Anyway, I found more information about technology planning in a news brief from 9/29/2006:
Technology Planning Questions from the Field
As part of USAC’s follow-up activities for the regional training sessions being conducted around the country this fall, answers to selected questions from the training sessions will be included in News Briefs to provide more information on the topics being discussed. Below are questions received from attendees on various aspects of technology planning.
Q. For purposes of E-rate, what is the date of my technology plan?
A. Your technology plan has two important dates. They are:
Creation date. This is the date that your technology plan is first created or written. It must be before the date that your Form 470 is filed, as the Form 470 must be based on the information contained in the technology plan.
Approved date. This is the date that your technology plan is approved by a USAC-certified Technology Plan Approver. Your approval letter or other communication of approval, such as an email, contains your approved date. Your plan is considered to be in effect from the approved date until the date it expires.
Q. My technology plan expires on June 30, 2007. Do I need a new plan for FY2007?
A. Yes. Your technology plan must be in effect during the period you receive discounted services. Having an approved plan when you file your Form 471 is not sufficient if that plan expires before the start of the funding year for which you are applying.
Q. Do I need a new technology plan if I want to get something that’s not in my current plan?
A. It depends. If the products, services, or other technologies that you want are really just add-ons to your current plan, you should just update your plan as appropriate. However, if you are planning a new initiative – something that moves you in a new direction that is not contemplated in your current plan – you should amend your plan and submit it to your Technology Plan Approver for review and approval.
Q. Do I need to include voice services in my technology plan?
A. It is a good idea to include all of the products and services you use to deliver educational or library services – even those that are not eligible for E-rate discounts – in your technology plan. Remember that your budget must reflect not only your ability to pay your share of the cost of discounted services, but the necessary resources not eligible for discounts (e.g., computers, software, electrical capacity, training) that you must have to make effective use of your discounted services.
For example, if you plan to offer a Homework Hotline, your telephone services are eligible for discounts but you will need voice telecommunications infrastructure (such as telephone handsets or possibly a PBX system) to provide this service. Your technology plan should reflect both the eligible and the ineligible products and services necessary for you to achieve your goals and strategies for delivering educational or library services.
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