FirstNet Posts Multibillion RFP for Public Safety Broadband Network

The federal government’s vision for a unified national public safety broadband network, primarily for use by first responders, is one step closer to reality. FirstNet, the group leading that effort, posted a much-awaited request for proposal seeking tech partners to provide the infrastructure for that system, including radio access network services, deployment and maintenance.

The network is intended to stretch across 56 states and territories; FirstNet has a $7 billion budget authority and is pledging up to $6.5 billion for these task orders. FirstNet, an independent authority within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, plans to make an award in the fourth quarter of the 2016 calendar year, the RFP said. Proposals are due April 29, and applicants must submit questions and capability statements by Feb. 12 and March 17, respectively. The contract has an up to 25-year term, according to FirstNet. The RFP was posted after more than a year of discussion with technology companies and public safety groups about the network’s requirements; FirstNet has issued 13 requests for information and a collection of draft RFP documents.