Announcements
November 30, 2023
EPC Will Be Unavailable from 12/1 to 12/2 for System Upgrade
USAC will be performing an upgrade to the E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) starting December 1 at 7 p.m. EST and finishing on December 2 at 10 a.m. EST. The system will be unavailable during this upgrade.
November 7, 2023
E-Rate Systems Consolidation: EPC Available for All Users
USAC completed the E-Rate systems consolidation on November 7 to move the E-Rate Legacy systems into the E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC), including all invoicing functionality. All processing in EPC may now resume including submission of FCC Form 472/BEAR, FCC Form 473/SPAC, and FCC Form 474/SPI. For more information, see the November 7, 2023 E-Rate News Brief Special Edition.
November 3, 2023
E-Rate Systems Consolidation – EPC Outage November 3-7, 2023
The E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) will be unavailable for all users from 12:00 p.m. ET today, November 3, until 9:00 a.m. ET on November 7, 2023 while USAC consolidates its SL Legacy systems into EPC. Read the October 12, 2023 Special Edition E-Rate News Brief to learn more.
October 24, 2023
E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) Outage Due to System Maintenance: October 25
Due to emergency networking maintenance, the E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) CGR application will be down between 9 pm and 10 pm EST.
October 11, 2023
EPC Admin Window Opens
The administrative window is the period during which applicants can make updates to their entity profile information in EPC to prepare for the upcoming FCC Form 471 application filing window. The administrative window opens Tuesday, October 24 and will close shortly before the FY2024 application filing window opens early in 2024 when applicant entity profiles will be locked
October 1, 2023
E-Rate Systems Consolidation
USAC is consolidating its E-Rate SL Legacy systems into the E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC). All E-Rate invoicing related forms – the FCC Forms 472 (Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement (BEAR)), 473 (Service Provider Annual Certification (SPAC)), and 474 (Service Provider Invoice (SPI) and (eSPI)) – will be moved into EPC as part of this consolidation effort. System cutover from the SL Legacy systems into EPC is expected to occur between October 30, 2023 and November 7, 2023.
For more detail, please see the Special Edition News Brief of September 14, 2023
September 27, 2023
Upcoming E-Rate Systems Consolidation Webinars
USAC will be hosting an E-Rate systems consolidation Training Overview webinars in October to introduce upcoming changes, prepare you for the transition, and guide you through steps you can take now to prepare for the transition from the SL Legacy invoicing systems to EPC.
E-Rate Systems Consolidation Training Overview Webinar: October 4, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT
USAC will also host “Office Hours” webinars targeted to audience groups (applicants and service providers) that will also be used to answer attendee questions.
Office Hours Webinars – Applicant Sessions
- Session 1: October 11, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT
- Session 2: October 18, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT
- Session 3: October 25, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT
- Session 4: November 8, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT
- Session 5: November 15, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT
Office Hours Webinars – Service Provider Sessions
- Session 1: October 11, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM EDT
- Session 2: October 18, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM EDT
- Session 3: October 25, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM EDT
- Session 4: November 8, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM EDT
- Session 5: November 15, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM EDT
For more detail on E-Rate Systems Consolidation, please see the Special Edition News Brief of September 14, 2023
September 27, 2023
USAC Announces E-Rate 2023 Fall Training Schedule
USAC has confirmed the E-Rate Fall 2023 Training dates for applicants and service providers that wish to learn more about the program and how to participate. The training sessions will once again be virtual, and registration for each session is now available. Click on the links below for each session to register for that specific training. The sessions are for E-Rate program participants at all levels and will include opportunities to ask questions. Eligible Services training will be scheduled once the FY2024 Eligible Services List is released.
E-Rate Program Overview October 3, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT
E-Rate Pre-Commitment Process October 5, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT
Eligible Services 101 October 12, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT
Category Two Budgets October 17, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT
EPC Administrative Window October 19, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT
E-Rate Post-Commitment Process November 7, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT
Invoicing November 9, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT
September 13, 2023
E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) Outage Due to System Maintenance: September 17-18
The E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) and the EPC training site will be unavailable from Sunday, September 17 at 7:00 p.m. ET through Monday, September 18 at 1:00 a.m. ET for monthly system maintenance. During this time, users will be unable to log in to and use EPC. We apologize for any inconvenience.
September 11, 2023
Legacy System and E-File Outage Due to System Maintenance: September 15-16
The Schools and Libraries (E-Rate) Program legacy systems and E-File will be unavailable from 9:00 p.m. ET on Friday, September 15 through 12:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 16 for system maintenance. During this time, users will be unable to file invoices and use some of the search tools. The BEAR training site will also be unavailable. We apologize for any inconvenience.
NOTE: The E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) will not be affected by this maintenance.
September 5, 2023
Hurricane Idalia Response
On September 1, 2023, the FCC released Order DA 23-805, waiving certain Affordable Connectivity Program, Emergency Connectivity Fund, E-Rate, High Cost, Lifeline, Rural Health Care, and Universal Service Fund contributors rules and deadlines to assist program participants and providers located in areas affected by Hurricane Idalia. To learn more, see Order DA 23-805.
August 18, 2023
Hawaii Wildfires Response
On August 18, 2023, the FCC released Order DA 23-723, waiving certain Affordable Connectivity Program, Lifeline, E-Rate, Emergency Connectivity Fund, Rural Health Care, High Cost and Universal Service Fund contributors rules and deadlines to assist program participants and providers located in the State of Hawaii in areas affected by the wildfires. To learn more, see Order DA 23-723.
August 16, 2023
E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) Outage Due to System Maintenance: August 20-21
The E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) and the EPC training site will be unavailable from Sunday, August 20 at 7:00 p.m. ET through Monday, August 21 at 1:00 a.m. ET for monthly system maintenance. During this time, users will be unable to log in to and use EPC. We apologize for any inconvenience.
