Stepping Stones to the E-Rate Discount

Here's a summary of the basic steps to apply for the E-Rate. For details, visit www.sl.universalservice.org/apply/

Develop Your Technology Plan
Every applicant seeking more than basic telephone service discounts has to have a technology plan certified by state or local authorities. Your plan should contain a complete, concrete outline of your school's technology vision.
File Form 470 (Seeking Services)
This is the first official E-Rate form you should file; it notifies all eligible vendors that you are seeking eligible services. You can file this form anytime, but it has to be posted on the official E-Rate web site for 28 days before you can select vendors and file your Form 471.
Get Bids and Select Vendors
For most districts, Form 470 simply directs vendors into your usual procurement and competitive bidding process. That's fine as long as the process is open for at least 28 days following the Form 470 posting.
File Form 471 (Services Ordered)
This is where the rubber hits the road. Use this form to describe the services for which you're requesting support, so you can get the discount you're entitled to.
Processing and Funding
Your Form 471 will be processed to make sure it's complete and that it complies with the rules. Your request will be scrutinized, and you may be asked to clarify or provide additional information. Once your application is approved, you and your vendors will receive a commitment letter. If you disagree with a decision, an appeals process offers help.
File Form 486 (Receipt of Services)
Before funds can flow, the program needs to know that you are actually receiving (or are about to receive) the services for which you've requested support. This is also the point at which you must certify that your technology plan is complete and that you will comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), providing filtering of Internet content.
Receive Discounts or Claim Reimbursements
In some cases, your E-Rate funds will appear in the form of a discount on the bill for service you receive from the vendor. In other cases, you'll need to apply for a reimbursement on bills already paid, which means filing Form 472, the Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement form (commonly known as BEAR)