From Sabrina.Carson at wesd.org Mon Aug 3 08:28:09 2009 From: Sabrina.Carson at wesd.org (Carson, Sabrina) Date: Mon, 3 Aug 2009 08:28:09 -0700 Subject: [Erate] E-Rate Central News of the Week for August 3, 2009 Message-ID: <06D9FD985A42704BB0E8F483ACA3FE2E3F1889A3D4@miranda.wesd.org> See the attached newsletter for articles on: * FCC Roll-Over and FY 2008 ? FY 2009 Funding Status. Wave 15 for FY 2009 and a small Wave 63 for FY 2008 will both be released this week. The FCC rolled over $900 million in previously unused funds into FY 2009. This should be the trigger for USAC to begin funding Priority 2 requests at 90% next week, but is probably not enough to bring the final funding threshold as low as 80% for FY 2009. * E-Rate Updates and Reminders. Four of the eight SLD workshops scheduled for this fall are already fully subscribed; the schedule for Houston has still not been finalized. USAC conducted its first ?Super HATS ? visit. The last two FCC Commissioner nominees have been confirmed; a new Chief of the Wireline Competition Bureau has been named; and nominations have been requested for two seats on the USAC Board. * Schools and Libraries News Brief dated July 31st ? Form 486 Letters. The latest SLD News Brief reviews the three types of Form 486 notification and action letters. Sabrina Carson e-Rate and Procurement Customer Support Willamette Education Service District 2611 Pringle Rd SE Salem, OR 97302 P: 503.540.4495 F: 503.540.2962 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Week_08_03 - SECA.doc Type: application/octet-stream Size: 83968 bytes Desc: Week_08_03 - SECA.doc URL: From Sabrina.Carson at wesd.org Wed Aug 5 16:20:27 2009 From: Sabrina.Carson at wesd.org (Carson, Sabrina) Date: Wed, 5 Aug 2009 16:20:27 -0700 Subject: [Erate] Urgent News About USAC Website Availability! Message-ID: <06D9FD985A42704BB0E8F483ACA3FE2E3F18A39DA3@miranda.wesd.org> Hello all, We were notified this morning that USAC is planning a massive system migration at the end of this month. This transition, while long overdue and ultimately very beneficial, will require USAC to essentially cease all application processing for 2009 for 1 to 3 weeks, and will also delay activities related to the 2008 and 2010 funding years. Here's the breakdown of what we know about the affects at this point. * The outage will affect all database driven USAC webpages. This includes the data retrieval tool and the form submission pages. * The work is tentatively scheduled to start on the 28th or the 31st of August and their target completion date is September 14th. We will get more accurate updates as we get closer to the end of the month. * 2009 PIA reviews, FCDL's, Selective Reviews and the like will be suspended for 2-3 weeks. This is necessary so that the database remains static during the migration. * 2008 BEAR form processing will be suspended for approximately 1 week. USAC management has expressed that they want to keep the money flowing, and they don't want to interrupt that process for very long if they can avoid it. * Applicants will not be able to file or view any e-Rate forms during the outage. We are not sure yet how this will affect the 28 day waiting period for 2010 Form 470's that are filed before the outage occurs, since vendors will not be able to view 470's and search for opportunities during that time. SECA asked USAC management for guidance on this issue as soon as possible, as this could have adverse affects on districts; particularly those that will be using RFP's with their 470's. We will keep you posted as to what we find out. USAC will also be releasing information directly to the field as it becomes available. Districts that are in a position to file their 2009 Form 486's should do so as soon as possible to avoid any potential delays. Also, 2008 BEAR forms should be submitted as soon as possible. As always, if you have any questions please contact me. Those questions that can't be answered right now will be passed on to USAC so that I can include the answers in my next post. Sabrina Carson e-Rate and Procurement Customer Support Willamette Education Service District 2611 Pringle Rd SE Salem, OR 97302 P: 503.540.4495 F: 503.540.2962 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Sabrina.Carson at wesd.org Mon Aug 10 08:33:03 2009 From: Sabrina.Carson at wesd.org (Carson, Sabrina) Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2009 08:33:03 -0700 Subject: [Erate] E-Rate Central News of the Week for August 10, 2009 Message-ID: <06D9FD985A42704BB0E8F483ACA3FE2E3F18A3A59E@miranda.wesd.org> See the attached newsletter for articles on: * FY 2008 ? FY 2010 Funding Status. Wave 16 for FY 2009 and Wave 64 for FY 2008 will both be released this week. Early indications are that the FY 2010 application window will again open in early December and close in early February * SLD Computer System Cutover. Sometime over a 2-3 week period in late August and early September, the SLD will shut down most online form filing systems and databases while it moves and updates its operational computer systems. During this transition, it will not be possible to file Form 470s, Form 486s, and BEARs online. Paper forms will be accepted by mail during this period, but cannot be processed. This has important implications for applicants planning to initiate FY 2010 procurement activities in the near future. * E-Rate Updates and Reminders. The FCC?s Office of the Inspector General has released its latest semi-annual report on its auditing activities showing over $17 million in potentially recoverable funds from 115 applicants subjected to Round 2 E-rate audits in 2008. Four of the eight SLD workshops scheduled for this fall are already fully subscribed; the schedule for Houston has still not been finalized. * Schools and Libraries News Brief dated August 7th ? Appeals. The latest SLD News Brief provides tips on filing USAC and FCC appeals of adverse decisions such as funding/invoice denials or reductions, COMADs, late filing notices, and Service Start Date changes. Sabrina Carson e-Rate and Procurement Customer Support Willamette Education Service District 2611 Pringle Rd SE Salem, OR 97302 P: 503.540.4495 F: 503.540.2962 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Week_08_10 - SECA.doc Type: application/octet-stream Size: 89600 bytes Desc: Week_08_10 - SECA.doc URL: From Sabrina.Carson at wesd.org Thu Aug 13 14:26:00 2009 From: Sabrina.Carson at wesd.org (Carson, Sabrina) Date: Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:26:00 -0700 Subject: [Erate] FW: USAC's Schools and Libraries News Brief - Special Edition Message-ID: <06D9FD985A42704BB0E8F483ACA3FE2E3F18BC7C9C@miranda.wesd.org> This new update from USAC has a lot of answers in it. If you still have questions, don't hesitate to contact me. :) Sabrina Carson e-Rate and Procurement Customer Support Willamette Education Service District 2611 Pringle Rd SE Salem, OR 97302 P: 503.540.4495 F: 503.540.2962 From: SL News Brief [mailto:SLNewsBrief at lists.universalservice.org] Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2009 12:28 PM To: Carson, Sabrina Subject: USAC's Schools and Libraries News Brief - Special Edition [http://www.usac.org/_res/images/banners/usac-sl-mailing-banner-sp.gif] USAC IT Upgrade August 13, 2009 General Information USAC is in the process of improving its Schools and Libraries Program information technology (IT) systems. As part of this effort, we will be conducting a major upgrade of our IT infrastructure in the first two weeks of September in order to allow us to begin to make additional improvements in the future. The infrastructure upgrade is essential, but it will require us to take down the interactive areas of the USAC website in which applicants and service providers file forms and conduct searches of Schools and Libraries Program data. Commitment waves and disbursements will also be suspended during the infrastructure upgrade. One important exception is that FY2010 Forms 470 posted on or after July 21, 2009 will be available on the USAC website so as to not interfere with any applicant's competitive bidding process. Applicants will also have the ability to manually post new Forms 470 during this period (see FAQs below). In addition, static areas of the website, such as the Reference Area, training materials, important announcements, and the downloadable paper forms will continue to be up and running. We recognize the potential impact on all of you and are doing all we can to minimize any inconvenience, and we will do this as quickly as possible with the least impact on you. While not able to process paper or electronic forms during the upgrade, we will continue to accept them, and the Client Service Bureau will continue to provide program information and guidance. Upon completing the upgrade, we will fully process any forms received during the service outage and ensure that all applicants' and service providers' standing in the application cycle remains intact and uncompromised. This infrastructure move is necessary because our systems, like all systems, need to be upgraded periodically to maintain reliability and to enhance our capacity to serve customers in the best possible manner. In addition, this upgrade will allow us to bring more innovative solutions to the application process