FirstNet Reaches Out to Vendors with 10 RFIs

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), tasked with building the first ever nationwide Public Safety Broadband network (NPSBN) issued ten requests for information (RFI) last week. 

These requests, formally submitted through fedbizopps.gov, require vendors to supply information regarding ten important components of the NPSBN:

• Network partnering and RAN provisioning
• Antenna systems
• Microwave backhaul equipment
• Deployables, or portable network equipment
• Satellite service
• Enhanced packet core
• Core network transmission and transport
• Data centers
• Network management centers or operations management centers
• Network service platforms

These RFIs are another great step forward for FirstNet, with the latest milestones being their regional consultation "listening tour" workshops for state and local stakeholders across the country, as well as the first spectrum lease approved for a Public Safety "early deployer" BTOP recipient.

FirstNet RFIs on RAN and Core Network

In a big step toward the first ever nationwide Public Safety Broadband network (NPSBN), FirstNet will be issuing multiple requests for information (RFI) in the coming weeks, specifically regarding deployment options for the radio access network (RAN) and core network.  These two components are critical for the NPSBN.  General Manager Bill D'Agostino encourages all respondents to be creative and detailed in their submissions.  In a statement he reiterated that "achieving our mission will require an unprecedented amount of public and private partnership, and these RFIs will help lay the foundation for that to happen."

The RFIs will be posted at www.fedbizopps.gov. They are expected to be released in August, and will be used to inform FirstNet's implementation plan for the NPSBN.

The FirstNet board of directors will be holding a special meeting today via teleconference to vote on approving the spectrum lease for the first BTOP recipient agency to resume their LTE project in Los Angeles.  The BTOP negotiations have been extended twice, and only after spectrum leases are approved will the NTIA allow the "early deployers" to resume their LTE projects.