E-Rate
The Universal Service Fund for Schools and Libraries Program is commonly known as the E-Rate Program. It is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under the direction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The program offers schools and libraries high-speed internet access and telecommunications at discounted rates. For more information, contact VDOE's E-Rate Coordinator/K-12 Specialist: Dr. Mustachio. USAC's E-Rate Customer Support can be reached by phone: 888-203-8100.
Mini-Bid Support:
- E-Rate mini-bid overview
- A mini-bid is only part of step 2 out of seven steps performed by eligible applicants
- Virginia Mini-Bid Quick Guide (pdf)
- VITA State Master Contracts are what mini-bids offer as an outcome
- Mini-bid documents
- Concluding a mini-bid documents
- Bid Evaluation Template (docx)
- How to Construct an Evaluation (USAC)
- File FCC From 471 and continue remaining E-Rate steps
Special Construction
E-Rate provides the option for special construction support if the state provides a local match. Virginia Public School Authority (VPSA) Educational Technology Notes Program is available for applicants to use for E-Rate C1 special construction. Consider the following:
- Retain the authorizing language for use of VPSA Educational Technology Notes with your E-Rate documentation
- RFP askes bidders to includes an option with special construction and an option where what would be E-Rate special construction is instead built into the monthly fee for service
- Refer to SSWS to ensure applicant will not exceed funding limits of VPSA Educational Technology Notes
- How to observe all rules of E-Rate and VPSA Educational Technology Notes
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) & Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC)
- The Universal Services Administrative Company (USAC) is the administrator of E-Rate under the directions of the FCC.
- E-Rate C2 Budget Tool 2021+
- E-Rate Webinars
- E-Rate News Brief