2014 1st Wave

Funding commitments are coming out for the following Montana libraries:

BUTTE SILVER BOW PUB LIBRARY - Internet Access - $7098
CONRAD PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm - $429.41
DANIELS COUNTY LIBRARY Internet Access - $310.38
DANIELS COUNTY LIBRARY Telcomm - $291.78
DANIELS COUNTY LIBRARY Telcomm - $360
DENTON PUBLIC LIBRARY Internet Access - $470.95
DENTON PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm - $481.32
DENTON PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm - $80.35
FALLON COUNTY LIBRARY Telcomm - $1182.9
GLACIER COUNTY LIBRARY Internet Access - $378.65
GLACIER COUNTY LIBRARY Internet Access - $959.04
GLACIER COUNTY LIBRARY Telcomm - $1587.07
GLACIER COUNTY LIBRARY Telcomm - $996.62
GLASGOW CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY Internet Access - $938.53
GLASGOW CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY Telcomm - $798.08
GLASGOW CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY Telcomm - $201.6
GLENDIVE PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm - $729.94
HARLEM PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm - $709.78
HARLEM PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm - $66.31
HARLEM PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm - $272.16
HARLOWTON PUBLIC LIBRARY Internet Access - $950.4
HARLOWTON PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm - $145.73
HARLOWTON PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm - $4953.09
HENRY MALLEY MEMORIAL LIBRARY Telcomm - $321.72
HENRY MALLEY MEMORIAL LIBRARY Telcomm - $436.38
LIVINGSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm - $1149.62
MILES CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY Internet Access - $1189.08
MILES CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm - $1349.21
Philipsburg Public Library Telcomm - $579.85
PHILLIPS COUNTY LIBRARY Internet Access - $950.4
PHILLIPS COUNTY LIBRARY Telcomm - $502.66
PHILLIPS COUNTY LIBRARY Telcomm - $104.16
WHITEHALL COMMUNITY LIBRARY Telcomm - $39.73
WHITEHALL COMMUNITY LIBRARY Telcomm 0.7 442.01
WIBAUX PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 0.6 291.82 0.708571429 27748.73

471 correction tips

This information came out in Friday's News Brief. If you filed a Form 471 this year, you should be receiving a RAL in the mail soon. This is your first and best opportunity to make corrections to the information you submitted on your Form 471. Do check it and make sure it's accurate. If so, put it in this year's E-rate file. If not, follow the instructions below and call me if you have questions.

Correcting Errors Using Your RAL

After you have submitted and certified an FCC Form 471 and USAC has determined that the form is in-window, USAC issues you a Receipt Acknowledgment Letter (RAL). This letter contains a summary of the data you reported on the FCC Form 471 and gives you an opportunity to submit corrections that are the result of ministerial and clerical errors.

• Note: If you submitted your FCC Form 471 online in-window but did not certify it before the window closed, you should certify it as soon as possible so that it can still be considered in-window. We will discuss the extended certification deadline for online FCC Forms 471 in a future issue of the SL News Brief. However, note that USAC does not issue a RAL for an uncertified form nor for a certified form considered to be out-of-window.

If you find that information on your RAL is incorrect and/or missing, mark up a copy of your RAL as indicated in the instructions and submit your corrections to USAC.

TIPS FOR RAL CORRECTIONS

1. Verify that you need to submit a correction.

First, compare the data in your RAL and in the Form 471 Display tool with the data in your file copy of the FCC Form 471 to make sure that all of your entries are correct. The RAL includes most of the entries currently in our system, but you must use the display tool to view the information in Block 4 worksheets and some entries in Block 5. Because Program Integrity Assurance (PIA) uses all of this information in its review of your application, it is important that you verify the accuracy of your information.

• If incorrect information appears on the RAL, you can line through the incorrect information and supply the correct information to the right of the incorrect entry.
• If information is missing that should have been included on the FCC Form 471, you can write the missing information to the right of the appropriate field name, in the column on the RAL marked "Make Corrections Here."
• If the incorrect information appears on the FCC Form 471 Display but not on the RAL – for example, if the incorrect information is contained in (or missing from) a Block 4 worksheet – follow the instructions in the RAL to correct that information.

If all of the information matches, DO NOT submit a RAL correction. Submitting a RAL with no corrections only delays the processing and review of your application.

2. If you submit a correction, make sure your submission is complete and timely.

Mark up the copy of your RAL as indicated in the instructions in the RAL. Please make sure your corrections are legible.

