Cyberschool Web Hosting Services and
E-Mail Services are E-Rate Eligible IES, Inc. Spin number: 143027425
E-Rate History
The Telecommunications Act of 1996, passed by Congress obligates telecommunications providers to make available discounted services to the nation's schools and libraries. This initiative is known as the E-rate or Education Rate program and is currently administered by the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). The following organizations are eligible for E-rate discounts: elementary and secondary public schools, non-profit elementary and secondary parochial and private schools (with endowments under $50 million), public and private non-profit libraries accessible to the public. Using form 470, schools can now apply for E-Rate to cover their web hosting and other various communication charges. Although the filing window for the Form 471 application has not yet been announced, it is likely that the application period will run through at least January 2008.
E-Rate Eligibility
All eligible products and services under the E-rate program fall under four categories of service. Telecommunications Services and Internet Access are First Priority for Funding (Priority 1 Services). Internet Access (Priority 1) is the category for eligible Web Hosting and Email Services. Internal Connections and Basic Maintenance are Second Priority for Funding (Priority 2 Services).
Based on your National School Free and Reduced Lunch Program data, the E-rate will provide discounts on eligible services for up to 90% of the cost. The reimbursement rate depends upon your school's eligibility, and ranges between 20% and 90%. Most schools qualify for at least a 60% discount.
Cyberschool's E-Rate Eligibility
Since Cyberschool offers "Web Hosting" services, it qualifies for discounts under the Priority One "Internet Access" category. Because Cyberschool platform includes components that are not considered eligible under the E-rate program, only 85% of its service qualifies for discounts. Please contact IES, Inc. for more information.
Now is the time to start filing the Form 470, which is the first step in the E-rate process. Go to the USAC website http://www.sl.universalservice.org/menu.asp to help you get the information on how to get started with your E-rate application.
Application Instructions for E-rate with Cyberschool Service
To obtain funding, your district/school must follow the following three steps:
STEP 1 - File Form 470 with the Schools and Libraries Division(Roughly July through November)
This form is the first step in a competitive procurement process necessary to obtain the most cost effective services. The Form 470 is designed to help you to describe the eligible telecommunications-related services that you seek. This information will be posted on the Fund Administrator website which will allow for interested service providers to compete for serve. This form must be filed by NO LATER than the first part of January 2009. USAC website will be posted with the Form 470 deadline date.
Form 470 Application Instructions:
-------- Block 1 of Form 470 – Applicant Address and Identifications--------
- Enter applicant name, address, e-mail address, and contact person’s name.
-------- Block 2 of Form 470 – Summary Description of Needs or Services Requested --------
- In box 7, check off all that apply.
- In box 9, check off Internet Access.
- Check off the No Option, 9b, unless you have an RFP available for these services.
- Under Service or Function, enter "Web Hosting."
- Under Quantity and/or Capacity, enter the number of schools and users (District Office) you wish to receive Cyberschool Service.
- Fill out requested information for the rest of this form and submit your Form 470 electronically.
STEP 2 - Wait 28 days before filing form 471 (Roughly November through mid-January. please check the SLD website for more information: http://www.sl.universalservice.org.)
After you submit your form 470, it must be posted on the SLD website for 28 days before you can select your vendor. During that time you must accept all inquiries and bids before choosing your vendor. We are confident that the IES, Inc. Cyberschool product will be the most cost efficient solution for your web hosting needs, so that you can choose us. You will need to obtain a price quote from IES, Inc. during the 28-day competitive bidding period. Please contact us for a price quote to match your situation. FCC rules also require that you sign a contract with the service provider before signing and submitting Form 471. You must also comply with state contract law. You must be able to demonstrate that you had a signed contract in place at the time you submitted the completed Form 471. The form 471 must be filed by the end of the announced filing window period. Make sure that your 28-day posting period has expired before submitting your Form 471. Please contact us for a contract.
