Alexandria, VA – Today, the Board of Directors for the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) voted to approve the release of a request for proposals (RFP) for the construction, maintenance, and improvement of the nationwide public safety broadband network (NPSBN). FirstNet announced that it intends to make the RFP public early in January, 2016.  By approving the release of the RFP before the end of this year, FirstNet is keeping to its timeline for deploying a broadband network dedicated to the nation’s first responders. The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International, whose members will be among the primary users of the NPSBN, actively participated in the public comment opportunities leading up to the RFP.

“I’d like to congratulate FirstNet’s staff and Board for achieving this important milestone,” said APCO President Brent Lee. “I look forward to continuing progress on this much-needed network for public safety.”