E-rate is a federal program that collects a small fee from telecommunication services throughout the nation and disburses the funds to schools and libraries to provide a defer some of the costs of implementing technology. Every year we can use the funds to offset the cost of our Internet access, telephone, cell phone and digital data transmission fees. According to the regulations, 2 years out of 5 may be funded for internal network connections such as switches,firewalls ,routers and servers. This year we are requesting funding for internal connections. I have published RFP's on our web site and will open bids on Monday afternoon at 3:00 PM. After we review the bids, we will award the bids contingent on e-rate funding.

Odem-Edroy may be requesting e-rate funding for the following internal connections:

• Network Router
• Network Security
• Network Servers
• Network Switces
• Wireless Network

Odem-Edroy will also recieve funding for Local, Long Distance and Celluar phone service, these are considered Month to Month or tarrifed services and do not require a contract.

Odem-Edroy recieves Internet Connection through the San Patricio Technology Consortium. The consortium will be applying for e-rate funding for this service.