• To make corrections to a Block 4 worksheet, you will need to include a copy of the worksheet and/or a separate sheet listing entities to be added, deleted, or corrected. If you do not have a copy of the worksheet, you can use the display tool to print a copy.

You don't need to include the first two pages of the RAL or any pages that do not contain corrections, but you must always include a signed copy of page 3 of your RAL, even if you are printing out and including other pages with corrections. We cannot process RAL corrections without a signature, printed name, title, contact information, and date.

Check also to make sure you have supplied current contact information. If we have questions about the information you submitted, we will attempt to contact you using the contact information you supplied at the top of page 3 of the RAL. Also, if you are submitting multiple pages, we suggest that you put identifying information – BEN, FCC Form 471 Application Number, and contact person name and telephone number – at the top of each page.

You should submit RAL corrections as soon as you notice an error. Although you can submit corrections up until the time that USAC issues an FCDL, it is to your advantage for us to have your requested corrections in hand when we begin your review.

3. Be prepared to answer questions about your requested corrections.

In some cases, USAC may need to gather more information from you or perform some review work before a requested change can be made. For example, requests to correct some fields – such as the contract award date, contract expiration date, or the specific entries on a Block 4 worksheet – may require additional review by USAC to determine whether those changes are the result of ministerial or clerical errors. If you have the necessary information at hand, USAC can complete its review more quickly and determine whether a correction is permitted under program rules.

Keep in mind, however, that not all errors can be corrected through the RAL process.

HOW USAC PROCESSES RAL CORRECTIONS

USAC receives RAL corrections by email (through Submit a Question), fax, and mail, and includes a copy of the corrected RAL in the documentation used in the PIA review process.

In general, USAC does not confirm receipt of a corrected RAL. However, if you use Submit a Question to submit your corrections, you will receive a confirmation by email with a case number. If you are contacted by a PIA initial reviewer, you can remind him or her that you have submitted RAL corrections. You can also submit corrections to your reviewer when you are contacted.

Your PIA reviewer may have additional questions about the corrections you requested (see above) and may ask you for additional information. If the corrections are allowable, your PIA reviewer will make them in the USAC system. Note, however, that RAL corrections are not reflected in the original view of your application in the FCC Form 471 Display tool.

When you receive your FCDL, you should review it for information on the corrections you requested.

• If you did not request any RAL corrections, a comment to that effect will appear at the top of the Funding Commitment Report attached to the letter.
• If the corrections you requested affected more than one Funding Request Number (FRN), a comment summarizing the actions taken will appear at the top of the Funding Commitment Report.
• If the corrections you requested affected a single FRN, a comment summarizing the actions taken will appear at the top of the page for that FRN.

You should also review the "FCDL Comments" field for each FRN as it may contain additional information about your corrections.

Current OPI school lunch figures for 2014 E-rate discount

Apparently, OPI is no longer updating the reporting database I've referred you to in the past. Instead I've been sent instructions on how to access a PDF file with all the school lunch data.

https://apps2.opi.mt.gov/cnp/

Login Name:  Library
Password:  Libraries1

Click on School Nutrition Puzzle Piece
Click on 2014
On the left side of the Purple line, click on reports
Under Report Listing, click on Sponsor Reports
Under Sponsor Reports, Click on NSLP014
Under Report Criteria, leave everything alone.  You can change the year and look at previous years.
Click on Generate Report

Print off the page with your school district's data. You will have to add together the numbers for free and reduced eligible students. The total eligible is actually the total enrollment figure. But once you put the numbers in you should get the same percentage as you see on the sheet.

Let me know if you have any difficulties with this and I can send you the full report.

What do you need to have handy when your file Form 471?

I promised a quick list of items you should have nearby when you're ready to start Form 471

• Copy of your 470 - check and make sure that the allowable contract date has passed before you sit down to create your 471.
• Previous year's 471 - you can use it for FSCS code and FCC registration number. You can also get these from the agency websites via January 2012 blog post.
• Your PIN that will allow you to certify electronically. If you've lost yours, contact Client Services Bureau. If you're new to the program and haven't yet filed an E-rate form, you'll need to do at least one paper certification before you're issued a PIN.
• School lunch data - available online from OPI. Link from January 2012 blog post. There may be more recent data available from Suzanne or your school. Make copies of whatever school lunch and enrollment data you use and note where you got it and the school year it covers.
• Winning service provider bid or a copy of a previous bill from current service provider. This gives you the numbers to complete Block 5.
• Some information on the services you're requesting, especially when requesting broadband services. DSL or cable? Fiber optic? Advertised speed? These are requested in the new Item 24 section. They're collecting data on the impact of the program.

