Emergency Connectivity Fund 2021: Overview

The Emergency Connectivity Fund Program (ECF) is a one-time $7.1 billion fund established as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to help schools and libraries by funding connected devices and broadband connections for students, school staff, and library patrons, who lack sufficient access to fully engage in remote learning and virtual library services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Libraries and schools can apply for funding for the purchase of eligible equipment and services made between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022. The application window for the ECF program will be open 45 days and will open Tuesday, June 29 and close Friday, August 13.

A second application window will opened Tuesday, September 28, 2021 and will close on Wednesday, October 13, 2021.  This second application window will cover the same eligible equipment and services for FY 2021-2022 as the first window to use up the remaining ~$2 billion dollars in the ECF fund.

The FCC's Emergency Connectivity Fund site includes a helpful Frequently Asked Questions page that can answer many questions you may have.  The FAQs are organized by tabs into topical areas, such as eligible equipment and record retention and updated frequently.  Questions preceded by an asterisk * are new or recently updated.

https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-connectivity-fund-faqs 

Thursday, July 29th at 2pm, ALA hosted an Instagram Live Q&A event for libraries about the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF), an FCC program to support digital equity in libraries and schools nationwide. Library leaders will share how they plan to use this funding, how they're tackling the application process, and what advice they have for libraries seeking funding. ECF funding can be used for hotspots, devices, and other broadband services to help connect patrons. Press release: https://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2021/07/ala-host-emergency-connectivity-fund-qa-instagram-live-event-libraries
 
This is a great opportunity to hear directly from peer libraries about how they are utilizing this funding in their communities.
  
In addition to library participants, ALA is excited to welcome Jessica Rosenworcel, Acting Chairwoman of the FCC. Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel will deliver opening remarks and share the importance of promoting digital equity through our nation's libraries.  

Be sure to tune in this Thursday, or check out the recording on ALA's Instagram page after the event (instagram.com/americanlibraryassociation). ALA has a full suite of free resources available to help guide you through the ECF application process, complete with sample materials and expert advice. Remember to use ALA's tools and apply by August 13th: ala.org/advocacy/ECF.
 

What is covered/eligible?

• Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, and routers, including wireless service for bookmobiles.
• Laptops and tablets (mobile phones are ineligible).
• Monthly internet/data services.

How much is covered?

• Hotspots are capped at $250/device.
• Laptops and tablets are capped at $400/device.
• Monthly internet/data will be covered at reasonable costs, possibly a range of $10-$25.

How will libraries apply?

• USAC, the firm that handles e-rate, will oversee applications that will be submitted via the EPC portal.
• The initial wave will have a quick 45 day turn around for applications.
• There will be no competitive bidding window for this program.
• If demand exceeds available funds, applications will be prioritized based on the Category 1 e-rate discount rate for the library.
• Invoicing will be reimbursement only (make sure you have Form 498 on file to receive reimbursements).

Other things to know:

• Patrons will have to sign certification that they lack access to devices/connectivity to be able to engage in remote library services. (See the sample use policy and certification from ALA on the Documentation page)
• Applicants will also be required to be registered in the federal SAM system.
• New certifications will be required including an assertion that ECF funding is not being sought for “equipment and services that have been purchased and reimbursed with other [pandemic-relief] funding.”    
• Strict documentation retention of 10 years, including device inventories, will be required.
• CIPA will apply to library-purchased laptops and tablets.