Schools and Libraries
About the Schools and Libraries Program:
- Overview of the Program
- Overview of the Process
- Outreach and Training
- HATS Outreach
- Filing Appeals
- Understanding Audits
Schools and Libraries Tools:
Step 9: Invoice USAC
USAC can be invoiced by the service provider using a Service Provider Invoice (SPI) Form (Form 474) or by the applicant using a Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement (BEAR) Form (Form 472).
FCC rules require USAC to pay universal service support to service providers and not directly to applicants. However, two invoice methods and program forms exist:
Service Provider Invoice (SPI) (Form 474)
Service providers may submit Form 474 to USAC seeking payment for services:
- After the billed entity submits the Receipt of Service Confirmation Form (Form486) verifying the service start date
- After the service provider has provided a discounted bill to the billed entity
Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement (BEAR) Form (Form 472)
The billed entity must submit the BEAR form, which must also be signed by the service provider:
- After the billed entity submits the Form 486
- After the billed entity has paid the total amount (including the applicant's non-discount share and the amount of USF support to be paid by USAC) to the service provider
Determining Invoice Method
USAC encourages service providers to work with applicants to include a provision in contracts or service agreements specifying whether customer bills will be the total cost of services or only the customer's non-discount share. Service providers may provide applicants with discounted bills and submit the SPI to request payment from USAC for the amount of USF support to be paid. Service providers and applicants may jointly submit the BEAR when the applicant has paid the entire cost of services to the service provider. In all cases, USAC pays support to the service provider.
USAC will base the invoicing mode - SPI or BEAR - for a Funding Request Number (FRN) on the first invoice that is successfully processed for that FRN. Once established, that invoice mode must be used for all other invoices on that FRN.
Please note that USAC will not process invoices for a funding year before a Service Provider Annual Certification Form (Form 473) is on file for that funding year.
The SPI may be filed either on paper or online. Online filing results in fewer errors and faster processing of forms.
Service providers can also sign up for electronic invoicing. Electronic invoicing is recommended for service providers that submit more than a few invoices or more than a few line items on invoices.
