The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) today released an updated operational architecture in response to comments and other feedback it received on the original document, which was released in April with the draft RFP (request for proposals) and special notice (TRDaily, April 24 and 27).
The changes to the architecture were discussed today in a FirstNet blog posting by Zachary Smith, FirstNet’s emergency management specialist, and Jennifer Falvey, a FirstNet telecom policy specialist. The architecture is an appendix to FirstNet’s statement of objectives, an updated version of which was released along with the draft RFP and special notice.
“FirstNet comprehensively reviewed and analyzed all input regarding the Operational Architecture, including an iterative study of all perspectives. We identified areas of both general consensus and significant disagreement. We conducted a diligent review of each function, weighing the benefits and costs from each point of view, including Public Safety, Industry, and FirstNet. We also took into consideration the expertise that resides in the States and Industry, as well as the technical, financial, programmatic, and contracting expertise that resides within FirstNet,” according to the blog posting.
“The result of this process led to FirstNet releasing the updated Operational Architecture that incorporates all inputs provided. We believe this Operational Architecture to be the most accurate version, to date, of the scope of FirstNet,” the posting added. “There are some changes to note. First, the number of functions has increased from 615 to 647. Second, numerous titles have been updated to provide clarity and be more descriptive. Third, many definitions have been updated to reflect a more action-oriented function, versus a simple definition of the task. Fourth, this version indicates ownership of functions unlike the version released with the Special Notice. This ownership is based on feedback and our analysis.”
Mr. Smith and Ms. Falvey added, “We hope that these documents will assist both States and Industry in planning for FirstNet. As we continue to march towards the request for proposals (RFP) release later this year, the Operational Architecture will continue to evolve. FirstNet continually gains insight into the needs of Public Safety through State Consultations and data collection, and as our understanding grows, it may affect the Operational Architecture along with the rest of the RFP documentation. In addition, there are areas of the Operational Architecture, such as cyber security, where FirstNet may provide more fidelity based on the inputs received from the upcoming Special Notice for cyber security and the draft Appendix C-10 Cyber Security Objectives.”- Paul Kirby,
Courtesy TR Daily