E-Rate Competitive Bidding Rules

• The Form 470 must explicitly indicate (via a checkmark in the appropriate box) that the applicant has or intends to issue an RFP, and must indicate how a service provider may obtain a copy of the RFP. (Note: If, within a single category of service, an applicant uses an RFP for some services, and no RFP for other services, the applicant should file two Form 470s, one for RFP services and one for non-RFP services.)

• The Form 470 must be posted for 28 days before an applicant can select a vendor, sign a contract, and/or file a Form 471 application. The 28th day is known as the Allowable Contract Date ("ACD"). If an RFP is also issued, that RFP must also remain open for 28 days. If the Form 470 and RFP are not released on the same day, the 28-day requirement is governed by whichever is filed last. If, for example, the RFP is issued 5 days after the Form 470 is filed, the first day that the applicant can select a vendor is not the ACD shown on the posted Form 470, but five days thereafter (i.e., 28 days from the issuance of the RFP).