First Wave of E-Rate FY 2025 Funding Commitment Letters Issued!
Hello E-Rate Community,
The first funding wave of Funding Year 2025 has been released!
Congratulations to the 993 Ohio schools and libraries (1604 separate funding requests), committing $39,480,468.25. This wave includes commitments for both Category 1 and Category 2 requests. The Form 471 contact and EPC Account Administrator (AA) would have received an email on Saturday with the FCDL(s) attached in both a PDF and CSV format. I suggest using the PDF version; it’s much easier to read. Please review the FCDL carefully to make sure you agree with USAC’s decision.
If you were NOT included in this wave, do not worry! It just means that your application hasn’t yet been reviewed/decided. A funding wave will be released each week until all applications have been decided. Be sure to watch for email notifications that there are PIA questions available in EPC.
Next steps:
- If you choose to use discounted billing, contact your vendors if you’ve not done so yet.
- File the Form 486 in EPC to confirm Service Start Date and your CIPA compliance. I. If you file the 486 before July 31st, check the Early Filing box on the form. Also, please be careful to check the accurate CIPA certifications (don’t get click happy!). For a step-by-step Form 486 Guide, visit my E-Rate Resource Library at https://www.ohio-k12.help/e-rate-support/resource-library/.
- If your FRN was modified or denied, the last page of your FCDL will explain why the funding request was modified. If you do not agree with the modification or the denial, please consider submitting an appeal to USAC within 60 days of the FCDL date. If you’re unsure whether you should appeal, please let me know, and I can provide guidance.
- If you were funded for Category 2 internal connections equipment and were waiting for the FCDL to start the purchasing process, you can do that now if you choose. You do not have to wait until July 1st, the formal start of the funding year. Just keep in mind that if you purchase before the funding year starts, your vendor may hesitate to give discounted billing since July 1st is the earliest they can file to request reimbursement from USAC.
Please let me know if you have any questions or need assistance.
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