House lawmakers meet to discuss First Responder Network Authority’s FirstNet progress

House lawmakers met on Friday to discuss the First Responder Network Authority’s FirstNet progress in the deployment of the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN) in light of its request for proposal (RFP).

The hearing marks a major step forward in FirstNet’s efforts to modernize communications for first responders.

“This is a significant step for the network because it is the formal structured process that will select our partner who will deploy the NPSBN,” TJ Kennedy, president of FirstNet, said. “The release of the RFP is the result of three years of hard work beginning with the creation of the Board back in August 2012, establishing the start-up organization of FirstNet, and staffing it with some of the most talented individuals from across the country that are committed to supporting public safety’s communication needs.”

The release of the RFP follows a year of dialogue with public safety leaders on the objectives and scope of the RFP for the FirstNet network of responders. Prior to the release, FirstNet issued 13 requests for information as well as a set of meetings with interested vendors.

Capability statements are due no later than March 17 and proposals must be submitted by April 29.