So what do you need to have with you when you go online?
- Form 470
Your 471 is based on your 470 so you want to make sure the information matches up EXACTLY. A couple of things to check on regarding your 470. You can get this information from your Receipt Notification Letter (RNL) or by searching for your posted 470 online -- Make sure that your 470 is listed as certified. If it's listed as complete. You'll still need to do online or paper certification.
- That your your allowable contract date is before the date you're filing Form 471. This is also your allowable 471 filing date. And, if you're signing any contracts with service providers, make sure you don't sign them prior to your allowable contract date.
- Make sure that your 470 is listed as certified. If it's listed as complete. You'll still need to do online or paper certification.
- A bid or other price on services you are requesting on Form 471. I think a bid from your prospective service provider is best but you can use a phone bill for pricing on existing and continuing services. But you might want to check with your service provider to make sure that information is correct and likely to stay that way in the upcoming year.
- Your Service Provider's Information Number or SPIN. This is how they are identified by USAC. It should be provided on a bid. If you're at a loss for how to find it or who can even provide it for you, you can use the SPIN contact search.
- Your library's E-Rate discount. We calculate these for you and the spreadsheet is available from the link on the right hand column - 2008 E-Rate Discounts. Copy the page for your library and add it to your E-Rate file. You will also use this page to match up your school district and for your FSCS (Federal State Cooperative Statistics) number.
- Previous year's 471. This isn't necessary but it can help you remember how you or your predecessor has answered some of the questions in previous years.
