** 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 the steps outlined. ***


As always, there are a few E-Rate forms from multiple funding years to take care of this time of year that you might want to get done before the fall semester begins to get them off your plate.


FY2021 BEARs

File any outstanding FY2021 BEARs to request reimbursement for bills paid for 2021-2022 products and services. Depending on how often you file BEARs, this could be for the entire funding year, or just the last quarter or last month. Instructions are attached.

FY2021 BEAR Deadline: October 28, 2022


FY2022 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 FY 2022 FRNs which have already received an FCDL will be available to include on a Form 486.  Instructions for filing a Form 486 are attached.

FY2022 Form 486 Deadlines: