[OPLINLIST] Last Call - Upcoming FY2025 E-Rate Form 471 Deadline & Filing Tips

[Christine Morris]

Greetings,

Just a reminder - *E-Rate Form 471s are due Wednesday, March 26*. It's hard
to believe we are nearing the end of March, but it is true.

If you are still contemplating using E-Rate discounts for hotspots, make
sure to review the information we have here:
https://www.oplin.ohio.gov/hotspots.

Best wishes,

Christine
--
Christine Morris (she/her)
Digital Resources Manager
Ohio Public Library Information Network
christine at oplin.ohio.gov
614-728-5252 (OPLIN Support)
614-728-0227 (direct)

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Lorrie Germann <e-rate at ohio-k12.help>
Date: Thu, Mar 6, 2025 at 10:34 AM
Subject: Upcoming FY2025 E-Rate Form 471 Deadline & Filing Tips

Good morning E-Rate Community,

This is another reminder of the upcoming FY2025 E-Rate Form 471 deadline:

*March 26th - FY2025 Form 471 Application deadline. The window closes at
11:59 p.m. ET. *

Here are a few tips that may help with the filing process:

If you filed a new FY2025 Form 470 and have waited the minimum 28-day
waiting period, create a bid matrix to evaluate bids received before
awarding a contract and filing the Form 471. If needed, I’ve uploaded a
sample bid matrix for both Category 1 and Category 2 requests on my
“Resources Library” page at
https://www.ohio-k12.help/e-rate-support/resource-library/
<https://www.ohio-k12.help?mailpoet_router&endpoint=track&action=click&data=WyIxMTgwNSIsIjkwZjI3MzQ0ZjU0Y2U1YzM2ODM0YTMxYmVjMzE5YWNkIiwiMjQ2IiwiM2JjNTY3N2E5MzlkIixmYWxzZV0>.
If only one bid is received, but you feel it meets your needs and is
cost-effective, you don’t need to construct a bid matrix; however, USAC
recommends documenting the decision. This could be something written on
dated letterhead or by sending yourself an email that will show a date
stamp.

If you’ve submitted your Form 471, you can check the application status by
drilling down to the form. You’ll see the “Review Status” breadcrumbs at
the top of the page. If it’s listed as “Outreach”, click “Review Inquiries”
to see the pending inquiries. The response deadline will be listed, but if
you need more time, click “Request Extension”. You'll automatically receive
seven additional days the first time you do this. However, if you request a
second extension, that will require a PIA manager’s approval.

Lastly, if you have chosen a service provider that may have applied for but
not yet received a Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN), USAC
provides an "Interim SPIN" you may use as a placeholder in order to file
your 471 application in a timely manner. This is typically made available
approximately 10 days before the Form 471 deadline. I’ll provide the number
as soon as USAC announces its availability. Once your provider receives
their SPIN, you can update the information through the Receipt
Acknowledgment Letter (RAL) modification process mentioned above or during
PIA review. While using the interim SPIN, you’ll reference your chosen
quote or contract’s product/service details and costs.

If you have questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact
me.

Sincerely,

Lorrie
*Lorrie Germann*
State E-Rate Coordinator
Ohio Department of Education & Workforce
lorrie.germann at education.ohio.gov
740-253-1153
https://www.ohio-k12.help/e-rate-support/
<https://www.ohio-k12.help?mailpoet_router&endpoint=track&action=click&data=WyIxMTgwNSIsIjkwZjI3MzQ0ZjU0Y2U1YzM2ODM0YTMxYmVjMzE5YWNkIiwiMjQ2IiwiNTQyYTFjNTI1ZDBkIixmYWxzZV0>
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