FirstNet releases answers to third set of RFP questions

FirstNet released this group of 92 answers to RFP questions on Friday, less than a week before its pre-proposal conference that is scheduled for Thursday. Thus far, about 270 of the more than 400 questions submitted have been answered. Multiple sources have indicated that FirstNet would prefer to answer all of the RFP-related questions submitted by the Feb. 12 deadline prior to Thursday’s pre-proposal conference, but one response acknowledged that may not happen.

“In the event that FirstNet has not answered all questions prior to the pre-proposal conference, they will be

released soon thereafter,” according to one answer.

Other responses reiterated several items that FirstNet officials have stated in the past, including the interpretation that an opt-out state or territory must reach a spectrum-lease agreement with FirstNet before deploying its own radio-access network (RAN),

In addition, some responses clarified that FirstNet does not plan to provide any additional information about how the contractor should meet the public-safety hardening objection or to add to the definition of a “public-safety entity” that can be considered for priority access to the FirstNet system.

No answers were given to several questions asking about issues that are related to the process associated with a state or territory that might choose the “opt-out” alternative, which allows the jurisdiction to deploy and operate the radio access network (RAN) within its boundaries.

“The purpose of the question and answer period in the solicitation is to afford an opportunity to clarify the terms and conditions contained within the RFP,” the answers state. “Therefore, this response is being provided from an RFP perspective. Any questions not related to the RFP terms and conditions should be addressed through the appropriate FirstNet outreach and consultation process.”