As we approach the end of FY2016 on June 30, the final remaining step for
most E-Rate applicants is to file any outstanding BEARs to request E-Rate
reimbursements for those bills paid for 2016-2017 products and services for
which a funding commitment was granted.

That very long winded sentence in short means that it is time to collect
your FY2016 E-Rate dollars!

BEARs continue to be filed in the same BEAR Applicant Login Area (not in
EPC):
https://www2.sl.universalservice.org/bear/login.aspx

*Deadline to submit an **FY2016 BEAR or to request an extension: October
28, 2017*



*What must have already been completed before you can file a BEAR for
FY2016*

   - You must have filed the Form 486 to indicate services have started for
   the FRN.


   - You must have filed a Form 498 to provide banking information for
   direct deposit of reimbursements *and* received an approved 498 ID to
   include on your BEAR forms. This is a one-time form - if you already have
   an approved 498 ID, you do not need to file another Form 498 this year.


   - Your service provider must have filed a Form 473, Service Provider
   Annual Certification (SPAC) Form for FY2016. Not sure if this has happened?
   The BEAR system will give an error message if a SPAC is not on file for the
   SPIN entered on the BEAR form.


   - All invoices listed on the BEAR must have been paid in full. E-Rate is
   a reimbursement program, so if you have not yet paid your service provider
   for services provided in June, wait until payment has been made to submit a
   BEAR that includes this month.


For more information on filing a BEAR, consult the attached guide or
contact me directly with any questions.
_________________________________________________

Anne Perloff
Maine State E-Rate Coordinator for Schools
Networkmaine ... a unit of the University of Maine System

Web: www.networkmaine.net/erate/

Email: [log in to unmask]

Phone: 207-581-3584

Fax: 207-581-1604

Mail:
Networkmaine
5752 Neville Hall, Rm 255
Orono, ME 04469-5752