Schools and Libraries
About the Schools and Libraries Program:
- Overview of the Program
- Overview of the Process
- Outreach and Training
- Site Visits
- Filing Appeals
- Understanding Audits
Schools and Libraries Tools:
Step 3: Respond to Applicant Requests for Products and Services
Service providers should comply with all appropriate state and local procurement rules, and/or regulations and competitive bidding requirements when responding to applicants' Description of Service Requested and Certification Forms (Form 470) and/or Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
Applicants must conduct a fair and open competitive bidding process by which they determine the services they order for discounts. To be sure that a fair and open competition is achieved, service providers must hold neutral marketing discussions with applicants so as not to taint the competitive bidding process. The applicant should not have a relationship with the service provider prior to the competitive bidding process that would unfairly influence the outcome of a competition, furnish the service provider with "inside" information, or allow the service provider to compete unfairly in any way.
The applicant also must be in a position to accept bids once its Form 470 is posted on this website for 28 days. The applicant must take an affirmative role in the evaluation of such bids. The applicant may not delegate this evaluation role to anyone associated with a service provider.
When responding to Forms 470 or RFPs, service providers should comply with all appropriate state or local procurement rules and/or regulations and competitive bidding requirements. Service providers should also comply with any specific requirements detailed in an RFP.
