π§βπ» E-rate Webinar Tuesday β Deadlines
The next official E-rate Webinar (hosted by USAC) will be on Tuesday, Feb 21st at 12pm MT (11am PT).
This webinar event is designed as a question and answer session. Participants should review the prerequisite materials prior to the webinar and come with questions for the subject matter experts. We will have subject matter experts to answer questions about the competitive bidding process and filing FCC Form 471. This is recommended for applicants and service providers of all E-Rate experience levels.
Materials to review before the training include:
Form 470 (Step 1) Deadline Nears: Feb 28th
If you still need to post a Form 470 for Category 2 equipment or last minute service requests, do so no later than next week.
Beginning 7/1/2023, schools and libraries can start posting for larger projects for the Funding Year 2024 (services that would begin 7/1/2024).
Form 471 (Step 2) Deadline March 28th
How many applications do you need to submit? Has your new contract been uploaded to the user profile (click your School Name, then click the βContractsβ tab π) ?
Apply early to get an early funding decision and to get ahead of the paperwork before summer vacation. For any assistance, please reach out to me at your convenience!
Now Hiring: Broadband Program Coordinator
Iβm pleased to announce that the Idaho State Department of Education is seeking to hire a Broadband Coordinator to work alongside me! It has been my pleasure serving as both Broadband AND E-rate coordinator since 2021, but there is just so much to do that we are splitting the position as it was pre-pandemic!
Description: The Broadband Program Coordinator functions as a liaison to school districts regarding broadband reimbursement, support, and analysis of current broadband usage. This position reviews broadband invoices and contracts, makes recommendations related to broadband services, and processes reimbursements for these services. The Broadband Coordinator works in tandem with the E-Rate Coordinator, and collaborates with the technology department, Idaho Commission for Libraries, and the Education Opportunity Resource Committee.
If you or someone you know is interested in supporting districts and schools invest in fiber infrastructure, funding high-quality Internet connections for Idaho students, and working with other state agencies to coordinate state efforts to expand Internet availability, please send them my way!