*** Note that the below information only applies to entities that filed a Form 471 for FY14. If you only participate in E-Rate as a member of the Networkmaine Consortium and do not file for any additional E-Rate funding, then you do not need to complete this step. ***

Today is July 1, 2014 which marks the first day of the 2014-2015 E-Rate funding year.

In order to request and receive E-Rate reimbursements for the 2014-2015 funding year, you will first need to file a Form 486.

 

You can file the form today if you have already received a Funding Commitment Decision Letter and the E-Rate services start today.

 

If you have not yet received a funding commitment decision letter or the services have not started then you will need to wait until both of those events occur.

Answers to some frequently asked questions about the filing of the Form 486 are below.


When Do I File a Form 486?

After applicants receive a funding commitment from USAC and services have started for that funding year, applicants can file FCC Form 486 to notify USAC that services have started, authorize the payment of invoices for those services, and to certify CIPA compliance. For Priority 2 applications, it also informs USAC that your technology plan has been approved and indicates the name of the certified approver.

Applicants will wait for both a Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL) and the start of services (typically July 1 of the funding year) before filing the Form 486. These two events will not necessarily occur in that order depending on the date of the funding decision. It is quite possible, and in fact very likely, that services will begin before a funding commitment has been awarded.

For Priority 2 filings, in addition to needing to wait for both an FCDL and the start of services, a Form 486 cannot be filed until the technology plan has been approved by the Maine Department of Education.


When is the Form 486 Due?

The Form 486 is due within 120 days of the date of the Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL) or the start of services (whichever is later) and so therefore the Form 486 deadline varies depending on the date that your FRN was funded. If you have multiple FRNs, you will receive an FCDL for each.

 

If you have an FCDL dated prior to July 1 and services start on July 1, the deadline to file a Form 486 for FY14 is October 29, 2014.

 

Otherwise, the deadline is 120 days from the date of your FCDL.

 

You will want to keep track of this deadline because if your Form 486 is late, USAC will deduct a portion of your funding for each day that it is late.

BEAR Forms to request reimbursement for bills paid in full cannot be filed until the Form 486 has been filed.


What If I Haven't Received a Funding Commitment Decision Letter?

If you have not yet received your FCDL, you cannot submit a Form 486 for those FRNs still pending a funding decision. Once funded, you will then have 120 days from the date of the FCDL to submit a Form 486.

If some of your FRNs have been funded and others not, you will want to make sure you keep track of the deadlines for each Form 486 and file accordingly.


Where Do I File?

I would encourage you to file the Form 486 online using the 'Create Form 486' tool available on the "Apply Online" page on the USAC website (http://ext.sl.universalservice.org/menu.asp).

    - If you have a PIN, you can certify the form online and do not have to mail in the certification/signature page.
    - If you do not have a PIN, you can still submit your form online, but you must mail in the certification/signature page, and it must be postmarked by the due date.