[OPLINTECH] E-rate Category 2 Budget Available

[Jessica Dooley]

This is the last year libraries can spend their 5-year E-rate Category 2
budget.

E-rate Category 2 discounts 50-85% of the cost of internal network
connections and basic maintenance, including:

- Switches
- Routers
- Wireless access points and controllers
- Structured network cabling
- Racks
- Uninterruptible power supplies that serve network equipment
- Installation, support, and maintenance contracts for internal network
equipment

Libraries can use E-rate Category 2 to discount equipment purchases or
service contracts, including leased equipment. Funding will be available
for invoices dated July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026.

View your library's available Category 2 budget
<https://opendata.usac.org/E-Rate/E-Rate-C2-Budget-Tool-Data-FY2021-/6brt-5pbv/explore/query/SELECT%0A%20%20%60ben%60%2C%0A%20%20%60billed_entity_name%60%2C%0A%20%20%60city%60%2C%0A%20%20%60state%60%2C%0A%20%20%60applicant_type%60%2C%0A%20%20%60consulting_firm_name_crn%60%2C%0A%20%20%60c2_budget_cycle%60%2C%0A%20%20%60child_entity_count%60%2C%0A%20%20%60c2_budget_algorithm%60%2C%0A%20%20%60full_time_students%60%2C%0A%20%20%60library_square_footage%60%2C%0A%20%20%60school_student_multiplier%60%2C%0A%20%20%60library_multiplier%60%2C%0A%20%20%60c2_budget%60%2C%0A%20%20%60c2_budget_version%60%2C%0A%20%20%60funded_c2_budget_amount%60%2C%0A%20%20%60pending_c2_budget_amount%60%2C%0A%20%20%60available_c2_budget_amount%60%0AWHERE%0A%20%20caseless_one_of%28%60state%60%2C%20%22OH%22%29%0A%20%20AND%20caseless_one_of%28%60applicant_type%60%2C%20%22Library%22%2C%20%22Library%20System%22%29/page/filter>
(scroll to view far right column). To access these funds, prepare to file
requests for bids (Form 470) before the end of 2024.

Detailed planning information, including links to your library's E-rate
Category 2 available budget and discount tier, a list of eligible services,
vendors who have worked with libraries in Ohio, and instructions for each
step of the E-rate Category 2 filing process can be found at
https://www.oplin.ohio.gov/category2plan.

Have a good week,

Jessica D. Dooley (she/her)
Technology Project Manager
Ohio Public Library Information Network
jessica at oplin.ohio.gov
614-728-5254
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