The Form 470 is a request for products and/or services that opens a competitive bidding process

• Identifies and describes desired categories of service and the function of the services
• Describes the scope of your needs
• Notifies potential bidders of the types and quantities of services that you need

The following timing constraints are applicable to the Form 470:

• The Form 470 for the upcoming funding year is generally available July 1 of the year before the start of the funding year.
• The Form 470 can be filed for a particular funding year as soon as it becomes available online.
• If you are applying for month-to-month services, you must file a Form 470 every year.
• If you want to sign a new contract, you must file a new Form 470.
• If you have a contract that expires before the end of the funding year, you must file a new Form 470 to open a competitive bidding process for any services that would be provided during the part of the funding year not covered by that expired contract.
• If you have a multi-year contract in place as a result of a competitive bidding process that includes ALL of the application funding year AND you already filed a Form 470 in a previous year establishing this contract, it is not necessary to post a new Form 470 until a new contract is required. You will, however, have to file a Form 471 in order to receive funding.

The following steps must be completed:

1. The applicant submits and certifies a completed FCC Form 470 using their EPC account, and may also issue a Request for Proposals
   
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2. USAC posts the form on their website and in EPC, opening a 28 day competitive bidding process to service providers
3. After the form is posted, USAC adds an FCC Form 470 Receipt Notification Letter (RNL) to the applicant's EPC account, which indicates the allowable contract date
4. The applicant receives bids from service providers
5. The applicant waits at least 28 days after the date the FCC Form 470 was posted and the date the RFP was issued (if applicable), whichever is later
6. The applicant holds an open and fair competitive bidding process, during which time bids are evaluated
7. The applicant selects the most cost-effective provider
8. On or after the allowable contract date, the applicant signs a contract, which may be for one or more years and may include the option of voluntary extensions

Save the following documentation:

• A copy of the completed Form 470
• FCC Form 470 Receipt Notification Letter
• The RFP (if one is issued)
• A copy of every bid received (winning and losing)
• A copy of all correspondence with bidders
• A completed, dated bid evaluation document and any documentation supporting how you selected the winning bid
• The signed contract