Universal Services Administrative Company
The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) is an independent, not-for-profit corporation designated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as the administrator of universal service. USAC works to protect the integrity of universal service through informing and educating program audiences, collecting and distributing contributions, and promoting program compliance.

• About USAC
• USAC Glossary of Terms
• E-Rate Productivity Center
• Eligible Services FAQ
• Applicant Process

FCC E-Rate Program
The FCC E-Rate Program is the nation's largest educational technology program, connecting schools and libraries to broadband internet services. The FCC began updating the program in 2010, and recently passed an E-Rate Modernization Order that seeks to modernize the program to focus on these three goals:

1. Increased connectivity to high capacity broadband
2. Increased purchasing power through bulk buying, bidding improvements,and consortia
3. Streamlining to increase transparency.

SETDA and Common Sense Kids Action E-rate Modernization Resources
Resources for state and local leaders to help them achieve high-speed connectivity in their jurisdictions and to support the national goal of connecting every classroom and library in America to high-speed Internet.

• Overview of E-Rate Modernization
• WiFi Implementation Guidance
• Common Sense Education

State E-Rate Coordinators' Alliance
SECA comprises 98 individual members who provide statewide E-rate coordination activities in 46 states and 2 U.S. territories. Members are funded completely from state or local school budgets with no administrative funds coming from USF. Members are appointed by their respective state governments/department of education. SECA Membership does not include Service Providers.

• SECA Website

Are There Any Program Requirements?
Schools applying for e-rate are required to comply with the Childrens Internet Protection Act. In order to receive e-rate discounts for Internet Access and Internal Connections services, school authorities must certify that they are enforcing a policy of Internet safety that includes measures to block or filter Internet access for both minors and adults to certain visual depictions.

Internet Safety
Some resources for schools, teachres, parents, and students regarding safety online.

• Protecting Kids Online Resources from the Federal Trade Commission
• Online Privacy and Security
• FBI Safe Surfing Online Progream

Top

• Free and Reduced Lunch Eligibility
  

Planing for Digital Learning
The FCC no longer requires approved technology plan as a qualifier for E-Rate funding. Educational technology, digital tools and resources are very common. Planning for effective use and proper replacement of digital tools and resources, along with updated pedogogy that these tools and resources support are still as important as they ever were. Technology plans have given way to broader digital learning plans. For guidance and suggestions on how to create an effective digital learning plan, consult the Digital Learning Plan Toolkit available on NHEON.org.

• Digital Learning Toolkit
  

• Subscribe to ET News
  

Top

School District Tech Plan
The Office of Educational Technology recommends and encourages districts to develop and use technology plans that incorporate improvement of ICT Literacy programs that meet the Minimum Standards for School Approval; current, 21st Century, technology rich, professional development opportunities for all administrators and staff; and evaluate the effectiveness of these plans routinely. The eFederal E-Rate Program dropped the requirment for state approved technology plans for Priority 1 services in 2011. Subsequently, the current e-rate moderization order removes the requirement for state approved technology plans for both Category 1 and Category 2 services. As a result, the Office of Educational Technology will no longer be approving technology plans. Districts are encouraged to write meaningful plans and submit them to the Office of Educational Technology, along with the link to where they can be found online.

School District Files Form 470
Districts submit a Form 470 which is a Request for Services to the School Library Division (SLD). This is like putting the services out to bid. This step typically happens in the fall or winter each year for service discounts that would begin the following July. When the form is posted to the SLD website, districts must wait at least 28 days before considering bids. This form must be completed by the district, not by a potential service provider.
Note: A new Form 470 is not required if an applicant intends to seek discounts on services provided under a multi-year contract executed under a posted Form 470 in a prior funding year.

Notification of 470 Receipt
SLD posts the Form 470 to its website and sends confirmation to the district. This effectively opens the bidding process. You have to wait at least 28 days before you take the next step of filing a Form 471 (or as soon as the filing window opens) because you need to allow bidders time to submit bids to you and then conduct a fair evaluation of the bids.

School District Files Form 471
When the district decides which bidder to use, they submit a Form 471 to the SLD (as soon as the filing window opens). This is the actual request for funding. The discount percentage is identified on the form and is based on the participation percentage for the school lunch program.

Filing Window Observed
SLD is required to observe the filing windows set by the FCC. This is when you need to file your Form 471. If you haven't already filed Form 470, you need to file the 470 and wait 28 days before filing the 471.

Form 471 Receipt Acknowledgment
SLD sends an acknowledgement that they have received the Form 471 and includes important details for the district and the service provider. This is NOT a commitment of the discount. That comes next.

Funding Commitment Decision Letter
An FCDL is sent to both the district and the provider to indicate the actual amount approved. If funds are denied, it would be indicated in this letter.

School District Appeals
If a district is denied funds, they have 60 days to submit an appeal (based on FCDL date).

School District Files Form 486
Districts must submit this form to indicate services have begun, their technology plan has been approved, and the status of their compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).
Note: After July 1st each year (which is the first date services could actually start), there is a limited time for submitting this form – it must be received or postmarked no later than 120 days after the date of the FCDL or 120 days after the Service Start Date, whichever is later.

School District Files Form 472 OR 474
BEAR Form 472 - District files this form if they will pay for services in full and request reimbursement directly from E-Rate. This Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement method is commonly called a BEAR form. SPIF Form 474 - Provider files this form if district chooses to receive discounted bills from the provider. In this case, the PROVIDER files a Form 474 (Service Provider Invoice Form).
Note: Form 472 or 474 must be received at SLD or postmarked no later than 120 days after the date of the Form 486.

Top