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School District Tech Plan
District develops or updates a tech plan and submits to the NHDOE for approval. The plan has to be developed (but not yet approved for the upcoming r-Rate filing year) when a district submits the Form 470.
Note: Approved plans are only required for Priority 2 eRate services.
School District Files Form 470
Districts submit a Form 470 which is a Request for Services to the School Library Division (SLD). This is like putting the services out to bid. This step typically happens in the fall or winter each year for service discounts that would begin the following July. When the form is posted to the SLD website, districts must wait at least 28 days before considering bids. This form must be completed by the district, not by a potential service provider.
Note: A new Form 470 is not required if an applicant intends to seek discounts on services provided under a multi-year contract executed under a posted Form 470 in a prior funding year.
Notification of 470 Receipt
SLD posts the Form 470 to its website and sends confirmation to the district. This effectively opens the bidding process.
You have to wait at least 28 days before you take the next step of filing a Form 471 (or as soon as the filing window opens) because you need to allow bidders time to submit bids to you and then conduct a fair evaluation of the bids.
School District Files Form 471
When the district decides which bidder to use, they submit a Form 471 to the SLD (as soon as the filing window opens). This is the actual request for funding. The discount percentage is identified on the form and is based on the participation percentage for the school lunch program.
Filing Window Observed
SLD is required to observe the filing windows set by the FCC. This is when you need to file your Form 471. If you haven't already filed Form 470, you need to file the 470 and wait 28 days before filing the 471.
Form 471 Receipt Acknowledgment
SLD sends an acknowledgement that they have received the Form 471 and includes important details for the district and the service provider. This is NOT a commitment of the discount. That comes next.
Funding Commitment Decision Letter
An FCDL is sent to both the district and the provider to indicate the actual amount approved. If funds are denied, it would be indicated in this letter.
School District Appeals
If a district is denied funds, they have 60 days to submit an appeal (based on FCDL date).
School District Files Form 486
Districts must submit this form to indicate services have begun, their technology plan has been approved, and the status of their compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).
Note: After July 1st each year (which is the first date services could actually start), there is a limited time for submitting this form – it must be received or postmarked no later than 120 days after the date of the FCDL or 120 days after the Service Start Date, whichever is later.
School District Files Form 472 OR 474
BEAR Form 472 - District files this form if they will pay for services in full and request reimbursement directly from E-Rate. This Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement method is commonly called a BEAR form.
SPIF Form 474 - Provider files this form if district chooses to receive discounted bills from the provider. In this case, the PROVIDER files a Form 474 (Service Provider Invoice Form).
Note: Form 472 or 474 must be received at SLD or postmarked no later than 120 days after the date of the Form 486.
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