E-Rate Consulting Services

The Vendor is required to provide e-rate consulting services for include:
1. Program planning and strategy
• Review current district technology infrastructure and e-rate eligibility.
• Develop annual e-rate funding strategies aligned with district instructional and operational technology goals.
• Identify eligible category one and category two services and equipment.
• Provide strategic recommendations to maximize reimbursement opportunities while maintaining compliance.
2. Competitive bidding support
• Prepare and file federal communications commission (FCC) form 470 as required.
• Assist the district in developing bid specifications and procurement language.
• Ensure all competitive bidding processes comply with FCC and company regulations.
• Assist with vendor question management during open bidding periods.
• Support bid evaluation processes while ensuring compliance with fair and open competition requirements.
• Maintain documentation supporting vendor selection decisions.
3. Application preparation and submission
• Prepare, review, and submit FCC form 471 applications.
• Manage all item 21 and service detail documentation.
• Verify eligibility of products and services.
• Coordinate with district staff and service providers to ensure application accuracy.
• Monitor deadlines and submission windows.
4. Program administration
• Respond to program integrity assurance (pia) inquiries.
• Manage funding commitment decision letter (FCDL) review.
• Prepare and submit FCC form 486.
• Assist with service substitutions as needed.
• Support spin changes if required.
• Prepare and submit FCC form 500 when applicable.
5. Invoicing and reimbursement
• Coordinate invoicing strategy.
• Assist with reimbursement documentation and submissions.
• Monitor invoice deadlines.
• Reconcile awarded funding with district records and vendor billing.
6. Audit and compliance support
• Maintain compliance documentation recommendations consistent with FCC retention requirements.
• Provide audit response assistance if requested.
• Assist with selective review responses.
• Identify compliance risks and recommend corrective actions.
7. Advisory services
• Provide regulatory updates regarding e-rate program changes.
• Offer guidance on eligible services and procurement implications.
• Attend meetings with district staff as requested.
• Provide periodic funding status reports.