Kellogg and Sovereign, a 100% employee-owned ESOP, is a leading provider of professional program management services for schools and libraries in the E-Rate Program, and healthcare providers in the FCC’s Rural Health Care Program. Its clients range from rural K-12 schools, single site libraries and rural health clinics to large urban school districts, library systems and regional health centers. Kellogg & Sovereign® Consulting is an independent alliance member of CLA Global.
E-Rate Program Updates
FCC Released The E-Rate Eligible Service List for FY2026
On December 17, 2025, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released the Funding Year (FY) 2026 E‑Rate Eligible Services List (ESL), outlining the products and services eligible for E‑Rate discounts in the upcoming funding cycle. The FY2026 ESL remains consistent with prior years, continuing the program’s focus on high‑speed connectivity and modern network infrastructure. Read Here
FY2026 471 Window Announcements and Updates
As we approach the start of the FY2026 application cycle, several important updates from USAC and the FCC will impact applicants and service providers. Below is a summary of key announcements from the December 18, 2025, E‑Rate News Brief. Read Here
Cybersecurity Pilot Program Update
On December 17, 2025, the FCC issued the first Funding Commitment Decision Letters (FCDLs) under the Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program, committing $18.8 million to 140 applicants across 222 Funding Request Numbers (FRNs), representing approximately 9.4% of the total pilot budget. Read Here
Upcoming Deadline to Submit FY2024 or Prior BEAR/SPI Invoices for Non-Recurring Services
The deadline to submit BEAR and SPI invoices for non-recurring services for FY2024 and prior funding years is fast approaching. The final deadline is Wednesday, January 28, 2026. This later deadline reflects the September 30 purchase and installation deadline for internal connections equipment, which extends invoicing beyond the recurring services deadline. Read Here
Brooklyn Library Order: FCC Doubles Down on Strict E‑Rate Bid Scoring Compliance
On December 19, 2025, the FCC released the order and denied Brooklyn Public Library’s two Applications for Review and affirms full recovery of its FY 2014 E-Rate funding after finding that the library failed to follow its own bid evaluation process and did not select the most cost-effective bid. The FCC determined that this error constituted a substantive competitive bidding violation—not a waivable clerical mistake. Read Here
USAC Upcoming Webinars:
IMPORTAMT: CYBERSECURITY PILOT PROGRAM INVOICING WEBNIAR
Cybersecurity Invoicing Webinar: Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Register Here
USAC has developed new user guides and will host a live training session to help Pilot participants and service providers navigate the invoicing process.
This webinar will cover the invoicing process for both Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement (BEAR), where participants submit Pilot FCC Form 472 to request reimbursement from USAC, and Service Provider Invoice (SPI), where service providers submit Pilot FCC Form 474 for reimbursement. It will feature a step‑by‑step demonstration of how to complete and submit these forms in the Cybersecurity Pilot Program Portal and will include time for participants and service providers to ask questions.
E-Rate Pre-Commitment Process: Thursday, January 22, 2026. Register Here
E-Rate Pre-Commitment Process Question & Answers: Thursday, February 19, 2026. Register Here
E-Rate: What You Should Be Working On
FCC Form 470 Filling
If you haven’t started the 470/RFP competitive bidding process, make sure the following steps are in place. Wednesday, March 4, 2026, is the deadline to post your FCC Form 470 to the USAC website, or issue an RFP, and still complete all of these actions before the Form 471 Application Filing Window closes.
FCC Form 471 Preparation
Preparing for FY2026 E-Rate Form 471 Before the Window Opens on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at noon EST. As you get ready to submit your FY2026 Form 471, organizing your work in advance will make the filing smoother and more efficient. Read Here
