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.