No doubt the winner of FirstNet RFP will be the public

In January, FirstNet, the federally funded wireless first responders network released an RFP calling for bids from wireless communication providers to build the system. Early estimates the contract will be worth roughly $100 billion dollar over 25 years. Given the magnitude and value of the RFP, it is sure to attract the interest in the biggest names in wireless – from AT&T to T-Mobile. One thing is clear – no matter who wins the contract, the RFP indicates that the American public will come out a winner.

FirstNet’s RFP details 16 core objectives sought after by the company charged with creating the system, including details on how the system’s design would handle issues of cyber security to ensuring interoperability between a wide, diverse range of public services and agencies. Being that FirstNet is a first-of-its-kind system, it will be difficult for any company to prove their qualifications through experience, meaning we will likely see thorough, detailed and creative thinking amongst responses.

The competition spurred by FirstNet’s RFP will undoubtedly lead to some true innovation at the crossroads of public safety and technology. We can expect to see functional yet creative ideas emerge from this process on how to best coordinate across our nation’s fast system of first responders to ensure Americans are as safe as possible.

It is now up to Federal officials to ensure that FirstNet is implemented in a timely manner. While the RFP process should certainly not be rushed, Americans should take it upon ourselves to let the government know this is a top priority for the future safety of this nation.