Simplifying the E-Rate Program and Increasing Sales
More than 82% of all E-Rate-eligible schools and libraries hire consultants. However, small and medium-sized vendors, who traditionally hire personnel not trained in E-Rate , are left to ‘figure it out.’ This process often involves navigating complex rules and regulations, understanding the needs of schools and libraries, and ensuring compliance with the program’s requirements, all of which can be daunting without the right expertise.
Only a few E-Rate consulting firms, like E-Rate Support, focus on helping clients “figure it out.” This situation is caused by the E-Rate Program, which encourages applicants to “pick a side:” Applicant or Vendor to avoid a conflict of interest. E-Rate Support, however, operates in a unique position, providing unbiased guidance while ensuring compliance with the program’s rules and regulations.
We provide unbiased guidance, ensuring compliance with the program’s rules and regulations, and we do this by leveraging our extensive experience and deep understanding of the E-Rate Program, giving you the confidence and security you need.
Our services are designed to boost your sales and shield your business from the potential risks of non-compliance. An E-Rate audit that uncovers non-compliance could lead to funding repayment, which we can help you avoid, providing a sense of security and peace of mind.
The E-Rate Program, with its substantial $4.2 million funding for Internet Access and Network Equipment, presents a wealth of opportunities. There is no need for ‘cold calling’ or guesswork about school and library budgets; this information is all provided in advance. Schools and libraries also share their needs, making it a highly lucrative and exciting opportunity.
While the E-Rate Program presents significant opportunities, the real challenge lies in funding access. Our consulting services are here to provide the necessary guidance and support, ensuring you navigate the process effectively and feel guided every step of the way.
Accessing E-Rate funding involves navigating many complex rules and regulations. However, E-Rate Support is here to help our clients “figure it out” and maximize their sales. We provide access to easy-to-use management software, training, help desk support, and affordable consulting services, ensuring the comprehensive support they need to succeed.
E-Rate Training
E-Rate Support offers interactive live training, a practical and essential tool for boosting sales and success. These training courses are designed to empower our customers, equipping them with the practical skills and knowledge to confidently take control of their E-Rate application process and ‘figure it out.’
The training is interactive, with lengthy time for questions. Each training covers the upcoming process. For example, E-Rate Support will provide training on building a business plan in April before the window opens on July 1. The teaching method emphasizes practical, hands-on learning and engagement. In this sense, activity (or “doing”) precedes the development rather than the reverse.
Our Training Goals are not just a list, they are the steppingstones to your success.
A few sample goals are designed to:
Create an E-Rate business plan, the data sets will be used to help develop the plan. This will include selecting targeted areas (e.g., states, zip code areas, expiring contracts, Category 2 budgets, entity size, and more).
Review past target application filings to determine the model and cost of previous purchases, the cost of the products, the current cost of connectivity and bandwidth, and other vital information.
Develop a relationship with the target areas BEFORE Form 470 is posted by building a contact list of email addresses and other contact information for the target entity selected.
Learn how to monitor your bid responses through Forms 471 and 486.
Monitor the request for products and services in the target areas (Form 470) beginning on July 1, understand how to develop a Request to a Proposal, learn about the eligible services list, and more.
One of the key skills you’ll learn is monitoring your bid responses through Forms 471 and 486. This involves tracking the status of your bid response, ensuring all necessary steps are completed, and more. We’ll guide you through this process, ensuring you’re fully prepared to manage your bid responses effectively.
Understand ALL deadlines and how E-Rate Support will send out alerts as the E-Rate deadlines are approaching.
Help Desk
We want to ensure that our clients have access to a team of E-Rate experts who can help them every step of the way. Clients can call, email, or schedule a quick virtual meeting to ensure E-rate Support provides ongoing guidance and training. Help Desk Support is always available through a membership or sold through an annual block of hours, providing you with the security and confidence you need.
The busiest time in the E-Rate season is January through mid-March, and our job is to ensure our clients are supported and guided through the complex program rules with our ongoing learning model.
Compliance
The boogie man is a mythical figure often used to scare children into good behavior. Boogiemen, maybe the Auditors in the E-Rate Program, unless you know the tricks of the trade.. There are many tricks to success in the E-Rate Program, and we are here to teach compliance with training on E-Rate policies and procedures by preparing for an audit every step of the way.
For 27 years, Beneficiary Audit letters have arrived on Friday, and the Auditor calls the vendor or applicant the same day. Don’t be concerned! This scare tactic will not ruin any weekend plans if you are prepared.
Let’s get started with some vital tips:
Create an E-Rate team comprised of a technology, food service, account management, procurement, and facilities representative. Each member is trained on the E-Rate process that will impact that department. For example, food services will be provided with training regarding the documentation needed to complete the student enrollment, NSLP, and CEP reports.
Record Keeping- Follow the E-Rate compliance Checklist https://www.usac.org/wp-content/uploads/e-rate/documents/resources/e-rate-program-list-of-documents-to-retain.pdf
Save all competitive bid documents and correspondence.
One of the most common findings regarding “pay the money back” is missing documentation.
Untimely payments to the Vendor- Always pay an E-Rate invoice within 60 days and no longer than 90 days.
CIPA– All E-Rate applicants must comply with the Children’s Internet Safety Policy
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