Stay ahead of the latest E-Rate developments. The FCC and USAC continue to roll out important updates for Funding Year 2026 and beyond. Here’s everything schools and libraries need to know right now.
USAC Review Process & Funding Commitments
USAC is actively reviewing all E-Rate applications for FY 2026. When questions arise, they issue Program Integrity Assurance (PIA) requests. e2e Exchange serves as the primary contact and handles all responses on behalf of their clients.
Good news: USAC has already released three funding waves, committing over $1 billion in E-Rate funding so far. As soon as your Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL) is issued, you will be notified immediately.
ACTION REQUIRED: Add Your SAM.gov UEI to Form 498
This is one of the most important updates for all E-Rate applicants:
- All applicants must now obtain a SAM.gov Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and add it to their FCC Form 498 in the EPC Portal.
- If you haven’t registered yet, complete the process in SAM.gov (including bank account information).
- Important: Use the same Tax ID Number (TIN) as your FCC Registration Number.
- SAM.gov registration must be renewed annually.
Tip: e2e Exchange cannot complete this on your behalf, but their team is available to answer questions.
FY 2025 Category Two Projects & BEAR Reimbursements
- Have you completed your approved Category Two projects for Funding Year 2025? Send your invoices to your E-Rate consultant immediately for BEAR reimbursement filing.
- e2e Exchange will soon email FY 2025 BEAR Expenditure documents. Please submit all 12 monthly invoices (July 2025 – June 2026) as soon as your final June invoice arrives.
The faster you submit documentation, the faster you receive your reimbursement.
Major FCC Announcements
1. New E-Rate Competitive Bidding Portal (Coming FY 2028) On April 30, 2026, the FCC adopted a Report and Order that introduces a centralized E-Rate Bidding Portal. Starting with Form 470s filed after July 1, 2027, all competitive bidding will move through this portal. Key benefits include:
- All bids, questions, and contracts uploaded in one place
- Automatic satisfaction of the 10-year document retention requirement
- Elimination of Form 486 (CIPA certification moves to Form 471)
- Easier 120-day invoice deadline extensions
2. New Category Two Budget Multipliers for FY 2026–2030 The FCC announced significant increases to Category Two budgets:
Funding Floors:
- Smaller schools/libraries: $30,175 (up from $25,000)
- Tribal libraries: $66,385 (up from $55,000)
Budget Multipliers:
- Schools & districts: $201.57 per student (up from $167)
- Libraries: $5.43 per square foot (up from $4.50)
This represents a 20.7% inflation-adjusted increase. Note: You must validate student enrollment or square footage in the first year of the new cycle.
Cybersecurity Pilot Program Update
The FCC has issued five waves of funding commitment letters, committing approximately $80 million. e2e Exchange tracks all FCDLs and forwards them to applicants.
How Can We Help?
At e2e Exchange, we specialize in maximizing E-Rate funding while minimizing administrative burden for schools and libraries nationwide. Our team handles PIA responses, BEAR filings, FCDL tracking, and stays on top of every FCC rule change.
Ready to optimize your E-Rate strategy?
Contact e2e Exchange today:
- Email: erate@e2eexchange.com
- Phone: (315) 422-7608
- Website: www.e2eexchange.com
