Tribal Training
USAC created the Tribal Training initiative to help E-Rate program applicants on Tribal lands participate effectively in the E-Rate program. Our goal is to reduce the digital divide and promote high-speed broadband connectivity to Tribal schools and libraries.
Members of the E-Rate program staff are available to help Tribal applicants navigate the program, assist with solving and preventing funding issues, answer questions, provide training materials and guidance, and more.
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Tribal Libraries Pilot Program
Special Announcements
The FCC adopted a Report and Order (Tribal Library Order) at its January 27 open meeting that amends the FCC’s rules by updating the definition of a library, and clarifying that Tribal libraries are eligible for support through the E-Rate program. The new rules take effect in time for Tribal libraries to apply now for E-Rate support for Funding Year (FY) 2022 (which runs from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023).
The Tribal Library Order adds “Tribal library” to the definition of a “library” in the E-Rate rules, and amends the rules to recognize that Tribal libraries are eligible for support from state library administrative agencies under the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and the Museum and Library Services Act of 2018. In the Tribal Library Order, the FCC explains that Tribal Councils can designate a library as a Tribal library (for example, through a Tribal Resolution), and Tribal libraries should be able to demonstrate that they have three basic characteristics of a library:
- Regularly scheduled hours,
- Staff, and
- Materials available for library users.
The FCC also directs USAC, together with FCC staff, to develop targeted outreach efforts to increase awareness of the program among Tribal libraries and adopt new metrics to gauge the participation of Tribal libraries in the E-Rate program.
Tribal Libraries Pilot Program
To help Tribal libraries that are new to the E-Rate program, the new Tribal Libraries Pilot Program will provide one-on-one assistance in all aspects of preparing, applying, and receiving E-Rate support during the upcoming funding year. This includes sharing information about program rules and requirements, providing training on how to use the E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC), and walking through the competitive bidding and application processes. The pilot will also support participants during the invoicing and other post-commitment processes, including the service confirmation and Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) certification or service substitution requests. Visit the Tribal Libraries Pilot Program page to learn more about the pilot and how to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What types of Tribal documentation is acceptable for designating a Tribal Library?
Answer. Any Tribal library that is eligible for LSTA funding under the Museum and Library Services Act of 2018 and has not been validated in the E-Rate program should be prepared to demonstrate their eligibility by providing:
- Documentation from an authorizing Tribal government entity (such as a charter or ordinance or letter from the Tribal Council), as well as documentation that shows that the applicant has the three characteristics of a library, including regular hours, staff, and materials available for library users, or
- A signed letter from a state library administrative agency.
Answer. There’s no need to wait until March 16. Tribal libraries should create user accounts and profiles in the EPC now. Please call the Customer Service Center (CSC) at (888) 203-8100, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET for help to access EPC and set up your account. Tribal libraries should also start their competitive bidding process as soon as possible by completing and certifying the FCC From 470.
Answer. Click the links below to access the two Dear Tribal Leader letters related to the Tribal Library Order and the Filing Window Extension for new Tribal Libraries (listed by most recent):
- Dear Tribal Leader (March 11, 2022): FCC WCB Extends the E-Rate Application Deadline for New Tribal Library Applicants to May 26
- Dear Tribal Leader (January 27, 2022): FCC Makes It Easier For Tribal Libraries To Get E-Rate Support–Apply Now
Determine and Designate Your Entity’s Tribal Status
For data reporting purposes, an E-Rate applicant may self-identify as a Tribal entity in their EPC entity profile if the majority of students or library patrons served are Tribal members; the entity is located partially or entirely on Tribal land; the entity is a school operated by or receiving funding from the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE); or the entity is a school or library operated by a Tribal Nation.
Watch an instructional video on how to designate your entity’s Tribal status.
Trainings
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all events will be virtual.
Training Schedule
USAC routinely hosts free live online training events on E-Rate topics. Register for upcoming sessions below:
- Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at 4 p.m. ET — USAC will host a repeat info session on E-Rate Tribal Order Updates and the Tribal Libraries Pilot program updates – Register.
- Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at 4 p.m. ET — USAC will host the October Tribal Teleconference Q&A Session focusing on the E-Rate Tribal Order updates – Register.
- To view prior webinars, please visit the E-Rate webinar page or the E-Rate Tribal-specific trainings.
Recorded Trainings
For the recent series, links for recorded sessions are below. We encourage interested entities looking for an overview of eligible equipment and services to start with Session 2 before watching Session 1: E-Rate Information Session for Tribal Applicants. Please continue to check back for new training opportunities.
FY2022 Extended E-Rate Training Series for New Tribal Libraries (April/May 2022)
Tuesday, April 5, 2022
Overview: This session provides an overview of the E-Rate program and covers general topics such as the application process, the competitive bidding requirements, important program terms, eligibility, and program discounts. We will provide an introductory overview of eligible equipment and services and walk through three training samples for FCC Forms 470 and 471. Additionally, we will focus on the recently adopted Federal Communications Commission (FCC) order that amended the definition of library in the FCC’s rules to clarify that Tribal libraries are eligible for support through the E-Rate program.
In advance of the training, you may email questions to TribalTraining@usac.org.
We recommend that you also review:
- Learn how to Get Started.
- Explore the Application Process and Eligible Services.
- Download the Registration Checklist for New Tribal Libraries (PDF).
- Learn about the FCC Form 470
- Review the steps in the application process:
- Step 1: Competitive Bidding.
- Step 2: Selecting a Service Provider.
- Resources
- Review the steps in the application process:
- Learn about the FCC Form 471.
- Review the steps in the application process:
- Step 3: Applying for Discounts
- Resources
- Download the E-Rate Program FCC Form 471 Submission Checklist
- Training Sample 2: FCC Form 471 (Category 1)
- Training Sample 3: FCC Form 471 (Category 2)
- Follow the step-by-step guides offered in the instructional video series for FCC Form 471 and creating a contract record.
- Review the steps in the application process:
Session 2: Establish a Consortium - Recording and Slide Deck Available
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
Overview: This session provides an overview of the different roles and responsibilities for the consortium leader and members. After the presentation, we will conduct a live Q&A session.
In advance of the training, you may email questions to TribalTraining@usac.org.
We recommend that you also review:
- Learn more about Consortia
Session 3: Office Hours for Tribal E-Rate Applicants - Recording and Slide Deck Available
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
Overview: This session provides an opportunity for Tribal E-Rate applicants and consultants to ask the USAC E-Rate team questions regarding the FY2022 E-Rate competitive bidding and funding application process and the recent E-Rate Tribal training sessions.
In advance of the training, you may email questions to TribalTraining@usac.org.
Session 4: Office Hours for Tribal E-Rate Applicants - Recording and Slide Deck Available
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Overview: This session provides an opportunity for Tribal E-Rate applicants and consultants to ask the USAC E-Rate team questions regarding the FY2022 E-Rate funding application process and the recent E-Rate Tribal training sessions.
In advance of the training, you may email questions to TribalTraining@usac.org.
FY2022 E-Rate Tribal Training Series (February/March 2022)
February 3, 2022
Overview: In this two hour session, we presented an overview of the E-Rate program and covered general topics such as the application process, the competitive bidding requirements, important program terms, eligibility, and program discounts. Additionally, we focused on the recently adopted Federal Communications Commission (FCC) order that amended the definition of library in the FCC’s rules to clarify that Tribal libraries are eligible for support through the E-Rate program.
To prepare for the webinar, we recommend that you review the E-Rate program’s website:
- Brand new to E-Rate?
- Learn how to Get Started.
- Explore the Application Process.
- Download the Registration Checklist for New Tribal Libraries.
You may email questions to TribalTraining@usac.org.
February 8, 2022
- Watch a Recording
- Slide Deck
- Training Sample 1: FCC Form 470
- Training Sample 2: FCC Form 471 (Category 1)
- Training Sample 3: FCC Form 471 (Category 2)
Overview: In response to a popular request, we adjusted the agenda for this session to provide an introductory overview of eligible equipment and services and walked through three training samples for FCC Forms 470 and 471.
