SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) Board met this week to ensure the continued success of its Strategic Program Roadmap (Roadmap) and the deployment of a nationwide public safety broadband network (NPSBN). During FirstNet Committee and Board meetings held yesterday and today, the Board reviewed key Roadmap milestones in the areas of acquisition, finance, technology, and consultation, which are critical for the development of a final Request for Proposal (RFP) for the network.

Additionally, FirstNet met with the Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) earlier this week to receive updates on the PSAC’s priority and preemption, public safety grade, and user equipment assignments. The PSAC meeting included a public session that addressed the respective assignments and activities of the PSAC Tribal and Early Builder Working Groups.

“The updates provided at the FirstNet Board and Committee meetings demonstrate the great progress the FirstNet team is making on our strategic roadmap,” said FirstNet Chair Sue Swenson. “The work being done with the PSAC, along with our interaction with states and public safety, continues to be invaluable input as the team works to get a final RFP out later this year.”

This week’s Board meetings came a little over a month after the Board approved the framework for FirstNet’s proposed acquisition approach and authorized the release of a Special Notice requesting feedback on FirstNet’s draft RFP documents. Interested parties have until July 27 to submit their comments and/or capabilities statements in response to the Special Notice, which is posted on the Federal Business Opportunities website at www.fbo.gov (Reference Number: D15PS00295).

Today, FirstNet Acting Executive Director TJ Kennedy updated the board on the critical key steps required to produce a final RFP, including the May 14 Industry Day.

“The Industry Day was an important component in our overall consultation process,” said FirstNet Vice Chair Jeff Johnson. “We believe that this type of dialog in open settings will deepen the understanding of the approach we’ve taken to the RFP and will provide a more clear view of the potential benefits and opportunities from the deployment of this network,” Johnson said. “We look forward to the ongoing feedback from all interested parties so that our final RFP is the best it can be.”

About FirstNet
FirstNet will provide emergency responders with the first high-speed, nationwide broadband network dedicated to public safety. The network will improve communications among local, state, regional, tribal and national emergency services personnel. FirstNet is an independent authority within the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration. FirstNet is governed by a 15-member Board that consists of representatives from public safety, government, and the wireless industry.