COMPETITIVE BIDDING

We will work closely with District staff to foster an environment where all aspects of your RFP and competitive bidding requirements are handled smoothly.

Advise in a neutral way and foster open competition

The fundamental principle on which the E-rate Program is based is that the applicant has conducted a fair and open competitive procurement by which they decided upon the services they are ordering for E-rate discounts. In order to be sure that such a fair and open competition is achieved, it is imperative that Service Providers remember that their marketing discussions with applicants must be neutral, so as not to taint the competitive bidding process. That is, the applicant should not have a relationship with the Service Provider prior to the competitive bidding that would unfairly influence the outcome of a competition nor would furnish the Service Provider with “inside” information or allow them to unfairly compete in any way.

Consequences for lack of compliance

In the event that SLD determines that the Service Provider has not acted in compliance with Program rules or the applicant has not acted in compliance with Program rules it can result in denial of funding, reduction in funding, cancellation of funding (a commitment adjustment), audit or other investigation. The Service Provider or applicant may also be subject to enforcement action.

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