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Appeals

It is important for any applicant to consider filing an appeal if it is believed that the SLD erred in any decision involving the applicant's funding. Due to the FCC's increasing willingness to work with E-rate stakeholders and grant appeals and waivers, it is important to appeal if you believe an error has occurred. Due to our knowledge and extensive understanding of the ever changing regulations in the E-rate program, Funds For Learning is uniquely situated to provide assistance during the appeal process.

How FFL Can Assist

In the event an adverse decision is received from USAC pertaining to an E-rate program regulation, Funds For Learning (FFL) has the expertise and experience to prepare appeals to either the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) or the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Upon contacting FFL, we will evaluate the situation and provide advice on the likelihood of success, based on the circumstances involved. FFL has prepared and submitted a large number of appeals to both USAC and the FCC and understands how to navigate the appeal process. Upon conferring with all the parties involved, FFL can formulate an appeal on your behalf for submission to the appropriate entity.

What Sets FFL Apart

Funds For Learning has enjoyed a very high success rate in winning appeals. In addition to the creation and submission of appeals on behalf of numerous applicants, we also maintain a database of all decided appeals which enables us to easily search for past precedents to cite in current appeals. Our experienced staff members regularly review FCC Orders as they are decided and understand the subtle nuances to include in new appeals.

Audit support

Funds For Learning is experienced in conducting reviews to ensure that school districts are in compliance with program regulations. As concerns about the potential for waste, fraud and abuse in the E-rate program have grown, Funds For Learning has increasingly been called on for its expertise in responding to auditors and putting programs in place to ensure that its clients meet the program's continually evolving compliance requirements. FFL can also provide recommendations on non-compliance issues to bring you into compliance with program rules.

School boards are becoming increasingly concerned that those entrusted to apply for E-rate dollars are actually following all Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations and procedures. Because of high profile cases, the FCC and Universal Services Administrative Company (USAC) are spending additional resources auditing E-rate stakeholders. No district wants to be in the position of returning E-rate dollars if audited and found in non-compliance.

In 2003, USAC invited Funds For Learning to serve as one of 14 stakeholder representatives on a Waste, Fraud and Abuse Task Force. In addition, FFL frequently has been called upon to speak with FCC and congressional staff, both formally and informally, about the E-rate program. Congressional staff also utilize FFL's E-rate Manager Services to find and review E-rate funding information.