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.”

In December 2009, the CDE plans to issue the EETT American Recovery and Reinvestment Act formula awards to eligible districts and charter schools with current state-approved technology plans. These awards will total about $33M, approximately 230% of the 2009-10 EETT formula awards. The grant-funding period is the same as the 2009-10 EETT-F funds, following  a similar obligation and expenditure deadline of September 2011.

On September 21, 2009, the CDE sent award letters for the 2009-2010 FY to eligible EETT formula districts and charter schools with current state-approved technology plans.  Districts/charter schools indicate acceptance of the award by returning a signed award letter within 10 days.

The EETT-F 2009-10 grant-funding period is July 1, 2009 to September 30, 2010.  All funds must be expended and/or obligated by September 30, 2011.  LEAs can file the End of Period report with the CDE once grant funds have been fully expended but no later than September 30, 2011.

This year’s total California award for EETT-F is approximately $13.8M. At the time of issuing the award letter, the CDE also posted the eligibility list for 2009-2010 FY.  For those without a current state-approved technology plan, there are two submisson cycles remaining:  December 4, 2009 and April 9, 2010.  The complete grant program information can be downloaded from the CDE at http://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/r5/eettf09rfa.asp.  For support with the technology planning process, contact your CTAP representative.