December 8, 2016–The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) today welcomed a resolution that was recently adopted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police reiterating its support for FirstNet.“FirstNet would not be where it is today without the unwavering support of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP),” FirstNet Chief Executive Officer Mike Poth said in a statement. “The organization continues to recognize the law enforcement community’s need for a public safety broadband network now more than ever. FirstNet appreciates IACP’s strong continued support and partnership as we work to deliver this network to first responders across the country.”

The IACP resolution, which passed Nov. 23 by an electronic vote of the group’s members, said that “tremendous progress has been made by FirstNet towards implementing the NPSBN …” and that the IACP “demonstrates its strong continuing support for the FirstNet Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network and encourages all IACP members and the law enforcement community to participate in ongoing discussions relative to the implementation of the NPSBN and to strongly consider the benefits of becoming a user of the FirstNet NPSBN at the time it becomes implemented and available.”

The IACP is the latest public safety group to reiterate its support for FirstNet. Several groups did so shortly after “The Atlantic” ran a story in its September issue critical of FirstNet, including the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (TRDaily, Aug. 11), the International Association of Fire Chiefs (TRDaily, Sept. 8), and the National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO) (TRDaily, Sept. 28). Four public safety officials also released a statement defending FirstNet (TRDaily, Aug. 10).

A public safety source told TRDaily today that FirstNet is expected to be supported by Congress and the new administration.

In other FirstNet news, the authority today released the detailed agendas for next week’s committee and board meetings. The closed portion of the joint committee meetings Dec. 13 will focus on an acquisition discussion, and the Finance Committee is scheduled to vote on a resolution concerning an update to its charter.The full board will consider that resolution at its Dec. 14 meeting. The closed portion of the board meeting will be dedicated to an update on acquisition and litigation issues, according to the agenda. Rivada Mercury LLC is challenging the procurement process even though FirstNet has yet to issue an award because the consortium said it was unlawfully excluded (TRDaily, Dec. 2). If Rivada Mercury loses it challenge, it appears the winner would be AT&T, Inc. – Paul Kirby, paul.kirby@wolterskluwer.com

Courtesy TRDaily