1 E-Rate for Applicants FY 2018-19
2 Social Media We have revamped our social media presence-please “like” and follow us to get updates, tips, important alerts, and information. Twitter: https://twitter.com/kelloggllc @KelloggLLC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelloggllc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company-beta/ Kellogg & Sovereign Consulting, LLC
3 Today at a Glance MORNING: Introductions LUNCH: 11:30-12:15Navigating USAC’s EPC Portal Funding Status & E-rate Plan for Eligible Services List Managing Category 2 Budgets LUNCH: 11:30-12:15 AFTERNOON: Panel - Competitive Bidding & Evaluations RFP Language, Contracts and Negotiations Invoicing & Reimbursements Oklahoma Universal Service Fund – State Matching Funds Wrap Up & Evaluation
4 Workshop Materials www.kelloggllc.com/training_exercises.aspxFound on your Kellogg & Sovereign Consulting USB Drive: Primer Monthly Calendars Planning Calendars E-Rate RFP/470 Group Posting Deadlines E-Rate Timeline/Checklist Application Process Flow Chart E-Rate Quick Reference Guide Estimate of Demand C2 Budget Caps EPC Tips and Tricks Draft Eligible Services List FY2018 Acronyms and Terms Training materials and links to online exercises:
5 Introductions
6 Introduction Polling Questions
7 *Certified E-rate Management ProfessionalThe KSLLC Team E-Rate RHC OUSF Shannon Tice Sharhonda DoDoo Shelby O’Dell Alex Ballard Debi Sovereign* Christina Bailey Rachel Botts Jermol Coureur Mai Fields* Ben Godwin Adam Godwin Susie Godwin Riley Harpole Bridgette Hider Alex Linam Kennedy Payne Teagan Vick* Jennifer Williams Mandy Wood* Jane Kellogg* Stacy Simpkins Marci White *Certified E-rate Management Professional
8 Presented by: Ben GodwinNavigating USAC’s EPC Presented by: Ben Godwin
9 EPC HOW-TO’S Add/Remove/Manage Users Assign User Permissions Review/Update Entity Information View Application Status Review PIA Correspondence View Funding Commitment Decisions
10 KSLLC Client Portal
11 KS Client Portal http://portal.erate470.com
12 KS FTP Site https://spaces.hightail.com/uplink/ksllcftp
13 USAC’s EPC Portal, K&S Client Portal, and FTP Site Polling Questions
14 Presented by: Debi SovereignE-Rate Funding Update Presented by: Debi Sovereign
15 The Bottom Line More Money $ 3.9 Billion plus $1.2 Billion carry overLess Services to Request $3.2 Billion Less Applicants Requesting = Money Left Over
16 E-rate Demand Estimate
17 E-rate Funding C1
18 E-rate Funding C1 vs C2
19 Presented by: Debi SovereignMy E-Rate Plan for Presented by: Debi Sovereign
20 My E-Rate Filing CalendarEnter Fall Break, Thanksgiving Day, and any other day where you will not be working, enter winter break Enter Board Meeting Dates for November, December, January (optional) Choose date to be finished – last day before you leave for winter break or earlier Back up 14 days to allow time to make bid decisions after bids close Back up 42 days to determine when Form 470 has to post 14 days for Q & A plus 28 days required bidding period = 42 total bid period Back up 2 weeks from then to have your questionnaire and any RFP’s to KSLLC ready to post Now you have your start date!
21 E-Rate Timeline & Checklist
22 BREAK
23 Eligible Services List for 2018-19Presented by: Ben Godwin
24 Topics covered in the ESL:Draft ESL Category One Data transmissions services and internet access Eligible Voice Services Category Two Eligible Broadband Internal Connections Eligible Managed Internal Broadband Services Basic Maintenance of Eligible Broadband Internal Connections Miscellaneous
25 Draft ESL FY2018 Clarification:On Premise Equipment necessary for broadband – clarify Category One Comments requested: Inside wiring between different schools sharing the same building
26 Please Comment https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings/expressWe support the comments submitted by Kellogg & Sovereign Consulting in regards to providing support for a transition period. We need E-rate support for both the old and new service provider and/or bandwidth level during a transition period when the applicant is either changing bandwidth or changing providers. Currently USAC considers the services of both the old and new requests as duplicate service and requires the applicant to choose one or the other. However, support for both funding requests are needed during the funding year as the service provider implements the changes. We need a process that will allow for E-rate support for both providers during the transition period only. Thank you for your consideration of this request.
