Service Providers Process
The first part of the Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program (Pilot Program) application, or FCC Form 484 Part 1, will be available in fall 2024. Eligible schools, libraries, and consortia of eligible schools and/or libraries, can use Part 1 of the FCC Form 484 to apply to participate in the Pilot Program. If selected, participants must solicit bids for the eligible cybersecurity services and equipment for which they wish to seek reimbursement through the Pilot Program and select their service provider(s) using the price of the eligible services and equipment as the primary factor.
Prospective service providers are not required to complete all of the Pilot Program registration requirements prior to bidding on the cybersecurity services and equipment requested by Pilot participants. However, if their bids are selected, the winning service providers must register with USAC and SAM.gov. Registration is also required in order to be paid from the Pilot Program, particularly if the service provider receives reimbursement directly from the Universal Service Fund (USF) using the Service Provider Invoice (SPI) process.
Prospective service providers are encouraged to take steps now to prepare to respond to requests for bids from Pilot Program participants and complete the necessary registration steps to participate in, submit invoices for, and be reimbursed through the Pilot Program. Below are some steps that prospective service providers may take to begin to prepare to participate in the Pilot Program and ensure that they are well-positioned to quickly provide cybersecurity services and equipment, if selected as a winning bidder.
Review Your Services and Equipment for Pilot Eligibility
A wide range of cybersecurity services and equipment are eligible for reimbursement through the Pilot Program. Review the FCC’s Pilot Eligible Services List, to see a non-exhaustive list of the types of services and equipment that are eligible for discounts through the Pilot.
Create an Account in the E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC)
As a prospective service provider, you will need to set-up an account in the E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) to file Pilot Program forms (including your competitive bidding Pilot Program FCC Form 470), receive Pilot notifications, and conduct other program activities. Within your EPC account, you will need to identify an account administrator to manage your account and grant access rights to other users.
If you do not currently have an account in EPC or need assistance designating an administrator and assigning access rights, call the E-Rate Customer Service Center (CSC) at (888) 203-8100.
File an FCC Form 498 and Obtain a 498 ID/SPIN
Prospective service providers will need to file an FCC Form 498 with USAC. The FCC Form 498 is used to collect remittance, payment, and contact information for service providers. This information helps USAC determine whether service providers are eligible to receive program disbursements. Service providers participating in a universal service program, including the Pilot Program, must use the most current FCC Form 498 to revise their information or file for the first time.
Once a prospective service provider files the FCC Form 498 for the first time, they will receive a 498 ID, or SPIN. The 498 ID/SPIN is a unique nine-digit number assigned to service providers by USAC when an FCC Form 498 is filed. You may want more than one 498 ID/SPIN if you have business units separated by state, type of service, or for other reasons, but you need at least one 498 ID/SPIN to participate in the Pilot Program. For more information on the FCC Form 498, visit the Obtain a SPIN page in the Service Provider section of the USAC website.
In order to collect the information necessary to file an FCC Form 498 and obtain a 498 ID/SPIN, you must first complete several steps. It may take days to complete and receive the necessary information from each of these steps, which are listed below so that you may get started on the process.
Information Required to File the FCC Form 498 and Obtain a 498 ID/SPIN
1.Register for a UEI on SAM.gov
To file an FCC Form 498 and get a 498 ID/SPIN, you must first register on SAM.gov to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Read USAC’s bulletin to learn the steps for obtaining a UEI. Given the time needed to obtain a UEI through SAM.gov, service providers are encouraged to begin the registration process early.
Service providers that already have a UEI are encouraged to ensure that it is up-to-date, as it must be renewed each year.
2. Receive an FCCRN From the FCC
Service providers also need an FCC Registration Number (FCCRN) to complete the FCC Form 498. The FCCRN allows users to be uniquely identified in all transactions with the FCC. Service providers will need to request a separate FCCRN for each tax identification number (TIN) held by an individual or organization that plans to submit bids and provide services and equipment to Pilot Program participants. To obtain an FCCFN, you must log in to the FCC’s CORES website.
Returning CORES users may log in from the “Username Login” section of the CORES homepage. New CORES users should create a CORES username by clicking “Register” on the CORES homepage.
3. Log Into E-File to Access the FCC Form 498
Once a service provider has received a UEI and at least one FCCRN, it should complete and submit the FCC Form 498 using the USAC E-File system.
The E-File system is USAC’s online forms submission tool. Service providers can use E-File to fill out a new FCC Form 498, update an existing FCC Form 498, and set up user permissions to allow users to view, prepare, and certify the FCC Form 498 and certain applicant-filed forms and form attachments.
To fill out a new FCC Form 498 in E-File, navigate to the E-File login page, scroll down to the bottom, and click “Continue.” From there, scroll down and click “Create an Account.” Next, click “Service Provider – 498 ID.” Finally, click “Register Your Company” and follow the instructions.
4. Verify Your Banking and Tax Information in E-File
An important part of the FCC Form 498 data you need to provide in E-File is your entity’s banking and tax information, including your routing number, bank account number, and Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax identification number. You will need to upload banking verification documents for every FCC Form 498 registration you file.
5. Certify FCC Form 498
To complete the filing of your FCC Form 498, you must both submit and certify the form. The person listed on your FCC Form 498 as your Company Officer must certify the form once it has been completed and submitted to USAC.
The Company Officer will receive an email from USAC following the completion and submission of an FCC Form 498, at which time the Company Officer will have 14 days to login into E-File and certify the form. Once certified, USAC will receive a notification to review the submission.
6. Determine Whether You Need to Contribute to the USF
Certain providers of interstate telecommunications services, certain other providers of interstate telecommunications, and/or providers of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services are required to contribute to the USF. To determine whether you may be required to contribute to the USF, which forms you should file, and when you should file them, please review USAC’s Who Must Contribute, Register for a 499 ID, Forms to File, When to File, and What to Expect After Filing pages.
7. Get Your 498 ID/SPIN
After USAC approves the FCC Form 498, it will assign the Company Officer an E-File User ID and temporary password. It will send also send the Company Officer an email notifying it of the username and a temporary password.