471 Window Announced

From USAC Schools and Libraries

FY2014 Application Filing Window Dates Announced

The FCC Form 471 application filing window for Funding Year 2014 will open at noon EST on Thursday, January 9, 2014 and will close at 11:59 pm EDT on Wednesday, March 26, 2014. The filing window will be open for 77 days.

Be sure to review the FY2014 Eligible Services List for details on products and services that are eligible for E-rate discounts in FY2014, and continue to check the USAC website for additional details.

We will issue the customary Letter to the Field around the time that the FCC Form 471 application filing window opens to provide filing information and deadline reminders related to the window.

Meanwhile, keep the following in mind:

• You can file an FCC Form 470 now if you are ready to do so; you don't need to wait for the window to open. To file an FCC Form 470 online, go to the Apply Online page and click on the "Create Form 470" button.
• You must wait 28 days after the FCC Form 470 is POSTED to the USAC website before you can close your competitive bidding process, select a service provider, sign a contract (if applicable), and submit an FCC Form 471. If you issue an RFP after the FCC Form 470 is posted, you must wait 28 days from the release of the RFP to select a service provider.
• Wednesday, February 26, 2014 is the last day to post an FCC Form 470 to the USAC website or issue an RFP and still complete all of these actions before the window closes.
• If you file your FCC Form 470 on paper, we need to RECEIVE it by Wednesday, February 19, 2012 to give us time to complete data entry before February 26, 2014.
• Item 21 attachments to the FCC Form 471 must be submitted by the close of the filing window. If you file your Item 21 attachment online, you must click on the "Submit" button at the bottom of the last page before the window closes. OTHERWISE YOUR ITEM 21 ATTACHMENT WILL NOT BE SENT TO US.

You can find additional program guidance documents in the Reference Area of the USAC website.

E-rate 2013 - 1st funding wave

BELGRADE COMMUNITY LIBRARY Telcomm 880.74
BELT PUBLIC LIBRARY Internet Access 130.9
BELT PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 661.54
BITTERROOT PUBLIC LIBRARY Internet Access 1090.32
BITTERROOT PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 1006.32
BLAINE COUNTY LIBRARY Telcomm 819.86
BLAINE COUNTY LIBRARY Telcomm 23.9
BOZEMAN PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 4668.77
BOZEMAN PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 640.51
BRIDGER PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 747.6
BRIDGER PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 818.5
CARNEGIE PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 853.34
CHOTEAU -TETON LIBRARY Telcomm 328.27
CHOTEAU -TETON LIBRARY Telcomm 396.73
CONRAD PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 699.41
DANIELS COUNTY LIBRARY Internet Access 373.9
DANIELS COUNTY LIBRARY Telcomm 432
DANIELS COUNTY LIBRARY Telcomm 341.86
DARBY COMMUNITY PUBLIC LIBRARY Internet Access 2024.64
DARBY COMMUNITY PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 1108.22
DENTON PUBLIC LIBRARY Internet Access 167.62
DENTON PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 478.94
DENTON PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 89.78
DUTTON-TETON-PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 504
FAIRFIELD-TETON- PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 536.62
FALLON COUNTY LIBRARY Telcomm 1171.02
FLATHEAD COUNTY LIBRARY Telcomm 3017.03
GLACIER COUNTY LIBRARY Internet Access 839.16
GLACIER COUNTY LIBRARY Internet Access 539.46
GLACIER COUNTY LIBRARY Telcomm 970.7
GLACIER COUNTY LIBRARY Telcomm 1437.41
GLASGOW CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY Internet Access 940.21
GLASGOW CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY Telcomm 778.76
GLASGOW CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY Telcomm 201.6
GLENDIVE PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 1005.41
GREAT FALLS PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 2697.34
HARLEM PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 829.55
HARLEM PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 46.66
HARLOWTON PUBLIC LIBRARY Internet Access 758.4
HARLOWTON PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 104.06
HARLOWTON PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 902.59
HAVRE HILL COUNTY LIBRARY Telcomm 888.72
HENRY MALLEY MEMORIAL LIBRARY Internet Access 436.38
HENRY MALLEY MEMORIAL LIBRARY Telcomm 311.64
JOLIET PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 833.33
JUDITH BASIN CO FREE LIBRARY Telcomm 548.64
JUDITH BASIN CO FREE LIBRARY Telcomm 675.36
LAUREL PUBLIC LIBRARY Internet Access 449.4
LAUREL PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 732.12
LEWISTOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 1397.93
LIVINGSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 1124.17
MADISON VALLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 507.82
MADISON VALLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 288.5
MEAGHER CO-CITY LIBRARY Telcomm 1327.68
MEAGHER CO-CITY LIBRARY Telcomm 102.72
MEAGHER CO-CITY LIBRARY Telcomm 172.99
MILES CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY Internet Access 1160.64
MILES CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 1079.71
MINERAL COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 1776.96
NORTH VALLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 1380.71
PETROLEUM COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY Internet Access 437.76
PHILLIPS COUNTY LIBRARY Internet Access 950.4
PHILLIPS COUNTY LIBRARY Telcomm 492.38
PHILLIPS COUNTY LIBRARY Telcomm 131.81
PLAINS PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 577.44
PLAINS PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 79.39
PRAIRIE COUNTY LIBRARY Telcomm 275.52
RED LODGE CARNEGIE LIBRARY Internet Access 539.28
RED LODGE CARNEGIE LIBRARY Telcomm 864
RONAN CITY LIBRARY Internet Access 1026.72
RONAN CITY LIBRARY Telcomm 633.98
SHERIDAN PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 579.82
TOOLE COUNTY LIBRARY Telcomm 616.04
TOOLE COUNTY LIBRARY Telcomm 237.59
TOOLE COUNTY LIBRARY Telcomm 267.93
Twin Bridges Public Library Telcomm 670.99
Twin Bridges Public Library Telcomm 84
Twin Bridges Public Library Telcomm 255.86
VALIER PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 1186.56
WHITEHALL COMMUNITY LIBRARY Telcomm 433.52
WHITEHALL COMMUNITY LIBRARY Telcomm 214.03
WIBAUX PUBLIC LIBRARY Telcomm 299.38

