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SDLA Compliance Resource

File the E-Rate FY2027 FCC Form 471

The in-window request for discounts that connects eligible needs, a compliant procurement, selected services, contracts, recipients, discounts, CIPA certifications, and FY2027 funding requests.

  • E-Rate
  • Funding Year 2027
  • FCC Form 471
Date(s)Exact opening and closing dates pending USAC announcement
Applies toEligible schools, libraries, and consortia seeking FY2027 E-Rate discounts

In Plain Language: Prepare now, but place the official USAC opening/closing dates into the local calendar only after publication. Complete competitive bidding and the 28-day wait, select vendors using the documented evaluation, update EPC profiles, and certify the complete Form 471 inside the announced window.

Why this matters

Form 471 is not a procurement substitute. A technically timely form can still fail if the Form 470/RFP was unclear, the 28-day period was shortened, price was not the primary evaluation factor, profiles were stale, or requests do not match bids and contracts.

Primary ownership

Primary owner: E-Rate applicant lead/authorized certifier. Partners: technology, procurement, fiscal, legal, CIPA authority, schools/libraries, consortium members, service providers, and EPC account administrator.

Operational workflow

  1. 1. Confirm eligible entities, EPC profiles, enrollment/discount data, Category Two budgets, needs, and procurement calendar.
  2. 2. Certify the correct FY2027 Form 470/RFP and complete the full 28-day competitive-bidding period.
  3. 3. Evaluate bids, document price as the primary factor, select the provider, and execute the permitted agreement on or after the ACD.
  4. 4. When USAC opens the window, build FRNs that reconcile Form 470, bids, contract, eligible services, locations, costs, and certifications.
  5. 5. Independently review and certify Form 471 before the published close; preserve the RAL and respond to review.

Implementation pathway

Profiles/needs
Form 470/28 days
Evaluate/contract
Build FRNs
Certify in window

Evidence to retain

  • USAC FY2027 window announcement
  • EPC profile and budget evidence
  • Form 470/RFP and 28-day record
  • Bids, evaluation, contract, and ACD
  • Form 471/FRN crosswalk and certifications
  • Certified form, RAL, and review responses

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.