The Federal Communications Commission Enforcement Bureau notified Richard Brown that he is suspended from participating in the E-rate program based on his conviction of defrauding the program. The FCC has initiated debarment proceedings against Richard Brown as well.
This fraud involved four Connecticut school districts and Richard Brown was employed by SBC at the time the fraud occurred. According to the report the scheme “…generated approximately $1,564,768 in fictitious expenses….”
The FCC and USAC continue to spend more resources auditing program beneficiaries and it is important that companies as well as school officials stay current on program rules and regulations. There are real consequences for not being in compliance.
Funds For Learning created a series of training modules that cover the different aspects of the E-rate program and a compliance test that is now included in E-rate Manager for Applicants. The training on demands and the assessment test is designed to give school administrators confidence that technology and accounting staff, procurement officials, or consultants hired by the school district will have a greater likelihood of success and compliance.
Funds For Learning also created a service for E-rate vendors called E-rate University designed to give senior management and company official’s confidence that their sales, marketing and accounting teams have the necessary knowledge to participate in the E-rate program.
The FCC Suspension Notice can be viewed here.