in the future as well as to reduce the volume of paper we exchange with program participants. We have scheduled this work so as to minimize the inconvenience to applicants and service providers, to avoid compromising any program deadlines, and to complete the project well before the start of the FY2010 window opening. We currently expect this work to take place the week before Labor Day and the week of Labor Day. The exact dates will depend on testing and other activity that is currently being conducted. As the exact dates are finalized, we will provide more information to you through a variety of channels, such as the Schools and Libraries News Brief, conference calls, the website, and other available channels. Please be assured that we intend to communicate information regarding the situation to you frequently and thoroughly in the coming weeks. Following is a list of FAQs that we will build on each week. If you have additional questions, please call the Client Service Bureau at 1-888-203-8100. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Upgrade General I am an applicant or service provider. What steps should I take as a result of the upgrade? * Submit anything that you can either before the upgrade or after the upgrade. Funding Commitments and Payments Will Funding Commitment Decision Letters (FCDLs), Revised FCDLs, and Administrator Decision Letters (ADLs) be issued during the upgrade? * No. PIA and appeals funding commitments and ADLs will not be issued during the upgrade. Will service providers receive payments during the upgrade? * Payment files will not be run during the upgrade. Posting and Viewing Forms 470 Can I post a Form 470 ONLINE during the upgrade? * No. The ONLINE system will not be available during the upgrade. If you want to post a Form 470 online, we suggest that you complete your posting during the month of August. Will posted Forms 470 be visible during the upgrade? * USAC will post Forms 470 filed on or after July 21, 2009 as *.PDF files to the USAC website to allow applicants' 28-day clocks to continue to run. We will also remind service providers to take advantage of the Form 470 Download Reports tool to download information in bulk before the upgrade begins. How can I get a Form 470 posted during the upgrade? * You can submit your Form 470 ON PAPER and mail it to us, following the instructions in the form. USAC will review the information on your form, perform any necessary problem resolution, create a *.PDF copy of the form, and then post it on the USAC website. What should I expect when I submit a paper Form 470? * Paper Forms 470 received after the upgrade starts will be reviewed. If data are missing or inconsistent, the applicant will be contacted and asked to make corrections. Once any corrections have been made, the form will be posted to the USAC website in a *.PDF format with the other posted forms and the applicant's 28-day clock will start. My 28-day waiting period ends during the upgrade; will service providers be able to see my Form 470? * Yes. Your Form 470 will be posted on the USAC website in a *.PDF format, and your 28-day clock will continue to run. However, USAC will not issue Form 470 Receipt Notification Letters until after the upgrade is complete. Filing Forms Online I am a service provider. Can I submit forms online? * You will be able to submit Form 498 and Form 499 online. The system that processes these forms is not affected by the upgrade. You will not be able to submit a SPI Form 474 online or approve a BEAR Form 472 online. I am an applicant. Can I submit ONLINE applications and invoices during the upgrade? * No. The system will not be available for filing applications and invoices online during the upgrade. Once I submit a program form online, will I receive a notification letter? * In general, if you submit the form online before the upgrade, USAC will issue you a notification letter. Remember, however, that some forms undergo additional review before USAC issues the letter. Filing Forms on Paper What should I expect when I submit a program form on paper (Form 486, 472, 473, 474, or 500)? * USAC will hold your paper form until the upgrade is complete. Your postmark date will be preserved. You can contact the Client Service Bureau (CSB) at 888-203-8100 or by fax at (888) 276-8736 to confirm receipt of your form if you wish to do so. What should I expect when I submit a Form 498 or Form 499 on paper? * USAC will process your form as usual. The system that processes these forms is not affected by the upgrade. Once I submit a form on paper, will I receive a notification letter? * In general, if USAC was able to complete