FirstNet makes 33 RFP changes in answers to 122 questions

One answer notes that these payments would not begin until two weeks after FirstNet issues a task order to let contractor begin network buildout in a particular state or territory. Subsequent payments would be due two weeks before the federal government’s fiscal year, according to an amendment in the RFP.

If all states and territories adopt the contractor’s proposed state plan for the jurisdiction and FirstNet issues all state task orders quickly, then the contractor could pay all 25 years of payments to FirstNet associated with each state and territory. This would total at least $5.625 billion, according to the RFP.

However, if those task orders were not awarded—for instance, because a state or territory decides to pursue the opt-out alternative and build the LTE radio access network (RAN) on its own—then the contractor would not have to pay FirstNet the annual portion designated for that jurisdiction unless FirstNet eventually issues a task order for it.

“Payments associated with Delayed FirstNet-Deployed RANs task orders would correspond to the payments originally proposed by the Offeror, commencing with year 1 and continuing throughout the life of the … contract, which may not result in 25 annual payments for the given task order,” the answer states.

This set of 122 answers also includes a clarification that key components of the FirstNet system must be located in the United States.

“All critical operational equipment and functions, which could affect the secure and effective operations of the NPSBN, shall be located within the sole jurisdiction of the United States,” an answer states.

Thanks to a decision announced with the release of answers to the first set of 58 questions, potential offerors have until March 31 to submit an optional capability statement and until May 13 to make final proposals. By submitting a capability statement, potential offerors then will receive feedback from government evaluators whether they are deemed to be a viable contender to win the 25-year contract or whether they have areas that should be addressed before submitting a final proposal.

FirstNet clarified in several questions that offerors’ capability statements do not have to be as detailed as final responses to the RFP, particularly in terms of items involving financial standing, rural partnerships, nationwide coverage and capacity, and public-safety use and adoption of the network.

While capability statements are not expected to include “extensive details,” offerors should “provide sufficient information in the capability statements in order to demonstrate their capability and afford the Government the opportunity to conduct a meaningful evaluation,” according to several answers.