On March 11, the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) Board voted to proceed toward several important milestones along the authority’s preliminary strategic roadmap that will assist in developing a definitive business plan, along with comprehensive state-based outreach and consultation plans.  http://firstnet.gov/news/firstnet-board-directors-meets-strategic-roadmap

The approved roadmap focuses on several milestones required for the development of a definitive business plan including: 

• Staffing and resourcing the organization;
• Completing an open, transparent, and competitive process for comprehensive network proposals based upon FirstNet LTE performance requirements, operating standards, and certified devices;
• Completing an open, transparent, and competitive process for network equipment and service proposals based on detailed technical requirements, resulting in multiple awards that could supplement or substitute for all or part of a comprehensive network proposal;
•  In conjunction with each the comprehensive network and network equipment and services processes, obtaining proposals for covered leasing agreements that will provide value for our excess network capacity;
•  Completing testing and validation of critical features and functionality of the network; Conducting state outreach and completing state consultation; and
• Reviewing aggregated information to determine pricing for approval by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

Separately, the Board voted to approve the Human Factor Report delivered by the Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC). The PSAC was previously asked by FirstNet to analyze the long-range impacts of the planed network on the way law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS) operate.