E-rate is a federal program that provides technology discounts for schools and libraries. E-rate is administered by the Universal Services Administrative Company (USAC) under the oversight of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Schools and libraries are eligible to receive discounts on the following products and services:
Products and services must be purchased from eligible contracts, and an application must be approved by USAC.
Note: Unless otherwise noted, all external links go to the USAC website.
Step 2: Selecting Service Providers (Bid Evaluation Matrix, Contracts)
Step 3: Applying for Discounts (Filing FCC Form 471, Calculating Discounts)
Step 4: Application Review [Missing Information, Program Integrity Assurance (PIA) Review]Note: During PIA review, USAC often asks districts for third-party verification of student participation in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). DESE can provide verification using the counts reported to DESE via the food service reimbursement claims system. To request verification, please send an email to odl@doe.mass.edu with the following information: (1) the name of the district or school, and (2) the specific month and year of the reimbursement claim that will serve as the basis of the discount level. Please allow up to 2 weeks for processing of the data. (There are certain acceptable alternative discount mechanisms.)
Step 5: Starting Services (Filing FCC Form 486, CIPA Compliance)
Step 6: Invoicing (Invoice Methods, Filing Deadline)
Before You're Done (Making Changes, Deadline Extensions, Appeals)
Last Updated: March 6, 2019
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149
Voice: (781) 338-3000 TTY: (800) 439-2370
Disclaimer: A reference in this website to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public and does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.