Notices & Instructions
Service Providers - E-Rate Bidding for 2012-13
Get Started:
To get started with the E-Rate 2012-13 bidding process, follow the step by step bidding instructions:
E-Rate Bidding 2012-13
Highlights for 2012-13:
- Changes to Eligible Services
Be sure to review the eligible services list PRIOR to placing bids. The final Eligible Services List for 2012-13 was approved by the FCC on September 28, 2011. The FCC E-rate Sixth Report and Order approved several changes to the program which all service providers should be aware of. For details, see: E-Rate News
- Maintenance Bids
If you are bidding on maintenance, you can select from the equipment pre-filled in by the applicant. When you select the equipment items, the program will transfer the information provided by the applicant to your bid. You will then need to update the equipment details, adjust quantities, and enter your bid price. The bid price by item will be multiplied by the E-Rate eligible percent and the extended eligible price will be displayed. The program will add the price and extended eligible price for all maintenance items and display the grand total in your regular bid. When you print your maintenance bid, you will get a summary bid along with a detailed attachment page. Please carefully review your maintenance bids and feel free to contact us for guidance when you enter your first bid. Make sure you understand the program before you enter a large number of bids for basic maintenance. Note: Unbundled warranties are NOT eligible for E-rate discount. **Be sure to read changes set forth in the E-Rate 6th Report and Order regarding maintenance contracts!**
- VOIP Services - Additional RFP Information
If you are bidding on VOIP services, you will want to review the individual school or library's additional details regarding VOIP services.
- Scheduled Walk-Through Dates
Scheduled Walk-Through dates are posted on the main vendor menu (www.erate470.com). Be sure to review the listing immediately then review the listing on a regular basis. If the walk-through is MANDATORY, your bid may be disqualified if you do not attend! Contact the applicant (school/library) PRIOR to the scheduled walk-through date if you have a conflict and need to make alternative arrangements. Only the applicant can provide exceptions to required walk-through requirements.
Other Items to Note:
- RFP Changes
A list of RFP changes can be accessed from the main vendor menu (www.erate470.com). Be sure to review the listing on a regular basis. It is the service provider's responsibility to review this list on a regular basis and adjust bids accordingly.
- Bid Due Dates
Bid Due Dates are listed on each RFP and can be viewed from the list of RFPs accessed from the vendor menu (www.erate470.com). Bids must be submitted online by 11:59 pm CST on the due date shown for the respective RFP. LATE BIDS WILL BE DISQUALIFIED. There are NO EXCEPTIONS for late bids. It is the service provider's responsibility to review bid due dates. Contact Kellogg & Sovereign Consulting PRIOR to bid closing if you foresee any problems with submitting a timely bid.
- Partial Bids Accepted
Bidders may submit bids for portions of the RFP. For example, a service provider may submit a bid for voice lines but not for network switches. Another example would be a service provider may submit a bid for a video codec but not for servers.
If a RFP states "YES" for total network solution, then the applicant would prefer the bidder to submit bids for all items in the network section. For example bids that include network switches, cabling and installation would receive a higher score in quality of solution than bids for network switches only.