Improving Learning Outcomes Through Effective Technology
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Improving Learning Outcomes Through Effective Technology |
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The following is a detailed description of a typical E-rate assistance project. Garren Shay can tailor such projects to meet your districts needs. Our assistance can range from a short engagement to help you put your E-rate team together, design a project schedule and provide you with the tools to help you collect data to managing your E-rate project and completing all the application procedures. We also offer services to help with the administration of E-Rate programs once they are approved.
This section describes each of the steps in the proposed project
This project phase will asses current activities within the district and define the district’s needs relative to maximizing the USF discounts available.
Many activities underway at the district have telecommunications services and infrastructure components within them. GSA will inventory all such activities and identify potentially discountable components.
1.2 Review discountable components
The identified procurements will be analyzed to identify potentially discountable components. Where the existing procurement plans fail to maximize the available USF discount that fact will be identified.
1.3 Assist with review of alternative school lunch eligibility approaches
FCC regulations allow alternative approaches to determining free and reduced school lunch eligibility to correct for possible under-counting. GSA will assist the district in determining if such alternatives will increase the district’s USF discount level.
1.4 Develop revised procurement strategy
Revised procurement strategies will be developed that maximize the USF discount received.
2 Review and revise Technology Plan
Developing a detailed telecommunications and infrastructure budget and reflecting that budget in a revised technology plan will be the outcome of this project phase. The budget development will be necessary to complete the required USF Application for Eligible Services documents. The revised plan will be an effective tools for communicating with diverse stakeholders.
2.1 Review technology plan against FCC plan criteria
The USF regulations contain technology plan evaluation criteria which GSA will use to evaluate the current technology plan.
2.2 Document USF eligibility impact
The impact of the USF program on the cost of program elements will be determined.
2.3 Develop revised budget
The technology plan budget will be revised to reflect the revised procurement plans and USF discounts.
2.4 Revise technology plan
The district technology plan will be revised to reflect the USF plan criteria, the new budget and other new and changed program elements.
3 Prepare USF applications
Prompt development of USF applications is necessary because of the first come, first served nature of the program. In this project phase GSA will assist in the development of the three types of required USF application forms and necessary backup information needed to support the applications. Preliminary data necessary for completion of the applications will be developed as quickly as possible and refined as the project unfolds so that the district will be prepared to submit and application as soon as the forms are approved.
3.1 Prepare Applications for Eligible Services (form 470’s)
3.2 Prepare Funding Requests (form 471’s)
3.3 Prepare Notifications of Services (form 471’s)
5 Project management
In this project phase GSA will provide ongoing assistance and monitoring of the USF project for the balance of FY98.
5.1 Monitor District Technology program
Attend project meetings and provide assistance two days a month.
5.2 Monitor USF program
Monitor FCC USF program for impact on the district and report once a month.
5.3 Track new sources of funds
Assist with the identification of new funding sources and document the outcome.
5.4 Report monthly
Generate a written monthly program report.
6 Project Deliverables
There will be three major deliverables in this project.
6.1 USF Infrastructure Needs Assessment
This report will document current telecommunications infrastructure procurement activities in the district and recommend modifications needed to maximize USF discounts.
6.2 Revised Technology Plan
The district Technology Plan will be revised to reflect current activities and budgets.
6.3 USF applications
The three types of required USF applications – application for eligible services, funding requests, and notification of services – will be developed.
6.4 Monthly project management reports
Monthly status reports covering this project and the status of related activities within the district will be published.
Proposed Project Budget
GSA would be pleased to work with the district to tailor this proposal and budget to the specific needs and budget.