27 How to submit comments https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings/express
28 Data Transmission Services and Internet Access- Category 1Fiber (Lit and Dark) OC-1, OC-3, OC-12, OC-n Wireless Service (e.g. microwave) Satellite Services DS-1, DS-2, DS-3 Ethernet T-1, T-3, Fractional T-1 Frame Relay SMDS Cable Modem DSL ATM Telephone Dial-up Broadband over Power Lines Self-provisioned Broadband Network
29 Fiber Options Supported By E-RateLeased Lit Fiber: A fixed bandwidth broadband service where the service provider manages the network equipment that places the fiber/other transport medium into service and manages the technical support for the service. Leased Dark Fiber (including IRU): Service in which the customer purchases use of a portion of a provider-owned and maintained fiber network separately from the service of lighting (i.e., transmitting information over) that fiber. Self-Provisioned Network: Complete applicant ownership of a high-speed broadband network. The applicant hires a vendor to construct the network or a portion of the network, and thereafter owns and maintains that network or portion.
30 Cost-Effectiveness RequirementApplicants must select the most cost-effective service offering, using price as the primary factor. When comparing bids for different service offerings, applicants are required to: Determine a reasonable, defensible period of time for the comparison, based on their anticipated use of the assets Identify a comprehensive and specific total cost for each option. Divide total cost of the leased dark fiber or self-provisioned network by number of years to determine annual cost. Compare to annual lit fiber charge. Be prepared to explain any assumptions made, such as expected useful life.
31 E-Rate Eligible fiber options recapLeased Lit Fiber Owned by provider Provisioned by provider with charges for service Leased Dark Fiber IRU or Lease Self-Provisioned Owned by applicant Operations and maintenance responsibility of applicant
32 What is special construction?Special construction refers to the upfront, non-recurring costs associated with the installation of new fiber. Special construction charges eligible for Category One support consist of three components: construction of network facilities; design and engineering; and project management. Does not include network equipment necessary to light fiber.
33 State Matching Funds Up to 10% MatchE-rate will pay an additional discount up to 10% to match funding from qualified sources (i.e., the state or, for tribal entities, a state, Tribal government, or federal agency) on a dollar-to-dollar basis (not to exceed 100%) for special construction charges. State match details must be submitted with the special construction funding request. USAC will review compliance with program rules during PIA.
34 Eligibility Limitations for Internet AccessA firewall service that is a standard component of an Internet access service does not require cost allocation. A standalone firewall service either provided by a third party or priced out separately is only eligible as a Category Two internal connections component. Off-campus use, even if used for an educational purpose, is ineligible for support and must be cost allocated out of any funding request.
35 Eligible voice services subject to phasedownLocal, long distance, 800 service POTS Interconnected VoIP Circuit capacity dedicated to providing voice service Centrex PRI/ISDN Radio Loop Satellite telephone service Shared telephone service Wireless telephone service including cellular voice Data and text messaging must be cost allocated
36 For FY2018, the reduction to voice services is 80%Voice Phase down For FY2018, the reduction to voice services is 80% Circuit phasedown varies**
37 Eligible Services – Category 2Eligible Broadband Internal Connections Subject to the Category Two Budget Access points Cabling Caching Firewalls Switches Routers Racks UPS Wireless LAN Controllers Improvements, upgrades and software necessary to support eligible broadband internal connections components Functionalities listed here that can be virtualized in the cloud, and equipment that combines eligible functionalities are also eligible.
38 Managed Internal Broadband Services(e.g. Managed Wi-Fi) Subject to the Category Two budget Services provided by a third party Operation, Management, And/or monitoring of eligible broadband internal connection components The third party may manage the school or library’s equipment or provide the equipment as part of a lease.
39 Managed Internal Broadband Services(e.g. Managed Wi-Fi) Eligibility Limitations Supports only the equipment functions listed as eligible as broadband internal connections components. Upfront charges as part of the contract are eligible. Any ineligible internal connections components (e.g. tablets) must be cost-allocated out.
