FirstNet Approves Framework of Proposed Acquisition Approach

FirstNet's board approved the framework of FirstNet’s proposed acquisition approach to deploy the nationwide public safety broadband network and authorized the release of a special notice requesting feedback on draft request for proposals (RFP) documents, during a special meeting Friday. The board also approved a third public notice seeking further comment on the definition and scope of the term “public safety entity” as used in FirstNet’s enabling legislation. It's important to continue consulting with the public safety community on these items, board members said during the meeting. “Today’s decisions by the FirstNet board continue the significant progress FirstNet is achieving toward our goal of implementing the nationwide public safety broadband network,” said Chairwoman Sue Swenson. FirstNet also decided at the meeting to finalize the special notice with draft RFP documents to reflect the board’s decisions and plans to release them Monday, with responses due within 90 days. The documents will be posted via Federal Business Opportunities. The prepublication version of the third notice will be posted on FirstNet’s website, with a 30-day comment period that begins after the notice is published in the Federal Register.