September 6, 2024
Fall Training – E-Rate Program Overview
On September 16, 2024 from 2:00-3:30 PM E.T., USAC will provide a high-level overview of the E-Rate 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. Register.
August 30, 2024
Requesting Service Delivery Deadline Extensions for FY2023 Non-Recurring Services (Other Than Special Construction)
The deadline for delivery and installation of non-recurring services (e.g., installations, equipment purchases) is September 30 following the close of the funding year. For FY2023, the deadline for non-recurring services, other than special construction, is Monday, September 30, 2024.
This service delivery deadline (SDD) can be extended for up to one year, under certain circumstances, through an extension request. In some cases, the extension will be automatically made based on the Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL) date or the revised FCDL (RFCDL) date.
Requesting extensions
Service providers who are (1) unable to meet their service delivery deadline for reasons beyond their control such as supply chain delays or are (2) unwilling to complete delivery and installation because USAC withheld invoice payments on the services for more than 60 days can ask the affected applicants to request a one-year extension with USAC, which must be approved.
Applicants can request the one-year extension by completing and certifying an FCC Form 500 (Funding Commitment Adjustment Request Form) on or before September 30, 2024 for FY2023 non-recurring services. If your service delivery deadline for a Funding Request Number (FRN) is approved and the deadline extended to September 30, 2025, USAC will automatically extend the invoice deadline for that FRN to January 28, 2026. There is no need to submit an invoice deadline date (IDD) extension request for an extended FRN when submitting an SDD extension request. If you do submit an IDD extension request at the same time, it will count towards your one-time invoicing extension, and you will not be able to request a second IDD extension request in the future if you need it.
If, as a service provider, you are aware of the need to request an SDD extension, work with your customer (the applicant) to get the FCC Form 500 completed and certified no later than September 30, 2024.
Automatic extensions
If USAC issues an FY2023 FCDL on or after March 1, 2024, the SDD is automatically extended for one year to September 30, 2025. This also applies to RFCDLs issued on or after March 1, 2024, for one of the following:
- Approval of an appeal for a funding request that originally denied or reduced funding,
- Approval of a Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN) change, or
- Approval of a service or equipment substitution.
The FCDL or RFCDL contains the extended SDD date when it is issued. You can also find the SDD by searching for the FRN using the E-Rate FRN Status Tool FY2016+.
August 30, 2024
Summer Deferral Period Ends September 6
Our summer deferral contact period is defined as the Friday before Memorial Day through the Friday after Labor Day. For 2024, the summer deferral contact period began May 24 and will end Friday, September 6. If participants are unable to respond during this period, the form or request is placed in a deferred status until the deferral period ends, at which time we will continue our regular review process. USAC will make additional attempts to contact applicants and will then continue the review with the information provided, which may result in a reduction or denial of funding.
