It's after July 1st...What Does This Mean for a BEAR?

July 1^st is a critical BEAR date.  As of July 1, 2016:

1. All BEARs filed by applicants, regardless of funding year, must now be completed online (this includes FY2014, 2015, and 2016).
2. Service providers will no longer be required to acknowledge/approve BEARs.
3. BEAR reimbursement payments will be made directly to applicants.

To facilitate these changes, several key details should be noted.

1. BEARs must be filed through the Apply Online BEAR system — not through EPC.
• The link takes you to the following page below. Select "BEAR Online" under Utilities. 

2. Applicant Login to the BEAR system requires a PIN.  An applicant, who has not been using non-EPC online forms and who does not have a PIN, can request one from the Client Service Bureau (888-203-8100).  Instructions for obtaining a PIN are discussed in USAC’s latest News Brief discussed below.

3. Although BEARs themselves are not filed through EPC, every applicant seeking direct BEAR payments — which USAC will pay electronically — must first use EPC to file a Form 498. This is a new applicant form. The key purpose of the Form 498 is to provide USAC with the necessary bank account information. A Form 498 can be completed only by a designated “School or Library Official” or “General Financial Contact.”