There is a TON of information here, so if you have questions about any of this information, please reply to this email or leave a comment on the post! - Daniel Vogt, dvogt@sde.idaho.gov
Important Dates for School Year 2024 - 2025
Note: July 1, 2024 is considered the the start of “E-rate Funding Year 2024” / “School Year 2024 - 2025” / “Idaho State Fiscal Year 2025”
October 24 - Administrative Window Opens
Schools are expected to update their student enrollment data which may affect their discount percentage for the 2024 - 2025 school year.
Applicants can add or remove new schools and non-instructional facilities (NIFs) for the upcoming year
Learn more about the admin window at the Oct 19th webinar hosted by USAC
October 30 - November 6 - ***E-rate Portal Offline for Upgrades
***IMPORTANT: Users will not be able to file a Form 470, reimbursement forms, edit their EPC profile, or file other forms during this time
The ECF portal will still be available for use
The new BEAR invoicing system will be implemented and available to file reimbursements again beginning November 7th (unless otherwise announced by USAC).
The due date to claim reimbursement for school year 2022 - 2023 invoices is October 30th.
Official Webinar Training Schedule
USAC has scheduled official webinars for users of all experience levels to prepare for the upcoming E-rate Funding Year 2024 / School Year 2024 - 2025.
E-Rate Program Overview
October 3rd, 12pm MT / 11am PT
USAC will provide a high-level overview of the E-Rate application process from beginning to end and explain basic program concepts for applicants and service providers.
***E-Rate Pre-Commitment Process
October 5th, 12pm MT / 11am PT
USAC will discuss the E-Rate Pre-Commitment process. This includes how to get started, competitive bidding, applying for discounts, and Program Integrity Assurance (PIA) review.
***I HIGHLY recommended E-rate users sign up for this one - DV
Eligible Services 101
October 12th, 12pm MT / 11am PT
USAC will provide an overview of E-Rate eligible services followed by a Q&A session.
***Category Two Budgets
October 17th, 12pm MT / 11am PT
USAC will discuss Category Two (C2) budgets. We will provide an overview of C2 budgets and C2 budget guidance for FY2024.
***I HIGHLY recommended E-rate users sign up for this one - DV
***EPC Administrative Window
October 19th, 12pm MT / 11am PT
USAC will discuss the EPC Administrative Window, the period during which applicants can make updates to their profile information in the E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC), to prepare for the upcoming FCC Form 471 application filing window.
***I HIGHLY recommended E-rate users sign up for this one - DV
E-Rate Post-Commitment Process
November 7th, 12pm MT / 11am PT
USAC will discuss the E-Rate Post-Commitment Process and other post-commitment activities. Topics include starting services, the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), service substitutions, appeals, and more.
Invoicing
November 9th, 12pm MT / 11am PT
This webinar is designed to help E-Rate program participants (applicants and service providers) understand the invoicing process. We will discuss the FCC Form 472 (BEAR Form) and the FCC Form 474 (SPI Form), invoice deadlines, invoicing reviews, and more. This session will not cover the new Invoicing functionality in EPC.
Learn about the new system here
Watch here: preview of new BEAR invoicing form
Watch all videos about the new system here
There is a TON of information here, so if you have questions about any of this information, please reply to this email or leave a comment on the post! - Daniel Vogt, dvogt@sde.idaho.gov