FCDL Comment:
DR1:FCC rules require applicants to conduct a fair and open competitive bidding process. Applicants are also required to post the FCC Form 470 and any requests for proposals in the E-rate Productivity Center and wait at least 28 days prior to selecting the winning bid. If the applicant makes a material change to the FCC Form 470 or to other bidding documents, the applicant must post the updates and change the bid acceptance deadline to reflect an additional 28 days prior to selecting the winning bid. During the review, it was determined that the applicant made a material change to the RFP. Specifically, it was determined that the applicant modified the scope and description section to remove two of the three fiber locations. The original RFP sought connectivity services between three locations, and the revised RFP eliminated two of the locations. The competitive bidding process was restricted because the applicant did not update the bid acceptance deadline to reflect the additional 28 days after making this material change to the bidding documentation in order to notify service providers of the extended deadline for bid submission. Therefore, this FRN is denied.