Tomorrow is Deadline to File FY 2009 BEARs
Message Posted October 27, 2010
~ List of affected entities attached ~
If you did not receive discounted bills for your FY 2009 recurring services funding requests, you must submit a Form 472 BEAR for reimbursement by tomorrow. The BEAR must be signed by both the applicant and service provider (if using a paper BEAR) or electronically certified by both the applicant and service provider (if using an electronic BEAR).
Some last minute advice:
Need to file for an extension? If your paper BEAR isn't postmarked by tomorrow (Oct 28) or if your online BEAR hasn't been certified by your vendor by tomorrow, then you must request an invoice deadline extension. They're very easy to complete and I've attached an example for you to use. Just fill in the blanks and fax to USAC at 973-599-6526.
Receiving errors on the Online BEAR? Four vendors have done global SPIN changes with USAC since the FY 2009 Form 471s were filed and as a result, applicants are receiving error messages when trying to use the old SPIN. The vendors are Penn Telecom (Consolidated), Verizon North (Verizon), Commonwealth (Frontier), and Telcove (Level 3). If you're unsure which SPIN to use, refer to the attached list of outstanding BEARs.
10 Digit Myth: On the paper BEAR, it asks for your 10-digit 471 number and 10-digit FRN number. These numbers are not 10 digits -- this is an error on the form. Just use the numbers as they appear on your funding commitment decision letter.
Vendor not signing a Paper BEAR? If you've faxed your BEAR to your vendor to sign and they haven't done so, call the vendor to make sure they know you need it ASAP. If you can't reach them or if they can't sign by today, file for an invoice deadline extension. After it's granted, you'll have an additional 120 days to file your BEAR.
Vendor not certifying an Online BEAR? If you submitted your BEAR Online but have not yet received the e-mail confirmation stating that your vendor certified your BEAR, call the vendor to make sure they know your BEAR is awaiting certification in the USAC Online BEAR system. If you can't reach them, file for an invoice deadline extension. If your vendor certifies after tomorrow's midnight deadline, the BEAR will be denied. After your invoice deadline extension request is approved, you'll have an additional 120 days to resubmit.
1 BEAR Per Vendor: A separate BEAR must be submitted for each vendor. If you have 2 or more FRNs with the same vendor (same SPIN), you can put all of them on the same BEAR.
Items 14 and 15? Item 14 should be the total amount of eligible services for the year (assuming you're filing a BEAR for the full 12 months). Item 15 should be the Item 14 amount multiplied by your approved discount. Do not just list your funding cap for the year in 14 or 15. These figures should be actual amounts. USAC will only pay up to your cap, or the actual amount you've spent, whichever is less.
Committed Amount vs. Actual Amount: You may only seek reimbursement for the exact amount paid for eligible services and may not seek reimbursement of the full funding cap if you didn't spent up to that amount (for example, if you were committed $10,000, but then only spent $6,000, you can only request E-rate reimbursements based on the $6000).
Paper BEAR Version: If you don't have an E-rate PIN, you must file a paper BEAR and the easiest version I've found to use is available at http://www.e-ratecentral.com/formsRack/app/Form472.asp.
Not Going to Use the $? File a Form 500 to return the funds. http://www.e-ratecentral.com/formsRack/app/Form500.asp.
Let me know if you have any questions!
-Julie
717-730-7133 - o
717-730-9060 - f
jtschell@comcast.net
www.e-ratepa.org
Penn*link
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