Articles
ICG has been involved with Universal Service Administrative Company/Schools and Libraries (USAC/SLD) known as “E-Rate" Program since inception through the following sequence.
III. Deployment
- Apply for SLD Funding by Filing Form 470
- Communicate with potential service providers’ inquiries
- Develop a process for the school to evaluate bids from different service providers according to USAC/ SLD requirements
- Complete 471 and Item-21 attachments accurately and timely
- Communicate with USAC/SLD regarding funding status and evaluation processes
- Communicate with service providers on all issues related to E-Rate funding and implementation processes
- Submit a summary of funding requests for each funding year
- Respond to SLD inquiries and Program Integrity Assurance (PIA) questions
- Respond to compliance and eligibility issues during the funding applications review process
- Become the point of contact for reviews, audits and appeals
- Review Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL) upon receipt
- Prepare a summary of funding commitment for each funding year
- Complete SLD form 486 - Receipt of Service Confirmation Form on-timely manner
- Prepare appeals for any denied FRN
- Complete SLD form 472 - Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement (BEAR) Form on-timely manner as needed
- Submit other SLD forms as needed such as:
- 500-Adjustment to Funding Commitment and Modification to Receipt of Service Confirmation
- FRN extension to extend the funding period
- FRN split to divide the funding into multiple service providers when needed (ex. Telecom into Local & long Distance)
- SPIN number change and Service substitutions
- Participate and prepare for USAC Audits (off-site and on-site)
- Draft Letter of Agency (LOA)
- Guide the Academy to be in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (“CIPA”), which are required by E-Rate
I. Assessment
- Evaluate school’s technology status and propose a future technology need
II. Planning
- Develop a plan to acquire advanced technology to enhance the learning and teaching process
- Develop a Technology Plan according to MDE, USAC/SLD and other funding requirements such as Title I, II, IV,..
- Amend the Technology Plan as needed to support the funding and technology/curriculum needs
- Update the Technology Plan every three years as required by USAC/SLD
- Facilitate the Technology Plan approval process from Michigan Department of Education (MDE)
- Evaluate the School's Funding Options from Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC/SLD)’s E-Rate Program
- Provide info about potential funding opportunities from other sources such as MDE, USDE and other foundations
- Work with the school to develop RFP for the requested services every year