The 911 National Emergency Address Database (NEAD) LLC today released a request for proposals (RFP) for the selection of a vendor to administer the NEAD, which is necessary to implement 911 location accuracy rules that the FCC adopted in January (TRDaily, Jan. 29). Meanwhile, the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions has been selected as the project manager for the RFP process.

CTIA noted in a news release today that it “established the NEAD LLC to implement a national database of access point (e.g., Wi-Fi hotspots) and beacon (e.g. Bluetooth Low Energy) location information that will enable wireless service providers to deliver a dispatchable location that will help 9-1-1 call centers respond to emergencies. ATIS will oversee platform implementation to ensure the selected platform vendor produces a platform in accordance with the FCC’s rules, including privacy and security requirements.”

“The wireless industry is hard at work to help ensure the country’s emergency 9-1-1 capabilities reflect Americans’ preference for wireless. Through the NEAD platform and by using technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, first responders will see improved indoor location to help save lives,” said NEAD LLC Vice President Thomas Sawanobori, who is also senior vice president and chief technology officer of CTIA. “Our partnerships with ATIS and platform providers, along with member companies and public safety stakeholders, will enable dispatchable location in accordance with the FCC’s aggressive timelines.”

Entities that plan to submit a proposal must notify the NEAD LLC by Nov. 16, and proposals must be submitted by Dec. 18. A vendor is to be selected by Feb. 19, 2016.

“Before the activation and carriers’ use of the NEAD Platform, the four national wireless carriers will file a privacy and security plan for the operation and administration of the NEAD Platform with the FCC for review (‘Privacy and Security Plan’).  The Privacy and Security Plan is intended to be a submission by the national wireless carriers to fulfill the regulatory requirement for the NEAD Platform,” the RFP noted.

“In advance of that regulatory submission, this RFP requires Vendors to develop and propose a separate detailed privacy and security plan that clearly outlines how the Vendor will implement and adhere to the required privacy and security practices related to the NEAD Platform’s technical, operational and administrative functions (‘Vendor Privacy and Security Operational Plan’),” the RFP added. “The Vendor Privacy and Security Operational Plan is distinct from the Privacy and Security Plan that will be submitted to the FCC, and will include greater detail and depth about the privacy and security policies and processes that the Vendor has in place to ensure appropriate data protection for the NEAD Platform.”- Paul Kirby, paul.kirby@wolterskluwer.com

Courtesy TRDaily