First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) recently announced its first Request for Proposals (RFP) for the deployment of the public safety broadband network.
The announcement, issued on January 13, is an important step in FirstNet’s objective of creating a modern communications network for the use of all first responders.
“We have developed this RFP in an open forum to create a ‘first of its kind’ public-private partnership for the network,” FirstNet Chief Executive Officer Mike Poth said. “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.”
The RFP’s release comes after a year of dialogue with public safety officials and the industry itself to come to reasonable objectives and scope for the project, with the overall goal being to modernize communications.
“This is an opportunity to revolutionize how first responders do their job, and we appreciate the valuable public safety feedback we have received to make this happen,” FirstNet President TJ Kennedy said. “FirstNet is thrilled to issue an RFP that will promote innovation and deliver the best value to the public safety community.”
Proposals for the RFP will be due on April 29. Questions will be due Feb 12 and culpability statements will be due March 17. FirstNet anticipates that awards will be made beginning in the fourth quarter of 2016.