**** The message below is applicable to all who apply for E-Rate on their
own behalf (meaning filing for E-Rate for products and services other than
those that Networkmaine provides its members) ****
The News Brief from USAC below was sent out to their list subscribers a
little while ago. In case you don't receive such messages from USAC, I have
included it in its entirety. It is admittedly a lot of information to
digest, so here are just the main bullet points:
- *BEARS are moving into EPC*
- *The FY2022 BEAR deadline is October 30*
- *To ensure a smooth transition, file any outstanding BEARs early
enough so they are processed before the cutover*
- *The last day to submit a BEAR in the SL Legacy systems is October
30 at 7:30 p.m. (also the BEAR deadline!)*
- *EPC will be then become unavailable between October 30 at 7:30 p.m.
and November 7*
- *Beginning on November 7: **BEARS for FY2016 and later must be
submitted from within EPC*
- *Make sure that all your current EPC users have the appropriate
invoicing permissions assigned prior to the cutover*
The full News Brief describes some steps you should do to prepare, further
details about the consolidation, and training opportunities. I have
highlighted a few areas of import.
I will also be preparing one of my patented step by step guides for
submitting BEARs from within EPC as soon as possible once that
functionality becomes fully available.
Learn about the transition from SL Legacy systems to the E-Rate
> Productivity Center for Invoicing and post-commitment transactions as well
> as learning opportunities.
> View
> <https://view.outreach.usac.org/?qs=226b788da9f47d89c247bc1c639eefc14c95bbadecebce75affbacf69d2ad8c7bb6f7a35a6bab8c314df76a0a2a8fd8d67f243f74eb2d2a97e0bba192c61db9eda2d93ad5c88024f>
> this email as a web page.
> [image: USAC Banner]
> E-Rate Special Edition News Brief
> September 13, 2023
> E-Rate Systems Consolidation Transition Dates
>
> USAC is consolidating its E-Rate SL Legacy systems into the E-Rate
> Productivity Center (EPC). *All E-Rate invoicing related forms *– the
> FCC Forms 472 (Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement (BEAR)), 473 (Service
> Provider Annual Certification (SPAC)), and 474 (Service Provider Invoice
> (SPI) and (eSPI)) – will be moved into EPC as part of this consolidation
> effort. System cutover from the SL Legacy systems into EPC *is expected
> to occur between October 30, 2023 and November 7, 2023*.
>
> Access to *EPC will be unavailable for all users between October 30, 2023
> at 7:30 p.m. and November 7, 2023*.
>
> - The *last day you can submit an invoice *in the SL Legacy systems *is
> October 30, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. ET*.
> - Invoices for *Funding Year (FY) 2016 and later* that are
> submitted in SL Legacy systems before October 30, 2023, and not paid by the
> cutover date will be migrated into EPC by USAC.
> - Invoices for *FY2015 and earlier *submitted in SL Legacy systems
> before October 30, 2023, will continue to be processed in the SL Legacy
> systems.
> - You *must submit FY2016 and later invoices in EPC beginning on
> November 7, 2023*.
> - For *FY2015 and earlier*, users will need to create a customer
> service case in EPC and attach a fillable FCC Form 472 or 474 to process a
> new request for reimbursement for FY2015 and earlier funding years. USAC
> will provide the links to the forms and instructions on its website in the
> coming weeks.
> - After the E-Rate systems consolidation is completed, the *first
> disbursements from EPC-processed requests for reimbursement are expected to
> be on November 9, 2023*.
>
>
> In advance of the E-Rate systems transition, *please submit all current
> E-Rate invoices in a timely manner *to minimize the effect of any delays.
> Be sure to *request an invoice deadline extension
> <https://click.outreach.usac.org/?qs=b93d15c555d0261dbc98e491f2ea8af5af8a141d79edad65fb7aea3dfc19daeb1feee036eebffa48759af8ae73c05369200f5591c4f2b417>*
> if you believe you will not meet the deadline, or if your current invoice
> filing deadline date is between October 30, 2023 and November 7, 2023.
