Today, July 1, 2025, the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) activated the Form 470 filing feature in the E-rate Productivity Center (EPC), officially opening the door for schools and libraries to begin the competitive bidding process for E-rate Funding Year 2026.
Why This Matters
The release of the Form 470 tool marks the start of the new E-rate funding cycle, allowing applicants to:
- Request competitive bids for eligible services, including internet access, data transmission, and internal connections.
- Comply with the mandatory 28-day bidding period required before selecting service providers and submitting Form 471 funding requests.
- Strategically plan for networking upgrades, especially in light of evolving needs around cybersecurity, Wi-Fi capacity, and digital equity.
Who Filed First?
The first Form 470 for FY2026 was submitted this morning by Tucson International Academy in Tucson, AZ. Their application officially kicks off what is expected to be a highly active and competitive funding season.
What’s New This Year
While the basic structure of the Form 470 remains consistent, applicants should keep an eye out for:
- Updated dropdown menus and service categories, reflecting changes in eligibility or clarifying terminology.
- Behind-the-scenes improvements aimed at reducing submission errors and streamlining reviews.
- Ongoing discussions at the FCC about broader E-rate modernization and cybersecurity eligibility, which may shape future filings.
What Applicants Should Do Now
- Begin preparing procurement documents and draft RFPs, if applicable.
- Log in to EPC to review entity profiles and confirm that contact information is accurate.
- Consult with stakeholders, including IT, finance, and procurement teams, to align purchasing timelines with E-rate requirements.
Looking Ahead
The release of the Form 470 is the first major milestone in the FY2026 E-rate cycle. Funds For Learning encourages applicants to take advantage of the extended planning window, especially for large-scale projects or complex procurements.
For additional tools, including our Category 2 budget calculator and applicant guides, visit:
www.fundsforlearning.com/resources.
