Schools and Libraries
About the Schools and Libraries Program:
- Overview of the Program
- Overview of the Process
- Outreach and Training
- HATS Outreach
- Filing Appeals
- Understanding Audits
Schools and Libraries Tools:
Step 5: Assist Applicants with Application Review
Service providers can, under certain circumstances, assist applicants during USAC's review of the Description of Services Ordered and Certification Form (Form 471).
After an applicant submits Form 471, USAC issues a Form 471 Receipt Acknowledgment Letter (RAL) to both the applicant and the service provider(s). The RAL provides details of the information the applicant provided on its Forms 471.
Certain information can be corrected using a specific mechanism described in the RAL. See the Help and FAQs about correcting Ministerial and Clerical Errors for more information. While only the applicant can correct information, and can only do so within 15 days of the letter date of the RAL, service providers should review the information in the RAL and alert their customer if they find incorrect information. The RAL is sent out before USAC reviews the Form 471, so it does not reflect any USAC decisions on eligibility or funding commitment levels. RALs can also be sent to service providers using USAC's electronic notifications.
USAC reviews the Form 471 for accuracy and compliance with Program rules. Although filing application forms is an applicant responsibility, service providers can assist applicants by providing certain information for the form, assisting with the Item 21 Attachment, and providing additional information as part of the review process.
Service providers are encouraged to provide the correct Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN), billing account number(s), and other identifying information. Service providers should also assist applicants with identifying ineligible products and services, which should not be included in funding requests.
After the Form 471 is submitted, service providers can provide details as requested on the products and services contained in the funding request as it is being reviewed by USAC. For example, USAC may need to request further information about the specific products being purchased and the details of the requested technical services. USAC may also request copies of vendor quotations, a specific listing of the modules or specifications for a product, and/or copies of contracts. It is particularly important that the Item 21 Attachments, which contain specific information about products, services, configurations, and additional details, are complete and correct. Applicants can seek assistance from service providers in completing their Item 21 Attachments, and they are encouraged to share the Item 21 Attachments with their service providers even if the service providers did not assist them. Additional examples of service provider assistance in creating the Item 21 Attachment can include one or more of the following:
- An online submission
- Applicant-provided documentation
- A quote or bill from the vendor
- A copy of the contract for the service
If the applicant is chosen for a selective review, the service provider cannot provide information about the applicant's budget or competitive bidding process.
Although service providers may prepare information to assist USAC's review, the submission should always be made by the applicant.
