E‑Rate Category 2 projects
E‑Rate can cover a large share of what a school network costs, but the rules on bidding, eligibility and invoicing are strict, and mistakes cost funding. We design Category 2 projects that stay inside those rules and handle the service provider's side of the paperwork.
What’s included
- Category 2 design
- Projects for internal connections, managed internal broadband services and basic maintenance, scoped to your Category 2 budget.
- Competitive bidding
- We respond to your posted FCC Form 470 like any other bidder, and stay out of preparing it or evaluating bids, as program rules require.
- Cost allocation
- Clear line items separating eligible and ineligible components, such as advanced firewall features, so nothing surprises a reviewer.
- Installation
- Work scheduled for summer and other breaks, documented for your records.
- Invoicing
- Service provider invoicing on your behalf, or the documentation you need to file for reimbursement yourself.
- Record keeping
- Project documents kept for the program's ten-year retention requirement.
How an E‑Rate project runs
You post Form 470
Your staff or E‑Rate consultant describes the project and opens competitive bidding for at least 28 days.
We submit a proposal
A design and itemized bid with eligible and ineligible costs clearly separated.
You select and file Form 471
You evaluate bids, with price as the primary factor, and file for funding during USAC's application window.
USAC reviews and commits funding
We answer any technical questions from reviewers through you or your consultant.
Installation
After the funding commitment and your Form 486, we install, usually over the summer.
Invoicing
We invoice USAC for the discounted share, or provide documents for your reimbursement filing.
A good fit if
- You receive E‑Rate for internet service but haven't touched your Category 2 budget.
- Your switches or access points are past end-of-support.
- A previous project ran into trouble in review over eligibility or documentation.
Questions we hear
Can you file our E‑Rate forms for us?
No, and be wary of any vendor who offers to. Program rules bar service providers from preparing an applicant's Form 470 or influencing bid selection. Your staff or an independent E‑Rate consultant files the applicant forms; we handle the service provider's side.
Are private schools eligible?
Generally, yes. Private, parochial and charter schools that meet the program's definition of an elementary or secondary school and don't have an endowment over $50 million can apply.
What does Category 2 cover?
The equipment and services that carry internet access inside your buildings: switches, access points, routers, cabling and basic firewalls, their installation, and managed services and maintenance for them.
Find out where your IT stands
Start with a 30-minute call. We'll ask what's working, what isn't, and tell you plainly whether we can help.