40 Basic Maintenance of Internal ConnectionsSubject to the Category Two budget Support for basic maintenance of eligible internal connections such as: Repair and upkeep of hardware Wire and cable maintenance Basic tech support Configuration changes Support for BMIC is limited to actual work performed under the contract.
41 Basic Maintenance of Internal ConnectionsSubject to the Category Two Budget Basic maintenance does not include: Services that maintain ineligible equipment Upfront estimates that cover the full cost of every piece of eligible equipment Services that enhance the utility of equipment Network management services, including 24-hr network monitoring On-site technical support Unbundled warranties Note: Operations and management of eligible equipment is not supported as BMIC but is eligible as Managed Internal Broadband Services.
42 Miscellaneous Eligible ChargesTaxes, surcharges and other similar reasonable charges Lease fees to rent or lease eligible components Shipping charges Training Installation and configuration Installation may be provided by a third party
43 Eligible Services List Polling Questions
44 Presented by: Riley HarpoleCategory Two Budgets Presented by: Riley Harpole
45 Your Category 2 Budget First Modernization Order FCC 14-99, Released 7/23/14 Second Modernization Order FCC , Released 12/19/2014 Five year program : July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2020 Will revert back to 2 in 5 rule after 2020 if no FCC rule change
46 Current rules under modernizationStarting in FY2015, requests for Category Two are limited to a budget based on the number of students in a school or the number of square feet of a library outlet. The budget for one entity cannot be shared with other entities. Use the entire budget in one funding year. Spread throughout the five years. Spend the budget on one, two, or all three of the C2 Service Types.
47 Category 2 Budget Table
48 Category 2 Budgets SCHOOLS:Individual schools are eligible for discounts on pre-discount purchases of up to $ per student over a five-year budget. To ensure that all schools receive sufficient support, there is a pre-discount funding floor of up to $9, over five years for each school. LIBRARIES: Depending on their IMLS locale codes, libraries qualify for one of two different budget rates. Libraries that are located in the IMLS locale code of 11-City, Large, 12-City, Midsize, or 21-Suburb are eligible for a pre-discount budget of up to $5.12 per square foot over five years. All other libraries are eligible for a pre-discount budget of up to $2.35 per square foot over five years. To ensure that all libraries receive sufficient support, there is a pre-discount funding floor of up to $9, over five years for each library outlet.
49 Category 2 Budgets A school's Category Two budget is based on the school's student count, and therefore it can increase or decrease year to year. Schools with decreasing student counts do not have to repay funding received in prior years in excess of the current year's budget. There is an exception, however, for new schools. When applying for a new school that has not yet opened, you can determine your Category Two budget based on an estimate of the number of students that will attend that school in the upcoming funding year. These schools will be required to repay USAC in the subsequent funding year for any E-rate Program support received in excess of the available budget based on the actual student enrollment. The school should report the actual student count to USAC within the year. USAC will follow up with the schools to determine their actual student enrollment counts and will seek recovery of funds if necessary.
50 Non-Instructional Facilities (NIFs)NIFs are school buildings with no classrooms. They do not have C2 budgets. Must cost allocate out of the funding request. If essential to the transport of a service to a school or library building, then the money will come out of the benefiting site.
51 Category 2 Budgets The Category Two budget is pre-discount. Even though all schools are eligible for $ per student, a school with an 80 percent discount rate will be eligible for $ in E-rate Program support per student, while a school with a 40 percent discount will be eligible for $61.39 in E-rate Program support per student. Similarly, a library eligible for $5.12 per square foot with an 80 percent discount rate will be eligible for $4.10 in E-rate Program support per square foot, while a library eligible for $5.12 per square foot with a 40 percent discount rate will be eligible for $2.05 in E-rate Program support per square foot.
52 Category 2 Budgets Does E-rate Program funding received prior to FY2015 count against the five-year budget for Category Two purchases? No. FY2015 is a clean slate. In FY2015, all schools and libraries will be eligible for the full amount of their five-year budgets. The cost to update the network and maintain the eligible equipment exceeds my budget. If I spend more than my budget will that affect my E-rate Program request? No. Although the Category Two request limits what the E-rate Program will pay for, you can spend more than your Category Two budget as long as you pay for those additional products and services out of your own pocket
53 Category 2 Budgets Can school districts or library systems shift funds or average costs between their schools and libraries? No, Category Two funding must be spent for the specific school or library for which they are allotted. These funds cannot be shifted or averaged across your school district or library system. Can I transfer equipment that I have already purchased to another site? Transferring equipment is prohibited unless three years have passed since the services were purchased or the equipment is being transferred from a school or library that closed. Applicants transferring equipment from a school or library that closed to another eligible school or library must notify USAC of the transfer.
