November 6, 2020

TIP OF THE WEEK: The Client Service Bureau (CSB) has identified common concerns or problems that users encounter when logging in to the E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) and other USAC IT systems. USAC created a new Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) web page to help users understand MFA and troubleshoot system access issues. If your technical issue isn't resolved after using our tips to solve common problems, please call CSB at (888) 203-8100 for assistance.

Commitments for Funding Year (FY) 2020 and FY2019

FY2020. USAC released FY2020 Wave 28 Funding Commitment Decision Letters (FCDLs) on November 5. As of November 6, FY2020 commitments total over $1.86 billion.

FY2019. USAC released FY2019 Wave 77 FCDLs on November 4. As of November 6, FY2019 commitments total over $2.42 billion.

On the date that FCDLs are issued, you can access your FCDL notification from the Notifications section of your landing page in the E-rate Productivity Center (EPC).

Fall 2020 Training - Recordings Available on Demand

This week, from November 4-6, 2020, USAC offered a series of online sessions for Schools and Libraries (E-rate) Program participants, including Tribal applicants. USAC conducted three one-hour webinars each day, starting at 11:00 a.m. EST and running through 4:00 p.m. EST, with one-hour breaks between training sessions.

Our kickoff event exceeded capacity and some registrants were unfortunately not able to join the live session. For this, we apologize. However, all the sessions were recorded and are available to watch. You can register to watch a recording using the event registration links.

Below is the full list of recordings that are available under the Previous Trainings section of the E-rate Webinars page. Please note that the slides are also published on the Webinars page, unless otherwise noted below.

2020 Training Kickoff Event: E-rate subject matter experts provided FY2020 updates on their specific program areas and a view ahead (presentation slides are not available)

E-rate Program Overview: A high-level overview of the application process from beginning to end and an explanation of basic program concepts for applicants and service providers

E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) Demo: A walkthrough of EPC, the account and application management portal for the E-rate Program (presentation slides are not available)

E-rate Pre-Commitment Process: An overview of the E-rate Pre-Commitment Process including getting started, competitive bidding, applying for discounts, and Program Integrity Assurance (PIA) review

Category Two Budgets: An overview of Category Two (C2) budgets and C2 budget guidance for FY2021 and forward

E-rate Office Hour and Demo: FY2021+ Category Two Budget Tool: A walkthrough demonstration of the FY2021+ Category Two Budget Tool

E-rate Post-Commitment Process: An overview of the E-rate Post-Commitment Process and other post-commitment activities, including starting services, the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), service substitutions, appeals, and more

EPC Administrative Window: An overview of the administrative window – the period during which applicants can make updates to their profile information in EPC to prepare for the upcoming FCC Form 471 application filing window

Eligible Services: A basic overview of E-rate eligible services

Upcoming Events

As a reminder, USAC will provide additional online training resources later this year and next year to provide guidance for the upcoming FY2021 filing window and other program activities. This will include traditional webinars, office hour webinars, and new training modules and video tutorials. We will notify participants of these training opportunities in upcoming editions of the SL News Brief.