October 27, 2021

Registration Now Open for Fall 2021 Training

For this year's fall training season, USAC will offer a series of online sessions for Schools and Libraries (E-rate) Program participants, including Tribal applicants, from Tuesday, November 16, 2021 through Thursday, November 18, 2021. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are unable to offer in-person training events.

Each day of our three-day training event will include two one-hour webinars, starting at 1:00 p.m. ET and running through 4:00 p.m. ET, with one-hour breaks between training sessions. If you are unable to attend the live session, a recording will be available using the registration link.

Registration for training is now open. Review the full schedule and register for training on the E-rate Webinars page.

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

• 1:00 p.m. ET: E-rate Program Overview
   Recommended for: Applicants and service providers
   E-rate experience level: Beginner

During this webinar, we will provide a high-level overview of the 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.

• 3:00 p.m. ET: E-rate Pre-Commitment Process
   Recommended for: Applicants and service providers
   E-rate experience level: Beginner

During this webinar, we will discuss the E-rate Pre-Commitment Process (getting started, competitive bidding, applying for discounts, and Program Integrity Assurance (PIA) review). After the presentation, we will conduct a Q&A session.

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

• 1:00 p.m. ET: Eligible Services 101
   Recommended for: Applicants and service providers
   E-rate experience level: Beginner

During this webinar, we will provide an overview of E-rate eligible services. After the presentation, we will conduct a Q&A session.

• 3:00 p.m. ET: Category Two Budgets
   Recommended for: Applicants and service providers of all experience levels

During this webinar, we will discuss Category Two (C2) budgets. We will provide an overview of C2 budgets and C2 budget guidance for Funding Year (FY) 2022. After the presentation, we will conduct a Q&A session.

Thursday, November 18, 2021

• 1:00 p.m. ET: EPC Administrative Window
   Recommended for: Applicants of all experience levels

During this webinar, we will discuss the administrative window – the period during which applicants can make updates to their profile information in the E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) to prepare for the upcoming FCC Form 471 application filing window for Funding Year (FY) 2022. After the presentation, we will conduct a Q&A session.

• 3:00 p.m. ET: E-rate Post-Commitment Process
   Recommended for: Applicants and service providers of all experience levels

During this webinar, we will discuss the E-rate Post-Commitment Process (starting services and invoicing) and other post-commitment activities (service substitutions, appeals, and more). After the presentation, we will conduct a Q&A session.

More Upcoming E-rate Events

Additional online training sessions will occur to provide participants, including Tribal applicants, with the guidance needed to get ready for the FY 2022 application filing window and other program activities. This will include more webinars, office hour webinars, and video tutorials. We will notify participants of these training opportunities in upcoming editions of the SL News Brief.

E-rate Program Overview for Tribal Schools and Libraries

Tuesday, November 9, 2021
4:00 p.m. ET
Register

In this session, we will present an overview of the E-rate program. This session will cover general topics, such as the application process, the competitive bidding requirements, important program terms, eligibility, and program discounts. Additionally, we will review specific items of interest to Tribal participants, including the Tribal designation box in the EPC entity profile, and State/Tribal matching funds.

New Supply Chain Guidance and Training

New Supply Chain Guidance Now Live on USAC.org

Participants of the universal service programs, as well as the COVID-19 Broadband Programs, are being called on to do their part to help ensure the integrity of our communications networks and the communications supply chain.

USAC updated the Supply Chain webpage to include three new pages: COVID-19 Broadband Programs, Audits, and FAQs.

Beginning in Q1 2022, USAC will conduct supply chain audits to determine USF recipients’ compliance with these new supply chain rules. USAC will select a sample of service providers and program participants to audit. These audits will continue on a rolling basis over the next few years and will be separate from BCAP audits or PQA assessments.

USAC also created Supply Chain FAQs to provide clarity around commonly asked questions. USAC will update this section as new FAQs become available.

You’re Invited: Supply Chain Audit Webinar – November 9

USAC will host a supply chain audit webinar. This session will be held on Tuesday, November 9 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. ET. Participants will have the opportunity to ask any questions they have that relate to the supply chain audit process. The webinar will cover the following topics:

• Program participant responsibilities
• USAC’s role and responsibilities
• Our audit approach
• How to prepare for these audits

The webinar is free and open to anyone; registration is required. Register here.

The supply chain certification process is ever-evolving, and it is the responsibility of participating providers to stay up-to-date on this topic and to comply with the supply chain rules.

For additional supply chain details and background, please review the Supply Chain webpage.