FirstNet seeks engagement, outreach support from industry

The Commerce Department agency responsible for FirstNet, the nationwide broadband network used for public safety communications, is looking for small businesses that can aid in engagement and outreach functions related to the program.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration has set up a new five-year blanket purchase agreement to hire a contractor that can also carry out technical analysis work, along with program and project management tasks.

NTIA is also using the pact to acquire services in areas like telecommunications engineering and data analytics as part of its push to drive continued investments and subsequent improvements to FirstNet, according to a draft request for quotations released Monday.

Approximately 29,500 agencies have subscribed to FirstNet with roughly 3 million square miles of network coverage and almost 900 devices, according to an AT&T fact sheet. Every state has opted into the network, which AT&T was hired in 2017 to build under a multibillion-dollar contract.

FirstNet’s authorization to operate runs out in 2027 and its continuation after that requires action by Congress. Our colleagues at Route Fifty report that various groups, lawmakers and other interested parties are gearing up for that push to reauthorize the network.

The engagement and outreach support BPA will task the contractor to help develop a strategy for incorporating greater data, analytics and artificial intelligence functionality into FirstNet.

The contractor will also be responsible for gathering and analyzing information on operational needs and technologies that will be a part of the FirstNet Authority Roadmap for evolving the network.

Responses to the draft RFQ are due by 5 p.m. Eastern time on May 2. Quotes for the BPA have a submission deadline of no later than 5 p.m. Eastern time on June 2.