After submitting an application during the first application filing window, a school or library realizes they need additional equipment and services to meet their students’, school staff’s, or library patrons’ unmet needs. Can the school or library submit another application during the second window to address these unmet needs?
Yes. If a school or library determines there is additional need for eligible equipment and/or services, they may submit another application during the second application filing window to address these unmet needs. However, applicants should not seek support for equipment and services already requested during the first application filing window. Applicants requesting support for similar services or equipment should clearly explain the differences between their requests. Submitting duplicate requests may lead to additional delay in the review of the applications and duplicate applications will be denied.
If a school or library submitted an application during the first application filing window and has not heard from USAC on their funding request by the time the second application filing window opens (e.g., September 28, 2021), should they re-apply for funding in the second window?
No. Applicants should not re-file applications that were already submitted in the first application filing window. Submitting duplicate requests may lead to additional delay in the review of applications and duplicate applications will be denied.
USAC is modifying some of the forms used in the e-rate program. Major points about the application process:
Each application will go through a review process and USAC will issue funding decisions after the application window closes. These decisions will probably not be sent until fall, a September-November timeframe possibly.