>
> To further assist applicants and service providers, USAC will post
> frequently asked questions about the E-Rate systems consolidation on the E-Rate
> FAQs
> <https://click.outreach.usac.org/?qs=b93d15c555d0261dff2aa136a77ecd6bd7f60d530a5667c5991fb913c19800d257d62bf83bb2173d9a8cbd9551d02d75e20a65ad9b14babc>
> page on September 18, 2023. Coming Soon: Applicant and Service Provider
> e-Learning ModulesTo support the transition from SL Legacy systems to
> EPC, USAC is also rolling out e-Learning modules (eLMs) for applicants and
> service providers so they can learn how to submit E-Rate invoices (FCC
> Forms 472/BEAR and 474/SPI) using EPC when the system consolidation is
> complete. The *eLMs will be available October 3, 2023 *on the E-Rate
> Videos
> <https://click.outreach.usac.org/?qs=b93d15c555d0261dfdfe80567fb3c6e0f0fa9b1679462b11c5939d2bed7eb787b3c958e5443c2980e6668ddbe5a233bcf26c45dc02f95b05>
> page.
>
> The eLMs are interactive, support different learning styles, and provide
> links to further resources available to assist applicants and service
> providers through the transition process. You can also learn more about
> this eLM rollout by attending the E-Rate Systems Consolidation Training
> Overview Webinar on October 4, 2023 (see below).
>
> *We strongly encourage applicants and service providers to view the eLMs
> and prepare any questions *you might have for the Office Hour webinar
> sessions below. Upcoming E-Rate Systems Consolidation WebinarsUSAC will
> be hosting a series of E-Rate systems consolidation webinars in September
> and October to introduce upcoming changes, prepare you for the transition,
> and guide you through steps you can take now to prepare for the transition
> from the SL Legacy invoicing systems to EPC. USAC will also host “Office
> Hour” webinars targeted to audience groups (applicants and service
> providers) that will also be used to answer attendee questions.
>
> Visit the E-Rate Webinars
> <https://click.outreach.usac.org/?qs=b93d15c555d0261dfff0ffad03c5bc215e79236895f6eef90957c60333f7e8f9557fbff90554750bf23396808b666ac019b22840e38b4c93>
> page to learn about training opportunities for the E-Rate SL Systems
> Consolidation. Below are our upcoming sessions in the series.
>
>
> *E-Rate Systems Consolidation: Kick-off Webinar Tuesday, September 26,
> 2023*
> 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET
>
> - Register
> <https://click.outreach.usac.org/?qs=b93d15c555d0261d6d646584ee65cd019dad5344c5c03bdd35c380535fb5eab0011a73c3ce7337b3d6d85d96621fb589a2d4e4f6fe9ea440>
>
>
> Learn about USAC’s consolidation of E-Rate Invoicing capabilities from SL
> Legacy systems into the E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) and how invoicing
> will be performed in EPC after the consolidation.
>
>
> *E-Rate Systems Consolidation Training Overview Webinar Wednesday, October
> 4, 2023*
> 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. ET
>
> - Register
> <https://click.outreach.usac.org/?qs=b93d15c555d0261dc4c94e148d00b7664133d9ac108df93f4798701df1be7d4dbf4b0595120bf5cd5c41695bab6ed521b8e482142ad71a9e>
>
> Learn about the different ways USAC is supporting the move from SL Legacy
> systems to EPC with live training sessions, self-paced learning modules,
> “office hour” question and answer sessions, videos, and website content.
>
> *Office Hours Webinar Sessions*
> The Training Launch webinar will announce the launch of the Invoicing
> eLearning modules (eLMs) for applicants and service providers, which will
> be available on the E-Rate Videos
> <https://click.outreach.usac.org/?qs=b93d15c555d0261dfdfe80567fb3c6e0f0fa9b1679462b11c5939d2bed7eb787b3c958e5443c2980e6668ddbe5a233bcf26c45dc02f95b05>
> page beginning October 3, 2023. These modules will focus on submitting and
> certifying invoices, invoice management and status, and notifications and
> outreach.
