May 31, 2016–Today at 2 p.m. eastern time marked the deadline for parties to submit proposals to build a nationwide public safety broadband network overseen by the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet). “We are now continuing the evaluation phases of the procurement, which is outlined in Section M of the RFP. This will lead us to a contract award as soon as November of this year,” FirstNet Chief Executive Officer Mike Poth said in a blog posting today.

“FirstNet decided to follow Federal procurement regulations for this RFP.  We did so because it sets an established, proven process for the conduct of complex procurements like this one. It also ensures that the proposal and evaluation process is fair and competitive, and provides a level playing field for all potential offerors,” Mr. Poth added. “The rules restrict our ability to publicly discuss source selection information during the evaluation phase.  This applies to topics such as the number of proposals and who submitted them, among other things.  Although we are an open, stakeholder driven organization, this is the only way to ensure the integrity of the procurement process.

“As I have said on many occasions, the RFP does not define us.  While it is a major accomplishment, we will continue to engage with public safety to ensure there is a clear path forward for network deployment once we make an award,” Mr. Poth stressed. “Our top priorities over the next several months include continued outreach with public safety; preparing for the delivery of State Plans; assisting public safety incumbents through our spectrum relocation grant program; further developing network policies; and positioning our organization for the network partnership.”

Rivada Networks co-Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman Declan Ganley confirmed today that his company submitted its expected proposal on May 27. “It’s been an honor to participate in this vital public mission and respond to such a meticulous and well-thought-out RFP. We are confident that the result of this process will be the construction of the nationwide network that our first responders deserve,” he said. “Today’s deadline is a major milestone on the road to fulfilling the last outstanding recommendation of the 9/11 Commission. FirstNet has a lot to be proud of.”

Sources have said that AT&T, Inc., also would submit a proposal. The company declined to comment today. Verizon Communications, Inc., also declined to comment. “Federal contracting rules prohibit us from commenting until after the contract has been officially awarded,” the company said. Some have suggested that Verizon would be the carrier partner of Rivada and pdvWireless, while also perhaps submitting its own separate bid.

In a statement today, T-Mobile US, Inc., which had indicated it would not submit a proposal to FirstNet, said, “We applaud the effort to create a nationwide network for our first responders. Unfortunately, the FirstNet RFP complexity and timeline limits our ability to participate because the Incentive Auction is currently our highest priority.  Given this, we have not provided a response to FirstNet’s RFP, but fully support their goals and appreciate their need to move forward.”

Sprint Corp., which had not expressed interest in submitting a proposal, confirmed today that it did not. United States Cellular said it had no comment on whether it is partnering with any entity on a FirstNet proposal. C Spire Wireless, Inc., has engaged in discussions about arrangements with several potential prime bidders, according to a source.

Morgan O’Brien, vice chairman of pdvWireless, declined to comment to TRDaily today about whether his company submitted a bid to FirstNet. He cited a quiet period surrounding the submission. Sources have said that pdvWireless planned to submit a proposal.

Meanwhile, at least one company that is partnering with prime bidders confirmed its participation today.

“We are participating on more than one team,” Tony Bardo, assistant vice president-government solutions for Hughes Networks Systems LLC, told TRDaily.

Motorola Solutions, Inc., declined to comment today. The company had said it would participate in a bid to build the network (TRDaily, Feb. 24).

 A Harris Corp. spokesperson said, “We will soon provide details about our participation in the FirstNet pursuit. Our strengths in LTE, public safety technology, broadband, etc. make our company an excellent fit for the needs of this important initiative to build America’s public safety network.” – Paul Kirby, paul.kirby@wolterskluwer.com

Courtesy TRDaily