E-Rate Updates – Sept 2026
Good afternoon, E-Rate Community.
I hope everyone had a great summer and that our school’s “back-to-school” transition went smoothly. This time of year brings lots of E-Rate activity as you wrap up FY 2025, implement FY 2026, and prepare to bid/apply for FY 2027. Please take a few minutes to review these updates to ensure that your filings are on track.
Need an Extension for FY 2025 Equipment Installation? September 30, 2026 is the deadline to receive and install your FY 2025 equipment. If you cannot purchase AND install the equipment by this date, submit a Form 500 in EPC now to receive a 1-year extension (through Sept 30, 2027). Important: All requests must be made before the September 30, 2026, deadline. Note: Don’t confuse this with FY 2026 equipment purchases (you already have until September 30, 2027, to purchase and install that equipment).
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 by this date. 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.
Register Now for Fall E-Rate Training – Registration for the Fall 2026 (FY2027) E-Rate trainings is now open! Workshops will include the veterans’ workshop, beginner training, and a Form 470 (Cat 1 & Cat 2) application walkthrough. To register, go to https://www.ohio-k12.help/e-rate-support/e-rate-events/.
- Training sessions geared specifically for public libraries will also be offered. If you are with a public library, register at https://events.library.ohio.gov/calendar/ceohio?cid=15632&t=g&d=0000-00-00&cal=15632&inc=0. You will find sessions scheduled for 10/14 (Beginners), 10/15 (Experienced), 10/27 (Form 470 Cat 1), and 10/29 (Form 470 Cat 2).
Status of FY 2026 Funding Commitments: PIA review is running behind this year. As of September 15, 67% of OH funding requests have been decided. Typically, by this time of year, more than 90% of requests have been funded. However, PIA does continue to actively review applications, so if your Form 471 has not yet been decided, be sure to 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 a very easy form to submit, and I strongly encourage you to file it on 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