- Recommended for: Tribal E-Rate Applicants
- E-Rate Experience Level: All levels
To prepare for the webinar, we recommend that you review the E-Rate program’s website:
- FCC Form 470 Filing EPC System Guide FY2022 (PDF).
- FCC Form 470 Services Guiding Statements Reference Table (FY2022) (PDF).
- Learn more about the FCC Form 470 and Eligible Services.
- Review the steps in the application process:
- Step 1: Competitive Bidding.
- Step 2: Selecting a Service Provider.
- Follow the step-by-step guides offered in the instructional video series for FCC Form 470.
You may email questions to TribalTraining@usac.org.
Session 3: Office Hours for Tribal E-Rate Applicants - Recording and Slide Deck Available
February 15, 2022
- Watch a Recording
- Slide Deck (contains a list of FAQs answered during the recorded session)
Overview: This session provides an opportunity for Tribal E-Rate applicants and consultants to ask the USAC E-Rate team questions regarding the FY2022 E-Rate funding application process and the recent E-Rate Tribal training sessions.
You may email questions to TribalTraining@usac.org.
March 8, 2022
Overview: Join us for the second webinar in the series designed to walk applicants through an FY2022 FCC Form 471. It will include a step-by-step demonstration of filing the form and a Q&A session.
- Recommended for: Tribal E-Rate Applicants
- E-Rate Experience Level: All levels
To prepare for the webinar, we recommend that you review the E-Rate program’s website:
- Brand new to E-Rate? Learn how to Get Started.
- Learn about FCC Form 471.
- Review the steps in the application process:
- Step 3: Applying for Discounts
- Follow the step-by-step guides offered in the instructional video series for FCC Form 471
- Download the E-Rate Program FCC Form 471 Submission Checklist
You may email questions to TribalTraining@usac.org.
Session 5: Office Hours for Tribal E-Rate Applicants - Recording and Slide Deck Available
March 15, 2022
Overview: This session provides an opportunity for Tribal applicants and consultants to ask the USAC E-Rate team questions regarding the FY2022 E-Rate funding application process and the recent E-Rate Tribal training sessions.
You may email questions to TribalTraining@usac.org.
Tribal Training (November 9, 2021)
E-Rate Program Overview for Tribal Schools and Libraries
Tuesday, November 9, 2021
In this session, we will present an overview of the E-Rate program. This session will cover general topics, such as the application process, the competitive bidding requirements, important program terms, eligibility, and program discounts. Additionally, we will review specific items of interest to Tribal participants, including the Tribal designation box in the EPC entity profile, and State/Tribal matching funds.
E-Rate Training Series (November 16-18, 2021)
Tuesday, November 16, 2021
During this webinar, we will provide a high-level overview of the application process from beginning to end and explain basic program concepts for applicants and service providers. After the presentation, we will conduct a Q&A session.
Recommended for: Applicants and service providers
E-Rate experience level: Beginner
E-Rate Pre-Commitment Process **Reproduced**
Tuesday, November 16, 2021
During this webinar, we will discuss the E-Rate Pre-Commitment Process (getting started, competitive bidding, applying for discounts, and Program Integrity Assurance (PIA) review). After the presentation, we will conduct a Q&A session.
Recommended for: Applicants and service providers
E-Rate experience level: Beginner
*Due to technical issues, the Pre-Commitment Process webinar was reproduced.
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
During this webinar, we will provide a basic overview of E-Rate eligible services. After the presentation, we will conduct a Q&A session.
Recommended for: Applicants and service providers
E-Rate experience level: Beginner
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
During this webinar, we will discuss Category Two (C2) budgets. We will provide an overview of C2 budgets and C2 budget guidance for FY2022. After the presentation, we will conduct a Q&A session.
Recommended for: Applicants and service providers
E-Rate experience level: All
Thursday, November 18, 2021
During this webinar, we will discuss the EPC administrative window – the period during which applicants can make updates to their profile information in the E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) to prepare for the upcoming FCC Form 471 application filing window. After the presentation, we will conduct a Q&A session.
