Federal Register #2026-18780

FCC Announces New E-Rate Program Information Collection Requirements

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced new information collection requirements for the E-Rate Program: - Government Buyer: - Federal Communications Commission (FCC) - Program Overview: - E-Rate Program supports schools and libraries in obtaining affordable broadband and telecommunications services - New rules are designed to promote fair and open competitive bidding, improve transparency, and maintain program integrity - Requirements: - No specific OEMs or vendors are named - No direct procurement of products or services is involved - Requirements focus on information collection using FCC Forms 470 and 471 - Estimated 25,000 respondents and 83,560 responses annually - Establishment of a competitive bidding portal and document repository - Streamlined and simplified program processes - Notable Details: - Applies to not-for-profit institutions and government entities - No product or service line items are specified

Description

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announces the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval of an information collection related to the Universal Service Schools and Libraries program, also known as the E-Rate program. This program supports schools and libraries in obtaining affordable broadband and telecommunications services. The document announces the effective date of new information collection requirements as September 14, 2026. The rules aim to promote fair and open competitive bidding and improve transparency and integrity in the E-Rate program.

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