      |
E-Rate Step 3: Service Provider Selection
At the conclusion of the required 28-day waiting period, you may select a vendor or execute a contract for services. When selecting your provider, you must choose the most cost-effective provider of the desired products or services eligible for support, with price as the deciding factor.
Bid Evaluation: You must construct an evaluation for consideration of bids received in response to the posting of the Form 470 with price being the primary factor in the selection of a vendor. Many applicants choose to create a matrix with weighted criteria, which enables you to have more input into which provider and products and services are ultimately selected.
Contract Guidance: Vendors may also be selected from a State Master Contract, execute multi-year contracts pursuant to a Form 470, and applicants may enter into voluntary contract extensions, but certain additional contract requirements apply. In all cases, you must comply with state and local procurement laws.
Document Retention: It is critical that you save all documentation pertaining to the competitive bidding process and vendor selection for five years. This is a protective measure in case of audit.
