E-Rate Updates & Reminders – Oct 2026
Good afternoon, E-Rate Community, and Happy Monday!
Please take a few minutes to review these updates to make sure your filings are on track.
Register Now for Fall E-Rate Training – Registration for the Fall 2026 (FY2027) E-Rate trainings is still open. Sessions include the veterans’ workshop, beginner training, and a Form 470 (Cat 1 & Cat 2) application walkthrough, and are suitable for both school and library applicants. To register, go to https://www.ohio-k12.help/e-rate-support/e-rate-events/.
FY 2025 BEAR Reimbursement Filings for Recurring Services – Applicants who did not receive discounted vendor bills for FY 2025 recurring services must submit their BEARs by October 28, 2026, or request a one-time extension within 15 days of that date (we’ll discuss this change during training). The Form 472 BEAR Filing Guide is available at: Form-472-BEAR-Filing-Guide.pdf. As a reminder, BEAR reimbursements now require applicants to have an active SAM.gov registration, with the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) added to FCC Form 498 in EPC, allowing funds to be disbursed to the bank account associated with the SAM.gov registration. Payments will be held for BEAR filers who have not completed this step.
Status of FY 2026 Funding Commitments – PIA review is still running behind. Of the 3264 funding requests submitted, 541 have not yet been funded. However, USAC has assured us that PIA continues to actively review applications, so if your Form 471 has not yet been decided, check your email for PIA inquiries. If you need assistance with understanding the PIA review process or where to find the PIA reviewer’s questions, please see: PIA Review Guide FY 2026. If you need help responding to a PIA inquiry, please email me.
File Your FY 2026 Form 486: The next step after receiving a FCDL (funding commitment decision letter) is to file the Form 486. It’s an easy form to submit, and I strongly encourage you to file it the day you receive the FCDL so you don’t forget. Two reminders: Do not check the ‘Early Filing Box’ when filing the 486 after July 31, and be careful not to be “click happy” on the CIPA certifications. Full instructions on filing the Form 486 can be found at: Form 486 Filing Guide FY 2026.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Lorrie
Lorrie Germann
State E-Rate Coordinator
On behalf of the Ohio Department of Education
lorrie.germann@education.ohio.gov
www.ohio-k12.help/erate
Office: 740-223-2420
Cell: 740-253-1153