The First Responder Network Authority has elaborated on the purpose of new or updated data that states and territories may submit to FirstNet by Sept. 30. In a blog posting, Brian Hobson, FirstNet’s state plans technical lead, said, “The initial data collection process that culminated last fall was a key source of stakeholder input into the RFP.  … As we discussed at the SPOC meeting [last] month, this round of data collection is an optional opportunity for any states that have collected additional data or have updates to their submissions since last fall’s data collection. We are still focusing on the four key topics about which we originally requested data, including:  1) coverage; 2) users and operational areas; 3) capacity; and 4) current services and procurement.

“A key difference this time, however, is that the data will not be incorporated into FirstNet’s acquisition process nor will it be considered for proposal evaluations,” Mr. Hobson added. “The initial data submitted by states and territories in 2015, on behalf of local, state and tribal public safety agencies, was used to inform FirstNet’s RFP.  Those inputs, however, have been frozen and will not be changed.

“We are requesting the additional data ahead of the contract award slated for later this year so that we can synthesize and understand the most recent inputs from states and territories,” the blog posting stressed. “Any updated or additional data that we receive this year will only be shared with FirstNet’s partner(s) after award of the network contract and will not be used to materially change the negotiated solution under the award.”

In his weekly e-mailed commentary last week, Andy Seybold, a wireless industry consultant and public safety advocate, said that FirstNet’s solicitation of updated data from states had raised questions among potential bidders to build out the FirstNet system. – Paul Kirby, paul.kirby@wolterskluwer.com

Courtesy TRDaily