*** 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. ***


As always, there are a few E-Rate forms to take care of this time of year. Due to COVID-19, these deadlines have been extended, but if you can get them off your plate now, I suggest doing so lest you inadvertently miss your extended deadline.

Note: Access to filing E-Rate forms in EPC and the BEAR system will be contingent on you having set up your new One Portal Multifactor Authentication. If you have not already set up MFA, you will need to do so before you can file E-Rate forms.


FY2020 Form 486

After receiving a Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL) for a Funding Request Number (FRN), this form is the next step to be completed in order to request E-Rate reimbursements. The Form 486 notifies USAC that services have started and that invoicing for the E-Rate discount portion of those services can begin, and also certifies the entity's CIPA compliance.

Every FRN on every Form 471 for which you receive an FCDL must be included on a Form 486. As your various FRNs are likely to appear in different funding waves, you may very well end up with different Form 486 deadlines. Keep track of the deadline for each FRN because if your Form 486 is late, USAC will deduct a portion of your approved funding. When you log into EPC and create a new Form 486, only those FY20209 FRNs which have already received an FCDL will be available to include on a Form 486.

Form 486 Deadlines:

FY2019 BEARs

Any outstanding FY2019 BEARs to request reimbursement for bills paid for 2018-2019 products and services also need to be filed. Depending on how often you file, this could be BEARs for the entire year, or just the last quarter or last month.

BEAR Deadline: