Funding Commitment Decisions Letters ("FCDLs") are sent to each applicant that has submitted a valid Form 471. The letters notify the applicant of the funding decisions that have been made with regard to each individual Funding Request Number ("FRN") or item.

For most applicants, FCDLs summarize the E-rate funds that have been committed and set aside for discounts that had been requested on eligible services. The FCDL lists a separate decision for each request made in the associated Form 471. In some unfortunate cases, a letter indicates rejections of requested discounts on services deemed ineligible or on lower priority services for which program funding is not available.

All decisions that are listed in a FCDL need to be carefully and quickly reviewed in preparation of taking one or more of the following actions:

• File a FCC Form 486. In most cases, and when possible, a Form 486 should be filed shortly after receiving a FCDL (see Form 486 Preparation Tips).
• Correct apparent errors (such as an incorrect supplier identification) in funding decisions and/or in the underlying Form 471
• Appeal an SLD funding decision
• File a FCC Form 500 to change a start or contract expiration date, or to cancel or reduce a FRN (see Form 500 Preparation Tips).