USACRural Health CareRHC Service Providers Process
Step 2: Respond to Applicant Bid Requests

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Step 2: Respond to Applicant Bid Requests

To receive RHC program support, applicants must first request bids from service providers. In the HCF Program, they do so by posting an FCC Form 461 (Request for Services Form) to USAC’s website for a minimum of 28 days. In the Telecom Program, applicants request bids by posting an FCC Form 465 (Description of Services Requested & Certification Form) to USAC’s website for a minimum of 28 days.

Service providers should reach out to the contact(s) listed on the applicant’s FCC Form 461 or 465 to bid for the requested service(s). In addition to the information contained in the FCC Form 461 or 465, service providers may also reference the applicant’s request for proposal (RFP), if one was submitted.

The applicant will then select the most cost-effective bid using the list of weighted criteria included in their FCC Form 461 or 465.

Note that certain applicants seeking RHC program support are exempt from the competitive bidding process and are not required to file an FCC Form 461 or 465. More information about exemptions is available on the exemptions page.

Search Posted Services (FCC Forms 461 or 465)

The RHC Posted Services Tool allows service providers to search for applicants’ bid requests from posted FCC Forms 461 or FCC Forms 465. Posted information includes:

  • Service(s) requested
  • HCP name, location, and point of contact
  • The HCP or consortium’s allowable contract selection date (ACSD)
  • Weighted criteria the HCP will use to compare all bids received

Comply With USAC Rules Regarding Competitive Bidding

Applicants and service providers must comply with applicable state, Tribal, or local competitive bidding requirements. To ensure that the competitive bidding process is fair, open, and free from conflicts of interest, both applicants and service providers should be aware of these basic principles.

Service Provider Obligations

Potential bidders must have access to the same information and must be treated in the same manner throughout the competitive bidding process.

Service providers wishing to bid for services are prohibited from:

  • Preparing, signing, or submitting the applicant’s FCC Forms 461 or 465
  • Preparing a description of desired services
  • Serving as a consortium leader or other point of contact on the applicant’s behalf
  • Being involved in the development of the applicant’s bid evaluation criteria
  • Participating in the bid evaluation or service provider selection process (except in their role as a potential service provider)

State organizations, public sector entities, or nonprofit entities requesting an exemption from the prohibition against providing application assistance to HCF Program consortia and acting as a service provider must demonstrate to USAC that they have set up an organizational and functional separation between staff acting as service providers and staff providing application assistance. Examples of appropriate documentation include an organizational flow chart, budgetary codes, and supervisory administration. The exemption must be obtained from USAC prior to preparing the FCC Form 461.

Service providers must also include a declaration of assistance when approving invoices that describes the nature of the relationship they have with any consultant, vendor, or outside expert who aids them in the preparation of their application.

Applicant Obligations

If an applicant adds to or modifies their request for services, or related documents submitted to and posted by USAC, the applicant must provide the updated documents to USAC immediately to update the posted information.

Applicants must identify consultants, service providers, or other outside experts, paid or unpaid, who helped prepare their FCC Form 461 or 465, in the “Declaration of Assistance” section of the form. Required information includes: the consulting firm name, street address, city, state, and zip code; consulting firm telephone number; and consulting firm email address. The HCP must also describe the nature of the relationship it has with any consultant or other outside expert identified in its declaration of assistance.

Obligations for Consultants and Other Third Parties

Consultants and other third parties with an ownership interest, sales commission arrangement, or other financial stake with respect to a bidding service provider are prohibited from:

  • Preparing, signing, or submitting the FCC Form 461 or FCC Form 465, including supporting documentation
  • Preparing a description of desired services
  • Serving as a consortium leader or other point of contact on the applicant’s behalf
  • Being involved in the development of the applicant’s bid evaluation criteria
  • Participating in the bid evaluation or service provider selection process

Gift Rule

Applicants and their consultants, if any, are prohibited from directly or indirectly soliciting or accepting anything of value (including meals, tickets to sporting events, or trips) from service providers.

Next Step

Once a bid is selected by the applicant, the service provider and applicant will sign a contract or enter into a service agreement.

The material on these webpages is provided for general information only and should not be relied upon or used as the sole basis for making decisions without consulting the RHC program rules, orders, and other primary sources of information. Applicants and service providers are ultimately responsible for knowing and complying with all RHC program rules and procedures.