applicants who are able are encouraged to submit their funding applications as soon as possible. Every application must be reviewed carefully by USAC. Historically, there is a strong correlation between the submission date and the funding decision letter date: the sooner an application is submitted, the sooner it is likely to be funded.
