The first step you will need to undertake in the E-Rate application process is to obtain a Billed Entity Number or BEN as well as an account through the E-Rate Productivity Center, or EPC. Following the completion of these first two steps, you will work with your E-Rate consultant to determine things such as eligibility status, discount percentage and products or services that may be eligible for E-Rate discounts.

The second step is where the process begins in earnest. Again, with the guidance of your consultant you will fill out and certify Form 470 and any relevant RFP’s that you may wish to submit in the EPC, it is imperative that these forms be filled out correctly with all relevant information included as they must be public for twenty-eight days. If a significant change to your 470 is required, the Form 470 must be resubmitted, and the twenty-eight-day countdown must restart. The E-Rate Program has many deadlines and critical dates of this nature which JGM monitors for you throughout the application process. The most common cause for funding denials is missed deadlines aka “not timely filed”

The third step begins when you unseal all submitted bids no sooner than twenty-eight days following your submission of form 470. B id evaluation is a crucial part of the E-Rate process and must be handled carefully to remain within E-Rate compliance. JGM uses a fully E-Rate compliant bid evaluation rubric to ensure that you receive the most value per dollar while staying within the bounds of E-Rate.

Step four begins after you have signed a contract for goods or services and chosen an invoicing method (Discount or Reimbursement). Your consultant will begin work with your vendor on form FCC 471 in order to secure your discounts. This is the most delicate part of the process and is also when you may expect communications from a PIA (Program Integrity Assurance) to ensure your compliance with USAC rules.

Step five. Congratulations! You have just received your FCDL informing you of discounts that have been approved through the E-Rate program, at this point there are only a few things left to do. Your consultant will help you file form FCC 486 with USAC confirming both CIPA compliance and the start of services. If you chose reimbursement as your invoice method, your consultant will begin processing the BEAR forms now as well as beginning the application process for the next funding year.