FCDL Comment:
DR1:FCC rules require that applicants provide sufficient information with the FCC Form 470 and/or RFP in order for potential vendors to be able to formulate valid service solutions. Further, applicants must conduct a fair and open competitive bidding process that does not indicate a preference for one technology solution over another. Specifically, being technology neutral when choosing a Self-Provisioned solution. This could deter non-fiber vendors from submitting bids, therefore violating Competitive Bidding regulations. This FRN is denied because the applicant has not provided a technology neutral solution to all potential vendors to evaluate its service needs and has not conducted a fair and open competitive bidding process. In addition, in the RFP a preference was stated to select a Self-provisioned fiber option over the other posted service options. Thus the applicant did not conduct a fair and open competitive bid process.