The E-Rate program’s competitive bidding requirements can be complex, and program participants can struggle with understanding and complying with these requirements. In this session, we will comprehensively review not only E-Rate program requirements, but also how they interact with California state bidding requirements. We will also discuss the purpose of the FCC Form 470, which is a form that is required at the time of competitive bidding.

Each year, the Federal Communications Commission releases the E-Rate Eligible Services List. We will review the various services that are eligible for E-Rate funding. We will describe the differences between Category 1 and Category 2 services and their associated requirements.

In this session we will show how program participants can navigate through various tools hosted by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). This includes the platform where applications and forms are filed, the E-Rate Productivity Center, as well as USAC’s Open Data Tools which can be used to monitor application status and funding reimbursements.

This session will be the kick-off of the Funding Year 2026 season. We will do a basic overview of the E-Rate program as well as discuss the latest news impacting program participants. We will review the resources available to California applicants to support them in their annual application process.*No recording available, only slide deck.

August 27, 2025 In-Person Meeting Location:California Department of Education1430 N Street, Executive Conference RoomAttending Virtually:You will receive an email directly from Zoom with panelist information, with a follow-upreminder prior to the meeting. If you did not receive the Zoom Panelist invitation, please check your junk/spam filter. Outside Participants Only:You are invited to a zoom webinar.Topic: K12HSN Advisory Board MeetingRegister in advance for this meeting, using the following link:After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. To access the agenda, click here.