data entry of your form before the upgrade, USAC will issue a notification letter promptly. If you submit a paper form during the upgrade, USAC will hold your form until the upgrade is complete. USAC will issue a notification letter after your form has been processed and the letter generation process has resumed. Remember that this applies also to the paper Forms 470 that USAC will be posting to the website during the upgrade. USAC Search Tools Will website tools be available? * In general, website tools will not be available during the upgrade. Please note that if you have bookmarked some tools and are able to access them, the data will not be refreshed during the upgrade. Can I use Submit a Question during the upgrade? * The Submit a Question tool will not be available during the upgrade. You can fax your request to the Client Service Bureau at (888) 276-8736 or call (888) 203-8100. Can I find a certified Technology Plan Approver? * The Certified Tech Plan Approver (TPA) locator tool will not be available during the upgrade. If you need help finding a TPA, you can contact CSB. USAC Review Processes (PIA, TPA, CIPA, Appeals, Invoicing) My 15-day response deadline ends during the upgrade. What should I do? * You should still submit your documents to your reviewer or requestor. If you need additional time, please request an extension prior to your deadline. Will I still be able to view the status of my Form 471 application on USAC's website? * The Form 471 application status tool will not be available. Your PIA reviewer and the Client Service Bureau will not have access to the system and will not be able to tell you about the status of your application. Will extensions to respond be granted automatically? * No, but you can request an extension from your reviewer or requestor. Will USAC continue to review applications? * No. Application review will not occur during the upgrade. Will someone be available to answer questions about my application? * Some reviewers will be available during the upgrade, and CSB can answer general program questions. However, no one at USAC will have access to USAC's systems during the upgrade. We suggest that you call after the upgrade is completed if your answer would require access to USAC's systems. How can I find out the status of my invoice? * Your reviewer and CSB will not be able to give you the status of your invoice. CSB can confirm receipt of a paper form. Appeals My appeal deadline occurs during the upgrade. How can I submit my appeal? * Submit your appeal as you would normally do. There is no impact on how appeals are submitted. Client Service Bureau (CSB) I have an open question with CSB. Will they be able to respond to my question during the upgrade? * If CSB escalates your question and receives an answer during the upgrade, they can respond to your question. Remember, however, that no one at USAC will have access to the online systems during the upgrade. We suggest that you call CSB after the upgrade has been completed. Can CSB create a new entity number or update my entity information? * No. CSB will not have access to the system needed to create and update entity numbers and information. Extension Requests My service delivery deadline for non-recurring services is September 30 and I need to request a service delivery extension. What should I do? * We recommend you submit your request as soon as possible, but definitely on or before September 30. However, USAC will not be able to process your request until after the upgrade is complete. Remember that you cannot use Submit a Question during the upgrade. You should retain a copy of your fax confirmation or proof of postmark for your records. I need to request an invoice deadline extension. What should I do? * We recommend you submit your request as soon as possible, but definitely on or before October 28, 2009 if your last date to receive service was June 30, 2009. However, USAC will not be able to process your request until after the upgrade is complete. Remember that you cannot use Submit a Question during the upgrade. You should retain a copy of your fax confirmation or proof of postmark for your records. Service Substitutions, SPIN Changes, Good Samaritans and Other Requests Will I be able to submit requests, such as service substitutions, SPIN changes, Good Samaritans, and entity removals? * Yes. You can fax or mail your request to USAC. However, USAC will not be able to process your request until after the upgrade is complete. Remember that you cannot use Submit a Question during the upgrade. You should retain a copy of your fax confirmation or proof of postmark for your records. You may download and print copies of Schools and Libraries News Briefs on USAC's website. You may subscribe to or unsubscribe from this news brief. For program information, please visit the Schools and Libraries area of the USAC website, submit a question, or call us toll-free at 1-888-203-8100. Feel free to forward this news brief to any interested parties. Please do not reply to this email directly, as it was sent from an unattended mailbox. 