Wave 1 FY2012

The following Montana public libraries were funded in the first wave of E-Rate.  You should be getting your Funding Commitment Decision Letters this week

BELGRADE COMMUNITY LIBRARY
BELT PUBLIC LIBRARY
BITTERROOT PUBLIC LIBRARY
BLAINE COUNTY LIBRARY
BOZEMAN PUBLIC LIBRARY
BRIDGER PUBLIC LIBRARY
BUTTE SILVER BOW PUB LIBRARY
CARNEGIE PUBLIC LIBRARY
CHOUTEAU COUNTY LIBRARY
CONRAD PUBLIC LIBRARY
DANIELS COUNTY LIBRARY
DENTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
DILLON CITY LIBRARY
DUTTON-TETON-PUBLIC LIBRARY
Ekalaka Public Library
FAIRFIELD-TETON- PUBLIC LIBRARY
FALLON COUNTY LIBRARY
FLATHEAD COUNTY LIBRARY
GLACIER COUNTY LIBRARY
GLASGOW CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY
GLENDIVE PUBLIC LIBRARY
GREAT FALLS PUBLIC LIBRARY
HARLEM PUBLIC LIBRARY
HARLOWTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
HAVRE HILL COUNTY LIBRARY
HEARST FREE LIBRARY
HENRY MALLEY MEMORIAL LIBRARY
JOLIET PUBLIC LIBRARY
JUDITH BASIN CO FREE LIBRARY
LAUREL PUBLIC LIBRARY
LEWISTOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY
LIVINGSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
MADISON VALLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY
MEAGHER CO-CITY LIBRARY
MILES CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY
MINERAL COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
NORTH VALLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY
PETROLEUM COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Philipsburg Public Library
PHILLIPS COUNTY LIBRARY
PLAINS PUBLIC LIBRARY
PRAIRIE COUNTY LIBRARY
PRESTON TOWN/COUNTY LIBRARY
RED LODGE CARNEGIE LIBRARY
RONAN CITY LIBRARY
SHERIDAN PUBLIC LIBRARY
SIDNEY PUBLIC LIBRARY
THOMPSON-HICKMAN FREE CO LIB
TOOLE COUNTY LIBRARY
WHITEHALL COMMUNITY LIBRARY
WIBAUX PUBLIC LIBRARY

For a total of $65,092.92

If your library didn't get funded this round, Wave 2 is supposed to go out tomorrow.  Apparently, USAC will be trying to get the discounts out quickly.


UPDATE 7/11/12 - Wave 2 includes two more Montana public libraries;


Darby Community Public Library
Twin Bridges Public Library