USACE-RateCybersecurity Pilot ProgramService Providers Process
Competitive Bidding

Competitive Bidding

Service providers’ role in the Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program (Pilot Program or Pilot) begins with the competitive bidding process. Each Pilot participant will post at least one Pilot FCC Form 470 containing a description of the cybersecurity equipment and services for which they intend to seek support and would like to receive bids.

After a Pilot participant certifies a Pilot FCC Form 470 in the Cybersecurity Pilot Program portal, it is posted publicly on USAC’s Open Data platform. Pilot participants can also elect to issue a request for proposal(s) (RFP) or other related bidding document(s) to be publicly posted along with the Pilot FCC Form 470.

Service providers can then review the posted Pilot FCC Form 470, RFP, or other related bidding information and submit bids based on the form(s) and supporting documents. Service providers can respond to Pilot FCC Forms 470 without having a Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN), also known as a FCC Form 498 ID, but they will need to obtain a SPIN before a funding commitment decision letter (FCDL) can be issued to the applicant and selected services provider(s) for the requested cybersecurity services and equipment. Follow the steps highlighted on the Service Providers Process page to learn how to obtain a 498ID/SPIN.

Fair and Open Competitive Bidding Process

The goal of the competitive bidding process is to have as many bidders as possible respond to a Pilot FCC Form 470 (and RFP if used) so that a Pilot participant can receive better equipment and/or services at lower prices. To do this, Pilot participants must ensure that the competitive bidding process is fair and open. This means that:

  • All bidders must be treated the same;
  • No bidder can have advance knowledge of the Pilot Program project information;
  • There are no secrets in the process – such as information shared with one bidder but not with others – and all bidders must know what is required of them and information must be shared with all bidders; and
  • Service providers and potential service providers cannot offer or give gifts to Pilot participants (including their consultants and other representatives) (subject to section 54.2005(d)(3) and (4) of the Pilot Program rules).

The Service Provider’s Role In the Competitive Bidding Process

A service provider’s actions must not compromise the fair and open nature of the competitive bidding process. Service providers should not in engage in conduct that compromises the competitive bidding process or results in a process that is not fair and open or gives the appearance that the competitive bidding requirements have been compromised or the process was not fair and open.

  • After the Pilot FCC Form 470 is posted, service providers should limit outreach to a Pilot participant to requests for information needed to submit responsive bids. Note that requests for information should not be generic emails or other communications soliciting business but should be specific and related to posted Pilot FCC Form(s) 470 (and RFPs if used) if the available information is not sufficient to submit a responsive bid.
  • Service providers must not prepare, sign, post, or certify a Pilot FCC Form 470 on behalf of a Pilot participant if they also plan to submit a bid in response to the Pilot FCC Form 470. Similarly, a service provider cannot serve as a contact person on a Pilot participant’s form if it also plans to bid on the form, nor can its contact information appear on the form or RFP, if used.
  • Service providers and potential service providers cannot offer or give gifts to Pilot participants (subject to section 54.2005(d)(3) and (4) of the Pilot Program rules).

The cybersecurity equipment and services a service provider provides to a Pilot participant may be eligible, ineligible, or partially or conditionally eligible for reimbursement from the Pilot Program. However, a service provider may receive funding only for eligible equipment and services. A service provider’s bid response(s) (and contract(s), if it is chosen by a Pilot participant as a service provider) should clearly identify any Pilot Program-ineligible equipment and services and provide cost allocations for equipment and services that are partially or conditionally eligible.

Winning the Bid

If a Pilot participant selects your bid as the most cost-effective service offering following the minimum 28-day waiting period before the Pilot participant may enter into a legally binding agreement or contract with a service provider (i.e., the Allowable Contract Date), you can assist the applicant with any remaining next steps after being selected as the provider. If you do not have a SPIN or 498 ID number, you should complete the process to be able to receive a funding commitment decision letter for your related funding request(s). Follow the steps highlighted on the Service Providers Process page to learn how to obtain a FCC Form 498ID/SPIN.