USAC has announced a new requirement for Universal Service Fund (USF) invoicing that directly affects all E-Rate applicants and service providers using the Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement (BEAR) method. Beginning in August 2026, USF payments will be issued using the banking information stored in SAM.gov, not the banking data currently on file in USAC’s legacy systems.
To avoid delays or interruptions in BEAR reimbursements, your organization must ensure that:
- You have an active SAM.gov registration.
- Your Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is listed on FCC Form 498.
- The bank account you use for USF payments is correctly linked to your SAM.gov registration.
We strongly recommend reviewing and updating this information as soon as possible, since SAM.gov registration and UEI validation can take several weeks to complete.
What is a UEI and why it matters
The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is a 12-character alphanumeric ID assigned to every entity that does business with the federal government, including E-Rate participants. The UEI replaced the DUNS number in 2022 and is automatically created when you register in SAM.gov. Your SAM.gov registration must be renewed annually, but your UEI itself does not expire.
Even though some FCC and USAC systems may still show DUNS fields, the UEI is now the primary federal identifier and must be present on FCC Form 498 for BEAR payments to continue without disruption.
If you are already registered in SAM.gov
If your organization already has a SAM.gov account, please:
- Confirm that your UEI appears on FCC Form 498.
- Verify that the UEI is tied to the correct bank account that should receive USF disbursements.
- Check that your SAM.gov status is “active” and that renewal dates are being monitored.
Once you have validated your registration, UEI, and banking information, no additional steps are needed other than keeping SAM.gov active each year.
If you are not yet registered in SAM.gov
If you do not have an active SAM.gov registration or a UEI, you will need to:
- Register your organization in SAM.gov and obtain a UEI during that process.
- Link the appropriate bank account to your SAM.gov profile.
- Add your UEI to FCC Form 498 using E-File or EPC and recertify as needed.
Because SAM.gov registration can take up to six weeks and UEI validation for Form 498 can require an additional 4–6 weeks, starting early is essential to avoid funding disruptions as the August 2026 deadline approaches.
Recommended timeline and ongoing best practices
Immediate steps
- Confirm whether your organization has an active SAM.gov registration and UEI.
- Verify that your UEI is listed on FCC Form 498 and tied to the correct bank account.
Before August 2026
- Complete or update SAM.gov registration and resolve any TIN/FRN mismatches.
- Update and recertify FCC Form 498, if needed.
- Put internal reminders in place for annual SAM.gov renewals.
Ongoing
- Keep SAM.gov active and current to prevent payment holds.
- Periodically review Form 498 and banking information, especially after any changes in fiscal agents or bank accounts.
Our team is available to review your SAM.gov and FCC Form 498 status and help you navigate any issues so that your BEAR reimbursements continue smoothly under the new process.
Helpful links:
- USAC summary of the SAM.gov UEI requirement for USF payments: Click Here
- USAC E-Rate News Brief – February 19, 2026 (original announcement): Click Here
- SAM.gov registration (obtain UEI and manage banking): Click Here
- USAC Open Data – verify UEI on Form 498 for service providers: Click Here
- USAC Open Data – verify UEI on Form 498 for E-Rate BEAR filers: Click Here
- FCC Form 498 access via USAC E-File: Click Here
