FCC Form 470

The posting of a participant’s FCC Form 470 (Description of Services Requested and Certification Form) opens the required competitive bidding process. After a participant certifies an FCC Form 470 in the E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC), it is posted publicly. Participants can also issue a request for proposals (RFP) or related bidding document. Service providers can then review the posted FCC Form 470 information and submit bids. Some state or local procurement rules or regulations require participants to issue an RFP in addition to the FCC Form 470.

In addition, FCC rules require participants to issue an RFP for certain service type requests – for example, dark fiber special construction. Participants may choose to issue an RFP even though one is not required by their state or local procurement regulations. However, FCC rules require that, if participants issue an RFP, it must be uploaded as part of the online FCC Form 470 filing process. The FCC Form 470 must be certified in EPC at least 28 days before the close of the FCC Form 471 filing window for the funding year in which services and/or products are requested.

Participants cannot start the competitive bidding process until the FCC selects Pilot Program participants.