Definitions of common terms and abbreviations found in the E-rate program.
The OMB is a component of the Executive Office of the President of The United States and provides approval of the forms used in the E-rate program.
A Selective Review Information Request (SRIR) is the request sent to applicants when targeted for Selective Review. See Selective Review.
A Selective Review is an examination of an Applicant's activities leading up to the submission of their Form 471 applications. This includes Technology Planning, Form 470/Competitive Bidding Process, Service Provider Selection, Contracting, Discount Rate Calculation, Budgeting, and Funding Requests. Not all applicants undergo a Selective Review each year.
Each service provider that wishes to participate in the E-rate program must complete the Form 473 - Service Provider Annual Certification Form. On this form the service provider makes various certifications as to its commitment to comply with E-rate rules and regulations that apply to service providers. This form must be completed and on file with the SLD before any disbursements will be authorized for Funding Commitments featuring that service provider.
The ESL is a document produced by USAC and approved by the FCC that outlines the types of services and products that are eligible for E-rate discounts in the indicated Funding Year.
The CSB is a department within the SLD that assists E-rate stakeholders with problems or questions. The telephone number to reach the CSB is 1-888-203-8100.
A decision made by USAC can be appealed to request further review of the decision or its surrounding circumstances. Appeals for procedural errors made by USAC can be first made to USAC and then escalated to the FCC if the applicant is not satisfied with the decision on appeal. Appeals in which a waiver of established E-rate rules is requested can be made directly to the FCC.
CIPA is the law that mandates Internet Safety policy and filtering requirements for applicants. Applicants that receive E-rate discounts for services other than Basic Telephone Service must comply with the law's requirements.
A COMAD is a correction to a funding commitment made by USAC in which the amount of funding committed is being reduced. This can occur in the event of an error on the part of USAC is discovered, or if a commitment was made to an applicant that was based on inaccurate information. In instances where funding has been disbursed on a funding commitment, and some or all of that funding must be recovered, a Demand Letter is issued outlining the amount of funding that must be returned to the program.
The Form 472, or Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement Form, is completed by E-rate applicants to request reimbursement of approved, eligible expenses paid by the applicant. The service provider must also sign the form to indicate that it has provided, billed, and was paid by the applicant for approved, eligible services.
The Universal Service Administrative Company is a non-for-profit business entity that administers the Universal Service Fund programs. The E-rate program is among these.
