Technology Planning for 2010: Start Now!

If your library plans to file for discounts on internet access or telecommunications services under the federal E-rate program, either directly or as a recipient of Internet access through the Kan-ed 2.0 network consortium (for the year beginning July 1, 2010), now is the time to be sure you meet the requirements for an approved Technology Plan.

How do I start?

A list of libraries with approved plans covering E-rate Fiscal year 2010 is available at http://skyways.lib.ks.us/KSL/libtech/erate/techplans.html.

If:

Your library does not appear, or
The "2010" column is blank, or
The entry is "CY2010" (year ending December 31, 2010)

Then:

You need a new technology plan.

What are my deadlines?

There are two parts to timely compliance with the tech plan requirement:

The plan must be *written* before the Form 470 (Description of Services Requested and Certification Form) is filed to start the E-rate application process.This form may be one that you file on the libraries behalf, one filed by a third party such as E-rate Solutions LLC, or Kan-ed's application to cover the 2.0 network.

(For more about forms and Kan-ed services, see the FAQ from Melinda Stanley, Kansas Department of Education, below).

WRITTEN does not mean final and approved by the State Library. For this purpose, the plan is written if it
- Exists, electronically or in hard copy, as a document separate from any previous plan
- Addresses the five elements of a Technology Plan as defined by the FCC (http://www.usac.org/sl/applicants/step02/technology-planning/default.aspx)
- Can be documented as existing prior to the date of 470 filing.
The most common ways of documenting the creation date include delivering a copy to yourself (or a library trustee or trustees) by email or USPS; or making the draft plan an agenda item for the board and including a copy with the minutes of the meeting at which it is discussed (whether approved or not).

The plan must be approved by the State Library before July 1, or the date the E-rated services start, whichever comes FIRST.If I approve your plan after July 1, it's wise to consider your library ineligible to request any discounts or reimbursements for services you receive before the date I approve it.

What budget information will I need?

The best way to address the FCC's fourth element

"the plan must provide a sufficient budget to acquire and support the non-discounted elements of the plan: the hardware, software, professional development and other services that will be needed to implement the strategy"

is to include a line item budget for library expenditures for each year of the plan.

If your plan covers July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2013, you need budgets for (calendar) 2010,. 2011, 2012, and 2013.

Yes - I know you won't have an official budgets for those later years. But planning budgets are OK, and a very good idea even if you don't do e-rate. You can always update your plan with revised budget information as you have it.

Now, doesn't that sound easy? And fun? Just be sure someone has an eye on the story time kids before you rush off to start on your plan! When it’s ready, send by USPS, Fax or electronically to:

Jeff Hixon
Deputy Director, Statewide Resource Sharing
State Library of Kansas300 SW Tenth Avenue | Room 343-N
Topeka, Kansas 66612
Phone: 785.296.3154 | 800.432.3919
Fax: 785.368.7291
Email: jeffh@kslib.info

FAQ: E-Rate forms for Kan-ed Services

- Melinda Stanley, Kansas Department of Education

Q. Do districts/libraries need to file a Form 470 for any e-rateable services received through Kan-Ed? A. NO – regardless of the level of services ordered. Kan-Ed has filed a 470 which covers all Kansas schools/libraries receiving E-rate-able services through Kan-Ed.

Q. My district/library has requested a single T1 through Kan-Ed, do I need to file any Forms 470 or 471?
A. No—Kan-Ed files for this within its 471 and funds the initial T1.

Q. My district/library has requested higher speed/bandwidth lines—at additional costs—do I need to file any E-rate forms?

A. Yes. The district/library will need to file a Form 471 (Do not file a Form 470--use Kan-Ed Form 470). File a Form 471 per the information for the Block 5 section of the form below (include the district/library account # and specific cost information). If you are applying for E-Rate funding for AT&T services that are being provided as part of the KAN-ED contract you should use the information below to complete your Form 471 Block 5.

Notes:

You do not need to file a Form 470 for FY2010-2011 because KAN-ED filed the requiredform in FY2008.
You do not need to file a Form 471 to get the single T1 line from KANED (Kan-ed pays forthe initial T1 and will file its own Form 471).
If you are applying for higher speeds (greater than the initial T1) - at additional costs – then you will need the info below for the 471 Block 5 (you do not need to file a new Form470).

Form 471 Block 5 Information:

Item 11. Category of Service: Telecommunications
Item 12. 470 Application Number: 443090000643327
Item 13. SPIN: 143001192
Item 14. Service Provider Name: AT&T Corp
Item 15a. Non-Contracted tariffed/Month to Month Service: (leave blank)
Item 15b. Contract Number: 10921
Item 15c. Covered under State Master Contract: Y
Item 15d. FRN from Previous Year: (leave blank)
Item 16a. Billing Acount Number: (leave blank or use your own billing account number)
Item 16b. Multiple Billing Account Numbers?: (leave blank unless you do have multiple acct #’s)
Item 17. Allowable Contract Date: (will be filled in by 471 program as 12/27/2007)
Item 18. Contract Award Date: 01/28/2008
Item 19a. Service Start Date: 07/01/2010
Item 19b. Service End Date: (leave blank)
Item 20. Contract Expiration Date: 06/30/2013
All other items/fields will either be filled in automatically or will depend on the individual applicant’s circumstances (monthly costs etc).

Still have questions?
Please call the Kansas E-Rate Hotline at 866-372-8302