Waiting Period.  At the conclusion of the 28-day waiting period after the Description of Services Requested and Certification Form (Form 470) is posted on the USAC website, the applicant may select a vendor for tariffed or month-to-month services or executive a contract for new contractual services.

Bid Evaluation.  Applicants must construct an evaluation for consideration of bids received in response to the posting of the Form 470 that makes price the primary factor in the selection of a vendor.

Contract Guidance.  Applicants may also choose vendors from a State Master Contract, execute multi-year contracts pursuant to a Form 470, and enter into voluntary contract extensions, but certain additional contract requirements apply.  In all cases, applicants must comply with state and local procurement laws.

Document Retention.  Applicants must save all documentation pertaining to the competitive bidding process and vendor selection for five years.  Applicants must certify and acknowledge on the Form 470 and the Services Ordered and Certification Form (Form 471) that they may be audited and that they must retain all records that can verify the accuracy of information provided.