Step 2 Responding to Bids

To open a competitive bidding process, applicants post one or more FCC Forms 470 to the USAC website. Service providers can review and respond to bids based on the information contained in an FCC Form 470 and, if one is issued, a request for proposal (RFP) or similar bidding document.

The entity that will run the competitive bidding process – the applicant, a state procurement agency, or another entity authorized to negotiate on the applicant’s behalf – must ensure that the competitive bidding process is open and fair and must be prepared to receive and evaluate bids and negotiate with service providers.

RFPs are not required for Schools and Libraries Program purposes, but applicants must issue them if they are required by state or local competitive bidding rules. Applicants may also choose to issue RFPs to provide more information than they can fit on an FCC Form 470 or for other reasons. If an applicant issues an RFP, the associated FCC Form 470 must indicate where the RFP is available.

Reviewing the FCC Form 470

There are two ways for service providers to review FCC Form 470 information:

• The FCC Form 470 Search Posted tool allows you to specify one or more criteria – state, zip code, applicant type, etc. – and then perform a search. The search results will show all FCC Forms 470 that match the criteria you selected. You can then review the forms one by one from the list of results.
• The FCC Form 470 Download Reports tool provides a means to download most of the information from posted FCC Forms 470 into a spreadsheet.

You must be in compliance with all program rules and all applicable state and local procurement rules and regulations, including any competitive bidding requirements. You should also review the FCC Form 470 and RFP for specific requirements related to the competitive bidding process and make sure to follow them.

The Service Provider’s Role

Your actions must not compromise the competitive bidding process. You should avoid conduct that gives the appearance that the competitive bidding requirements have been compromised.

• You can provide product demonstrations and other information to applicants about the products and services you provide in advance of an applicant’s posting of an FCC Form 470. After the FCC Form 470 is posted, you should limit yourself to requests for information needed to submit responsive bids. Note that requests for information should not be generic emails or other communications soliciting business but should be specific and related to posted FCC Forms 470 and RFPs where the available information is not sufficient for you to submit a responsive bid.
• You should not assist applicants with the creation of their technology plans.
• You must not prepare, sign, post, or certify an FCC Form 470. You cannot serve as a contact on this form, nor can your contact information appear on this form.
• Gifts from service providers or potential service providers are prohibited. There are limited exceptions to the gift prohibition, which mirror federal government regulations. You should also be aware of the prohibition of free services.

The services you provide may be eligible, ineligible, or partially or conditionally eligible. Your bid responses (and contracts, if you are chosen as the service provider) should clearly identify ineligible services and provide cost allocations for services that are partially or conditionally eligible.

Next Step

If your bid is chosen as the most cost effective by an applicant, you and the applicant can negotiate a contract (for services other than those provided under tariff or a month-to-month arrangement), and you can prepare to assist the applicant as needed with filing the FCC Form 471 and undergoing application review.