About Us:

SECA represents an innovative group of State E-Rate Coordinators who dedicate their time and resources to help eligible schools and libraries obtain affordable telecommunications and Internet access services through the Federal E-Rate Program while providing assistance to new State E-Rate Coordinators and advising the FCC in the establishment of E-rate program rules, and advising the FCC, USAC, SLD in the program implementation.  SECA represents 43 states with 82 representatives. 

Representatives of SECA typically perform “in the field” face-to face, E-Rate training for applicants and service providers, and act as intermediaries between the applicant and service provider communities, the Administrator and the Commission. These services are provided to schools and libraries at no cost  to the applicant.  In fact, without the assistance of State E-rate coordinators, many schools and libraries would find it difficult to successfully complete all the steps necessary to receive support from the E-rate program. Numerous members of SECA also administer, and/or are applicants for, large, statewide networks and consortia that further Congress’ and the FCC’s goals of providing universal access to modern telecommunications services to schools and libraries across the nation.

In addition to our roles as State E-rate trainers and coordinators, most SECA members (or other members of the organizations of which they are a part) also provide the following services to the program:

• technology plan approval;
• verification of applicant’s school eligibility status to the Administrator’s Program Integrity Assurance (PIA)Division;
• verification to the Administrator of applicable state laws confirming eligibility of certain applicant groups;
• contact of last resort for applicants by the Administrator;
• verification point for National School Lunch Program numbers for applicants.

We have a private, extremely active listserve which we use to discuss E-rate issues that applicants experience.  We frequently are the first group to identify situational patterns and identify issues and problems concerning the administration of the program and we always bring these matters to the attention of the SLD (and FCC as may be appropriate) in a respectful yet assertive manner. As advocates for applicants, we feel this is one of our key responsibilities to serve as the voice of applicants.

In addition to the listserve, we have weekly conference calls during which we discuss issues and solutions. Every other week (or monthly in some cases), the SLD, the FCC, and USAC join our calls. During the week prior to their joining our call we submit an agenda to them. The agenda is made up of questions and issues we would like for them to address. Also, we encourage them to ask us questions and for feedback about program implementation matters that they may be considering, in order for them to be able to consider the applicant perspective.  We strive to nurture a relationship of mutual benefit with these organizations.

We always provide NPRM Comments, and we have been invited to speak to FCC Commissioners and staff periodically. Two members of our group were on the Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Task Force. Many times during the year SECA is called upon to travel to DC for E-rate specific meetings with the FCC and/or SLD.