How to File FCC Form 472 in EPC
Before filing a BEAR Form, applicants must complete the following steps in order:
- Set up an account within the E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC).
- Obtain an applicant 498 ID by filing the FCC Form 498 (Service Provider and Billed Entity Identification Number and General Contact Information Form).
- The FCC Form 498 collects the contact and banking information USAC needs to reimburse the applicant directly
- USAC verifies the information and approves the FCC Form 498 for invoicing
- The applicant receives an applicant 498 ID
- Request access to invoicing from your Account Administrator
Once all requirements have been met and the Applicant has selected a method of invoicing, the process of submitting and certifying an invoice can begin.
Submitting Your Invoice
A full-rights user can complete the entire process of submitting and certifying an invoice. A partial rights user can submit an invoice for certification by a full-rights user. These rights are assigned by your Account Administrator. To learn how this process works in detail, including what actions can be completed based on your rights, please see the Electronic Learning Module linked below. Course Summary
Applicant Course 1: Submitting & Certifying Invoices in EPC
Applicant Course 1: Submitting & Certifying Invoices for Applicants helps learners
- Successfully navigate EPC
- File FCC Form 472 (BEAR)
- Certify FCC Form 472 (BEAR)
Managing and Checking the Status of Your Invoice
After you submit and certify an invoice, you may want to check its status. To learn how, please see the Electronic Learning Module linked below. Course Summary
Applicant Course 2: Invoice Management and Status in EPC
Applicant Course 2: Invoice Management and Status for Applicants helps learners
- Explore the features of an invoice record
- Review invoice status
- Review invoice line status
Receive Notifications and Respond to Outreach About Your Invoice
After invoicing, you may receive notifications or be required to respond to outreach. This task can be completed within EPC. For a full discussion of invoicing management and status, including finding key information within an invoice record, understanding the different statuses that can appear on your invoice/line and creating an Invoice Line Summary Status Report, please see the Electronic Learning Module linked below. Course Summary
Application Course 3: Invoice Notifications and Outreach in EPC
Applicant Course 3: Invoicing Notification and Outreach for Applicants helps learners
- Respond to outreach
- Locate system notifications
- Request extensions
- Contact USAC
For questions related to invoices filed within or before Funding Year 2015 (FY2015), please contact the E-Rate Customer Service Center (CSC) by creating a case in EPC or by calling (888) 203-8100, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM ET.