54 C2 Changes Service Substitutions – submit by 9/30Reductions and Cancellations can be submitted at any time Service Delivery Deadline Extension – request no later than 9/30
55 Understanding Line item detailEach Funding Request is assigned a number Each line item is assigned a number Any changes must reference the FRN and line item number
56 Category 2 Budget Polling Questions
57 Look up your C2 Budget Step 1: Find your entity numbers in your EPC Portal (Reports, My Landing Page) Step 2: Look up your budget using the USAC budget tool https://sltools.universalservice.org/portal-external/budgetLookup/
58 Participation & Discussion
59 lunch 59
60 Presented by: Christina BaileyCompetitive Bidding Presented by: Christina Bailey
61 470 & RFP = Competitive BiddingK&S RFP Questionnaire: Questionnaire completed by K&S Client schools and libraries to provide list of items needed FCC Form 470: Description of Services Requested and Certification Form Request for Proposal (RFP): a bidding document which provides detailed information about requested services, locations, bid submission requirements, etc. Any document that provides additional detail is considered an RFP by USAC. Some states or procurement agencies refer to these documents by other names, e.g., Invitation for Bids (IFB) If an RFP is required by state/local procurement rules, the applicant must issue one. K&S Bidding Site: https://www.erate470.com/index.wcs
62 RFP Questionnaire RemindersNotify your providers that your RFP is posted and direct them to Read and answer your Q&A Forum! Keep all correspondence received during the bidding period Must keep and evaluate all bids received Notify your KSLLC AM of any necessary RFP changes BEFORE your bid closing date.
63 Fair and Open Competition – Competitive Bidding ProcessMust be a fair and open process. Avoid conflicts of interest. Applicant consultant Service Provider Applicant Service Provider Open competition and bid evaluation. Follow all rules – FCC and state/local. Read the FCC Form 470/RFP responses and contract fine print. 6th Report and Order provides further clarifications and examples of rule violations.
64 Fair and Open Competition – FCC Form 470Indicates the services and categories of service which entities are seeking. Must be posted for at least 28 days. Indicates if they are planning/have issued RFP or other documents regarding the procurement. Indicates any special requirements and/or disqualification factors. Indicates who will be receiving the services. Exemption: Commercially available Internet Access 100/20 Mbps for less than $3600/year.
65 KSLLC Bid Evaluation Bid Evaluation Worksheet (item 28): Examples: Examples:
66 Document Retention Timeframes10 years from last date to receive service. FY 2018: this is at least June 30, 2029 Any document from a prior year that supports current year must be kept until 10 years from last date to receive service as well. E.g., Contract from 2013 for recurring services, used to support FY 2018 FRNs, must be kept until at least June 30, 2029 Documents may be retained in electronic format or paper and must be disclosed upon request.
67 Documentation to RetainCopies of bids. Contracts signed with service providers. Correspondence with service providers regarding bidding process. Copies of bid matrix or decision process for selecting winning bid. Proof of delivery of the service. Documentation of any service down time. Logs of maintenance performed. Documents that support cost allocation of funds for eligible services.
68 What your Account Managers SayJennifer Williams “You need to evaluate “apples to apples”, that includes every bandwidth. I’m sorry your existing SP did not provide a bid. No, you can’t use them since you have 2 competing bids.”
69 What your Account Managers SayRachel Botts “Make sure you read the details of bids and compare apples to apples.”
70 What your Account Managers SayTeagan Vick “Don’t forget to double check your circuits/bandwidth/addresses on your contracts.” “Please sign your contracts and bids that you want.”
71 What your Account Managers SayMandy Wood “Yes, we still need that bill even if it has a credit balance. (Doesn’t really apply to the bid packet though.)
72 What your Account Managers SayMai Fields “Reach out to your current service providers for bids.” “No competing bids? [You] still need to complete an evaluation.”