August 14, 2023
Legacy System and E-File Outage Due to System Maintenance: August 18-19
The Schools and Libraries (E-Rate) Program legacy systems and E-File will be unavailable from 9:00 p.m. ET on Friday, August 18 through 12:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, August 19 for system maintenance. During this time, users will be unable to file invoices and use some of the search tools. The BEAR training site will also be unavailable. We apologize for any inconvenience.
NOTE: The E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) will not be affected by this maintenance.
July 20, 2023
Filing the FCC Form 470 and the Competitive Bidding Process Webinar-July 27
The purpose of this webinar is to provide E-Rate participants with information on how to file the FCC Form 470 and about the competitive bidding process. This webinar is for applicants and service providers of all levels of E-Rate experience, with emphasis towards beginner level participants. Register
July 19, 2023
E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) Outage Due to System Maintenance: July 23-24
The E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) and the EPC training site will be unavailable from Sunday, July 23 at 7:00 p.m. ET through Monday, July 24 at 1:00 a.m. ET for monthly system maintenance. During this time, users will be unable to log in to and use EPC. We apologize for any inconvenience.
July 10, 2023
Legacy System and E-File Outage Due to System Maintenance: July 14-15
The Schools and Libraries (E-Rate) Program legacy systems and E-File will be unavailable from 9:00 p.m. ET on Friday, July 14 through 12:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 15 for system maintenance. During this time, users will be unable to file invoices and use some of the search tools. The BEAR training site will also be unavailable. We apologize for any inconvenience.
NOTE: The E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) will not be affected by this maintenance.
July 6, 2023
E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) Outage Due to System Maintenance: July 7- 8
The E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) will be unavailable from Friday, July 7 at 10:00 p.m. ET through Saturday, July 8 at 10:00 a.m. ET. During this time, users will be unable to log in to and use EPC. We apologize for any inconvenience.
July 6, 2023
USAC Relationship with Program Consultants
Some Universal Service Fund program applicants choose to employ consultants during the program application process. Please be advised that USAC does not affiliate or endorse individual consultants to support Universal Service Fund program applicants. Consultants who work with USF program applicants may not state or imply that their services are endorsed or recommended by USAC. If you have questions about USAC programs and the resources available to support applicants, please visit the program homepages.
June 30, 2023
Typhoon Mawar Response
On June 30, 2023, the FCC released Order DA 23-571, waiving various provisions of the Lifeline, Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), E-Rate, Rural Health Care (RHC), and High Cost rules for those FCC programs’ participants and for USF contributors located in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands in response to the damage caused by Typhoon Mawar. To learn more, see FCC Order DA 23-571.
June 29, 2023
FY2024 FCC Form 470 will be Available in EPC on July 1
The FY2024 FCC Form 470, which starts the competitive bidding process, will be available July 1 in the E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC). Applicants with long procurement cycles or other reasons for starting their FY2024 competitive bidding processes early will be able to complete and certify this form as soon as it is available in EPC. The FY2024 FCC Form 470 remains unchanged from last year. Visit the June News Brief for more information.
June 21, 2023
Legacy System and E-File Outage Due to System Maintenance: June 23-24
The Schools and Libraries (E-Rate) Program legacy systems and E-File will be unavailable from 9:00 p.m. ET on Friday, June 23 through 12:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 24 for system maintenance. During this time, users will be unable to file invoices and use some of the search tools. The BEAR training site will also be unavailable. We apologize for any inconvenience.
NOTE: The E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) will not be affected by this maintenance.
June 21, 2023
E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) Outage Due to System Maintenance: June 25-26
The E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) and the EPC training site will be unavailable from Sunday, June 25 at 7:00 p.m. ET through Monday, June 26 at 1:00 a.m. ET for monthly system maintenance. During this time, users will be unable to log in to and use EPC. We apologize for any inconvenience.
June 19, 2023
FY2023 Invoicing Begins on July 1
After USAC has processed your FCC Form 486 you or your service provider can begin the process of invoicing USAC for the discounted share of costs for the approved eligible equipment and services. See the May 2022 E-Rate News Brief for tips on getting ready for invoicing. View the February 10, 2022 webinar slides to learn more about the invoicing process and for key reminders.
June 19, 2023
Request a Service Delivery Deadline Extension by June 30 if You Will Not Complete Special Construction Required to Light or Use Your Fiber
If your special construction required to light or use your fiber will NOT be complete in the relevant funding year, applicants must file an FCC Form 500 by June 30 to request this one-year service delivery extension. See the FAQS: Eligible Fiber Services for additional information.
June 16, 2023
Complete and Certify Any In-Process FY2023 FCC Forms 470 by June 23
Some applicants currently have uncertified FY2023 FCC Forms 470 within the EPC system. In order to prepare for the deployment of the FY2024 FCC Form 470 on July 1, USAC must delete uncertified FY2023 FCC Forms 470 at the end of this month.
Any applicant who wants to rely on an uncertified FY2023 FCC Form 470 that is currently in the EPC system should certify that form no later than June 23. The FY2023 FCC Form 470 will then be posted to USAC’s website and can then still be cited, for example, to open a competitive bidding process for FY2024.
June 15, 2023
Beginning E-Rate Services Webinar: June 27
USAC will host a Beginning E-Rate Services webinar June 27. This session gives applicants and service providers a high-level overview of the next steps in the E-Rate process, after equipment and services are funded. This webinar is recommended for E-Rate participants at all levels. Register.
June 13, 2023
Resolved: USAC Call Center Outage
USAC has restored the phone service at the Customer Service Centers for E-Rate, the Emergency Connectivity Fund, High Cost, and Rural Health Care.