James Mitchell, director-program management for the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), said today that the organization plans to provide answers by the middle of next week to the roughly 68 remaining questions from stakeholders that it hasn’t yet answered regarding FirstNet’s request for proposals (RFP) to build its nationwide public safety broadband network. At a pre-proposal conference organized by FirstNet to update stakeholders on that effort and take further questions about the RFP process, Mr. Mitchell said, “We have a large swath of the questions about our RFP answered.” He said FirstNet received 402 questions in total about the RFP, vs the 666 questions it received about the draft version of the RFP last year.
“We have less questions than before,” he said, adding, “that tells me . . . we have released something that you find to be acceptable and understandable and not completely out of the norm, which is good.” Of the remaining unanswered questions, he said, “Hopefully by mid-next week, we will have all those answers in the can and out the door.” Proposals responding to the RFP are due May 13, and capability statements are due March 31, said Mr. Mitchell. FirstNet is targeting sometime in November to make a contract award.
During his remarks at today’s event, Mike Poth, FirstNet’s chief executive officer, emphasized the “very significant value proposition” that FirstNet presents to partners who he said should be able to realize positive cash flow from their investment more quickly than if they invested in spectrum that is being auctioned. “This is what truly sets us apart from some of the other opportunities,” he said.
Terrie Callahan, contracting officer in the Department of the Interior’s Acquisition Services Directorate, noted that capability statements from interested parties are not required, “but they are strongly encouraged.” She also said she reserves the right to have “negotiations” with parties “if it would help you in bringing the best solutions forward in your proposals.” – John Curran, john.curan@wolterskluwer.com
Courtesy TRDaily