Full-Service E-Rate Consulting
At Businessmap, we manage the entire E-rate process so you don’t have to. From strategic planning to final disbursement, our services are designed to save time, reduce stress, and deliver maximum funding—year after year. We specialize in helping small school districts across Ohio, Missouri, Georgia, and Mississippi navigate the 18-month E-rate funding cycle with expert guidance and hands-on support.
What We Do
Strategic Technology Planning
We align your technology goals with available funding opportunities to ensure your E-rate plan supports long-term student success.
Form 470 Preparation & Submission
We help you define service needs, gather required documentation, and submit Form 470—ensuring compliance and transparency in the competitive bidding process.
Vendor Communication & Contract Support
We serve as your point person for vendor inquiries, helping you evaluate bids, negotiate contracts, and stay on track with procurement timelines.
Form 471 Completion
We accurately complete and submit your Form 471, making sure your application is optimized, timely, and fully documented.
Program Integrity Assurance Review (PIA) Support
If USAC requests additional documentation or clarification, we manage all responses and keep the process moving smoothly.
Disbursement Management
We don’t stop at the award notice—we handle all administrative work to make sure your district actually receives the funds, including BEAR and SPI forms.
Appeals & Troubleshooting
If funding is denied or delayed, we help file appeals and resolve issues quickly. Our track record of successful appeals speaks for itself.
We Support the Process Listed Below from Beginning to End
ERATE TIMELINE
The E-Rate program is approximately a $3B fund that helps schools and libraries obtain discounted Internet service and network equipment. Funding is divided into two categories: Category 1 covers Internet access, and Category 2 covers internal connections and managed services. The application process spans 18 months per funding year, beginning about six months before the fiscal year starts. While dates for the next funding year are not yet available, they typically remain consistent.
Businessmap Erate Process
Form 470 application (October – January)
- Form 470 applications can be submitted now through a date set in February. We will be submitting Form 470 applications between November 2022 – January 2023. (The earlier the better as it is a first in first out review process.) During the process we will be collecting enrollment and National School Lunch Information.
- Acts as a Request for Proposal. Must identify specific service and equipment items. A system generated Contract Award Date is 28 days from the day the Form 470 is submitted.
Competitive bidding process (28 days)
- The competitive bidding process begins the day the 470 is submitted, must be ongoing for a minimum of 28 days. Vendors bid on the services detailed on the Form 470 application. We try to limit the bidding process to a definite time period for clear communication.
- A Bid Matrix is generated that summarizes the vendor bids and ranks the bids based upon agreed upon criteria.
- Vendor contract can be executed on or after the Contract Award Date.
Form 471 application (January – March)
- Form 471 applications require a contract with detail specifications for services or equipment.
- Must be signed by the school.
- Vendor contract must be executed and uploaded into the USAC EPC system.
- The Form 471 is submitted.
USAC review of the Funding Commitment Decision Letter. (April – June)
- The review begins when the Form 471 is submitted. Usually, we have a high percentage of applications reviewed by July 1.
USAC receipt of the Funding Commitment Decision Letter (July)
- This is the award letter.
Service initiation, Invoicing process and installation of equipment as applicable. (July – September)
Eileen Bundy, President
(843) 697-7427
eileen@business-map.org
We Work for You
Our only goal is to advocate for your district and help you get the funding you deserve, with zero conflicts of interest. Contact Businessmap today and let us handle the paperwork—so you can focus on your students.