FirstNet Board Approves Draft RFP Documents, Third Public Notice with Emphasis on Continued Public Safety Consultation

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) 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. Also at the special meeting, the Board 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. FirstNet Board members underscored the importance of continuing to consult with the public safety community on these items.

“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 FirstNet Chair Sue Swenson. “We look forward to having a meaningful dialog on these two topics with the public safety community, state and local jurisdictions, territories and tribes, and potential offerors to move us along our strategic roadmap toward a final RFP and ultimately the deployment of a dedicated public safety broadband network." FirstNet is finalizing the Special Notice with draft RFP documents to reflect the Board’s decisions today and plans to release them on Monday, April 27 with responses due within 90 days.