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FirstNet Board Makes Major Strides Toward Acquisition Strategy; Johnson Appointed Vice Chair

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 10, 2014

News Media Contact:

Corey Ray
(202) 510-7709
corey.ray@firstnet.gov

SALT LAKE CITY - The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) Board today addressed key findings from the input provided by stakeholders in response to the Request for Information (RFI) and Public Notice that closed in late October. FirstNet leadership said the open Board meeting held today at the Salt Lake City Police Department further illustrates its transparent approach to developing a comprehensive acquisition strategy for the nationwide public safety broadband network (NPSBN).

“The steps taken today are focused on helping us deliver the best possible network solution for our nation’s first responders, while providing the right level of transparency and predictability for the public safety community, industry, and the public,” said FirstNet Chair Sue Swenson. “The Board struck an appropriate balance as the meeting fostered a productive and engaging dialogue on critical issues that will ensure rapid progress toward a comprehensive network solution, while at the same time protecting the sensitive and confidential information that RFI respondents shared with FirstNet,” Swenson said.

The Board also approved Resolution 63, which modifies certain FirstNet bylaws, and considered proposed topics for FirstNet’s Annual Report to Congress that the authority is required to deliver in 2015.

In addition, FirstNet Acting General Manager TJ Kennedy updated the Board on the implementation of the strategic program roadmap. During his presentation, Kennedy highlighted progress with the consultation process and explained how FirstNet’s engagements in the states and territories would inform its acquisition approach, along with the responses to the RFI and Public Notice. “The stage is now set for FirstNet to achieve key roadmap milestones around the development of a draft Request for Proposal (RFP) for the network,” Kennedy said, adding that consultation would be a key component in FirstNet’s interactions with the public safety community. “Consultation is an ongoing effort that will continue for a long time.”

Today’s Board meeting followed a full day of meetings by the FirstNet Committees on Governance and Personnel, Technology, Consultation, and Finance. Yesterday, each committee discussed the relevant findings from the RFI and Public Notice within the scope of their subject matter responsibilities. The Governance and Personnel Committee approved the bylaws modifications for consideration by the Board.

Also, during the Governance and Personnel Committee meeting, Swenson announced that she had appointed Board member and retired fire chief Jeff Johnson to be vice chair. “It is really important to have a public safety professional in the vice chair role,” she said. “This will help the FirstNet Board and management team achieve our mission and vision to deploy a nationwide public safety broadband network.”

About FirstNet
FirstNet has been obligated by Congress to take all actions necessary to ensure the building, deployment, and operation of the nationwide public safety broadband network for local, state, regional, tribal, and national first responders. FirstNet is an independent authority within the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration. FirstNet is governed by a 15-member Board consisting of the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Attorney General of the United States, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and 12 members appointed by the Secretary of Commerce composed of representatives from public safety, government, and the wireless industry (www.firstnet.gov).
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