Can I go straight to PCC rather than renew my ACC?

If you apply for your PCC before your ACC fully expires, Global ICF will auto renew your ACC while they are reviewing your PCC.  Where reference is made to expires, that means one year from the expiration date of the ACC. 

To also note the ACC has a 2 month grace period and after that two months, the ACC will lapse if it was not renewed.  If you decided to renew your ACC at some point through that year, you would have to provide additional CCEs each month that you are late.  However, if you are really close to getting your PCC, it makes sense to just wait to submit for your PCC