Are you an E-rate eligible school or library preparing to file your Form 470 for FY 2023? Don’t wait until the last minute! To help you out, here are some last-minute tips to ensure that your Form 470 is submitted correctly and on time. Learn how to navigate the E-rate filing process and maximize your potential savings with this comprehensive Form 470 Filing Guide for FY 2023.
1. What is Form 470 and Why Is It Important?
As of July 1, 2023, equipment and services are open for competitive bid for FY 2023 (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024), in accordance with Form 470. With Form 470, schools and libraries identify and ask potential service providers for proposals for the products and services they need, and for which they would like E-rate discounts, so that you can review those proposals and consider them.
FCC Form 470 is the first form filed in the E-rate application process. It explains who the applicant is and specifies any new telecommunications and technology services they will be looking for. The vast majority of the information requested is for future vendors to take advantage of and read. The key to submitting Form 470 is that it should be filed early enough before contracts for E-rate discounts are signed.
In order for any bids to be considered for discounts, FCC Form 471 needs to be submitted before the end of the application window period. Form 470 must be received and posted in the SLD’s E-rate Productivity Center for a minimum of 28 days before a new contract can be signed.
For E-rate funding eligibility, contracts and systems must adhere to very specific and stringent regulations.
2. How Do I File Form 470?
- Detailed instructions for completing a Form 470 can be found in USAC’s Form 470 User Guide: https://www.usac.org/wp-content/uploads/e-rate/documents/Forms/Filing-FCC-Form-470.pdf
- A detailed video tutorial can also be found in USAC’s Previous Trainings: https://www.usac.org/e-rate/learn/webinars/
3. Things to Note Regarding Form 470 Narratives and RFPs
We highly recommend that you issue an RFP (request for proposal) with your Form 470 to describe the type of services you’re seeking, the minimum standards that vendors must meet, and which factors might cause vendors to be disqualified from the process, even if you only make the RFP one page long. Doing so will allow you to upload any RFP addendum, Q&A, or other details to be included in the document for bidders using the ‘Related Actions’ feature in EPC when on the Form 470 page. But please note that this can only be done if the RFP was uploaded with the 470 initially. Once any service or location is changed, or additional substantive information is provided, you must issue an addendum with your RFP to all of your bidders. After you’ve posted this new information, give at least 28 days before accepting a new bid.
4. Deadline to File a Form 470
Even though the official deadline to file a 470 is 29 days before the 471 window closes, we highly recommend getting this done by early December! Doing so will give you ample time to review bids, select your vendors in January, obtain any necessary school board approvals in February, and finally sign all contracts and file your 471 in March.
- Form 470 must be posted online at least 29 days before the Form 471 window closes (example: March 28 close = Feb. 27 deadline).
- The Funding Year (FY) 2023 FCC Form 471 application filing window opens Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at 12pm EST and closes Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 11:59pm EST.
- File 470 by early December, if possible.
Final Tips & Reminders
- Be sure to review a draft of your Form 470 before filing and check it for errors before submission.
- Once your Form 470 has been submitted and certified, be sure to download a copy of your final document and retain it for your records.
Starting the Form 470 bidding process as early as possible is crucial to avoid running out of time during the Form 471 application window. If you have any questions about filing Form 470 and need some assistance, access our calendar here to book a quick 10-minute call with us. We’re happy to help!
