FirstNet makes 33 RFP changes in answers to 122 questions

In addition, there were numerous questions addressing administrative details, including the a numeric code to designate types of coverage, font size of text in tables accompanying a response, the number of pages that could be included a response section and the ability to submit certain tables in a foldout sheet. In other cases, the federal government corrected errors such as faulty references, a missing value in the cell of a spreadsheet, and an incorrect figure used to illustrate the system view for the RAN-to-core interface.

While all of these issues resulted in changes to RFP for FirstNet, other answers included notable information that did not result in the RFP being altered, including:

• Several clarifications regarding cybersecurity “recommended requirements.” In its answers, FirstNet notes that items using the word “shall” and “must” are requirements that have to be met. Items using the word “should” are items that “offerors are strongly encouraged to address” in their final proposals.
• End-to-end encryption is expected for all traffic on the FirstNet system, with standard encryption defined by 3GPP being considered to be the minimum requirement. In addition, device-level storage also must be encrypted with operating-system capability, as opposed to relying solely on an over-the-top application.
• FirstNet will not release hardening requirements for LTE sites, but offerors “shall demonstrate their strategies and processes for hardening that achieve the stated objective.”

In addition, several questions sought clarification about the meaning of a statement in the RFP that “the Contractor agrees and acknowledges that FirstNet shall have unfettered use of and access to all NPSBN [nationwide public-safety broadband network] facilities and equipment.”

FirstNet responded in the following manner: “Although FirstNet does not intend to own NPSBN assets, as an FCC licensee, it will retain the right to use and access equipment and facilities used to provide services over the NPSBN,” multiple answers state. “In the context of this right, FirstNet will work with the Contractor to ensure that the security and integrity of all operations are maintained, including appropriate demarcation between NPSBN and other networks.”

Having answered about 180 questions thus far, FirstNet still has more than 220 questions that it plans to address.

"The goal is to publish all of the responses within the first part of March, so those interested in submitting capabilities statements have enough time to develop and/or finalize their submissions," according to a blog written by James Mitchell, FirstNet's director of program management.