**** Note that the below information only applies to entities that file their own E-Rate forms. 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 these steps. **** ---------- *Last Year Wrap-Up (FY2016)* *File any outstanding BEARs* to request reimbursement for bills paid for 2016-2017 products and services. BEARs continue to be filed in the same BEAR Applicant Login Area (https://www2.sl.universalservice.org/bear/ login.aspx) *Deadline: October 28, 2017* Remember that you *must have first* *filed a Form 498* in EPC to provide banking information for direct deposit of reimbursements and submitted substantiating documentation such as a voided check. After the form and your documentation has been processed, USAC will issue you an approved 498 ID to include on your BEAR forms. *Already filed a Form 498 and received an approved 498 ID? *A new Form 498 is not required. *Not sure if you have a 498 ID? *The easiest way to find out is to create a new BEAR form. If a 498 ID displays on the BEAR, the ID is approved and ready for use. If no ID displays, either you did not submit the Form 498 and the documentation or it is stalled in the review process. *Don't have your 498 ID yet or a PIN to certify BEARs online and need more time?* You can file an Invoice Deadline Extension Request. USAC will automatically grant a single 120-day extension upon request, but you must file the request on or before October 28. ---------- *Current Year (FY2017)* *For any FY2017 FRN for which you have received a funding commitment:* - Generate the *Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL) *in EPC. - File a *Form 486* in EPC to indicate the start of FY2017 services. *Deadline:* * October 29, 2017 if your FCDL is dated July 1 or earlier* * or* * 120 days after the date of the FCDL if dated after July 1* *For any FY2017 FRN for which you have not received a funding commitment: * - Continue to watch for and respond to *PIA Review Inquiries*. - *Has the Form 471 contact changed? *If the contact person listed on your unfunded Form 471 is no longer with your organization, you should file a RAL Modification to change the form contact person so that reviewers know where to send PIA inquiries. You should also contact USAC's CSB at 1-888-203-8100 and notify them of where PIA correspondence should be sent moving forward. *Do you need to change the Account Administrator? *If the person currently listed as account administrator is no longer with your organization, you should update your organization's EPC profile. ---------- *Go to http://networkmaine.net/erate/ <http://networkmaine.net/erate/> for further information or email me for assistance.* _________________________________________________ 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