USAC’s Schools and Libraries Division hosts monthly conference calls, providing information and guidance for service providers participating in E-rate. The monthly call for November was held on the 3rd. Here is a brief synopsis of the call.
Funding Waves
Since the October call, USAC approved six funding waves for FY09 and FY10. For FY2009, USAC is denying Priority 2 funding requests at 76% and below and funding approved requests at 77% and above. The funding threshold is likely to remain at this level for the duration of the FY09 requests.
At the time of the call, USAC issued FY09 waves 70 on 10/20 for $9.1M and 71 on 11/03 for $18.6M.
For Funding Year 2010, USAC is currently approving P2 requests at 85% and above. For Funding Year 2010, USAC issued waves 21 on 10/12 for $31.2M, 22 on 10/19 for $25.4M, 23 on 10/27 for $33.9M, and 24 on 11/03 for $18.9M.
USAC Training
The 2010 USAC trainings for applicants are now complete. There were several issues raised on the training sessions including the new Forms 470 and 471, FY11 ESL and the new gift restrictions.
While few specifics were divulged at training, USAC said it will be posting a FAQ section on their website based on the feedback received from the training sessions.
E-rate stakeholders should expect further guidance on the new gift regulation as the ambiguity of the new rules cause concern for many applicants and service providers. During the call, they did say that there is a “difference between charitable donations and competitive bidding violations” but did not offer any further guidance.
Red Light System
The Red Light System at the SLD is still down. If you have any specific questions regarding payments you have made to USAC, you may call 1-877-480-3201.
Next Call
The next call is scheduled for December 1, 2010.
