Library E-Rate Filing

Public libraries in the state of Missouri are encouraged to apply for e-rate funds to receive discounts on telecommunication services including local and long distance telephone service, Internet access and internal connections. The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), Schools and Libraries Division (SLD)administers the E-Rate Program.

E-rate provides discounts of 20-90 percent on the cost of eligible services. The list is updated annually. Discounts are based on the number of students eligible for the National Free and Reduced Lunch Program and the location of the organization (rural or urban). MOREnet provides e-rate training and calculates discounts for Missouri schools and libraries each year.

Discounts are paid directly to the companies that provide schools and libraries with these technology services. In turn, the school or library receives a discounted bill or a reimbursement.

An overview of the process is available on the USAC website. You may also contact Chris Schneider, Chris S. Schneider, National E-Rate Program Manager at MOREnet by phone, (573) 882-8429, or e-mail at [email protected] for further information on the application process.

Important Forms:

Form 470: Completing the Description of Services Requested form is the first step for the applicant and begins the competitive bidding process.
Form 471: The Services Ordered form is the second step required of applicants.
Form 486: The Receipt of Services Confirmation form is the third step of the process.
Form 500: The Adjustment of Funding Commitment and Modification to Receipt of Services Confirmation form is filed by applicants for changes to or cancellation of a funding commitment request.
Form 472: The Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement (BEAR) form is filed by applicants seeking reimbursements for bills paid in full, now due a discount.

Important Dates:

USAC maintains a calendar of deadlines by form on the USAC website.

Words of Caution:

If your technology plan is up for renewal AND you are requesting E-rate funding for more than local or long distance phone services or Internet service, you need to have a draft of your new technology plan before submitting your 470 the fall before the beginning of the service start date.

Use your most recently approved and valid technology plan as the beginning draft of your new technology plan. Place a current date at the top (prior to the submission of your 470) and place revision dates at the bottom of the page as you work on the plan and modify it. Keep this as documentation of your technology plan process. Contact the Missouri State Library for guidance on creating an updated technology plan.

You cannot submit a Form 471 before the window opens or after the window closes, so it is very important that you are aware of these dates.
Try to have your Form 470(s) filed by mid-December to provide you with a comfortable period in which to submit your Form 471.
If you are not CIPA compliant, do not seek funding for Internet access, internal connections, or basic maintenance of internal connections. However, you can still apply for funding on basic telecommunication services (telephone).