E rate Consulting Services

The vendor is required to provide e-rate consulting services shall include, but not be limited to:
• Assisting the state public library system (HSPLS) in establishing which technology projects will be undertaken during the upcoming year that are eligible for e-rate discounts.
• Assisting agency to determine a filing strategy that best meets the needs to maximize e-rate funding opportunities.
• This includes providing compliance strategies with e-rate applications, federal communications commission (FCC) regulations and USAC processes.
• Evaluating e-rate compliance to FCC regulations, including interpretation of rules, regulations, reports and orders, and provide constructive feedback for improvements and strategic planning to optimize e-rate eligibility and mitigate e-rate risks.
• Preparing the required item 21 attachment sheet(s) which includes reviewing one (1) month of agency billing statement from eligible service providers to determine an estimated annual funding request, review of agency current annual contract(s) for eligible services, and/or review of new contract(s) for eligible services.
• Preparing and filing the following forms required by USAC’s schools and library division to receive e-rate category one and two funding: form 470, form 471 and form 486.
• Assisting agency in responses and audits, appeals, and program integrity assurance reviews by reviewing responses and/or being the entity’s liaison for discussions with USAC auditors for proper resolution.
• Preparing service provider’s required forms to have the eligible discounts added to the monthly service provider bills, or prepare and file the form 472 to have reimbursement check(s) issued for the eligible discount amount.
• Providing agency with progress status on applications, reviews, and modifications, for agency open funding requests.
• Assisting for services in compliance with the state and e-rate program’s procurement requirements.
• Providing agency assistance with RFP project clarification(s) and/or responses to questions from prospective offerors for resulting addenda.
• Assisting with evaluating bid offers and providing guidance on the scoring for award in compliance with the e-rate program requirements.
• Assisting agency in its record keeping requirements in accordance with the FCC requirements.
• Providing training on e-rate rules to agency applicants.