FCDL Comment:
DR1:FCC Rules require applicants to carefully consider all bids submitted by service providers and to choose the most cost effective solution. Documentation provided demonstrates that the applicant did not consider all of the bids that were submitted. Per the FCC's Queen of Peace order, applicants are required to consider equivalent makes and models. Specifically, the applicant disqualified three out of four bids because the service providers submitted equivalent makes and models. Therefore, the applicant has violated the competitive bidding program rules and this FRN is denied.||DR2:FCC Rules require applicants to carefully consider all bids submitted by service providers and to choose the most cost effective solution. Documentation provided demonstrates that the applicant did not consider all of the bids that were submitted. Per the FCC's Queen of Peace order, applicants are required to consider equivalent makes and models. Specifically, the applicant disqualified three out of four bids because the service providers submitted equivalent makes and models. In response to USAC's Intent to Deny, the consultant provided a new evaluation which evaluated all four bidders. The creation date of this evaluation showed that it has been created on September 22nd, 2021 and not prior to the awarding of the contract, as the consultant claimed. Therefore, the new evaluation can not be considered since it was conducted after the Contract Award Date and the FCC Form 471 certification date. The applicant has violated the competitive bidding program rules and this FRN is denied.