73 What your Account Managers SayRiley Harpole “Sign the renewal form” (for multi-year contracts)
74 What your Account Managers SayChristina Bailey “If there is a contract involved, please go over it with a fine-tooth comb. Be aware of what you’re getting into.”
75 What your Account Managers SayDebi Sovereign “You can only disqualify a bid if you previously included specific disqualification reasons in the RFP. If in doubt, score the bid!” Include language in your RFP & contracts that will allow your organization to make site and bandwidth changes as needed during the life of the contract. When evaluating your bids, make sure the bidder provided similar language along with pricing for various bandwidth levels. Make sure to contact your existing providers BEFORE bids close to make sure they submit a bid. If they don’t bid, then you can only consider them if there is only one or no bids received for the service.”
76 What your Account Managers SayDebi Sovereign (cont.) “Oklahoma schools and libraries are required to provide a bandwidth range for Internet or WAN starting with FY Be sure to evaluate all bandwidth levels.”
77 Competitive Bidding & EvaluationsPanel Discussion Competitive Bidding & Evaluations
78 Contracts & NegotiationsRFP Language, Contracts & Negotiations Presented by: Debi Sovereign
79 RFP Language Critical to include language up front that you will want in your contracts Contract terms & conditions Then enforce inclusion in your contracts – start early so you have time to negotiate
80 Contracts Applicants must have a signed contract or other legally binding agreement in place prior to submitting their FCC Forms 471 to USAC. Signed contracts constitute the best evidence that a legally binding agreement exists. A verbal offer and/or acceptance will not be considered evidence of the existence of a legally binding agreement. Tariffed or Month-to-Month service purchased under contract is contracted service. Purchase orders must be considered a contract or legally binding agreement in this state in which you reside. Voluntary contract extensions are allowable only when the option is stated in the original provisions of the contract.
81 State Master ContractsA state master contract (SMC) is competitively bid and put in place by a state government for use by multiple entities in that state. Single winner: Single vendor wins the bid. Multiple winners: State awards contract to several bidders. Multiple Award Schedule (MAS): State awards contract for same goods and services to multiple vendors that can serve the same population. Multiple winners always require vendor selection justification and applicants must conduct a mini-bid to award contract.
82 Lowest Corresponding Price (LCP)Service providers are required to offer applicants their services at the lowest corresponding prices charged to other similarly situated customers throughout their geographic service area. Ensures schools and libraries in the E-rate program can receive and evaluate competing bids based on the lowest corresponding price available from vendors and are not charged more than similarly situated non-residential customers for the same services because of their E-rate participation. Exceptions can be made if the provider can show that they face significantly higher costs to serve this customer due to volume, mileage from facility, and/or length of contract. Applies to all service providers and for all service arrangements (tariff, month-to- month and contracted services).
83 Contract Examples & Discussion
84 BREAK 84
85 Billing & ReimbursementIneligible Items-Billing Disputes-Voice Phase Down Presented by: Christina Bailey
86 Common Ineligible Items to ConsiderVoic Caller ID Call Forwarding DID Lines Phone Equipment Certain Surcharges & Fees Unlisted Number Fee Others?
87 Understanding Your BillAre you being overcharged? No matter if you’re BEAR or SPI, always check your billed charges for accuracy. Under-billing can be just as problematic as over-billing. How do billing issues impact E-Rate? When a discrepancy is discovered, what do you do? Who do you call? Who is responsible for fixing this problem? What are my options?
88 Completion of the USAC Voice Phase-DownBEAR over SPI & Helps prepare for the imminent phase out More oversight of bills, final USAC credits & potential errors
89 General Points to RememberWhat are a few things to remember when you receive a bill request? Send the bills to the person who requested or your account manager Make sure the bills are complete, with no missing pages Please avoid stapling your bills if you mail them
90 General Points to RememberIs the BEAR process a grant ? BEAR is not a grant, it is a reimbursement-thus the “R” in BEAR. You must pay your bills, in full, in order to be eligible for the reimbursement. What does the acronym BEAR stand for? BEAR=Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement What does the acronym SPI stand for? SPI=Service Provider Invoice
91 BEAR METHOD BEAR PROS BEAR CONSDue to phase down, will help prepare for impact of no discounts Helps us help you monitor your bills to ensure no discrepancies or unnecessary charges May assist in budgeting Have to pay your full bill and wait in order to receive reimbursement
92 SPI METHOD SPI PROS SPI CONSYou only pay your discount portion rather than the full amount Will not have to send us your bills Don’t have to listen to us fuss about staples at workshops You are responsible for monitoring your discounts to ensure you are receiving what you should Some service provider’s billing systems aren’t well suited to this method
