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SDLA Compliance Resource

File the Applicable E-Rate FCC Form 486

The FY2026 service-start and CIPA certification control that enables invoicing—while future funding years transition those certifications into Form 471.

  • E-Rate
  • FCC Form 486
  • CIPA
Date(s)For each applicable FRN: 120 days after the service start date or FCDL date, whichever is later
Applies toApplicants with funding-year commitments for which Form 486 remains required, including FY2026 FRNs

In Plain Language: Confirm the funding year still requires Form 486, reconcile actual service start and CIPA status, certify the correct FRNs in EPC by their individual deadlines, and review the Form 486 Notification Letter for any adjusted date or funding consequence.

Why this matters

Late filing can move the supported service-start date forward and reduce funding. A blanket deadline or copied prior-year process can miss FRN-specific dates—and the FCC has eliminated Form 486 for future funding years as certifications move to Form 471.

Primary ownership

Primary owner: E-Rate applicant lead/authorized EPC certifier. Partners: technology, CIPA compliance authority, library/school administration, service provider, fiscal, legal/policy staff, and records custodian.

Operational workflow

  1. 1. Inventory committed FRNs and determine which funding-year rule applies.
  2. 2. Validate actual service-start dates, CIPA applicability/compliance, approved services, and FCDL/RFCDL data.
  3. 3. Calculate the 120-day deadline separately for each applicable FRN.
  4. 4. Complete and certify Form 486 in EPC; respond promptly to any urgent reminder.
  5. 5. Review the Notification Letter, resolve adjusted dates, and release only supported FRNs to invoicing.

Implementation pathway

Funding-year rule
FRN/start reconcile
Calculate
Certify
Review/release

Evidence to retain

  • Funding-year applicability decision
  • FCDL/RFCDL and actual service-start evidence
  • CIPA certification/policy support
  • Deadline calculation
  • Certified Form 486 and Notification Letter
  • Adjusted-date resolution

Official guidance and help

Source review completed August 30, 2026. Verify current USAC, FCC, CRDC, EPC, funding-year, FRN, procurement, and local records before acting.