Justification for Non-Substantive Change Request

Federal Communications Commission

Explanation of Non-Substantive Changes to OMB Control Number: 3060-0806:

• FCC Forms 470 and 471

Purpose of this Submission: This submission is being made for several proposed non-substantive changes to an existing information collection pursuant to 44 U.S.C. § 3507. This submission seeks to make minor, non-substantive changes to program certifications in the Schools and Libraries Universal Service Description of Services Requested and Certification Forms 470 (E-Rate FCC Form 470) and 471 (E-Rate FCC Form 471), and several non-substantive changes to certain fields to the E-Rate FCC Form 471.

Background: On July 21, 2023, the Commission released a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 23-56) amending the E-Rate program rules to allow Tribal colleges and universities that also serve as a public library to be eligible for E-Rate support, and to simplify the application process for Tribal libraries and other applicants. Consistent with that Order, we seek to collect Tribal affiliation information and add one additional competitive bidding exemption for libraries requesting eligible Category Two equipment and services for an undiscounted amount of $3,600 or less on the E-Rate FCC Form 471. Additionally, we seek to modify certifications on the E-Rate FCC Forms 470 and 471 to clarify that Tribal college or university libraries are not required to have a budget separate from any school.

Summary of Proposed Updates to the FCC Forms 470 and 471:

• We propose to collect the Tribal affiliation for eligible Tribal entities on the FCC Form 471.

• We propose to add a competitive bidding exemption for libraries requesting eligible Category Two equipment and services for an undiscounted amount of $3,600 or less on the FCC Form 471. Libraries that qualify for this exemption will not be required to file Form 470.

• We propose to modify the certifications on the E-Rate FCC Forms 470 and 471 to clarify that Tribal college or university libraries are not required to have a budget separate from any school.

• The proposed changes will not increase the burden hours.

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