The E-Rate Program

What is the E-RAte Program?

• The E-Rate Program program provides discounted rates on telecommunication and internet services to schools and libraries nationwide. The discount level varies based on the poverty status and location of the population being served.

http://www.universalservice.org/_res/documents/sl/pdf/E-rate-Overview.pdf

What does the e-rate program do?

The E-Rate Program supports the connectivity for telecommunication services and the internet for schools and libraries and

contracts with service providers to provide discounted rates of 20%-90% depending on

poverty status and population area being served.

E-Rate Discount Chart

0%20%40%60%80%

100%

Lessthan1%

1% to19%

20% to34%

35% to49%

50% to74%

75% to100%

% of Students Eligible for Ntl. School Lunch Program

Urb

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or

Ru

ral D

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Data obtained on March 2, from http://www.usac.org/sl/applicants/step05/discount-matrix.aspx

How do schools and libraries apply for E-rate discounts?

• Develop a Technology Plan

• Open a Competitive Bidding Process

• Seek Discounts on Eligible Services

• Confirm Receipt of Services

• Invoicing for Services

Developing a Technology Plan

• Must set clear goals and strategies for using telecommunications and information technology

• Include professional development so staff know how to use the technology

• Create an assessment of technology services, software, and hardware that your school will need

• Include an evaluation process to monitor progress towards your goals

BISD technology Plan for 2010-11

Click the picture to view the 2010-11 Technology Plan for BISD.

Competitive Bidding Process

• Applicant who will negotiate with the service provider will complete and submit Form 470

• Form 470 applicant is responsible for ensuring a fair bidding process

• Consider whether to receive discount on bills or reimbursements for services paid in full

• Applicant must save all competing bids to show most cost effective bid was chosen

• Wait at least 28 days before choosing service provider from available bids

Seeking Funds for Eligible Services Competitively Bid

• Complete Services Ordered and Certification Form (Form 471)

• File Form 471 within the time frame window

• Pay the non-discount portion of services provided

• Limit funding requests to the cost of eligible services to be delivered

• Make sure all certifications in Form 471 are true and correct

• Attach detailed information about products and services ordered so the SLD can verify them

Decisions on Funding Requests

• The SLD will issue a Funding Commitment Decision Letter to the applicant and service provider outlining their decision for the funding request

• Decisions can be appealed within 60 days after the date of the SLD decision letter

Service Confirmation and Payment to Service Provider

• The school must submit Form 486 informing the SLD that services have begun.

• Form 472 must be submitted by the school to request reimbursement for services already paid in full

• Form 474 must be submitted by the service provider to receive payment for discounts they have provided.

Retention of Records and Audits

Applicants must maintain their records for 5 years after the last date of service to comply with audits or inquiries

Summary of E-Rate• Provides discounts from 20%-90% in four service

categories depending on poverty status and the population area being served

• Requires a Technology Plan and Competitive Bidding Process to seek discounted service rates

• Requires that necessary forms be submitted within a given time-frame

• Records must be kept for 5 years after last date of service

For more information on E-Rate click on the picture below.

E-Rate opens the door for technology access in public schools!