E-rate instructions for public libraries

Please note: the forms on the USAC website do not work in Firefox on the PC or Mac. They work only in Internet Explorer (IE) on the PC and Safari on the Mac.

E-rate Form 471 - FY2012 (July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013)

I have also created a PDF page by page copy of the new Form 471 with instructions for libraries who are filing telephone service e-rate applications. Please download a copy of this Form 471 instruction guide/template [PDF, 385 KB] It will be very helpful as you navigate the Form 471. This file and others below will require the free Adobe Reader.

  • Go to Apply Online for Form 471 and click "Create Form 471."
  • Block 1, 3b: A requirement for libraries to supply an FCC Registration Number (FCC RN). If you filed last year, this number will be on your Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL) on page 1 in the RE: section. If that number is all zeroes that means you don't have an FCC RN and will need to obtain one to complete your Form 471. You can easily obtain this number by providing the library's EIN or TIN and going to the FCC Registration website.
  • Block 1, 6g: Consultant Information. Just skip this unless you have a signed contract with a paid E-rate Consultant.
  • Block 2, 7a-g: For telephone service applications you need only provide data for 7a and 7b, but you do have to fill in zeroes in all fields to proceed to Block 4.
  • There is no Block 3. Block 2 is now for both schools and libraries.
  • Block 4: Please DO NOT use the Copy Block 4 Worksheet from last year, use the Continue on to Block 4 button.
  • Block 4: First "Add New Entity" is for your library. Second "Add New Entity" is for the School District in which your library resides. This data is in the NSLP Data Spreadsheet [PDF, 147 KB].
  • Block 4, 2 "Type B Worksheet": You must check Administrative Entity. You now have to enter student NSLP data as well as the FSCS # and Urban/Rural status. This data is in the NSLP Data Spreadsheet [PDF, 147 KB]. The SLD Form 471 will compute the discount for you based upon these numbers.
  • Block 5: Most items in this block remain the same. Please note that the Item 21 attachment is now a "Window Requirement" - meaning it should be submitted before the Form 471 March 20, 2012 deadline.
  • Block 6, 26: Check the second box that reads "Or I certify that no technology plan is required by Commission rules." A technology plan is no longer required for Priority 1 services. Please contact me if you think you are requesting Priority 2 services that woulod require an approved technology plan.
  • Print a copy of your Form using the Print Preview, and then Submit.
  • Next, Certify with PIN and check the box to affirm your compliance.
  • Print a copy of the Certification pages. The Cert ID will print in the area where you typed your PIN.
  • Then go to the Item 21 online.

Guidance for the Item 21 - Required after you have submitted the Form 471

The Item 21 can be done online. Often the link to the Item 21 that you see after submitting the Form 471 doesn't work. Just go to the Apply Online USAC page and click on the Item 21 button under the Form 471. It is the bottom button. You need your Entity Number, Form 471 application number and the security code. These numbers can be found on the page you were prompted to print out after Block 1 in the Form 471. The most important thing to remember is that the description of services on the Item 21 needs to align with services requested on the Form 470. If you requested local and long distance telephone service on the Form 470 then that is what the description of service should ne on this document. Download the Step-by-Step instructions for the Item 21. [PDF, 97 KB]

E-rate Form 486 - FY2011 (July 1, 2011 - June 30, 2012)

E-rate Form 472 (BEAR) - FY 2011 (July 1, 2011 - June 30, 2012)

  • Go to Apply Online for Form 472 (BEAR). Look under Utilities.
  • You need your PIN and the email address you used to apply for the PIN to login.
  • Click on New BEAR Form along the top navigation.
  • You will need your Form 471 #, the FRN#, SPIN# (all located on the Funding Commitment Decision Letter) plus the total of the 12 months of bills for July 1, 2011 - June 30, 2012.
  • Once you certify and submit, print a copy for your records.
  • You can check back after a few days to check the status of the BEAR. Use the Track Form in the navigation, enter the Invoice ID from your printed copy and look to the far right under Status.

Money, E-rate and your Library Telephone Service

Overview E-rate 101

E-rate Form 486

Guidance for Form 486

Page by page guidance for the online Form 486 for telephone service and smartphones. [VERY large file, 10 MB, save to desktop then open, this file requires the free Adobe Reader.