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E-Rate

The Universal Service E-Rate program is a great opportunity for schools to expand their technological base. But it's a huge project that must be pieced together and submitted before the deadline. Decisions must be made regarding connectivity, hardware, software, local- or wide-area networking, video, and long-distance learning.

Are you in need of expertise or man hours that exceed your present staff? VNS's complete range of services can assist you every step of the way.

Optimal Technology Planning

This service is offered to determine the optimal network wiring and communications-device configuration for enterprise-wide Internet access within your organization.

Initial Interview

VNS staff will consult with your managers, LAN administrators, and technical support personnel, and ask practical questions about your goals and your budget. Afterward, a preliminary recommendation will be made for products and technologies that will best meet your expectations for both performance and price. Then together we can develop a plan for either a phased-and-prioritized implementation or a one-stage implementation.

On-Site Survey of Your Facilities

Our network engineers will visit your facility, record your requirements for the quantity and positions of workstations, servers, switch panels, and communications devices, review blueprints, measure distances, and determine the optimal wiring scheme.

Scope of Work Statement

VNS will produce and deliver a document delineating the products, specifications, time lines, and estimated man-hours required to complete each phase and the entire implementation. This will include a description of the functions made available to your LAN administrators and end users. This document can be reviewed by your staff and modified until it is mutually acceptable to your organization and VNS. The Scope of Work Statement will then serve as the foundation for the Proposal described below.

Technology Plan

VNS will work with your staff and administration to develop a comprehensive education technology plan for your school site or a master plan for the entire district. This plan will include all requirements pertinent to meet the needs of the Department of Education and the Universal Service E-Rate program.

Proposal

A quote for the delivery of the products and services related in the Scope of Work Document will be developed. The figures will include all costs for wiring, systems, components, parts, and labor. This will provide you with a comprehensive total that your organization can use for budgeting, vendor selection, and financing processes.

E-Rate Forms Submission

Once a comprehensive education plan has been produced, VNS can assist in the submission of e-rate forms 470 and 471.

Vendor Coordination

There may also come a time before and/or after your e-rate submission when you will need help coordinating vendors who are implementing new technologies. VNS stands ready to assist you here as well.

Technology Grant Writing