Section 815-RICR-10-00-3.4 - AdministrationA. The Department of Education shall file draft request(s) for proposals ("RFP(s)") for products and Services to serve the internet access needs of schools and libraries with the Division for its review to ensure competitive neutrality at least forty-five (45) days prior to its issuance. The Division will review the draft RFP(s) to ensure competitive neutrality.B. The Department of Education shall select the winning bidder in accordance with the RFP(s) approved by the Division. A losing bidder may file an appeal with the Division.C. The Department of Education shall endeavor to obtain all available E-Rate matching funds and is encouraged to seek matching funds from all local, state, and federal public or private entities.D. The Department of Education shall approve disbursements of funds from the Telecommunications Education Access Fund in accordance with the terms of the successful bid(s) to the annual RFP(s) to provide products and services that best serve the internet access needs of schools and libraries.E. The Division will transfer funds from the Telecommunications Education Access Fund at the request of the Department of Education. The Department of Education shall submit an accounting to the Division indicating the identity of the payee and the dollar amount of the invoices for which the Department of Education is responsible under the statute together with a letter affirming that it is spending the funds from the Telecommunications Education Access Fund in accordance with the requirements of R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-1-61. The Department of Education shall file an accounting of all disbursements from the Telecommunications Education Access Fund with the Division once annually for its review to ensure that the Department of Education's decisions do not favor any competitor.F. The Division shall not transfer funds from the Telecommunications Education Access Fund in excess of the amount accrued in the account at the time the request is made by the Department of Education.G. The Department of Education shall follow all requirements of the federal Universal Service E-Rate program in evaluating bids and selecting products and services.815 R.I. Code R. 815-RICR-10-00-3.4