Schools and Libraries eligible for USF reimbursements may find the following E-Rate timeline useful. It includes important documentation you should Save and a few stress reduction Tips.

1. Technology Plan   (Jul-Oct)
   
   • must include 5 elements: goals, strategies, needs, resources, & evaluation
   • dated draft copy must predate Form 470; approval must predate Form 486
   • Save: dated draft; approved plan

2. Form 470: Description of Services Requested and Certification Form   (Sep-Nov)
   
   • includes technology "wish list" & RFP (eligible & ineligible)
   • SLD will mail a Receipt Notification Letter (RNL) to acknowledge receipt
   • Save: Form 470; RFPs; dated certification; RNL
   • Tips: Begin early. Collect info for Blocks 2-3 of Form 471.

3. 28-Day Competitive Bidding Process   (Oct-Dec)
   
   • entertain proposals for at least 28 days, select most cost-effective provider
   • Save: all proposals; bid evaluations; contracts
   • Tips: Continue working! Calculate discounts. Complete Blocks 1-4 of Form 471.

4. Form 471 - Services Ordered and Certification Form   (Nov-Jan)
   
   • includes Priority 1 (Telecom/Internet) or Priority 2 (equip./maint.) funding requests
   • submit and certify before close of filing window (typically early February)
   • SLD will mail a Receipt Acknowledgment Letter (RAL) to acknowledge receipt
   • Save: Form 471; dated certification; Item 21 Attachments; RAL
   • Tips: Put Priority 2 on different 471 than Priority 1. Attachments not due with 471.

5. PIA Review - Program Integrity Assurance Review   (Feb+)
   
   • SLD may have additional requests/questions; typically 15 days to respond
   • successful applicants receive Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL)
   • Save: all PIA correspondence; FCDL
   • Tips: Learn & use the SLD's terminology, definitions, and valid justifications.

6. Form 486 - Receipt of Service Confirmation Form   (Aug-Sep)
   
   • informs the SLD that you are receiving funded services & CIPA-compliant
   • Deadlines: 120 days from start of service or FCDL (whichever is later)
   • SLD will mail a Form 486 Notification Letter to acknowledge receipt
   • Save: Form 486; Notification Letter; approved Technology Plan

7. Form 472 - Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement (BEAR) Form   (all year)
   
   • requests direct reimbursement to you ("Billed Entity") from SLD
   • you should not file a Form 472 if you opted for credits/discounts on your bill
   • Deadlines: 120 days from end of service or FCDL (whichever is later)
   • SLD will mail a Form 472/BEAR Notification Letter to acknowledge receipt
   • Save: Form 472; Notification Letter; bills