Agenda Item
e. ERATE Category 2 (Not to exceed $2,984,452.83) ~ Updated 3.7.2025
Summary: Presented by: Dr. Kermit Belcher, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information, and Instructional Technology
Request: It is requested the Board of Education approve the ERATE Category 2 awards for the following eligible purchases for services from the following vendors in the amounts listed below, as the lowest responsible, responsive bids, in an amount not to exceed $2,984,452.83. The district cost should not exceed $447,667.93 after the 90% Erate discount.
$554,680.23 CDWG Access Level Switches and associated components for new school locations (New Cross Keys, New Dresden and New Sequoyah)
$2,429,772.60 MGT Wireless Access Points and Licenses
Why: This recommendation provides the DeKalb County School District with Category 2 Erate for all eligible services that are classified as internal connections within a school building that support the attachment of student devices to the “Top of Rack” Category 1 Switch. DCSD shall receive a 85% reimbursement or discount based on free and reduced data. ERATE is administered by the “Universal Service Administrative Company” (USAC).
Details: DCSD utilizes ERATE to leverage the purchasing dollars of the “Universal Service Administrative Company” (USAC). ERATE allows DCSD to extend purchasing power for approved eligible services and seek reimbursement.
This year DCSD applied for the following reimbursement for services.
Access Level Switches and associated components for the new (Cross Keys HS, Sequoyah MS/HS Complex and Dresden ES)
Wireless Access Points and Licenses for providing wireless access for students at (Cross Keys HS, Sequoyah MS/HS Complex and Dresden ES and existing locations). After reviewing all criteria and costs, the bid is awarded to MGT.
Financial impact: If ERATE is awarded, these numbers are before 85% reimbursement. The pre-discounted amount shall not exceed $2,984,452.83. The district cost should not exceed $447,667.93 after the 85% Erate discount.
$554,680.23 CDWG Access Level Switches and associated components for new school locations (New Cross Keys, New Dresden and New Sequoyah)
$2,429,772.60 MGT Wireless Access Points and Licenses
General Funds
306.2210.573400.80336.7600.9990.8010.070.0000
Contact: Dr. Kermit Belcher, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional Technology, 678.676.1274
Effective: March 2025
Status: Approved by Office of Legal Affairs
DATE RECEIVED: ______________
MATTER ASSIGNED TO: _________
Request for Legal Assistance
DCSD Office of Legal Affairs
ATTORNEY – CLIENT COMMUNICATION
PLEASE SUBMIT COMPLETED REQUEST FORM TO
DCSD OFFICE OF LEGAL AFFAIRS.
*** This request is a confidential communication and should be treated as such ***
DESCRIPTION OF REQUEST
Title of Item/Topic:
ERate Category 2
________________________________________________________________
(e.g., contract review, policy matter, etc.)
3/5/25
Date of request: ___________ Due Date: ___________ (Allow 3 to 5 business days)
ERate reimbursement for Access Level Switches and
Background information/Detail: __________________________________________________________
Wireless Access Points.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PROCUREMENT DETAILS (if applicable)
Include details confirming that all applicable DCSD procurement policies and requirements have been
adhered to: ____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Please attach/include any additional supporting documentation that are relevant to your request.
Description of supporting documentation, if any ____________________________________________
REQUIRED AUTHORIZATION
LaKeisha Brooks
Requested by: _____________________________________________________________________
lakeisha_brooks@dekalbschoolsga.org
Email: __________________________ 678-676-1274
Telephone: ____________________________________
DIIT
Department: _______________________________________________________________________
Kermit Belcher
Cabinet Member authorizing the request: _______________________________________________
LEGAL APPROVAL
Approved as to form by the DCSD Office of Legal Affairs? ☐ Yes ☐ No
-OR- (check one only)
Approved as to form by Outside Legal Counsel? ☐ Yes ☐ No
*Referrals to Outside Legal Counsel must be coordinated and approved by the DCSD Legal Dept.
Approving Attorney (and law firm if Outside Counsel H. ____________________________________
Eric Hilton, Esq.
Comments: __________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________