1997-2009, Universal Service Administrative Company, All Rights Reserved. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Sabrina.Carson at wesd.org Mon Aug 17 09:44:42 2009 From: Sabrina.Carson at wesd.org (Carson, Sabrina) Date: Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:44:42 -0700 Subject: [Erate] E-Rate Central News of the Week for August 17, 2009 Message-ID: <06D9FD985A42704BB0E8F483ACA3FE2E3F18BC8283@miranda.wesd.org> See the attached newsletter for articles on: * FY 2008 ? FY 2009 Funding Status. Wave 16 for FY 2009 and Wave 65 for FY 2008 will both be released this week. There will be no change in Priority 2 funding in either wave. * SLD Computer System Upgrade, cont. The SLD provided additional details on the upcoming system cutover that will temporarily inactivate the forms and database functions of its Web site. Applicants needing to file Form 470s within the next month must pay particular attention to the limitations this transition will impose. * E-Rate Updates and Reminders. A recent FCC appeal decision confirms the denial of funding to subcontractors providing service under fraudulently-obtained contracts Four of the eight SLD workshops scheduled for this fall are already fully subscribed; the schedule for Houston should be finalized this week. * Schools and Libraries News Brief dated August 14th ? Appeals. This week?s FCC broadband workshop will be broadcast via webinar. Sabrina Carson e-Rate and Procurement Customer Support Willamette Education Service District 2611 Pringle Rd SE Salem, OR 97302 P: 503.540.4495 F: 503.540.2962 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Week_08_17 - SECA.doc Type: application/octet-stream Size: 91136 bytes Desc: Week_08_17 - SECA.doc URL: From Sabrina.Carson at wesd.org Thu Aug 20 08:58:21 2009 From: Sabrina.Carson at wesd.org (Carson, Sabrina) Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:58:21 -0700 Subject: [Erate] USAC's Schools and Libraries News Brief - Update Message-ID: <06D9FD985A42704BB0E8F483ACA3FE2E3F18D13C98@miranda.wesd.org> Please see the update from USAC on their IT upgrade. As always, feel free to contact me with questions. :) [http://www.usac.org/_res/images/campaign-images/usac-mailing-banner-update.gif] USAC IT Upgrade August 20, 2009 Updates and Reminders USAC continues to prepare for the major upgrade of its systems announced in the August 13 Special Edition SL News Brief. We would like to again remind both applicants and service providers of the steps they can take to minimize the effects of the upgrade work on their program activities. We strongly suggest that you file program forms online before the end of August or wait until after the upgrade is complete. We expect the upgrade work to be performed during the first two weeks of September, and next week we should have target dates for starting and completing the upgrade. Forms filed during August that are not processed before the upgrade work starts will remain in the system and processing will continue after the upgrade work is finished. Additional information on Forms 470 USAC is downloading the information from Forms 470 posted on or after July 21, 2009 and creating a *.PDF version of each form. We will also create a *.PDF file for any Forms 470 submitted on paper that are visually complete and correct that we receive during the upgrade period. All of these *.PDF files will be listed in a table that will be linked on the Schools and Libraries main page of the USAC website when the upgrade work starts so that (1) service providers have access to the information on the forms and (2) applicants' 28-day waiting periods will not be interrupted. After the upgrade is complete, USAC will data enter the paper Forms 470 received and posted during the upgrade. At that time, each form will be assigned its unique 15-digit application number, and USAC will adjust the system-generated posting date to the date the form was first posted in *.PDF format to the USAC website. Below is a sample of a few rows of the Form 470 table. Each 15-digit application number will be an active link to the *.PDF version of that form. [http://www.usac.org/_res/images/campaign-images/form-470-table.jpg] General reminders * For