FY2024 Recurring Services Invoice Deadline Approaching
The final invoicing deadline for most FY2024 recurring service FRNs is fast approaching. Now is the time to confirm that all BEAR (Form 472) and SPI (Form 474) invoices are submitted and certified.
For most applicants, October 28, 2025, was the last day to submit invoices. Applicants that received a one-time invoice extension have until Wednesday, February 25, 2026, to file BEARs/SPI. USAC cannot grant a second extension.
What This Deadline Covers
This deadline applies to eligible recurring services delivered between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, under approved FY2024 FRNs.
To receive reimbursement through BEAR, applicants must have:
- Received the services.
- Paid the service provider in full.
- An issued FCDL.
- A certified Form 486 on file.
BEAR Filing Checklist
Before submitting FCC Form 472 (BEAR), confirm:
- Services were delivered and invoiced during the FY2024 service period.
- The service provider has been paid in full for the eligible charges.
- Form 486 is certified.
- Form 498 is certified and an applicant 498 ID is active for electronic payment.
- The service provider has a current Form 473 (SPAC) on file.
Applicants may submit BEARs monthly, quarterly, or as a single annual filing, as long as services have been received and paid for.
Recommended Actions Now
Avoid last-minute issues by:
- Reviewing FY2024 recurring FRNs to confirm all services were delivered and paid.
- Verifying Forms 486 and 498 are certified.
- Confirming vendors have a current SPAC on file.
- Submitting BEARs early to allow time for corrections or resubmissions if needed.
Example: If FY2024 internet access and WAN services were billed and paid through June 30, 2025, those charges must be included on a BEAR filed no later than February 25, 2026 (if you have an approved extension).
SPI Requirements for Service Providers
Service providers submitting SPI (Form 474) invoices must ensure:
- The FRN is funded and an FCDL has been issued.
- The applicant certified Form 486.
- A valid SPIN and approved Form 498 are on file.
- A current Form 473 (SPAC) is filed.
- The applicant has only been billed for the non-discount share.
Coordination Is Key
To reduce the risk of lost funding:
- Confirm with each vendor whether invoicing will be done via SPI or BEAR.
- Review recurring FRNs to ensure services were fully delivered and correctly discounted.
- Encourage vendors to submit SPIs now for already billed months instead of waiting until the deadline.
Early preparation helps prevent delays, denials, and the loss of committed E-Rate funding.
How to File FCC Form 472 in EPC Click Here
How to File the FCC Form 474 in EPC Click Here
Kellogg & Sovereign’s E-Rate Invoice Reconciliation Service helps schools and libraries ensure that every dollar billed, discounted, and reimbursed aligns with funding commitments, contracts, and USAC program rules.
Purpose of E-Rate Invoice Reconciliation
- Validate accuracy – Confirm that BEAR and SPI invoice amounts match the services delivered, quantities received, and contract rates approved under the FRN and FCDL.
- Ensure eligibility compliance – Verify that only eligible services are invoiced to E-Rate and that any ineligible costs are properly removed or cost-allocated before submission.
- Reduce financial and audit risk – Prevent duplicate or incorrect invoicing to USAC and minimize the chance of denials, COMAD recoveries, or audit findings.
This process provides an added layer of financial oversight and compliance protection for applicants.
If you’re interested in one‑time E‑Rate invoice reconciliation services, please reach out to us. Contact Us
