FirstNet released the final RFP and today, Friday the 15th from 1-3 pm EST, it is providing a kick-off webinar. The link for access is on the FirstNet.gov website. This version of the RFP is a long way from the original that was released in the spring of 2015. I have to give the folks at FirstNet credit, in most cases it has managed to change the RFP from a government procurement document to a much friendlier partner RFP. However, I do wish I had a dollar for each time the terms FAR for Federal Acquisition Regulation, CAR for Department of Commence Acquisition Regulation, and DIAR for Department of Interior Acquisition Regulation were used. If I did I would never have to purchase another lottery ticket. I know this is a stupid question, but why three (3) sets of sometimes overlapping rules and regulations?
There are still sections that contradict other sections and plenty of procurement-type writing in the document, but on the whole it is a much more acceptable and workable document that for the most part should be well received by potential bidders (or as the RFP fondly calls them, Offerors). I still prefer potential partner myself. There is a mountain of documents to wade through and like many others I am still in the process of reading and digesting some of the content that is new or reworded.
FirstNet will respond to Questions (submitted on the correct form), and has scheduled a pre-proposal conference on March 10, 2016, with RFP responses due April 29, 2016. I am willing to bet that some potential respondents will still throw stones at this RFP but I think it is a workable document that gives vendors incentives to be creative in their responses. This is not a prefect document and as I review it in more depth there are some surprises in it for those who don’t pay attention to the details. I hope some of these can be mitigated in some fashion to encourage, rather than discourage participation. FirstNet is moving forward, let’s hope that once RFP responses have been submitted the award process does not slow to typical federal system speed. While this is a very complex network with many parties involved, Public Safety, which is the end-user community, needs this network in place sooner rather than later! Even though this is an election year with the usual change of seats in the higher levels of the government and new political appointments, I hope those involved in this process will move the award decision forward with all possible speed and not wait around to see who their new boss will be. Have a Great Weekend Andy
FirstNet RFP Webinar – FirstNet via Google Alerts Jan 14 22:25 First Responder Network Authority …
FirstNet releases final RFP for deployment of public safety broadband network – Global Wireless Research via Google Alerts Jan 14 18:02 After more than a year of dialogue with public safety and industry, the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) has issued its Request for …
AT&T, Verizon Eye Spectrum Lease In FirstNet Contract – Help4Mobile via Google Alerts Jan 14 22:25 The federal contract for a nationwide wireless broadband network dedicated to public safety is expected to be awarded in Q4 giving AT&T (NYSE:T) …
FirstNet Issues RFP, Seeks Comprehensive Solution – Wireless Week via Google Alerts Jan 14 15:15 According to the RFP, the First Responder Network Authority is seeking a comprehensive solution from bidders that will cover each of the 56 states …
FirstNet RFP calls for 25-year deal, contractor to pay FirstNet at least $5.625 billion – Urgent Communications via Google Alerts Jan 14 12:05 … of the proposed public-safety broadband network, but the contractor must pay FirstNet a minimum of $5.625 billion over the life of the 25-year deal, …
FirstNet Posts Multibillion RFP for Public Safety Broadband Network – Benton Foundation via Google Alerts Jan 13 22:05 The federal government’s vision for a unified national public safety broadband network, primarily for use by first responders, is one step closer to …
TJ Kennedy: FirstNet issues RFP for nationwide public safety broadband network – Federal News Radio via Google Alerts Jan 13 22:05 It’s been a long time coming, but now the First Responder Network Authority, or FirstNet, has released a request for proposals to deploy a nationwide, …
AT&T, Verizon Eye Spectrum Lease In FirstNet Contract – Investor’s Business Daily Jan 13 12:31 The federal contract for a nationwide wireless broadband network dedicated to public safety is expected to be awarded in Q4 — giving AT&T (T), Verizon Communications (VZ) and other wireless firms an opportunity to lease prime radio spectrum as part of a public-private partnership. The First Responder Network Authority released its request for proposals from bidders on Wednesday. FirstNet, part of the National Telecommunications and Information
Some things we don’t know yet that could impact FirstNet’s ultimate success (updated) – Urgent Communications via Google Alerts Jan 13 02:35 As a data-only network, the advantages that FirstNet offers public safety are …
Emergency services to use commercial networks, spectrum – GCONEW.com via Google Alerts Jan 12 16:02 The Australian government has released its Public Safety Mobile Broadband (PSMB) research report into allocating spectrum to law-enforcement and …
Emergency services to use commercial networks, spectrum: Productivity Commission – ZDNet via Google Alerts Jan 12 01:45 In the Public Safety Mobile Broadband Productivity Commission Research …
AT&T’s desire to bid on FirstNet could pique Verizon’s interest – FierceWireless via Google Alerts Jan 11 16:55 As long-time advocate and consultant for public safety communication …
Bid on FirstNet Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN) – Computer Bid Network via Google Alerts Jan 10 14:05 Buyer: Dept. of the Interior, National Business Center, AQD – Herndon. Address: 381 Elden St. Mail Stop 2510. City: Herndon, State: VA, Zip/Postal …
Hawaii Shares Key Use Cases, Demonstrates Commitment to FirstNet at Initial Consultation Meeting – First Responder Network Authority via Google Alerts Jan 8 06:05 By Keone Kali, FirstNet Region 9 Lead More than 80 public safety representatives from Hawaii joined the FirstNet team for the state’s Initial …
1 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Telecommunications and Information Administration … – s3.amazonaws.com via Google Alerts Jan 15 10:40 National Telecommunications and Information Administration …
US issues RFP for public safety network – Total Telecom Jan 15 10:00 FirstNet aims to award contract for $7 billion infrastructure project by fourth quarter.
