k12tech Web Logov2

Tech Check-In August 5, 2021

  • ECF Update  - Pam Jacobs
    • FCC has eased the ‘unmet need’ documentation.  For filing purposes a school could use free/reduced # to show unmet need.  Although better documentation will be needed when approved and devices are assigned.
    • Overestimate on the 471 of ‘unmet need’
    • After the 471 is certified you can change vendor, or make/model of device.  But ask for better device to ensure funding.
    • Who has applied and what was applied for?
    • Can a district “refresh” Chromebooks if they are EOL and will be replaced in the near-future (I.E. Summer 2022)?
    • Can use to purchase devices for “At Home” use, that the students would leave at home, and use other devices to work on at school.
    • If this device is used for local and remote learning, does it qualify for ECF? Documentation?
    • *6.11 Q: If a district-owned connected device was assigned to a student, but the device is no longer sufficient to engage in remote learning (for example, a three-year old laptop), can the district request ECF support for a new connected device?
      • A: Yes. If a device is no longer sufficient for a student to engage in remote learning, ECF support can be used to provide a new device. Applicants must certify on their funding application that they are only seeking support "for eligible equipment and/or services provided to students and school staff who would otherwise lack connected devices and/or broadband services sufficient to engage in remote learning."
    • For bus radios, that cost over $250 do we need to file a waiver requesting additional funding?  
      • No waiver is needed.  But in the narrative for the funding request, the district needs to explain that this is for bus WiFi and that is why the greater than $250 fee is needed for one-time purchase.
    • If a vendor does not support the SPI funding option then the school can only do the BEAR form for Data after the data service has been done?  
      • Did the district pay upfront for 12 months of a data plan? In general, the FCC says you cannot get ECF reimbursement until data services have been provided.  You or the vendor could invoice every month after service is provided but you cannot get the data plan $s in advance of the month.
    • Is installation of bus WiFi also included?
      • Yes, installation is included if the vendor selling the device is the one doing the installation.
    •  I assume we have to upload or have a "Contract" on file for the purchase.  I also assume we could also have the contract state "Contingent on ECF funding"? 
      • No contracts are required at the form 471 filing time for ECF.  The applicant just needs a quote/bid which does not have to be binding.  I do suggest that if the district does a contract at any point in time that the "contingency" language is included.
    • For Bus WiFi, do we also have to have documentation for Unmet Need?  
      • Pam’s update:  In a session yesterday (8/4/21) with USAC, they stated that the “unmet student needs” data/count needs to be completed, even if all an applicant is requesting on ECF Form 471 is bus WiFi.  In addition, I would make a statement on form 471 that you have documented needs of students that indicate the service is needed for some students on the school bus.  So far the FCC does not require careful documentation of the names of individual students benefiting from school bus WiFI.  I doubt they will do that.
    • What can the devices be used for after 2022?
      • Not official, but probably need to be for home use for at least 3 years.  They don’t have to be assigned to the same students from year to year.
  • Airtame Issues,  Units not connecting to closest AP if available.
  • Chromebook end of lease, issues with fixing/returning.
  • Chromebook enrollment

Popular Topics

Popular Articles