all program forms, check your work carefully before submitting. If you wait until the last day of August to file your form online - or if you file on paper during the upgrade - and your form is incomplete or has inconsistent information, USAC will probably be unable to notify you until the upgrade work is finished. * For all forms and requests (e.g., appeals, deadline extensions, SPIN changes, service substitutions), submit them as soon as possible. Follow the submission guidance in the Reference Area for each type of request, but note that Submit a Question WILL NOT be available as an option to submit requests during the upgrade. Remember also that USAC will not be able to work on reviews of forms and requests during the upgrade. * If you have any status requests, make them as soon as possible as well. USAC staff and the Client Service Bureau will not have access to most USAC systems during the upgrade, and will only be able to verify receipt of paper forms. * Applicants: don't wait until the last day of August to file BEAR Forms online. Your service provider may need time to review your form before it is approved, and access will be delayed until after the upgrade work is complete. Better yet, file online now and notify your service provider that you have an online BEAR Form awaiting approval. * Service providers: download Form 470 information before the end of August. The Form 470 Download Reports tool gives service providers summary data on Forms 470. This data can be downloaded, saved in a spreadsheet, and sorted. This tool will not be available during the upgrade. If you have additional questions about the upgrade, please call the Client Service Bureau at 1-888-203-8100. Thank you for your patience and understanding. You may download and print copies of Schools and Libraries News Briefs on USAC's website. You may subscribe to or unsubscribe from this news brief. For program information, please visit the Schools and Libraries area of the USAC website, submit a question, or call us toll-free at 1-888-203-8100. Feel free to forward this news brief to any interested parties. Please do not reply to this email directly, as it was sent from an unattended mailbox. 1997-2009, Universal Service Administrative Company, All Rights Reserved. Sabrina Carson e-Rate and Procurement Customer Support Willamette Education Service District 2611 Pringle Rd SE Salem, OR 97302 P: 503.540.4495 F: 503.540.2962 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Sabrina.Carson at wesd.org Tue Aug 25 10:21:26 2009 From: Sabrina.Carson at wesd.org (Carson, Sabrina) Date: Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:21:26 -0700 Subject: [Erate] E-Rate Central News of the Week for August 24, 2009 Message-ID: <06D9FD985A42704BB0E8F483ACA3FE2E3F18DF9A93@miranda.wesd.org> See the attached newsletter for articles on: * FY 2008 ? FY 2009 Funding Status. Wave 18 for FY 2009 and Wave 66 for FY 2008 will both be released this week. There will be no change in Priority 2 funding in either wave. * SLD Computer System Upgrade, cont. The SLD provided still further details on the upcoming system cutover that will temporarily inactivate the forms and database functions of its Web site. * E-Rate Updates and Reminders. The FCC held a broadband and education workshop last week touching on the E-rate program. Four of the eight SLD workshops scheduled for this fall are still available for registration (including the newly announced workshop in Houston). * Schools and Libraries News Brief dated August 21st ? Non-Recurring Services. This week?s News Brief includes Part 1 of a discussion of non-recurring services and contracts (including Service Delivery Deadline extensions). Sabrina Carson e-Rate and Procurement Customer Support Willamette Education Service District 2611 Pringle Rd SE Salem, OR 97302 P: 503.540.4495 F: 503.540.2962 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Week_08_24 - SECA.doc Type: application/octet-stream Size: 90624 bytes Desc: Week_08_24 - SECA.doc URL: From Sabrina.Carson at wesd.org Mon Aug 31 08:42:08 2009 From: Sabrina.Carson at wesd.org (Carson, Sabrina) Date: Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:42:08 -0700 Subject: [Erate] E-Rate Central News of the Week for August 31, 2009 Message-ID: <06D9FD985A42704BB0E8F483ACA3FE2E3F18EDF277@miranda.wesd.org> See the attached newsletter for articles on: * FY 2009 Funding Status. Wave 19 for FY 2009, scheduled for release this week, will include Priority 2 funding down to 85%. ? SLD Computer System Upgrade, cont. The cutover of the SLD?s system, that will temporarily inactivate the forms and database functions of its Web site, is