Mexican regulator to launch tender for shared 4G network – Developing Telecoms via Google Alerts Jan 15 09:02 Mexico is auctioning AWS from 15 February, and will sell 700 MHz of spectrum on January 29, which is reserved for a shared 4G network. Ifetel has …
Testing high power UE in LTE Band 14 for public safety – Rohde & Schwarz via Google Alerts Jan 15 08:40 World’s first high-power user equipment (HPUE) testing has been demonstrated by Rohde & Schwarz and Elektrobit at the GSMA Mobile World …
What’s in store for IoT in 2016? – M2M World News via Google Alerts Jan 15 08:10 3GPP is due to deliver the standard for Narrowband IoT. The stated expectation is to see a final standard around March or April. We expect a little later …
Congress to cable customers: Stop your whining – InfoWorld Jan 15 06:45 Congress is launching yet another attack on Net neutrality by advancing a bill that would strip the FCC of authority to investigate complaints about cable companies. Net neutrality rules have been under a two-pronged attack ever since they passed last year. On one front, Internet providers are suing the FCC to overturn rules that reclassified broadband as a common carrier service. Meanwhile, their lackeys in Congress have repeatedly tried to pass measures that would defund the agency or prohibit it from enforcing Net neutrality until the lawsuits are settled — which could be years down the line. To read this article…
FirstNet RFP Marks Move to Modern Public Safety System – VDC Research’s Blog via Google Alerts Jan 14 22:25 On Wednesday, the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) released a …
FCC questions how to accomplish net neutrality rules – WebTechReview via Google Alerts Jan 14 21:40 The U.S. Federal Communications Commission needs to actualize absolute rules that acquaint broadband providers what cartage administration …
Wireless Broadband in Public Safety Market to 2020 – The Market is Expected to Grow at a CAGR … – NewsFisher.io via Google Alerts Jan 14 19:35 LTE (telecommunication). LTE, an abbreviation for Long-Term Evolution, commonly marketed as 4G LTE, is a standard for wireless communication of …
Sonim, ESChat and Intrepid Networks Equipped LA-RICS with Ultra-Rugged, FirstNet Ready … – Help The Web via Google Alerts Jan 14 18:30 SAN MATEO, Calif., Jan. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ Sonim Technologies, SLA Corporation and Intrepid Networks teamed up to provide Los Angeles …
FirstNet Releases RFP with $100B Ceiling for 25-Year Contract – mccmag.com via Google Alerts Jan 14 18:30 The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) Jan. 13 issued its request for proposals (RFP) for the deployment of the nationwide public-safety …
Sonim, ESChat and Intrepid Networks Equipped LA-RICS with Ultra-Rugged, FirstNet Ready Smartphones and Mission-Critical Applications at the 127th Tournament of Roses Parade – PR Newswire Jan 14 14:40 SAN MATEO, Calif., Jan. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Sonim Technologies, SLA Corporation and Intrepid Networks teamed up to provide Los Angeles County First Responders with ultra-rugged smartphone technology during the 127th annual Tournament of Roses in Pasadena, which drew nearly one…
APCO Welcomes Publication of FirstNet’s RFP – Public Safety Communications – APCO International via Google Alerts Jan 14 12:55 The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International, whose members will be among the primary users of the NPSBN, …
Wireless Broadband in Public Safety Market to 2020 – The Market is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period, 2015 to 2020 – PR Newswire Jan 14 06:40 DUBLIN, Jan. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/3962xd/wireless) has announced the addition of the “Wireless Broadband in Public Safety Market by Type (Fixed, Mobile, Satellite), by End User (Police Department, Fire Department,…
APCO President Brent Lee Discusses the Future of Public Safety – Hexagon Safety & Infrastructure via Google Alerts Jan 14 05:56 The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) is an international leader committed to providing complete public safety …
FirstNet opens tender for national public safety network – Telecompaper via Google Alerts Jan 14 04:55 The move marks a major step forward in FirstNet’s efforts to modernise communications for first responders and other public safety personnel across …
AT&T’s Penrose: $5 LTE modules for IoT devices are coming – Tech Investor News via Google Alerts Jan 13 23:50 Narrowband LTE and LTE-M are a couple of the new versions of the LTE Release 13 standard that are being touted for their ability to make …
