WASHINGTON – Marking an important step forward in its efforts to deploy a nationwide public safety broadband network, the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) has released a request for information (RFI) on application platforms. FirstNet is seeking information about key components of the application platform, helping it determine future acquisitions and potential partners.
“Mobile apps running on the FirstNet nationwide broadband network will transform the way public safety completes its mission,” said FirstNet General Manager Bill D’Agostino. “We want to hear from all interested stakeholders on their creative and innovative ideas on how this platform should operate.”
FirstNet is looking for information from interested parties with core competencies and demonstrated experience in developing and sustaining public safety quality products, and for products and services that have, but are not limited to, the following capabilities:
- Mobile Device Application Solutions – experience in building mobile device solutions at a device and platform level;
- App Store – solutions for user oriented mobile app stores;
- Big Data/ API & Cloud – real-time search, analytics, and reporting and auditing when accessing cloud-based solutions;
- Public Safety Data – experience working with public safety data from agencies (e.g. CJIS, NEMSIS);
- Data security – maintaining application, information and big data securely in terms of encrypting the data, accessing the data, providing an audit trail, and reporting;
- Application Testing and Certification – test suites and processes to verify applications and interfaces;
- Publisher Interfaces – experience building interfaces to agency information; and
- Identity Management – platforms that allow first responders to be identified and integrate with local identity solutions through a federated system.
This is the twelfth RFI issued by FirstNet this calendar year. FirstNet issued an RFI for devices in May, and then issued 10 RFIs in July on two crucial portions of the nationwide public safety network: the radio access network (RAN) and core network. FirstNet received more than 300 comments from a wide range of stakeholders on these RFIs.
Questions or clarifications concerning this RFI must be submitted to the FirstNet address below or via email no later than Monday, December 3, 2013, 5 pm, Eastern Standard Time. RFI responses must be submitted to the address below or via email no later than Monday, January 17, 2014, 5 pm, Eastern Standard Time. Mailing address: FirstNet Applications RFI, 3130 Crow Canyon Place, Suite 210, San Ramon, CA 94583. Email: ApplicationsRFI@FirstNet.gov.
About FirstNet
FirstNet will provide emergency responders with the first high-speed, nationwide network dedicated to public safety. FirstNet is designed to improve communication among local, state, regional, tribal and national emergency services personnel. The broadband data network will help save lives and protect the health and safety of all Americans. It will be built using LTE, the most advanced wireless technology available today. FirstNet fulfills a fundamental need of the public safety community for a single, mission-critical communications system enabling force multiplier effectiveness. Overseen by representatives of public safety, government and the wireless industry, FirstNet is an independent entity within the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (www.firstnet.gov).