First Net - Band 14 - First-Responder Network Wireless Services

This Request for Information (RFI) is for planning purposes only and is NOT a Request for Proposal (RFP), Invitation for Bid (IFB), or an obligation on the part of the Government to acquire any products or services.  Responses to this RFI are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. 

The purpose of the RFI is to gather information from industry in regard to the purchase of FirstNet (FirstNet.com) first-responder network wireless services that include the availability of Band 14, which is reserved exclusively for emergency communications, in emergencies and at large events, heavy public use can lead to wireless communications networks becoming overloaded and inaccessible. In those instances, public safety users are treated the same as any other commercial or enterprise user, and communications can be limited due to congestion and capacity issues. With the FirstNet Network, public safety will get a dedicated ‘fast lane’ that provides highly secure communications every day and for every emergency. It will deliver specialized features to public safety that are not available on wireless networks today – such as priority access; more network capacity; and a resilient, hardened connection. The Network will deliver more than just a public-safety-dedicated wireless connection – it is also creating devices and apps ecosystems that will connect first responders to innovative, life-saving technologies. It will deliver specialized features to public safety that are not available on wireless networks today – such as priority access; more network capacity; and a resilient, hardened connection. The Network will deliver more than just a public-safety-dedicated wireless connection – it is also creating devices and apps ecosystems that will connect first responders to innovative, life-saving technologies.

Network technology will also be tested and validated through the FirstNet Innovation and Test Lab, located in Boulder, CO, so first responders will have the proven tools they need in disasters and emergencies

All feedback and information received may be used to determine the appropriate acquisition strategy for possible future acquisition.  This notice is issued solely for market research and planning purposes.

The Government reserves the right to determine how it should proceed as a result of this notice.  Furthermore, those who respond to the RFI should not anticipate feedback with regard to its submission.  The Government will not pay any cost incurred in response to the RFI.  All costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the responding part’s expense.  The information provided in this RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government.

This RFI is prepared for planning purposes only and is not restricted to small businesses.  If the Government decides to pursue an RFQ, portions of your RFI response may be incorporated into the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

Sources are discouraged from submitting any information deemed completion-sensitive or proprietary.  However, if sources elect to submit competition-sensitive or proprietary information, sources bear sole responsibility for marking said information as such to ensure appropriate safeguarding by the Government.  The Government will not be held liable for any damages incurred if proprietary information is not properly identified.  All submissions become the Government property and will not be returned.

After review of the responses to the RFI, the Government may or may not proceed with the acquisition.  Responses to this RFI are NOT OFFERS and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract.

Please reference the RFI# KM-2024-0001 in your response.

Please send all emails to Kia.Milindez@dla.mil, Allison.Douglewicz@dla.mil, and Mary.Wahsingtong@dla.mil