Next Generation 911 and FirstNet:A Natural Partnership

By David Silverberg

What is NG911 and FirstNet?

• NG911– The effort to incorporate new technologies,

media and location identification into 911• FirstNet– A nationwide wireless broadband network

dedicated to first response

“A natural partnership”

• Both are dedicated to improving public safety and emergency response– NG911 will enable increased data from 911 calls

• 911 calls and data may be able to be routed directly to first responders

– FirstNet will allow greater collaboration among first responders• More sharing between Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) and

Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD)• Less congestion among commercial wireless networks• Greater interoperability among agencies, devices and systems• Greater security

• Original impetus from 9/11 Commission• Now in RFP stage (issued Jan. 13)• Funded through $7 billion appropriation• $135 million for grants to states, territories

and DC• Centrally managed through First Responder

Network Authority• Strong support from first responders

FirstNet Status

NG911 Status

• Fragmented, state-by-state effort• No fixed timeline• No fixed funding• Information on overall status is incomplete• Aging equipment and technology• Still finalizing standards

FirstNet acquisition

• Request for Proposals issued Jan. 13, 2016– Calls for “a comprehensive solution” including all

“personnel, materials, services, facilities, management and other resources necessary.”

– Contract will be a single, indefinite-delivery-indefinite-quantity contract with fixed-price payments.

FirstNet procurement timeline

• Base award period to 2022• Option to extend to 2027• Second option to 2032

FirstNet Strategic Targets 2022

• Complete public/private partnership agreement; establish policies, requirements, technical designs, standards and operations

• Maximize value for subscribers, meet legislative mandates

• Establish rewards and promote innovation• Acquire talent, build organization, institute

programs and practices

NG911 liabilities and assets

• Liability:– Fragmented funding and uneven adoption by

states• Assets:– Wireless carriers want to retire old infrastructure

and install NG911-compatible equipment– FirstNet is providing impetus to upgrade NG911

NG911 NOW COALITION

NG911 Target: 2020

• NG911 NOW Coalition goal:– “By the end of the year 2020, all 911

systems and centers in all 56 states and territories will have sufficiently funded, standards-based, end-to-end, IP-based 911 capabilities, and will have retired legacy 911 systems, without any degradation in service to the public.”

Final Goals: NG911/FirstNet

Protect the publicImprove response

Strengthen the nation