Support for broadband Internet connectivity
ECF will provide support for broadband Internet connectivity to off-campus locations, such as student or library patron homes.
Additionally funds will be available for hotspot, router and modem hardware, as well as connected devices like laptops or tablets. While the FCC has leveraged some of the processes and procedures from E-rate to implement the ECF funds, there will be no FCC-specific competitive bidding mandates (e.g., the FCC Form 470); however, applicants will certify compliance with applicable local, state, and Tribal procurement requirements. As VITA is the IT contracting authority for the Commonwealth of Virginia, its state master contracts are valid for use under the ECF program.
Connected devices (laptops and tablets)
VITA has many contracts valid for use by all Virginia public schools and libraries that include ECF-eligible connected devices such as laptops and tablets, listed here:
- VITA contracts for computer hardware, personal computer devices, peripherals and servers
- VITA also has a contract specifically for Apple products for education
Category 1 services (Data transmission services and/or Internet access)
Below is information on VITA’s popular broadband Internet contracts and VITA's other E-Rate category one services and the information needed for block five on Form 471.
VITA broadband Internet contracts
Contract information page: Broadband services contracts
Please contact VDOE E-Rate support at learninginfrastructure@doe.virginia.gov, or 804-786-9281, if you need additional guidance on VITA state master contracts for ECF.
Below is a list of the suppliers and their SPINs (click on "contract information page" link above for detailed contract information, including supplier contacts):
| Supplier | Contract number | SPIN # |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Broadband Enterprise, LLC | VA-191201-ABEL | 143038643 |
| BrightStar Communications, Inc. | VA-191201-BCI | 143048616 |
| Citizens Telephone Cooperative | VA-191201-CTC | 143001405 |
| Comcast Business Communications, LLC | VA-191201-CCBC | 143003990 |
| Cox Virginia Telcom | VA-191201-CXCM | 143000013 |
| Crown Castle Fiber | VA-191201-CCF | 143005274 |
| Eastern Shore of Virginia Broadband Authority (ESVBA) | VA-191201-ESVB | 143033450 |
| GCR Telecommunications, Inc. | VA-191201-GCR | 143030799 |
| Granite Telecommunications, LLC | VA-191201-GT | 143025539 |
| Hughes Network Systems | VA-191201-HNS | 143005653 |
| IP Access International Inc. | VA-191201-IPA | none |
| Lumos Networks, Inc. | VA-191201-LN | 143003814 |
| Mobile Satellite Tech | VA-191201-MST | 143030540 |
| RiverStreet Networks | VA-191201-RSN | 143048599 |
| Shentel Communications LLC | VA-191201-SHEN | 143033621 |
| Windstream Services, LLC | VA-191201-WS | 143030766 |
Additional Contracts for Category 1 services (Data transmission services and/or Internet access)
Contract description: VITANet telecommunications & network services (Replacement contracts for COVANET contract with Verizon business)
Form 470 application number: 887320001134227
Allowable contract date: April 22, 2013
Award date: October 28, 2015
Start date: October 28, 2015
End date: October 27, 2022 (Second optional renewal term) Three (3) additional one-year terms are also available.
Category 1 services are provided without minimum service terms. NOTE: VITA will exercise its option to renew these contracts until October 2023 well in advance of the FY 2022 E-Rate filing window.
Description: VITANet – voice, data, video and Internet network services and related, managed equipment; long distance voice services
| Supplier | Contract number | SPIN # |
|---|---|---|
| CenturyLink Communications (FKA Qwest Communications) |
VA-151028-CTL | 143001157 |
| Verizon Business Network Services (on behalf of MCI Communications) |
VA-151028-MCI | 143001197 |
VITA Networking Equipment Contracts
VITA’s networking equipment contracts listed here are state master contracts that are valid for use by all Virginia public bodies, including all public schools and libraries, and including those benefiting from the ECF program.
Each supplier agrees to provide products and services at contract rates to Virginia government entities.
Additional contract details, including points of contact, pricing, etc., are available by clicking on the contract numbers below.
| Supplier | Contract number | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|
| Carousel Industries | VA-160324-CRSL | Aruba, Avaya, Extreme, Juniper |
| CDW Government LLC | VA-160324-CDWG | Aerohive, Arista, Aruba, Brocade, Cisco, Extreme, HP, Meraki |
| Converged Networks | VA-160324-CONN | Aerohive, Brocade, Mojo |
| Copper River IT | VA-160324-CRIT | Arista, Aruba,Forescout, Juniper, Palo Alto |
| Daly Computers | VA-160324-DALY | Aerohive, Aruba, Barracuda, Brocade, Cisco, Extreme, Fortinet, HP, Palo Alto, F5 |
| Disys | VA-160324-DISY | Cisco, Meraki |
| Eastern Data | VA-160324-EDI | Aruba, HP, Netgear |
| Electronic Systems Inc. | VA-160324-ELSY | Aruba, Brocade, Cisco, HP, Meraki |
| ePlus Technology Inc. (assigned by ABS Technology) | VA-160324-ABST | Aerohive, Cisco, Meraki |
| CodeBlue Technology, LLC | VA-160324-INFI | Brocade, Palo Alto, Ruckus |
| Networking Technologies & Support | VA-160324-NTS | Brocade, Sophos, Xirrus, 7Signal |
| PCMG | VA-160324-PCMG | Aruba, Brocade, Cisco, HP, Meraki, Ruckus |
| Presidio | VA-160324-PRNS | Aerohive, Cisco, ESI |
Note: Products may be delivered and services may be performed after the date of expiration of the contract as long as they are ordered prior to such date. Similarly, all terms and conditions relevant to products and services ordered prior to the data of expiration of the contract remain in full force and effect, including those regarding any support, maintenance and warranties. VITA plans to have replacement networking equipment contracts in place upon expiration of the contracts listed here, but will extend these contracts beyond their current expiration date of October 1, 2021, if warranted.
References:
- Emergency Connectivity Fund Order
- VDOE E-Rate
- The E-Rate program
- VITA contracts
- Library contact: Cindy Church, Library of Virginia (cindy.church@lva.virginia.gov)
- School division contact: Dr. Susan M. Clair, Virginia Department of Education (susan.clair@doe.virginia.gov)