New Login Process for EPC and BEAR – “One Portal”

July 30, 2020

Attached: One Portal – MFA Set Up Guide

Beginning immediately, all EPC and BEAR System users will log in through “One Portal” – a new sign-in system that requires multi-factor authentication (MFA) during the sign in process.  On Monday, USAC sent an e-mail to every e-mail address associated with a current EPC or BEAR log-in and if you received that e-mail, you can now set up your One Portal account.  The set up process requires several steps and I encourage you to use the attached One Portal/MFA Set Up Guide to walk you through the process.

The purpose of this transition to the One Portal log-in was specifically to add MFA in order to implement required added security of USAC applications and systems.  By now, I’m sure most of you have used MFA for other online systems such as banking, bill paying, etc. and the One Portal MFA is nearly identical as it requires the user to enter two or more separate pieces of information, such as a user password and a validation code that is e-mailed or texted to the user, in order to gain access.

Notes:

• BEAR Access:  Currently, after you log in to One Portal, you will still have to submit your BEAR credentials in order to gain entry to the BEAR System.  In the future, USAC will integrate the two logins but for now, it will require an extra step.
• Technical Hints:  Before you begin:

• Be sure to use a Chrome or Firefox browser
• Disable all privacy features (such as EFF Privacy Badger)

If you are not currently an EPC or BEAR authorized user (meaning your e-mail address isn’t in the USAC system), or if you experience problems setting up your One Portal account, call CSB at 888-203-8100.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at jtschell@comcast.net.

– Julie

Julie Tritt Schell

Pennsylvania E-rate Coordinator
717-730-7133 – o
jtschell@comcast.net
www.e-ratepa.org