CHAPTER 8Procedure for principal stage
Submission of principal stage form to OFCOM
59.—(1) A bidder must submit the completed principal stage form to OFCOM by using the electronic auction system, except as provided for in regulation 60.
(2) The completed principal stage form must be received by OFCOM by the time notified by OFCOM under regulation 54(a) as the end of the principal stage round.
Alternative method for submission of principal stage form
60.—(1) Where OFCOM are satisfied that a bidder is unable to submit a principal stage form by using the electronic auction system because of technical failure (or an event or circumstance with similar effect on the bidder’s ability to use the electronic auction system), OFCOM shall notify the bidder of an alternative method of submitting the principal stage form and any requirements relating to the authentication of communications made by means of the alternative method.
(2) The bidder must submit the principal stage form by means of the alternative method and must comply with any requirements which have been notified to it under paragraph (1) relating to the authentication of communications.
Incomplete or defective principal stage form
61.—(1) Where, due to the manner of completion, a principal stage form is incomplete or defective but OFCOM believe that they can ascertain the bidder’s intention in relation to the matters set out in regulation 26(3), OFCOM shall ask the bidder to confirm in a notice to OFCOM by a deadline specified by OFCOM that OFCOM have correctly ascertained the bidder’s intention in relation to its decisions on the principal stage form.
(2) Where the bidder confirms in a notice given to OFCOM by the deadline which is signed by two authorised persons that OFCOM have correctly ascertained the bidder’s intention, the principal stage form in its entirety shall be valid and be accepted by OFCOM on that basis.
(3) Where the bidder does not give such confirmation, the principal stage form in its entirety shall be invalid and rejected by OFCOM.
Notification that principal stage form is not valid
62. Where a bidder submits a principal stage form that is not a valid principal stage form during a principal stage round, OFCOM shall, after the end of that principal stage round, notify the bidder of that fact and shall give the reasons why the principal stage form is not a valid principal stage form.