The 33 amendments that the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) made to its request for proposals (RFP) as it released a second batch of answers to questions deal with issues such as rural coverage, financial sustainability, excess capacity, offshoring of assets, and payments to FirstNet. Answers to the questions from parties deal with matters such as state plans, cybersecurity requirements including encryption and two-factor authentication, covered lease agreements, backhaul, and satellite integration.
As TRDaily reported (TRDaily, Feb. 26), FirstNet late Feb. 26 released the second batch of answers to the more than 400 questions that it received concerning the RFP it released last month (TRDaily, Jan. 13). The second batch included answers to 122 questions and had 33 additional clarifying amendments. In the first batch of answers released earlier this month, FirstNet responded to 58 questions (TRDaily, Feb. 19).
“The authors of the relevant RFP sections are writing the responses and amendments,” James Mitchell, FirstNet’s director-program management, said in a blog posting today. “The goal is to publish all of the responses within the first part of March, so those interested in submitting capabilities statements have enough time to develop and/or finalize their submissions.”
Mr. Mitchell also noted that “FirstNet has updated the RFP itself. We have said from the beginning that we would consider amending the document, as necessary, based on the questions process and to provide potential offerors with more information. Some of the RFP amendments that we released on Friday are technical in nature and in response to the questions received. FirstNet also updated the document to provide more clarity and information on subjects such as rural telecommunications, timelines around pricing and contract administration, and public safety adoption targets.”
Regarding financial sustainability, one RFP change says “[t]he Offeror’s approach must demonstrate its ability to satisfy financial sustainability requirements.” Another modification adds this definition: “Rural telecommunications provider means an entity that provides either exclusively or the vast majority of its telecommunications or broadband services in a geographic area that falls within the definition of the term ‘rural’ as defined in the Act as interpreted by FirstNet.”
As for payments to FirstNet, another RFP update clarifies the time lines for payments, which FirstNet said “are triggered by State and Territory Task Order award(s).” Another change includes the definition of excess capacity “as capacity not used by Public Safety Entities (PSEs).”
As for offshoring, FirstNet revised the RFP to read “. public safety users can readily access the network. All critical operational equipment and functions, which could affect the secure and effective operations of the NPSBN, shall be located within the sole jurisdiction of the United States.” A number of other amendments deal with administrative procedures dealing with the submission of documents.- Paul Kirby, paul.kirby@wolterskluwer.com
Courtesy TRDaily