This article is to inform you that the 2010/2011 Form 471 filing deadline has been extended to Friday, February 19, 2010 at 8:59 PST (due to adverse weather conditions across the nation.)

HOWEVER, if possible, please complete your forms this week.

Historically, the USAC online filing system has been plagued with technical issues in the days leading up to the Form 471 deadline (even when it has been extended), so filing now will ensure a smooth submission.

Remember, E-rate applicants that are first to file, tend to be the first to get funded. Waiting another week may delay your funding.

We all know what waiting until the last minute can mean to an E-Rate application.

Keep up the important work, and take advantage of the additional time by:

1. Double checking information for any errors. (i.e., contract dates--existing and new, costs, all sites on Block 4 that are needed, etc.).
2. Preparing Item 21 Attachments.

Please see the last announcement below for some good guidance and the USAC web site for more details: http://www.usac.org/sl/

FY 2010/2011 Applications: The Final Days

**  FY 2010/2011 Form 471 Application Window Closes February 11, 2010**

Warning: The deadline for filing Form 471 applications for FY 2010/2011, is Thursday, February 11, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. EST (remember that is 8:59 PST).  Applications submitted online or postmarked after this time and date will be treated as received outside the filing window and stand little chance of being funded.

For those that have to wait until Thursday, February 11, 2010 (waiting for 28 days, etc.) to submit their Form 471s, we offer the following suggestions:

1. For online filers.  If last minute problems are experienced with the SLD’s online data entry system — a real possibility if the system becomes overloaded with last minute filers — it is critically important to document that the filing had been in process when problems developed.  In particular:

We suggest periodic screen printouts — particularly of the screen that appears early in the filing process displaying the Form 471 number and security code.  It is also important to call the USAC/SLD’s help line (888-203-8100) to report problems.  The help line will remain open up to the 11:59 p.m. EST deadline on Thursday, February 11, 2010.  If you call with a filing problem, make sure you retain the assigned Case Number.

Remember that all Form 471s should be certified by the deadline.  If you are not certifying online using your assigned PIN, the certification should be printed out, signed and dated, and mailed by the deadline.  If the application is submitted online and on time, but not certified, USAC will provide notification of a submitted 471 with no cwertification and allow a VERY TIGHT timeline to submit the required documention. This “second chance” should not be considered as an “extended deadline” to submit the certfication. It is absolutely recommended to submit the 471 and the certification at the same time. If at all possible, please do not rely on this “second chance.”