In order to meet the deadline, we recommend that you file using the online application found at:
Hints for a Faster Service:
The SLD recommends that you file separate 471s for your Priority One and Priority Two items. For example, do not mix your Web Hosting request with requests for internal connections. If you apply for your Web Hosting service using a separate Form 471 application, you will receive a faster approval due to it being Priority One. Combining all of your Priority One and Priority Two items onto a single Form 471 is NOT a good idea and will result in a slower approval by SLD. If one request has a problem, the whole 471 is put on HOLD until all is reviewed and approved.
A. Make Sure That You Have a User ID and PIN
You must have a User ID and a PIN before you can electronically certify Form 471. Click here for more information on how to request a PIN:
B. Obtain the Pricing Information for the Number of Cyberschool Sites You Need.
Please contact us for a price quote to match your district/school situation. You may also request to receive a written proposal for the Cyberschool service, please contact Sales@iescentral.com or call 661.859.1900 x100.
In order to complete Form 471 you will need IES, Inc. Service Provider Information Number. SPIN: 143027425
C. Sign a Contract with the Service Provider FCC rules require that you sign a contract with the service provider before signing and submitting Form 471. You must also comply with state contract law. You must be able to demonstrate that you had a signed contract in place at the time you submitted the completed Form 471. Verbal agreements and quotes do not meet FCC requirements. Purchase orders may or may not meet state contract requirements.
D. Fill Out the Online Application for Form 471 with the SLD
In order to meet the deadline, we recommend that you file using the online application found at: http://www.sl.universalservice.org/menu.asp
Please check the SLD website for all filing requirements and Form Instructions, but we have included some of the information you will need to complete your form 471 below.
-------- Block 1 through Block 3 of Form 471 --------
- Enter requested information on these blocks.
-------- Block 4 of Form 471 – Discount Calculation Worksheet--------
- Use this worksheet to calculate your discount for services
-------- Block 5 of Form 471 – Discount Funding Request(s)--------
Note: Use one block 5 Page for each service (Funding Request Number) for which you are requesting discounts.
Item 11 - Mark Internet Access (Very Important)
Item 12 - Enter your Form 470 application number.
Item 13 - Enter: 143027425
Item 14 - Enter: Interactive Educational Services, Inc. (Please make sure you enter our registered full name, not IES, Inc.)
Item 15 - Enter the contract number you received from IES, Inc. in box 15b. Check 15a if your request is for month-to-month services. If you Check box 15a, divide the annual cost by 12 and enter the cost into 23A. It is probably better to contact us and get a contract number. Contact us via email or call us at 661-859-1900 x100.
Item 16 - Enter your school's main phone number.
Item 17 - Enter Allowable Vendor Selection Date based on Form 470 filing.
Item 18 - Enter Contract Award Date.
Item 19 - Enter Service Start Date:7-01-09
Item 20a - Service End Date: 6-30-10
Item 20b - Contract Expiration Date: 6-30-10
Item 21 - Description of This Service: Web Hosting
Item 22a - Enter info. In option “a” or “b” accordingly
Item 23 - Enter the cost in Non-Recurring Charges column F.
If you entered month-to-month for item 15, divide the annual cost by 12 and enter the cost into column A.
Item 34 - Don't forget to sign the application or certify it online using a User ID or PIN
STEP 3 - Wait for your Funding Commitment Decision Letter (July and Beyond)
During the Spring of 2009, the Schools and Libraries Division will review your Form 471 and issue a Funding Commitment Decision Letter. This letter will be mailed to you as well as your vendor of your choice. If your funding request has been approved, you may then begin to implement your services. Once service has begun, you must then file a Form 486 to inform the SLD that disbursement of funds can begin.
Getting Help with E-Rate
The Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) Client Service Bureau is available to answer questions about the E-Rate program and the application process. Their toll-free number is 1-888-203-8100 and their toll free fax question line is 1-888-276-8736. You may also obtain documents using the SLD's toll-free fax on demand service at 1-800-959-0733. For the up-to-date information on the E-Rate and to file applications online, visit the SLD's website at:http://www.sl.universalservice.org
IES, Inc. will provide as much E-rate assistance as allowed under program rules. We can offer general guidance on the application process. For more information about applying for our services under the E-rate program, please contact:
