Top 10 List of Things NOT to do with E-Rate and Technology Planning
#10
• Ignoring the Quarterly Payment Authorization Report
– This report was developed to assist you in letting you know which vendor(s) have made claims to E-Rate on your behalf – If a vendor’s name shows up that you have not done business with, please contact the ERate folks at 1-888-203-8100.
#9
• The vendor is discounting your bill, but no one is checking to see if the percentage they are discounting matches your E-Rate application.
– This of course means loss of available funds for your district.
#8
• It is August or September by the time your district is notified that you will be receiving E-Rate discounts for an E-Rate year that started July 1st. It is a bookkeeping nightmare because your July, August and possibly September bills were not discounted.
#7
• When working on your technology plan, please ensure that at least 25% of Title II Part D funds are dedicated to Staff Development as reflected in the Budget Detail portion of the technology plan.
– This is a NCLB requirement. – Remember, not everyone is as good at math as you are.
#6
• The number of students enrolled times the estimated annual technology allotment is not what is budgeted on your technology plan.
– Again, not everyone is as good at math as you are.
#5
• When completing the E-Rate Form 472 (BEAR Form) for reimbursement(s) if your bills were not discounted, how do you know which bills you claimed last year?
#4
• When completing Block 6 on E-Rate Form 471, you may not ever be consulted on the amount placed in the box labeled “Total budgeted amount allocated to resources not eligible for E-Rate support”.
– This amount becomes very important if you ever go through an E-Rate audit. – This amount should match your technology plan.
#3
• Not having the correct dates on contracts.
– E-Rate requires a written contract between you and the vendor(s). – If your contract is dated before the required 28-day waiting period for E-Rate, your funding request will be denied. – Also remember – contracts must be dated before the close of the E-Rate window.
#2
• The person completing the E-Rate application asks for the “highest bill received” and they are given the amount after E-Rate discounts have been applied.
– E-Rate will only fund what you request. – Can only allow for about a 10% increase on your bills.
#1
• Not asking for help or not working together! My contact information: Susan Sullivan
Work: 940-322-6928