USACE-RateApplicant ProcessStep 3: Applying for Discounts
FCC Form 471 Filing

FCC Form 471 Filing

Purpose of FCC Form 471 

Applicants file an FCC Form 471 (Description of Services Ordered and Certification Form) to request discounts on eligible services and equipment for the upcoming funding year. Applicants must include information on the recipients of services and service provider(s); provide detailed descriptions of services, including costs and dates of service or equipment; and certify compliance with program rules. 

When to File FCC Form 471 

You can file the FCC Form 471 in the E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) during the specific application filing window each year. Each year, in advance of the filing window, USAC announces the exact dates and times of the filing window on USAC’s website. 

Note: You cannot certify the FCC Form 471 before the Allowable Vendor Selection/Contract Date (ACD), which is 28 days after your FCC Form 470 is submitted and certified in the EPC. 

How to File FCC Form 471 

Applicants will create a profile and login information in EPC before filing the FCC Form 471. Applicants must file the FCC Form 471 in EPC. If you do not have an account in EPC, call our Customer Service Center (CSC) at (888) 203-8100. 

For step-by-step filing guidance on the FCC Form 471, watch the FCC Form 471 video series below. 

Course 1: How to File an FCC Form 471

How to File an FCC Form 471
How to File an FCC Form 471
45:00

Course 1: How to File an FCC Form 471

  • Accessing the FCC Form 471 and reviewing/inputting your entity’s basic information 
  • How to complete Category 1 Funding Requests 
  • How to complete Category 2 Funding Requests 
  • Certifying the FCC Form 471 

How to Create a Contract Record

How to Create a Contract Record
How to Create a Contract Record
5:59

Course 2: How to Create a Contract Record 

  • Navigating the EPC system 

Course 3: How to Create a Contract Record “CABIO”

How to Create a Contract Record “CABIO”
How to Create a Contract Record “CABIO”
4:55

Course 3: How to Create a Contract Record “CABIO”

  • How to create a contract record in EPC
  • How to view a contract record in EPC

Bulk Upload Templates 

Applicants with large numbers of eligible services and/or large numbers of recipients of service may want to prepare funding request data by completing the following bulk upload templates and then uploading the data to their FCC Form 471. 

The current version of the templates and their version numbers are provided below. 

  • Do not use the Category One template for any fiber requests. 
  • Do not use the Category One template for Wi-Fi on buses. 

Related User Guide 

After Filing FCC Form 471 

USAC issues a Receipt Acknowledgment Letter (RAL) to both the applicant and the service provider(s) in EPC after the applicant submits and certifies their in-window FCC Form 471. The letter contains many of the details submitted on the form and provides a means to correct any mistakes.  Please view the FCC Form 471 Receipt Acknowledgment Letter Modification Guide for more information. 

USAC issues a Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL) to both the applicant and the service provider(s) in EPC after we have reviewed the funding request(s) included in the FCC Form 471 application.Â