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FirstNet aims to award contract for $7 billion infrastructure project by fourth quarter.
The U.S. this week issued a request for proposals (RFP) to deploy a nationwide mobile broadband network to serve the emergency services.
The RFP was issued by the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), the government body tasked with rolling out the network. Established in 2012, it has been given 20 MHz of 700-MHz spectrum and a budget of US$7 billion, a sum raised by last year’s AWS-3 auction.
Wednesday’s release of the RFP is the culmination of a year of discussion between FirstNet, public safety service providers, and the telco industry regarding the project’s objectives. In all, 13 requests for information (RFI) were issued, two public events were held, 650 questions were addressed, and a draft RFP drawn up.
"We have developed this RFP in an open forum to create a ‘first of its kind’ public-private partnership for the network," said FirstNet CEO Mike Poth. "As we move into the next phase of the process, we look forward to receiving competitive offerings to deliver the best possible network for public safety."
Responses to the RFP are due by 29 April, with questions and so-called capability statements due by 12 February and 17 March respectively, FirstNet said. FirstNet aims to award the contract during the fourth quarter.
When completed, FirstNet will boast dedicated core and nationwide RAN networks to support emergency services communication.
"This is an opportunity to revolutionise how first responders do their job, and we appreciate the valuable public safety feedback we have received to make this happen," said FirstNet president TJ Kennedy. "FirstNet is thrilled to issue an RFP that will promote innovation and deliver the best value to the public safety community."
