FirstNet responds to RFP questions and final proposals

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) responded to concerns on Thursday regarding questions it received on its request for proposal (RFP) and the deployment of the nationwide public safety broadband network.

“We are pleased with the interest and questions we received from industry, states, and public safety regarding the FirstNet RFP,” Mike Poth, chief executive officer of FirstNet, said. “This is a vital next step in the iterative process as potential offerors work to craft their proposed solutions to deploy the first-of-its-kind wireless network dedicated to first responders, and FirstNet staff are diligently working to answer each question.”

In response to the questions it received, FirstNet will be extending the deadline for submitting capability statements until Mar 31. FirstNet will also be extending the deadline for final RFP proposals until May 13.

Answers to submitted questions will be answered on a rolling basis.

The build up to the RFP release included 13 requests for information, a set of draft RFP documents, two industry day public events, answers to more than 650 questions related to a draft RFP, and meetings with interested vendors.

FirstNet was given the green light by Congress to take all actions necessary to ensure the building, deployment and operation of the nationwide public safety broadband network for local, state, regional, tribal and federal first responders, along with other safety personnel.