So your Cybersecurity Pilot Program Form 470 is certified, now what? Once your procurement closes, there are still a few critical steps to get your funding requests submitted before the September 15th deadline. Here’s what to focus on as you move into the final stretch:
📑 Documentation is Everything
As you wrap up procurement, the most important thing to remember is this: every number, date, or figure in your application needs documentation to back it up.
Ask yourself:
- Do I have records showing which costs were deemed eligible, and do those amounts tie back directly to the bids?
- If any bids were disqualified, do I have documentation tying that decision to the criteria in the procurement?
- Is there dated documentation showing bids were evaluated after procurement closed and before an agreement was signed?
Think of documentation as your safety net, it’s what makes your evaluation process clear and defensible if questions come up later.
📅 The September 15 Deadline
Two major requirements fall on this date:
- Form 471 Certification – You’ll need a legally binding agreement in place to certify. What qualifies as legally binding depends on your state and local procurement rules, so make sure you’re familiar with what applies to you.
- Form 484 (Part 2) Certification – This also must be submitted by September 15.
Keep a close eye on any review questions or modification requests that come from USAC reviewers as they begin their process for the pilot program. Staying responsive now will keep you from scrambling later.
🏁 Final Push
We’re almost at the last bend in this race. The finish line is in sight, but this is the moment to stay sharp. Documentation and deadlines are the two things that matter most right now. Keep them front and center, and you’ll put yourself in the best position for a smooth submission.