>
> To support the eLMs and to answer questions applicants and service
> providers may have while learning about the new E-Rate invoicing process
> using EPC, USAC has also scheduled upcoming Office Hours sessions. Visit
> the Webinars
> <https://click.outreach.usac.org/?qs=b93d15c555d0261dfff0ffad03c5bc215e79236895f6eef90957c60333f7e8f9557fbff90554750bf23396808b666ac019b22840e38b4c93>
> page to register for one of the sessions.
>
> *Session* *Date* *Applicant Sessions* *Service Provider Sessions*
> Session 1 Oct. 11, 2023 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. ET 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. ET
> Session 2 Oct. 18, 2023 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. ET 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. ET
> Session 3 Oct. 25, 2023 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. ET 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. ET
> Session 4 Nov. 8, 2023 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. ET 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. ET
> Session 5 Nov. 15, 2023 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. ET 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. ET
> *E-Rate SL Systems Consolidation: Kickoff Webinar Recording Available*
> Held April 27, 2023
>
> E-Rate staff discussed the system changes, who is affected, the
> implementation timeline, and how USAC will support applicants and service
> providers throughout this transition.
>
> - View Webinar Recording
> <https://click.outreach.usac.org/?qs=b93d15c555d0261d9d4abf68d2505e5a11ba90554622fe32f61fccbf23ba44e2f8f74d8d85ef0792b5e72902b8445b0302b0b907d8deca43>
> - View Webinar Slides
> <https://click.outreach.usac.org/?qs=b93d15c555d0261ded8a2cefdced81d438cd1033679993bccfab2f380117584bd579560ab21223ac25a0cd21130f4408a398bb4a481a2d8d>
>
> Preparing for the E-Rate Systems Consolidation *Account Administrators*
> – Only Account Administrator users can manage other users and user
> permissions for their organization(s). The EPC Account Administrator Guide
> <https://click.outreach.usac.org/?qs=b93d15c555d0261da77575d387e7276ba1a740f049b33ce488cd85ed9e48e1a4ad323f7d1714e7cb9a71bf1329e368f110061aa847826f2c>
> provides instructions for how to add new users, check the active/inactive
> status of users, deactivate active users, and reactivate inactive users.
>
> *Check and Verify User Permissions*
> When USAC migrated user permissions from SL Legacy systems to EPC, all
> users were provided with full rights permissions. Account Administrators
> should review all their user permissions and modify user permission rights
> as needed. Below are the functions *Account Administrators* can assign
> for each level of permissions. View the BEAR Manage User Permissions
> <https://click.outreach.usac.org/?qs=b93d15c555d0261dcdfadfbcbfe8d45cb1eefd01dc9c500523f86aba2ff4acfffe524cf602fe1bdd6c7e4754d7d2ca4b9d9067b2415773fd>
> video or the Service Provider User Permissions
> <https://click.outreach.usac.org/?qs=b93d15c555d0261d45a9e5fe110a6ca188bc67d69c91fd1475e9b8cc20f17558099f68b92b21c6f330b1f6dd5778b268590ae6a093c6c0da>
> video, if you need additional help.
>
>
> *Transfer Account Administrator Rights*
>
> 1. On your landing page, select the link to your organization.
> 2. Click *Related Actions* and then *Modify Account Administrator*.
> 3. The *Organization Details* page opens and displays users. Uncheck
> the box for the current administrator and then check the box for the new
> administrator from the list. Click *Continue*.
> 4. Confirm the new account administrator information on the next page,
> then click *Submit*.
>
> *Add a Consulting Firm*
>
> 1. On your landing page, select the link to your organization.
> 2. Click *Related Actions* and then click *Manage Organization
> Relationships*.
> 3. Click *Add Consulting Firm*.
> 4. On the *Add a Consulting Firm* page, enter search information for
> the consulting firm, for example, consultant registration number (CRN),
> name, state, or zip code.
> 5. Click *Search*.
> 6. Select the consulting firm from the *Add Relationships* list and
> click *Submit*.
> 7. Confirm by clicking *Yes* on the pop-up window. The Account
> Administrator for the new consulting firm will receive a notification in
> their *News* feed with the new organization relationship.
> 8. Once the relationship has been established, the Account
> Administrator can add users from that consulting firm and give them user
> permissions.
