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 3: Open a Competitive Bidding Process (Form 470)
Applicants must file the Description of Services Requested and Certification Form (Form 470) to begin the competitive process and must ensure an open and fair competitive bidding process for specific products.
Applicants must file a new Form 470 each funding year for requests for tariffed or month-to-month services and for new contractual services. When the Form 470 is filed, USAC will make it available to interested service providers by posting it to the USAC website.
Applicants must:
- Describe specific services or functions for support
- Identify the correct category of services: telecommunications, Internet access, internal connections, or basic maintenance of internal connections
- Identify recipients of services for support
- Follow all applicable state and local procurement laws
- Wait 28 days after the Form 470 is posted to the USAC website or after public availability of your Request for Proposals (RFP), whichever is later, before selecting a vendor or executing a contract (see Step 4: Select the Most Cost-Effective Service Provider)
Applicants may:
- Use RFPs or other solicitation methods tailored to specific needs and circumstances in addition to the required Form 470.
The Form 470 must be completed by the entity that will negotiate for eligible products and services with potential service providers. A service provider that participates in the competitive bidding process as a bidder cannot be involved in the preparation or certification of the entity's Form 470.
A new Form 470 is not required if an applicant intends to seek discounts on services provided under a multi-year contract executed under a posted Form 470 in a prior funding year.