E-Rate Bidding Process When it comes to the E-Rate process, it can be overwhelming and applicants might not be sure where to start. We’ve put together this basic guide about what to know about bidding for resources with the E-Rate program.
What Is E-Rate Bidding? E-Rate programs support schools and libraries to secure funding. “The schools and libraries universal service support program
Eligible schools and libraries can apply for the E-Rate program for discounts on telecommunications, internet access, and internal connections. Applicants can use an E-Rate form that relies on bid evaluations. The competitive bidding process can be hard to grasp in the beginning, but the opportunities that lie on the other side make it worth learning a little more about the E-Rate process.
There are different competitive bidding strategies that lead to different responses, depending on the tools and resources that are needed. Libraries and schools are notoriously underfunded, and the digital divide can be difficult to overcome in some cases. The Brookings Institution notes that there are many federal programs that have provided about $86 billion in the last 23 years
But how do schools and libraries participate in the E-Rate program in order to achieve funding for technical infrastructure that can make a difference with students? Let’s learn more:
What To Know About the E-Rate Bidding Process Before jumping headfirst into the E-Rate bidding process, it’s important to know what the program requires of applicants. We are going to break it down here, but teachers, administrators, and librarians should check out the FCC websites
Determining Eligibility Not every school or library is qualified for the E-Rate program, so applicants need to be sure that they are eligible for the program seen on its websit e .
Identify Needs Once the institution is certain that they qualify for the program, they need to identify the resources they most need. This could include services or physical goods, but the items required need to be included in the application. For example, some schools or libraries apply for internet services or digital devices for students.
How Competitive Bidding Works Now that you understand the applicant’s requirements, it’s time to begin the bidding process. USAC lists 6 steps to the E-Rate application process, which need to be taken seriously and approached with the right strategy in order to achieve the desired results. Let’s break it down here:
Step 1: Competitive bidding According to USAC, the competitive bidding process
Step 2: Selecting service providers This is where the applicant can look at the bids that were submitted in the first step and choose the best one for their budget. USAC reports that the cost of the products
Step 3: Applying for discounts Once the applicant has picked the right service provider for the product or service that they need the most, it’s time to apply for a discount. To do this, file an FCC Form 471
Step 4: Application review You’re almost done! At this point, Program Integrity Assurance
Step 5: Starting services After the application review, the applicant will get a Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL) about what services they were approved for and when they will start. In most cases, the service will begin 130 days after the date of the FCDL.
Important Features To Understand Make sure that your application is submitted on time and with all the correct information. This will help the E-Rate bidding process go smoothly from the start. Are you an administrator or a librarian looking for more resources to help bridge the digital divide for your students? External support may be necessary.
Reach out to Agile Education to learn more about how education data can help you make sense of the market. Learn more today.
