FirstNet issues final RFP

FirstNet has released its final request for proposals for ideas to implement the US national public safety broadband network. Potential industry partners have until 29 April to submit their responses.

The RFP documents are available here.

“We have developed this RFP in an open forum to create a ‘first of its kind’ public-private partnership for the network,” said FirstNet CEO Mike Poth. “As we move into the next phase of the process, we look forward to receiving competitive offerings to deliver the best possible network for public safety.”

FirstNet said the release of the RFP follows more than a year of dialogue with public safety and industry on the objectives and scope of the RFP for the FirstNet network.

The build-up to the release has included 13 Requests for Information, a set of draft RFP documents, two Industry Day public events, answers to more than 650 questions related to network specifications and meetings with interested vendors.

FirstNet said it has conducted “a comprehensive consultation and outreach program to engage with the states, territories, federal agencies, tribal governments and the Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) in the RFP development process”.

“This is an opportunity to revolutionise how first responders do their job, and we appreciate the valuable public safety feedback we have received to make this happen,” said FirstNet President TJ Kennedy.

Although responses to the RFP are due on 29 April 2016, questions and capability statements are due on 12 February and 17 March, respectively.

FirstNet said it will review and consider all responses submitted and anticipates making an award in the fourth quarter of 2016.

FirstNet will conduct a public webinar on Friday 15 January from 1 to 3 pm US EST (5 to 7 am Australian Eastern Summer Time) to review key RFP elements. The webinar will be available on FirstNet’s website, with a link to the event webpage from the FirstNet’s homepage.