E-Rate Exchange

1/9/12 Application Tips & Reminders

Erate Exchange Shari Phillips — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:42:24 GMT

When filing for E-Rate funding, keep the following tips in mind to ensure your application is submitted on time and correctly.

File Early
- By filing early you are allowing time to correct any possible errors. You are also avoiding delays and meeting program deadlines. This is also helpful when a new form needs to be filed.
File Online
- Filing online allows for fast and efficient processing of your application, as well as early acknowledgement and quicker decisions.
Use the Online Item 21 Attachment
- The Item 21 attachment is required for FY2012, so in order for your application to be considered complete this must be included.
Retain All Documents
- It is a program requirement that applicants retain all documents for five years after the last day of service delivery.
Review Program Guidance Materials
- For the most part program materials don't change from year to year but for those times when some thing does change, it is important to stay informed and have the proper up-to-date materials.

DATES TO REMEMBER

February 21, 2012: The last possible date to post an FCC Form 470 ONLINE and meet the 28-day posting requirement for the competitive bidding process and submit an FCC form 471 on the filing window closing date. Paper Form 470's should be received by February 14th to meet this deadline.

March 20, 2012: The FY2012 application filing window will close at 11:59pm EDT. Item 21 attachments MUST be submitted with applications by this date.

12/21/11 Holiday Gifts From Service Providers

Erate Exchange Shari Phillips — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:58:49 GMT

Being that it is the time of year for gift giving, we thought we would share some information about the FCC rules as they relate to gifts to applicants from service providers.

It's important to know that an applicant risks serious financial consequences if the gift rules are violated, so be careful when accepting gifts from service providers. Keep the following in mind:

Gifts in excess of $20 value to any one individual responsible for E-rate, procurement, and/or technology planning are strictly prohibited. With approval from the recipients supervisor, however, a gift basket may be shared by an office as long as the basket doesn't exceed $20 per person. It would also be acceptable for a service provider to gift a flower arrangement for the reception area, as long as the same rules are followed.

To avoid risking violation of the FCC E-Rate gift rules, the safest approach would be to not accept any gifts from E-Rate service providers all together. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to call us. Also, be sure to check out our Facebook page and Twitter for more E-Rate tips and advice.

We'd like to wish all of you a safe and happy holiday season!

12/14/11 E-Rate FAQ

Erate Exchange Shari Phillips — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:16:28 GMT

Here at E-Rate Exchange, it is important for us to education our clients on the purpose of applying for E-Rate funding and what benefits are associated with applying. We want our clients to be aware of what we do and why we do it. We have a passion for giving our clients the opportunity to receive funding they are eligible for.

Below we have outlined a list of frequently asked questions about the Universal Service Fund, otherwise known as E-Rate, taken from the U.S. Department of Education's Archives.

1. What is the Schools and Libraries Universal Service Fund?
A: The Schools and Libraries Universal Service Fund (E-Rate) is a fund created as part of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to give eligible schools and libraries an opportunity for affordable access to modern telecommunications and information services.

2. How much funding is available for the program?
A: The fund accumulates up to $2.25 billion per year and are provided by the telecommunications industry.

3. How is my discount calculated?
A: Discount is calculated based on the applying school's economic disadvantage, in conjunction with the percentage of students eligible for the national school lunch program. Rather the school is in a Rural or Urban location also factors into the equation.

4. How does the fund work?
A: Schools and Libraries are eligible for 2o% to 90% in discounts from service providers. These discounts are applied to the full price of telecommunications services, internal connections, and Internet Access. Schools pay the price after discount, and the rest is paid for by the Universal Service Fund.

5. What does the fund cover?
A: Funding can be used towards internal connections, telecommunications services, and Internet access. The goal is to save the applicants money on services so that they are able to purchase better technology for learning purposes.

6. Do pre-existing contracts qualify for discounts?
A: Currently, month-to-month contracts must be rebid for each funding year during the E-Rate 28-day bidding period initiated by submitting the Form 470.

7. How do schools and libraries apply?
A: Schools and Libraries should contact an E-Rate consultant to discuss the process and rather it would be in their best interest to hire a consultant or do the work themselves. For those who choose not to hire a consultant, visit USAC's website to get started.

8. What is the Schools and Libraries Corporation?
A: The Schools and Libraries Corporation is a division of USAC formed by the FCC to administer the Schools and Libraries Universal Service Fund.

