Details Released on May 1, 2026
SUMMARY
On May 1, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration, DA-26-30, announcing the establishment of a competitive bidding portal to be launched in 2028. Service providers will respond to FCC Form 470, Description of Services Requested and Certification Form, by submitting their responses in the new portal. E-Rate applicants will be required to use the bidding portal for bidder communications and updates during the competitive bidding process and must upload bid evaluation and vendor selection documents, including contracts, to the portal.
The order also updates various administrative items including updated rules to improve service transitions during the funding year, cost allocations, removal of the FCC Form 486, clarified competitive bidding guidance, and modifications of the invoice deadline rules.
Existing bidding business practices and processes will remain the same until the new portal is launched.
THIS MAY APPLY TO YOU IF…
Your company provides E-Rate services to the schools and libraries in your service area.
ACTION ITEMS & TIMELINE
Review your company’s E-Rate business processes to prepare for the changes.
- Prepare to respond to USAC’s bidding portal development requests
- Identify an internal champion for your company changes
- Prepare updated business practices for the following:
- Using the Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL) for invoicing dates
- Invoice extension request changes within 15 days of last day to invoice
- Wiring between buildings clarification
- Shared equipment definition updates
- EPC administrator, current and future user access
- All bids received before the bid evaluation will be considered
Most of the items included in the order will become effective 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.
