[Tech-l] Erate Consulting Issues

[Thor Sage]

Good afternoon!
I wanted to let everyone know that we've encountered multiple issues with a particular Erate consultant based in Cleveland.  Essentially, this consultant refuses to pass questions from bidders back to school districts, even in instances in which there are glaring mistakes on a 470 that could be corrected or clarifications that could increase award amounts and limit the amount of money districts must pay when critical components are missing from the 470.  The answer, "everything is on the 470," followed by non-responses to all additional questions, has cost districts using this consultant a great deal of money this cycle.
If anyone would like recommendations for consultants that seem, from our perspective, to be more successful and to make fewer mistakes, just let us know.  This isn't necessarily our issue to fix, but it's heartbreaking when public schools are paying out of pocket for things that should have been included in their Erate eligible projects.  Districts might also consider placing a local person's information on the 470 as the technical contact.  I don't know any Erate consultants that should be listed as technical contacts on any 470, especially if they refuse to answer questions.
Thanks,
Thor

Thor Sage
Executive Director
Miami Valley Technology and Communications Group
937-767-1468  x3101
[cid:image001.png at 01DD54DC.F68A4CE0]
Not-for-profit Technology Services for Education and Local Governments

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