93 FCC Form 498 Polling Questions
94 Form 498 What is the purpose of the Form 498?Who is responsible for completing the Form 498?
95 BREAK 95
96 OUSF Oklahoma Universal Services Fund Presented by: Shannon Tice
97 OUSF Polling Questions
98 New Statute & New Rules HB 2616 (Effective May 9, 2016)OCC Rules O.A.C 165:59 Modified 17 O.S. § et seq. (Oklahoma Telecommunications Act of 1997) Repealed 17 O.S. § (Creation of Oklahoma E911 Emergency Service Fund - Oklahoma Telecommunications Technology Training Fund) Added 17 O.S. § (Special Universal Services - Competitive Bidding Exemption - Authority of Administrator - Authority of Corporation Commission) Emergency rules expires September 2017 Rulemaking process to create permanent rules began February 2017 Commissioners adopted proposed permanent rules at En Banc Hearing March 8, 2017 Governor approved the permanent rules June 13, 2017 (Effective September 11, 2017) OCC Rules O.A.C 165:59 Emergency rules expires September 2017 Rulemaking process to create permanent rules began February 2017 Commissioners adopted proposed permanent rules at En Banc Hearing March 8, 2017 Governor approved the permanent rules June 13, 2017 (Effective September 11, 2017)
99 OUSF Key Changes Changed from litigation – based process to administrative process. Specified bandwidths to be funded without proof of need. Specified funded services (C 1 Eligible Services List). Added competitive bidding requirements. Added maximum times for processing. Added Preapproval Funding allowance will be no more than 25% above lowest cost reasonable qualifying bid. State match for special construction.
100 Competitive Bidding The following are requirements for request for bids per Commission rules: The bidder must be an eligible provider as defined in statute Bidding should not be structured in a manner to exclude carriers eligible to receive OUSF funding where the OUSF Beneficiary is located. The bid request must require ineligible services be priced separately from OUSF eligible services. The bid request shall not require that the Internet and WAN be provided by the same eligible provider. The bid request shall clearly identify the bandwidth range requested by the OUSF Beneficiary The bid request must be technology neutral Bids must contain all costs to provide the Special Universal Service. Any bid containing estimated costs, other than fees and taxes to be paid to a third party, will be disregarded as not meeting bid requirements. Bids that do not conform to requirements for public entities may be disregarded.
101 Lowest Cost Reasonable Qualifying Bid (LCRQB)Represents the lowest total cost proposal including monthly recurring and nonrecurring charges for eligible services. Is reasonable to meet the needs of the OUSF Beneficiary as listed in the request for bids. Is submitted during the same competitive bidding period as the awarded bid. Is for a bandwidth within the range requested for bid and selected by the OUSF Beneficiary. Is for the same contract term as the bid that was selected by the OUSF Beneficiary. Meets the requirements specified in the request for bid by the OUSF Beneficiary Was the result of a fair and open competitive bidding process as defined in statute.
102 Funding Determination of LCRQBMaximum funding is 125% of the LCRQB of the non-discount amount, less OUSF ineligible taxes and fees. The Beneficiary can provide a compelling explanation for not choosing the LCRQB to the Administrator to consider funding that is more than 125% of the LCRQB.
103 OUSF Beneficiary – PreapprovalHow to Get OUSF Funding OUSF Beneficiary – Preapproval Preapproval is a new process available to OUSF Beneficiaries who desire to have certainty regarding the amount that will be paid from the OUSF. The OUSF Beneficiary may submit an OUSF preapproval request at any time. The OUSF Administrator will review the documentation submitted with the request and issue a preapproval funding letter to the OUSF Beneficiary and eligible provider within 90 days of a properly completed preapproval request. An OUSF preapproval funding letter will be issued without a Commission order.
