E-Rate: Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism - provides discounts to assist most schools and libraries in the United States to obtain affordable telecommunications and Internet access.

Program Administration
The Schools and Libraries Division of the Universal Service Administrative Company, administrator of the E-Rate program, has additional information for applicants on its Web site: http://www.sl.universalservice.org.
USAC also has a training site with additional information.

Handbook - Understanding the E-Rate Program (PDF format)
This handbook was developed by the Virginia Department of Education to assist applicants in understanding the E-rate application and funding process. It includes several suggestions to help maximize E-rate discounts. Updated for Funding Year 2008 (July 1, 2008 - June 30, 2009).

Year 11 Application Tools

• National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) Numbers for Virginia Schools (used on form 471, block 4).
• Virginia Procurement Act.
• 2006 National School Lunch Survey Form.
• Free/Reduced Lunch Program Eligibility Reports.

Federal Communications Commission (http://www.fcc.gov)
The FCC creates the regulations for Universal Service. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 is on this site as well as Universal Service regulations, changes and reports on FCC decisions related to discounts.

Statewide Master Contracts:
VITA Contracts
Network Virginia
General Services Administration Contracts