FirstNet releases final RFP for deployment of public safety broadband network – Tech Investor News via Google Alerts Jan 13 22:05 After more than a year of dialogue with public safety and industry, the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) has issued its Request for …
Final FirstNet RFP hits the streets – FCW.com via Google Alerts Jan 13 20:25 … wireless, interoperable broadband communications network for first responders has been issued, and the First Responder Network Authority said it …
Motorola Solutions system helps protect Rose Parade attendees – Chicago Daily Herald via Google Alerts Jan 13 14:45 SCHAUMBURG — Motorola Solutions played a role in the first real-world demonstration of the LA-RICS public safety broadband network, which was …
AT&T Wins FCC Deal, Despite Harsh Words for the Commission – Telecompetitor via Google Alerts Jan 13 02:10 AT&T wins FCC deal to interconnect offices and data centers using IP. The win comes just days after an AT&T exec criticized the FCC Broadband …
FirstNet Staff Meets with Arkansas Interoperable Communications Executive Committee – FirstNet via Google Alerts Jan 12 22:05 To be successful, we must gather and incorporate feedback from public safety experts who will be using the network. Last month, FirstNet Government …
House Rushes To Gut FCC Authority To Prevent Inquiry Into Comcast Broadband Caps – Techdirt via Google Alerts Jan 12 21:30 Still fuming from FCC “power grabs” like raising the broadband definition to 25 Mbps and passing relatively basic and loophole-filled net neutrality …
ARRL Asks FCC for Minimal but Necessary Changes to Correct Reapportioning Error – ARRL via Google Alerts Jan 12 15:50 The ratio of wideband phone spectrum to narrowband RTTY/data emissions went from 50/50 to 80/20, rather than the 55/45 split that the Omnibus …
New Emergency Responders Radio System Tested for First Time During Rose Parade – Pasadena Now via Google Alerts Jan 12 14:55 It has been our privilege to build the nation’s largest dedicated public safety broadband network, which will significantly enhance safety throughout …
AT&T Whines That FCC Report Highlights Broadband Coverage Gaps Company Helped Create – Techdirt via Google Alerts Jan 12 10:25 The FCC has noted that 34 million Americans still lack access to fixed broadband at the FCC’s benchmark speed of 25 Mbps for downloads, 3 Mbps …
Mobile Industry Welcomes Productivity Commission Report on Public Safety Mobile Broadband – Newsoneplace.com via Google Alerts Jan 12 07:15 (Source: AMTA – Australian Mobile Telecommunication Association) ‘ into the provision of Public Safety Mobile Broadband reflects a common-sense.
Privacy, mobile broadband top tech priorities for FTC, FCC – CIO-Asia via Google Alerts Jan 11 22:15 “I think consumers are willing to share information — I think many are, if they can be assured what the information is going to be used for,” Ramirez …
More than half of BTOP recipients audited had excess equipment – FierceGovernmentIT via Google Alerts Jan 11 18:35 18, 2015 Commerce Office of the Inspector General report (pdf) took issue with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s …
Broadband Report, PSAP Task Force Meeting, Privacy & Data Security Conference, Drone App … – The National Law Review via Google Alerts Jan 11 16:55 Last week, the FCC announced that the Task Force on Optimal Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Architecture (TFOPA) will meet at FCC’s …
FCC: Fixed Broadband Still Falls Short – Multichannel News via Google Alerts Jan 11 16:11 A new FCC report is again saying that cable operators and other fixed …
FCC: 10 percent of Americans still lack access to proper broadband – Network World Fusion Jan 11 09:00 Last week, we reported on the strides Internet services providers in the United States have made to improve broadband connection speeds, but noted how ISPs still have a lot of catching up to do. Case in point: As Endgadget reported Friday , a new Federal Communications Comission report shows that as of 2014, roughly 10 percent of Americans still didn’t have access to a broadband Internet connection that meets the FCC’s minimum definition of broadband (25 megabits per second download; 3Mbps upload”a standard that the agency set in early 2015 ). To read this article in full or to leave a comment,…
las vegas lte solution trial with an lte mobile broadband network solution – DocPlayer.net via Google Alerts Jan 10 23:15 … United States government to facilitate the building of a nationwide, interoperable public safety broadband network. FirstNet is permitting trials with its …
LTE is tuning up for tiny IoT devices – GCONEW.com via Google Alerts Jan 8 04:40 Enter NB-IoT (narrowband Internet of Things), a variant of LTE that can be deployed on current networks as a software upgrade. It will let millions of …