104 Benefits of PreapprovalProvides added certainty to OUSF funding amounts prior to the fund year beginning. Obligates the provider to file for OUSF funding within 60 days of starting service. PUD has 60 days to issue a Determination of Funding
105 How to Get OUSF Funding Requesting Funding (Provider initiated)An eligible provider may seek and obtain funds from the OUSF by filing a “Request for OUSF Funding” with the Commission Court Clerk’s Office. The OUSF Administrator will review and determine the accuracy of the complete request and issue a Determination of funding within 60 days if a preapproval funding letter was issued or within 90 days if no preapproval funding letter was issued. Any affected party may file a request for reconsideration of the determined funding within 15 days of the Determination being filed. A Determination of funding will be issued without a Commission order.
106 Continued OUSF Funding After ApprovalYou do not have to file annually for continued funding. Funding continues at the approved amount until something changes. (ie. Upgrade bandwidth, price increase or decrease with existing approved provider, or through disconnect with existing approved provider) Changes to approved funding amounts with existing approved provider requires a Request for Change in Funding Affidavit to be submitted to your provider to submit to the Monthly Payment team at the Commission.
107 Funded Services Schools & LibrariesServices included on the E-rate Eligible Services List for Category One services (Except voice services). Schools - Provision of bandwidth sufficient for providing educational services not to exceed the standards established by the State Educational Technology Directors (SETDA). Libraries - provision of bandwidth is per FCC standard
108 SETDA Internet Recommendations
109 SETDA WAN Recommendations
110 Bandwidth Examples https://onenet.net/k-12-bandwidth-targets/
111 OCC Rule 165: (c) (6) “The OUSF Beneficiary's request for bids shall clearly identify the minimum and a maximum bandwidth at standard available levels as suggested in guidelines promulgated by the FCC or Commission rules.”
112 OCC Rule 165: (c) “Special Universal Services shall include the provision of bandwidth sufficient for providing educational services not to exceed, without good cause shown, the standards established for the relevant funding year by SETDA or successor educational broadband standard including Internet access lines, WAN connections, reasonable installation, and network termination equipment owned and operated by the eligible provider as defined by the ESL that is necessary to provide the eligible service. Student counts as reported to the State Department of Education in October of the year prior to the relevant funding year shall be utilized for the purpose of determining bandwidth recommendations established by SETDA for purposes of this paragraph. In the absence of standards prescribed for the applicable funding year, the standards for the next prescribed funding year shall be used. Bandwidth may be rounded up to the next available standard service increment to avoid increased costs to the fund.”
113 FCC Recommendations for LibrariesAt least 100 Mbps for libraries that serve fewer than 50,000 people. At least 1 Gbps for libraries that serve 50,000 people or more.
114 Charges Covered The OUSF will fund reasonable installation and special construction charges. Special construction charges MAY qualify for state matching Funding for eligible services, including federal funding, shall not exceed actual eligible expenses.
115 Charges Not Covered Redundant Services The OUSF will not fund more than one provider for the same service at the same location for the same time period, except during a transition period not to exceed 30 days. The OUSF will not reimburse an Internet subscriber fee or charges incurred as a result of services accessed via the Internet. Voice services that use separate lines or have allocated bandwidth. Surcharges and fees
116 Special Construction / State MatchPrior to posting your RFP and any bid evaluation criteria, it must go through a review by the OUSF Administrator (this does not guarantee approval of funding). Submit Preapproval Affidavit for Special Construction Preapproval Funding Letter has to be submitted along with the Form 471 to show the Beneficiary has secured state matching funds. Cost effectiveness evaluation for projects with special construction cost may extend up to 5 years. If special construction is funded, special construction will not be available again to the location(s) specified for the period used in the analysis – even if different provider is selected in future year.
117 Common MisconceptionsYou can only request the minimum bandwidth The OCC will only approve the lowest cost bid My provider is responsible for my OUSF funding The OCC makes the rules without consideration from Beneficiaries
118 Workshop Evaluation Your opinion matters greatly. Tell us how well we met your E-Rate education needs today: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2017ApplicantWkshps
119 FINAL QUESTIONS & WRAP UP
120 CONTACT Your E-Rate Professionals,Kellogg & Sovereign® Consulting, LLC, for further questions or assistance. 1101 Stadium Drive | Ada, OK | |