Tribal Training
USAC created the Tribal Training initiative to help Schools and Libraries (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.
Determine and Designate Your Entity’s Tribal Status
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.
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Monthly Teleconference
Trainings
Resources
Contact Us
Monthly Teleconference
The E-rate program hosts a monthly teleconference for Tribal E-rate program applicants to discuss special topics, share program updates, and ask any questions.
Monthly calls are generally held at 4:00 p.m. ET on the second Tuesday of each month, unless otherwise noted below. Contact the USAC Tribal Liaison for the call-in information and agenda.
2021 Q4 Schedule
- October 12, 2021 (Canceled)
- November 9, 2021 (Register for Tribal Training)
- December 14, 20201
Trainings
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all events will be virtual.
Upcoming Training Schedule
USAC routinely hosts free live online training events on E-rate topics. Check the Webinars page for the schedule.
Tribal Training (November 9, 2021)
E-rate Program Overview for Tribal Schools and Libraries
Tuesday, November 9, 2021
4 p.m. ET
Register
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
1 p.m. ET
Register
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
Tuesday, November 16, 2021
3 p.m. ET
Register
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
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
1 p.m. ET
Register
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
3 p.m. ET
Register
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
1 p.m. ET
Register
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
3 p.m. ET
Register
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
Recorded Trainings
Below is a list of selected sessions from two recorded training series for Tribal Applicants. 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
4:00 p.m. ET
Watch a recording
Webinar slides
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
4:00 p.m. ET
Watch a recording
Webinar slides
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 weekly SL News Brief and the SL Tribal Training 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, Kraynal Alfred.
