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.
On December 18, 2025, USAC released the Cybersecurity Pilot FCC Form 471 open data. This publicly available dataset includes participant information; requested services and equipment with associated costs; application statuses; funding commitments and disbursements; and related data from the E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC). Click here to access the Cybersecurity Pilot FCC Form 471 Open Data CBR 471 Tool
Invoicing Guidance
On December 2, 2025, USAC issued invoicing guidance for the Pilot Program. Once a participant receives an FCDL approving funding for eligible services and/or equipment, either the participant or the service provider may begin submitting reimbursement requests using Pilot FCC Forms 472 (BEAR) or 474 (SPI), after the funded services or equipment have been delivered.
All reimbursement requests must be submitted through the Cybersecurity Pilot Program Portal within 90 days of the last date to receive the funded services or equipment, as established by the first FCDL for each FRN. Participants and service providers may request a one-time extension of the invoice filing deadline, provided the request is submitted on or before the original deadline, in accordance with 47 CFR § 54.2008(d)–(e). Click here to view the Cybersecurity Invoicing Guidance Cybersecurity Invoicing Guidance
Invoicing Methods
The Pilot Program offers two invoicing options:
- Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement (BEAR)
- Service Provider Invoice (SPI)
As in the E-Rate program, participants select their preferred invoicing method for each FRN on the Pilot FCC Form 471, pursuant to 47 CFR § 54.2008(f). If a change is needed after submission, participants may request an invoicing method change using the Pilot FCC Form 488.
Pilot FCC Form 488: Post-Commitment Changes
Beginning in early 2026, Pilot Program participants will be able to submit post-commitment changes using the Post-Commitment Change Request Form (Pilot FCC Form 488). This form may be used to:
- Change the invoicing method
- Adjust service start and/or end dates
- Cancel FRN line items
- Modify commitment amounts for FRN line items
- Initiate site and/or service substitutions
USAC will announce the availability date for the Pilot FCC Form 488 and will provide training sessions and supporting materials to assist participants.
Click here to view FCC Form 488 guidance FCC Form 488 Guidance
Stay Informed
For more information about the Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program, visit the Cybersecurity Pilot Program Frequently Asked Questions. Click here to view FAQ Cybersecurity Pilot Program Frequently Asked Questions
The Cybersecurity Pilot Program Newsletter provides updates on program news, key dates, and best practices. During 2025, newsletter communications are being sent exclusively to Pilot Program participants. Participants who are not currently receiving the newsletter are encouraged to subscribe to stay informed. Click here to subscribe to the Cybersecurity Pilot Program newsletter and stay connected. Subscribe
