October 26, 2026
E-rate Update: October 23, 2026
Executive Summary
USAC has launched a new Program Recovery Payments system via One Portal for streamlined returns of Universal Service Funds. Additionally, the FY2027 EPC Administrative Window is open, requiring immediate attention to entity profile updates and offering new features for Category Two budget recalculations.
Important Deadlines & Dates
October 28, 2026: Deadline to submit an invoice or request a one-time 120-day Invoice Deadline Extension (IDE) for FY2025 recurring service Funding Request Numbers (FRNs) for both FCC Form 472 (BEAR) and FCC Form 474 (SPI/eSPI).
October 21, 2026: FY2027 EPC Administrative Window opened. This window will close shortly before the FCC Form 471 application filing window opens in early 2027.
November 3, 2026 (2 p.m. to 3 p.m. E.T.): "Eligible Services 101" Webinar.
Critical Updates
New Program Recovery Payments System
A new Program Recovery Payments system is now live within USAC's One Portal dashboard (accessible via the blue Sign In button on usac.org). This system is mandatory for returning funds prompted by a Commitment Adjustment/Demand Letter (COMAD) or RIDF. Users can now search and select statements for payment, eliminating manual data entry. For voluntary returns, applicants must first complete a Voluntary Return Request Form for E-Rate and email it to [email protected]. USAC will then notify you to proceed with payment within the new system, which must be completed within 60 days of the Invoice Statement date to avoid "Red Light" status.
FY2027 EPC Administrative Window Now Open
The administrative window is active for applicants to prepare their EPC entity profiles for the upcoming FCC Form 471 filing window. During this period, applicants must:
Ensure an active Account Administrator.
Add/deactivate users and update user rights.
Add/remove consulting firms.
Update entity relationships for child entities or consortia members.
Update student counts and library square footage.
Update entity subtypes.
Prioritize: Submit any outstanding FY2026 Receipt Acknowledgment Letter (RAL) modification requests or appeals before making EPC profile updates to expedite processing.
Category Two (C2) Budget Recalculations: EPC has been updated to allow applicants to request an optional C2 budget recalculation (referred to as a "replacement C2 budget") during the administrative window if student counts or library square footage have changed. A pop-up reminder will appear in EPC if data is updated.
Competitive Bidding & Substantial Change Clarification
USAC reiterated the importance of an "open and fair" competitive bidding process. A clarification was issued regarding "substantial change" that requires a new FCC Form 470:
While merely adding a new site to the overall scope of a procurement may not require restarting the 28-day competitive bidding period, all changes are reviewed case-by-case.
If making one or more substantial changes that fall outside the original scope, a new FCC Form 470 must be filed. The FCC 97-420 standard remains in effect.
Post-Commitment Deadlines and Tracking Tools
USAC has introduced a new E-Rate Post Commitment Deadline Tool to help track critical deadlines such as invoicing, FCC Form 473 (SPAC) status, and FCC Form 486 status in a unified interface. The E-Rate FRN Status Tool FY2016+ (available via Open Data) should also be used to confirm Invoice Deadline Dates (IDD) and Service Delivery Deadlines (SDD) as these may have changed.
Form 486 and Service Provider Annual Certification (SPAC) Reminders
Applicants: File FCC Form 486 promptly upon receiving a positive funding commitment and service start. USAC will issue an "FCC Form 486 Urgent Reminder Letter" if late, allowing 15 days to submit without impacting the service start date or reducing funding.
Service Providers: File the FY2026 FCC Form 473 (SPAC) in EPC as soon as possible. Both an approved Form 486 and certified SPAC are required for USAC to process invoices from either applicants or service providers. Failure to submit SPAC can lead to FCC Enforcement Bureau referrals.
Current Status
FY2026 Commitments: As of October 21, FY2026 commitments total over $2.17 billion, with Wave 25 released on October 15.