scheduled to begin September 1st and be completed by September 14th. ? E-Rate Updates and Reminders. The FCC is expected to release an NPRM on new CIPA requirements shortly. Three of the eight SLD workshops scheduled for this fall are still available for registration. Two individuals, previously suspended from the E-rate program, have been formally debarred. * Schools and Libraries News Brief dated August 28th ? Non-Recurring Services. This week?s News Brief includes Part 2 of a discussion of non-recurring services, focusing on contract termination extensions that may be required. Sabrina Carson e-Rate and Procurement Customer Support Willamette Education Service District 2611 Pringle Rd SE Salem, OR 97302 P: 503.540.4495 F: 503.540.2962 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Week_08_31 - SECA.doc Type: application/octet-stream Size: 89600 bytes Desc: Week_08_31 - SECA.doc URL: From Sabrina.Carson at wesd.org Mon Aug 31 14:29:38 2009 From: Sabrina.Carson at wesd.org (Carson, Sabrina) Date: Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:29:38 -0700 Subject: [Erate] FW: USAC's Schools and Libraries News Brief UPDATE Message-ID: <06D9FD985A42704BB0E8F483ACA3FE2E3F1901D963@miranda.wesd.org> Please see the final reminder email regarding the USAC IT upgrade below. Sabrina Carson e-Rate and Procurement Customer Support Willamette Education Service District 2611 Pringle Rd SE Salem, OR 97302 P: 503.540.4495 F: 503.540.2962 From: SL News Brief [mailto:SLNewsBrief at lists.universalservice.org] Sent: Monday, August 31, 2009 12:12 PM To: Carson, Sabrina Subject: USAC's Schools and Libraries News Brief UPDATE [http://www.usac.org/_res/images/campaign-images/usac-mailing-banner-update.gif] USAC IT Upgrade August 31, 2009 Updates and Reminders This is the last Special Edition SL News Brief before USAC begins its system upgrade. Please see August 13, August 20 and August 27 Special Editions SL News Brief for details. We would like to again remind both applicants and service providers some of the key points mentioned in these News Briefs. September 1 at 5 p.m. EDT is the last day and time to submit any online forms or to interact with our database until the upgrade has been completed. Before the upgrade begins: * You can file program forms online * You can download Form 470 information from the Form 470 Download Reports tool * You can verify status of your applications online During the upgrade: * No Funding Commitment Decision Letters will be issued * No payment files will be run * No ONLINE posting of Form 470. However, you can still submit your Form 470 ON PAPER and mail to us, following the instructions in the form * Service providers will be able to submit Form 498 and Form 499 online. The system that processes these forms is not affected by the upgrade. USAC will process these forms as usual * Service providers will not be able to submit a SPI Form 474 online or approve a BEAR Form 472 online * Program forms on paper (Form 486, 472, 473, 474, or 500) as well as electronic (email) invoices can be submitted. USAC will hold these forms until the upgrade is complete * USAC website search tools are not available * Client Service Bureau has no access to online system. They will not be able to create or update entity number and information or provide status information on program forms or requests * You can submit any appeal as you would normally do. There is no impact on how appeals are submitted * You cannot use Submit a Question. You can fax or mail your Service Substitutions, SPIN Changes, Good Samaritans and other requests. USAC will process your request after the upgrade is complete. You should retain a copy of your fax confirmation or proof of postmark for your records September 14 at 9 a.m. EDT the upgrade is expected to be completed. Additional information is available in the FAQs posted in the Schools & Libraries section of the USAC website. If you have additional questions about the upgrade, please call the Client Service Bureau at 1-888-203-8100. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding. You may download and print copies of Schools and Libraries News Briefs on USAC's website. You may subscribe to or unsubscribe from this news brief. For program information, please visit the Schools and Libraries area of the USAC website, submit a question, or call us toll-free at 1-888-203-8100. Feel free to forward this news brief to any interested parties. Please do not reply to this email directly, as it was sent from an unattended mailbox. 1997-2009, Universal Service Administrative Company, All Rights Reserved. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: