E-rate Update: April 17, 2026

Executive Summary

The FY2026 application window has closed, initiating the Program Integrity Assurance (PIA) review phase, with critical actions required for applicants, including RAL modifications for corrections and a new invoicing method change process via FCC Form 500. Additionally, a mandatory SAM.gov Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is now required for all USAC invoice disbursements beginning August 2026.

Important Deadlines & Dates

  • April 23, 2026: Registration opens for upcoming in-person E-Rate Training events.
  • August 2026: All service providers and BEAR filers must have an active SAM.gov account with a UEI on their FCC Form 498 for USAC invoice disbursements.
  • September 15, 2026: In-person E-Rate Training in Phoenix, AZ.
  • September 24, 2026: In-person E-Rate Training in Washington, DC.
  • June 30, 2026: Final reminder deadline for service providers to file their FCC Form 473 (SPAC).

Critical Updates

FY2026 Application Window: Post-Closure Actions & Tips

  • Window Waiver Requests: Applicants needing a waiver for the FY2026 window must certify and submit their FCC Form 471 in EPC before filing the waiver request with the FCC.
  • Interim SPINs: If interim SPIN 143666666 was used, submit a Receipt Acknowledgment Letter (RAL) modification request to provide the actual service provider SPIN. Funding Commitment Decision Letters (FCDLs) will not be issued until this is updated.
  • RAL Modifications:
    • Submit RAL modification requests to correct/update entity information (e.g., student counts, square footage, urban/rural status, CEP percentages, contact information), FCC Registration Number, and cost allocations.
    • Consider separating unique equipment types into distinct Funding Request Number (FRN) Line Items via RAL modification for faster PIA review.
    • RAL modifications must be submitted before receiving your FCDL. Post-FCDL changes require a FCC Form 500, Service Substitution, SPIN Change, or Appeal.
  • Competitive Bidding Documentation: Organize and retain all competitive bidding process documentation that supports your FCC Form 471 for a minimum of 10 years.
  • Prepare for PIA Review: Respond promptly to any Program Integrity Assurance (PIA) inquiries. Monitor your contact email and EPC account regularly. Alert service providers to be ready to assist with network diagrams or product descriptions if needed.

Invoicing Method Changes for FY2026

  • New Process: For FY2026, the invoicing method (FCC Form 472/BEAR or FCC Form 474/SPI) was selected for each FRN on the FCC Form 471.
  • Pre-FCDL Modifications: Changes to the invoicing method can be made via a RAL modification request.
  • Post-FCDL Modifications: After receiving an FCDL, invoicing method changes can be requested using the new “Invoicing Method” change request within the FCC Form 500. This must be submitted before any invoice is filed for the FRN.

Mandatory SAM.gov UEI for All Invoicing

  • Effective August 2026: USAC will transition to using SAM.gov banking information for all Universal Service Fund (USF) disbursements.
  • Requirement: All service providers and E-Rate applicants who invoice via FCC Form 472/BEAR must have:
    • An active SAM.gov account.
    • A Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) on their FCC Form 498 (Block 3, Line 24).
    • A valid bank account linked to their UEI in SAM.gov, specifically for USF disbursements.
  • Action Required:
    • Verify: Log into E-File (or EPC for BEAR filers) to confirm UEI on Form 498. Then, log into SAM.gov to confirm active account status, linked bank account, and annual renewal date.
    • Register/Update: If not active or missing, register at SAM.gov (process can take up to six weeks), obtain a UEI, link a valid bank account, and update the UEI on FCC Form 498.
  • Annual Renewal: SAM.gov accounts require annual renewal. Failure to renew will prevent USF disbursements.

Program Integrity & FCC Debarment Rule Updates

  • FCC Rule Changes (March 26, 2026): The FCC adopted a Report and Order (FCC 26-18) that modified its suspension and debarment rules to align with OMB guidelines. This allows the FCC to more promptly and efficiently exclude bad actors from USF programs, consider a wider range of misconduct, and promote transparency by requiring disclosure of prior misconduct.
  • Reporting Misconduct: Report suspected waste, fraud, or abuse via USAC’s Whistleblower Alert or the FCC Office of Inspector General (OIG) Hotline (1-888-863-2244).

Contract Award Date (CAD) Accuracy

  • Ensure the Contract Award Date (CAD) and other details for your contracts are accurate in your EPC contract records, especially if cited on your FCC Form 471.
  • An accurate CAD and uploaded contract copies can help expedite PIA reviews.
  • Note that submitted contract records in EPC cannot be edited; a new record must be created for any changes.

Service Provider Annual Certification (SPAC) – FCC Form 473

  • Reminder: Service providers are required to annually file a FCC Form 473 (SPAC) for each funding year.
  • Impact: A certified SPAC is mandatory for USAC to pay any invoices (FCC Form 472/BEAR or FCC Form 474/SPI) for that specific funding year.

Current Status

  • FY2025 Commitments: As of April 15, 2026, over $2.64 billion has been committed for Funding Year 2025. Wave 49 FCDLs were released on April 9, 2026.