We hope this information has been beneficial to you. If you would like to discuss more about the E-Rate program, call us for a free consultation 888-522-8096.

12/6/11 Eligible Services Application Process

Erate Exchange Shari Phillips — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:11:05 GMT

Application Process: Eligible Services
There are 5 categories of eligible services in two funding priorities:

-Priority 1
*Telecommunications Services
*Telecommunications
*Internet Access

-Priority 2
*Internal Connections
*Basic Maintenance of Internal Connections

P1 services are funded first, and all leftover funds will go towards P2 services. The P2 commitments begin at 90% and decrease depending on the level of remaining funds.

In addition to eligibility requirements for the above listed eligible services, some other eligibility issues to consider include:

- Partial Eligibility
- Conditional Eligibility
- Ancillary Use
- On-premise Priority 1 Equipment
- Wide Area Networks
- Educational Purposes

Message to our clients:
If you have questions on the above mentioned information, please don't hesitate to contact us for further clarification. You can also start discussions with us on Facebook (facebook.com/erateexchange) or @erateexchange on twitter!

11/28/11 Competitive Bidding Dos & Don'ts

Erate Exchange Shari Phillips — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:49:28 GMT

The SLD will be holding a training session covering major topics within the 470 Competitive Bidding Process - here we have outlined some of the Dos & Don'ts of this process for you, which assist in avoiding conflicts of interest throughout the bidding process.

Service Provider may NOT:

Determine the types of service the applicant will seek on an FCC Form 470/RFP, or help the applicant develop its technology plan
Prepare or assist an application with filling out the FCC Form 470/RFP
Sign, certify and/or submit FCC Form 470
Assist or run the competitive bidding process for the applicant - including preparing or conducting the bid evaluation and vendor selection process
Be privy to information about the bid not shared with other potential bidders
Violate gifts rules

Service Provider MAY:

Ask clarifying questions when bids or descriptions are vague or generic

Applicant may NOT:

Have a relationship with service providers that would unfairly influence the outcome of the competition
Furnish service providers with inside competitive information
Have ownership interest in a service provider's company competing for services
Violate applicant's own regulations or policies
Violate gifts rules

Applicant MAY:

Have pre-bidding discussions with potential bidders as long as that doesn't lead to one bidder having "inside" information
Attend product demonstrations
Encourage or seek vendors to bid
Do research to determine what cost-effective solutions are available

There are further requirements to the RFP process, which (if requested) are central to the competitive bidding process. To find out more about these regulations and the new gift rules, click here.

11/18/11 Eligible Services for FY2012

Erate Exchange Shari Phillips — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:32:34 GMT

The Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) has released the Eligible Services List (ESL) for funding year 2012. The ESL lists specific products and services that will be eligible for discounts through the E-Rate program. This list is organized into the following categories which were established by the FCC:

- Telecommunications Service
- Telecommunications
- Internet Access
- Internal Connections
- Basic Maintenance
- Miscellaneous

The ESL also provides information regarding special eligibility conditions, glossary of ESL terms, and an index.

To view the FY2012 Eligible Services list, click here.

11/13/11 FCC's "Connect to Compete" Program

Erate Exchange Shari Phillips — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:14:25 GMT

The FCC has announced a new program to help provide free or more affordable products and services to low-income families. The goal of this program is to help overcome financial and liceracy berriers to broadband Internet adoption nationwide. This program aims to be funded by supporting businesses and non-profits so as to not tap into the U.S. Treasury or Universal Service Fund resources.

With this, the FCC also announced new low-cost broadband and computer offerings for students and families eligible for the National School Lunch Program. The detailed list of components for this offering can be found in an FCC factsheet.

FY 2008— FY 2009 Funding Status

Erate Exchange Shari Phillips — Thu, 28 May 2009 15:31:00 GMT

Wave 5 for FY 2009 is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, May 27th, for $32 million. This will bring total FY 2009 funding to $318 million. Only Priority 1 services are being funded at this time.

Wave 53 for FY 2008 is also scheduled to be released on Wednesday, May 27th, for $2.2 million. Total FY 2008 funding remains at $2.27 billion. Priority 2 services continue to be funded at 88% and above, and denied at 86% and below.

E-Rate Exchange weolcomes you to our blog

Erate Exchange Shari Phillips — Fri, 15 May 2009 12:49:00 GMT

Welcome!

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Erate Exchange Shari Phillips — Thu, 14 May 2009 12:44:57 GMT

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