As Funding Year 2025 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026) draws to a close and FY 2026 begins, e2e Exchange is here to keep your institution on track with critical deadlines, reimbursement processes, and exciting new funding opportunities. Staying proactive with E-Rate compliance helps maximize your funding and avoid delays.
Filing BEAR Reimbursements for FY 2025
e2e has emailed your FY 2025 BEAR Expenditure documents covering monthly internet expenses from July 2025 through June 2026.
Action Required: Please send us copies of all 12 monthly invoices (including every page). We will calculate the eligible amounts and file for your maximum reimbursement, which will be deposited directly into your account once approved by USAC.
Tip: As soon as your June 2026 invoice arrives, email everything to your e2e representative. The faster we receive your documents, the sooner you’ll receive your reimbursement.
Category Two Projects for FY 2025
Have you completed your approved Category Two projects? For non-recurring services, you have until September 30, 2026 to finish.
Send your invoices to e2e immediately so we can file your BEAR reimbursement requests without delay.
FY 2026 Updates: What to Expect Now
PIA Requests USAC is actively reviewing applications. Any Program Integrity Assurance (PIA) requests will come to e2e as the main contact on your application. We handle all responses on your behalf and will reach out only if we need additional information from you.
Funding Commitment Decision Letters (FCDLs) As soon as USAC issues your FCDL, e2e will notify you and send a copy for your records. We file Form 486 immediately upon receipt.
Choose Your Invoicing Method Confirm whether you prefer SPI (Service Provider Invoice) or BEAR (Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement) as soon as possible for smooth processing.
Important Action Required: Add Your SAM.gov UEI to Form 498
USAC now requires all applicants to obtain a SAM.gov Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and add it to their FCC Form 498 in the EPC Portal.
Steps to Complete:
- Register (or update) your organization in SAM.gov, including your bank account information.
- Ensure your Tax ID Number (TIN) matches the one used for your FCC Registration Number.
- Once your UEI is active, log into EPC and update your Form 498.
Note: SAM.gov registration must be renewed annually. e2e cannot complete this on your behalf, but our team is happy to answer any questions.
E-Rate 101 Presentation – Brush Up on the Program
e2e Exchange offers a helpful online E-Rate 101 presentation that covers program basics, timelines, and the new Category Two budget cycle. It’s a great resource for staff, administrators, and new team members. Contact your e2e specialist to access it.
Cybersecurity Pilot Program Funding Updates
The FCC has issued six waves of Funding Commitment Decision Letters for the Cybersecurity Pilot Program, committing approximately $102 million.
As an e2e client, you’ll receive copies of any FCDLs related to your applications. Reach out to your account specialist with any questions about your status.
Recent FCC Announcements
New E-Rate Competitive Bidding Portal (Starting FY 2028) On April 30, 2026, the FCC adopted changes that will streamline the program. A new centralized bidding portal launches for Funding Year 2028 (Form 470s filed on or after July 1, 2027).
Key benefits include centralized bid management, simplified documentation, and fulfillment of the 10-year record retention requirement directly in the portal.
Other Simplifications:
- Form 486 eliminated (CIPA compliance moves to Form 471)
- Easier 120-day invoice deadline extensions
- Mid-year bandwidth increase options via service substitution
- Clearer rules for disqualifying incomplete “spam” bids
New Category Two Budget Multipliers for FY 2026–2030 The FCC announced significant increases:
- Smaller schools/libraries: Funding floor rises from $25,000 to $30,175
- Tribal libraries: Funding floor rises from $55,000 to $66,385
- Schools: Multiplier increases from $167 to $201.57 per student
- Libraries: Multiplier increases from $4.50 to $5.43 per square foot
These changes represent a 20.7% inflation-adjusted increase. Applicants must validate enrollment or square footage in the first year of the cycle to lock in the budget for five years.
FY 2026 Funding Updates
Wave 7 of FCDLs was issued on June 11, 2026, bringing total commitments for FY 2026 to over $1.1 billion. USAC estimates total requests around $3.5 billion. e2e continues to track and forward all relevant FCDLs to our clients.
How Is e2e Exchange Doing?
Your feedback matters! We are committed to delivering exceptional E-Rate support and building long-term partnerships. If there’s anything we can improve or if you have questions about our service, please reach out. We value your input as we strive to exceed your expectations.
About e2e Exchange, LLC
e2e Exchange, LLC specializes in E-Rate compliance, application management, and consulting for schools and libraries nationwide. Our experienced team handles the complexities of the program so you can focus on what matters most—connecting students and communities with reliable technology.
Contact e2e Exchange today to discuss your FY 2026 needs, reimbursement filing, or any E-Rate questions. Let us help you maximize your funding!
