By TJ Kennedy, FirstNet Acting Executive Director

On Tuesday, March 10, I had the opportunity to discuss the nationwide public safety broadband network (NPSBN) at the annual AFCEA Homeland Security Conference (Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association) on a panel with Former Maryland single point of contact (SPOC) and Baltimore City Fire Chief (Ret.) Ray Lehr, and National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) Executive Director Doug Robinson. The panel – moderated by US Navy (Ret.) Rear Admiral Jamie Barnett – focused on the “Coordinated Response, Integrated Security” that FirstNet intends to achieve.

Ray provided the first responder perspective while sharing some of the features that will likely be available to public safety with FirstNet. He talked about the current operating environment where public safety is continuing to use more and more data with wireless devices that improve their effectiveness in day-to-day operations. Additionally, Ray applauded the outreach and consultation efforts of FirstNet. FirstNet held its first Initial Consultation Meeting with the state of Maryland in July 2014, which was part of a handful of preliminary meetings which helped to set the stage for upcoming meetings across the country. Since then, the enthusiastic Maryland interoperability team, including Acting SPOC Lori Stone, has continued to move on the momentum from last summer – whether through regional coordination with MACINAC, or helping to distribute key information to stakeholders through social media channels.

Doug provided an update on FirstNet from the state CIO perspective – one that will be crucial to FirstNet’s success. NASCIO’s Executive Director stated that one of the fundamental questions NASCIO receives is regarding secondary users, a key issue from the first public notice that FirstNet is working to resolve with input regarding the specific needs of each state and territory through the consultation process. Doug reaffirmed NASCIO’s focus on supporting the mutual efforts of the states and FirstNet to answer these fundamental questions collaboratively.

Deploying a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network will require a coordinated effort involving FirstNet and its stakeholders. I encouraged attendees to submit comments on the recently released second public notice, and review materials from the March 24-25 Board meeting, as it is important that we receive input from industry and public safety professionals.

Thanks to AFCEA International and the DC chapter for the opportunity to speak about FirstNet.

-TJ