>
> *Applicants*
>
> - *Invoicing Permissions* – We encourage Account Administrators to
> review and update their organization’s users and current permission levels
> for invoicing and other post-commitment requests so that you are ready when
> the new E-Rate invoicing system goes live. The Account Administrator can
> manage the organization’s users and any consultant users from the *Manage
> User Permissions* screen. Log into EPC and on the *My Applicant
> Landing Page*, click *Manage Users*. Select the organization by
> clicking the checkbox and then click *Manage User Permissions* to
> review the permissions and make changes. View the E-Rate System
> Consolidation videos
> <https://click.outreach.usac.org/?qs=b93d15c555d0261d2a5cc0813e172b1ecc95a14524b3f8dafc8756123c0378ba434e76ea73d663098d150a099ed9b23f6922017e89b674bf>
> to learn about creating users, managing user permissions, and removing
> users.
>
> *Service Providers*
>
> - *Invoicing Permissions* – Service provider Account Administrators
> should review their users and their access level permissions in EPC to
> ensure information is up to date. Previously, service providers added users
> through updates on the FCC Form 498. Now, service providers can update
> their users in EPC. If you want to change permissions for an existing user
> in the portal, go to *Manage Service Provider User Permissions*. View
> the Service Provider User Permissions
> <https://click.outreach.usac.org/?qs=b93d15c555d0261d45a9e5fe110a6ca188bc67d69c91fd1475e9b8cc20f17558099f68b92b21c6f330b1f6dd5778b268590ae6a093c6c0da>
> video, which provides information on managing user permissions, creating
> new users, and adding/removing users.
> - *Multiple SPINs* – Standard user accounts in EPC can only access one
> service provider identification number (SPIN) when they are created. If you
> need access to multiple SPINs under the same EPC login, please contact the
> Customer Service Center at (888) 203-8100 to have access set up for you.
> - *eSPI Submissions *– Service providers that bill USAC frequently
> and/or submit large numbers of invoice line items at one time are
> encouraged to use electronic invoicing via the eSPI (electronic Service
> Provider Invoice/FCC Form 474), which speeds USAC processing for that
> invoice. Service providers will be able to upload their correctly formatted
> comma separated value (CSV) delimited file for FY2016 and later through the
> EPC Invoicing portal instead of emailing USAC with the CSV file attached.
> For FY2015 and earlier funding years, service providers will need to create
> a customer service case in EPC and attach a fillable FCC Form 474. USAC
> will provide the links to the forms and instructions on its website in the
> coming weeks.
>
> Need Help? Contact Us!
> For questions about the E-Rate program, contact the Customer Service
> Center at (888) 203-8100.
>
> The information contained in this electronic communication and any
> attachments and links to websites are intended for the exclusive use of the
> addressee(s) and may contain confidential or privileged information. If you
> are not the intended recipient, or the person responsible for delivering
> this communication to the intended recipient, be advised you have received
> this communication in error and that any use, dissemination, forwarding,
> printing, or copying is strictly prohibited. Please notify the sender
> immediately and destroy all copies of this communication and any
> attachments.
>
> USAC | 700 12th Street NW, Suite 900 | Washington, DC 20005
> www.usac.org
> <https://click.outreach.usac.org/?qs=b93d15c555d0261d4897cc1f94d9fd7964530592fce926dc0ed2da1ee766c210a2fcadb28c4fce7b42f9194ff5226112d56bb77c1601208b> |
> © 1997- 2023 USAC | All Rights Reserved | USAC Privacy Policy
> <https://click.outreach.usac.org/?qs=b93d15c555d0261d430c84866d9a8c018884ca65415d1d4b480bc476f0e8f3a672e611fc73d8745bb769d9a7c2a963c58268c533a83f6048>
>
_________________________________________________
Anne Perloff
Maine State E-Rate Coordinator for Schools
Networkmaine, University of Maine System UMS:IT
Web: erate.networkmaine.net
Email: [log in to unmask]
Phone: 207-581-3584
Mail:
Networkmaine
5752 Neville Hall, Room 255
Orono, ME 04469-5752
|
