USACE-RateApplicant Process
Step 1: Create an EPC Account

Before You Begin Step 2

Step 1: Create an EPC Account

To begin the E-Rate program cycle, applicants must first create an account in E-Rate’s online portal, known as the E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC).

About the E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC)

EPC allows school districts or library systems to file E-Rate program forms, receive notifications, and conduct other program activities. Independent schools and libraries, consortia, and statewide applicants may also have accounts in EPC.

EPC entities must have an Account Administrator who manages the account, grants rights to other users, and provides or updates information on the individual schools or libraries within the school district or library system. The Account Administrator must be an employee of the school or library organization.

EPC Accounts and Entity Types

Organizations configuring a new EPC account will be asked to assign an entity type to the account. EPC entity types are as follows:

  • Individual school
  • Individual library
  • School district
  • Library system

Note: Converting an entity type is only possible in limited scenarios. Because not all conversions are guaranteed, it’s important to ensure the entity type is correct in the initial creation process.

For more information about entity types, call E-Rate’s Customer Service Center (CSC) at (888) 203-8100. The CSC is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. View the documentation required when contacting the CSC.

Create Your EPC Account: Checklist

When you have determined which entity type you will select, you can move forward with account creation. There are two steps, which you can do in any order:

  • Register for an FCC Registration Number (FCC RN) using the FCC’s Commission Registration System (CORES).
  • Obtain a Billed Entity Number (BEN) by calling E-Rate’s Customer Service Center (CSC) at (888) 203-8100.
    • Refer to the CSC documentation guide for a list of the information that is required to create a BEN.

After requesting a BEN, you (as the user on the BEN’s entity profile) will receive an email directing you to set an EPC password, accept the platform’s terms and conditions, and configure multi-factor authentication. Once you have accepted EPC’s terms and conditions, you will appear as a valid user on the BEN’s EPC profile.

You should then contact the CSC to request that you be designated as the (sole) Account Administrator for their entity. In this role, you can add other users, add a consulting firm and consultant users, and assign rights to perform various actions.

Next Steps

Following the creation of your EPC account, your next step is to begin the process of competitive bidding (completing the FCC Form 470).