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Don't Wait Until You Need E-Rate: Keep Your SAM.gov Registration Active
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
6/22/2026
Why This Matters
Even if your charter school is not currently participating in E-Rate, maintaining an active SAM.gov registration and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is a best practice that can save valuable time and prevent delays when future funding opportunities arise.
Beginning August 2026, the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) will use SAM.gov banking information to process reimbursements for E-Rate applicants utilizing the Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement (BEAR) method. Schools must have an active SAM.gov registration, an assigned UEI, and associated banking information to receive reimbursements.
Why Every Charter School Should Register
Even if your school has never applied for E-Rate, an active SAM.gov registration provides several benefits:
Positions your school to apply for future E-Rate funding without delays
Supports eligibility for many federal grants and reimbursement programs
Establishes a verified federal entity profile and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
Eliminates the need to complete the registration process during time-sensitive application periods
Best Practice: Make SAM.gov Part of Your Annual Compliance Calendar
A SAM.gov registration is not a one-time task.
Schools should:
Obtain and maintain an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
Verify banking information is current
Renew the registration annually
Confirm that the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) matches the FCC Registration Number (FRN) to avoid processing errors
Document renewal dates within the school's annual compliance calendar
Checklist
Confirm your school has an active SAM.gov registration
Verify your UEI is documented and accessible
Review banking information for accuracy
Add the annual renewal date to your compliance calendar
Coordinate with your technology and E-Rate contacts to ensure information remains current
Proactive Planning = Faster Funding
Waiting until an E-Rate application or federal funding opportunity is announced can result in unnecessary delays. Maintaining an active SAM.gov registration is a simple administrative step that helps ensure your school is ready when opportunities become available.
Additional Information:
To learn more about USAC’s transition to using SAM.gov payment data for USF invoices, visit USAC’s SAM.gov UEI Requirement webpage. SAM.gov UEI Requirement - Universal Service Administrative Company For questions about SAM.gov registration or associated bank accounts, please visit the SAM.gov website. For questions about the FCC Form 498 or using EPC, contact the E-Rate Customer Service Center at (888) 203-8100 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
💡 inSchools Insight
The best compliance strategy is preparation before it's required. Let the inSchools team help your school stay audit-ready, funding-ready, and positioned to maximize every available funding opportunity through proactive financial and compliance support.
Have questions or need assistance?
Please contact inSchools.
DeAnna Clavell dclavell@theinschools.com