USAC’s Schools and Libraries Division hosts monthly service provider conference calls, providing information and guidance for vendors participating in the E-rate program. Highlights from the August 7, 2013 service provider call include:
July 2013 Funding Commitments
Progress of Online Filing of Forms 474 and 472
Form 474 (Service Provider Invoice Form) Available Online: USAC’s online filing system has been updated to offer service providers the ability to submit the new version of the Form 474 (SPI) online. Any invoices with an incomplete status may be resubmitted and will reflect a 7/1/13 date
Form 472 (Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement Form) in Progress: USAC’s online system for filing the Form 472 is still undergoing work. USAC anticipates that it will be at least 2 weeks before it is updated and running. Any Forms 472 submitted prior to going off line (in Incomplete Status) can be certified by the service provider.
Invoicing Update
Payments in the last 30 days totaled over $180 million. The top five invoice reasons for denial included:
SPIN number not registered
Bill date listed outside of the funding year
FRN fully utilized (i.e. all money committed to the FRN tied to the request has already been paid out)
Duplicate Billing – more than one BEAR filed on the same invoices
No Form 486 on file
Q&A
Why are service providers not allowed to obtain information about applications during PIA?
While service providers may participate in the program, the applicant submitted the 471 and is considered the beneficiary. A variety of issues can affect eligibility, and the person that filed the question can email eflock@usac.org directly for detailed answer.
Do you need to be an officer to sign off on the Forms 473 and 474?
No
FCDLs seem to be issued at a slower pace for FY 2013 applications than in years past.
USAC’s information indicates that FCDLs are being released on schedule and recommends that applicants keep watching for more FCDLs to be issued during the next couple of weeks.
Do applicants need to resubmit Forms 470 for FY 2014 that was submitted prior to the changes to the form being implemented?
No. USAC does not expect any significant changes nor will they require the applicants to resubmit the Form 470. For P1 Services, USAC stated that services can be listed in either the Telecommunications category or the Internet Access category.
How are Forms 471 reviewed?
Forms 471 are reviewed on a first in, first out basis. Applicants can contact the Ombudsman if there are any questions about how long the application review process is taking.
The last date to invoice for FY12 is listed as October 2014. What’s the correct last date to invoice?
BEARs should be submitted as quickly as possible before October 2013. Applicants can request service deadline extensions now for P1 (reoccurring services) and additionally advised that applicants can file a service delivery extension for P2 (non-reoccurring)services. Applicants should go ahead and submit a service delivery extension request now if equipment will not be installed by the installation deadline date of 09/30/2013-the applicant should not forget to file the Form 500.
Questions regarding eligibility were asked for the following:
Regulatory Fees – Yes. Although administrations fees are not.
Local portability fees eligible? Yes
Headsets for VoIP: VoIP headset may or may not be eligible. Please refer to the Sixth Report and Order.
Do you need to be an officer to sign off on the Form 498?
Yes, the Form 498 requires an officer’s signature.
How long does it take to process the Form 498?
Processing the Form 498 generally takes 7 – 10 days, but it may take up to 30 days.
Reminders
Reply comments on the Draft FY2014 Eligible Services List are due by August 19th.
The next Service Provider call will be September 11, 2013 at 1 p.m. EST.
