The invoice deadline is the last date USAC will accept an invoice for a funded FRN, and which form applies depends on who's filing. Applicants file FCC Form 472 (the BEAR) to request reimbursement themselves after paying the provider directly. Service providers file FCC Form 474 (the SPI) to bill USAC directly on the applicant's behalf.
How It Works
Each funded FRN carries its own invoicing window, generally tied to the FRN's service delivery period and contract dates. Once that window is set, invoices, whether BEAR or SPI, have to be submitted before the deadline passes. Extensions can be requested from USAC before the deadline, but not after. For the exact calendar mechanics and how deadlines are calculated for a given funding year, see our full invoicing guide and our full deadlines guide.
BEAR and SPI are mutually exclusive per FRN, not a choice made twice. If the applicant pays the provider in full and files the BEAR to get reimbursed, the provider doesn't also file an SPI for the same funding. If the provider bills USAC directly through SPI, the applicant only ever pays their discounted share.
Missing the deadline generally means the FRN can't be invoiced further. Once that window closes without a compliant invoice, the remaining committed funding on that FRN is at risk of being lost, not carried forward.
What This Means for You
Applicants
Know your invoicing mode (BEAR or SPI) for each FRN before service starts, not after. Confirm your Form 486 is approved, since invoicing can't begin without it.
Service Providers
If you're filing SPI on a customer's behalf, track each FRN's individual deadline, not a single date across your whole book of business. Deadlines are set per FRN.
We regularly see applicants pick their invoicing mode reflexively instead of deliberately. BEAR means the district fronts the full cost and waits on reimbursement; SPI means the district only ever pays its discounted share and the provider deals with USAC directly. Which one actually fits a district's cash-flow and finance-office process is a real decision, not a default.
Common Questions About Invoice Deadlines
What's the difference between BEAR and SPI invoicing?
The applicant files the BEAR (Form 472) when it paid the provider directly and wants reimbursement. The service provider files the SPI (Form 474) to bill USAC directly, in which case the applicant only pays its discounted share to the provider.
What happens if the deadline passes?
The FRN generally can't be invoiced further, and the remaining commitment on it is at risk of being lost rather than carried forward.
Can the deadline be extended?
Yes, applicants or providers can request an extension from USAC, but it has to be requested before the deadline passes. See our invoicing guide for the process.
Who submits a BEAR versus who submits an SPI?
The applicant submits the BEAR; the service provider submits the SPI. They're mutually exclusive per FRN, not both filed for the same funding.
How is the deadline calculated from the service end date?
It's tied to the FRN's service delivery and contract period. For the exact day-count mechanics for a given funding year, see our full deadlines guide.
What happens if the invoiced amount doesn't match the FRN?
USAC reviews the discrepancy and can reduce, request correction on, or deny that specific invoice line, rather than affecting the whole FRN automatically.
Informational only, not legal advice. E-Rate procedures and forms can change by funding year. Confirm current requirements in the applicable USAC and FCC guidance.