Recommended for: Applicants
E-Rate experience level: All
E-Rate Post-Commitment Process
Thursday, November 18, 2021
During this webinar, we will discuss the E-Rate Post-Commitment Process and other post-commitment activities, including starting services, the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), service substitutions, appeals, and more. After the presentation, we will conduct a Q&A session.
Recommended for: Applicants and service providers
E-Rate experience level: All
Tribal Training (December 14, 2021)
Post-Training FAQ Session for Tribal Applicants
Tuesday, December 14, 2021
This session provides an opportunity for Tribal applicants to ask the USAC E-Rate team questions regarding the Funding Year (FY) 2022 E-Rate funding application process and the recent E-Rate Tribal and E-Rate training sessions.
In advance of this session, you may email questions to tribaltraining@usac.org.
Below is a list of selected sessions from two recorded training series for Tribal Applicants held in 2020 and early 2021. Check the Webinars page for more recorded trainings.
Virtual Information Series for Tribal Applicants (July/August 2020)
Best Practices Shared by Tribal Schools (Community-Led Discussion)
August 5, 2020
Guest Moderator: Kara Bobroff, A Professional in Native Education
Overview
During this session, Tribal schools had the opportunity to discuss key E-Rate topics, issues, challenges, and practical solutions. USAC provided a brief overview of the competitive bidding rules.
Best Practices Shared by Tribal Libraries (Community-Led Discussion)
August 6, 2020
Guest Moderator: Cindy Hohl, President, American Indian Library Association
Overview
During this session, Tribal libraries had the opportunity to discuss key topics, issues, challenges, and practical solutions with USAC and other program participants. USAC provided a brief overview of the competitive bidding rules.
FCC Form 470 and 471 Walkthrough Series for Tribal Applicants (February/March 2021)
FCC Form 470 Walkthrough Webinar
February 9, 2021
Overview
Join us for the first webinar in the series designed to walk applicants through the steps for filing an FY2021 FCC Form 470. The webinar will include a step-by-step demonstration of filing the form and will be followed by a Q&A session.
- Recommended for: Tribal E-Rate Applicants
- E-Rate Experience Level: All levels
To prepare for the webinar, we recommend that you review the E-Rate program’s website:
- Brand new to E-Rate? Learn how to Get Started.
- Learn more about the FCC Form 470 and Eligible Services.
- Review the steps in the application process:
- Step 1: Competitive Bidding
- Step 2: Selecting a Service Provider
- Follow the step-by-step guides offered in the instructional video series for FCC Form 470.
- Subscribe to the weekly Schools and Libraries (E-Rate) program News Brief. It provides tips to help you through the application process and other timely information.
- SL News Brief: January 8, 2021
- SL News Brief: January 15, 2021
FCC Form 471 Walkthrough Webinar
March 9, 2021
Overview
Join us for the second webinar in the series designed to walk applicants through an FY2021 FCC Form 471. It will include a step-by-step demonstration of filing the form and a Q&A session.
- Recommended for: Tribal E-Rate Applicants
- E-Rate Experience Level: All levels
To prepare for the webinar, we recommend that you review the E-rate program’s website:
- Brand new to E-Rate? Learn how to Get Started.
- Learn about FCC Form 471.
- Review the steps in the application process:
- Step 3: Applying for Discounts
- Follow the step-by-step guides offered in the instructional video series for FCC Form 471.
Resources
- Ready to apply? See the E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) page for more information.
- Subscribe to the monthly E-Rate News Brief and the E-Rate Tribal e-Newsletter to receive valuable deadline reminders, prompts for the monthly call, and training announcements.
- Visit the Videos page to watch step-by-step tutorials.
- Register for a webinar or watch a recording on our Webinars page.
- View the Tribal Training presentations archive.
- Visit the USAC Tribal Nations page.
- Are you a Tribally-owned service provider? See the service provider process for more information.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or comments, please contact USAC Tribal Liaison.