FirstNet to Host Pre-Proposal Conference, Issues Responses to RFP Questions

Pete CodellaBroadband

firstnet preproposal  conferenceOn March 10, 2016 FirstNet is holding a pre-proposal conference in Reston, VA to address questions related to the Request For Proposal (RFP) issued January 13.  The conference can be accessed via webinar for free.  FirstNet will discuss common questions about the process, and answer specific questions from participants.

The conference will take place from 1:00 to 3:00 pm EST (11:00 am to 1:00 pm MST). Registration is not required to access the webcast.  Information about how to join the conference electronically will be posted on FirstNet’s website (www.firstnet.gov) as well as the Federal Business Opportunities website (www.fbo.gov) on March 9, 2016.  Onsite attendance is limited to three individuals per company or organization, and preregistration is required for in-person attendees.

On February 19, FirstNet released it’s first set of answers to RFP questions.  Answers to questions will be released on a rolling basis, so that information stays up to date and changes can be made to the RFP as needed.  The organization received more than 400 questions, which led to a decision to extend the deadline for capability statements and final proposals by two weeks.  The first set of questions and answers can be found here.

FirstNet released the RFP following more than a year of preparation with public safety and industry experts. The organization believes the RFP will encourage innovation, competition, and ultimately the best value for the public safety community.  The complete request for proposal can be found on the Federal Business Opportunities website.