Rivada Networks confirmed it has filed a protest over its exclusion from the FirstNet bidding process, with reports indicating AT&T is likely selected bidder.
AT&T is reportedly in the driver’s seat in winning a network service contract with the federal government’s First Responder Network Authority initiative as one of the other entities attempting to win a piece of the contract filed a protest over its exclusion from the process.
Rivada Networks, which has been angling to gain a piece or all of the FirstNet network and services deal, confirmed published reports it has “filed a protest with the Court of Federal Claims over our exclusion from the competitive range,” a spokesman said. “We are seeking to be put back in the range and given an opportunity to enter negotiations.”
A report from IWCE’s Urgent Communications indicated the protest likely points to AT&T being the selected bidder in the process, though the final decision may be delayed until at least March. AT&T had indicated plans to “aggressively” pursue the network opportunity, which includes the option for a carrier partner to have access to sharing FirstNet’s 20 megahertz of 700 MHz spectrum in Band 14.
FirstNet was expected to announce winners of the roughly $6.5 billion network contract on Nov. 1, but at the last minute delayed the news. In a blog entry, FirstNet CEO Mike Poth said FirstNet “will continue to execute the acquisition process outlined in the [request for proposal] beyond the Nov. 1 target date for the award.”
FirstNet has run up against several delays in the RFP as part of its ambitious plan to build a nationwide network designed primarily for use by first responders. The agency’s board released its RFP in January, and gave vendors until late April to respond; the RFP response deadline was extended twice to allow vendors more time and ultimately concluded on May 31.
The agency recently opened a testing lab in Boulder, Colorado, where devices and applications are to be evaluated for use on the planned nationwide network. FirstNet CTO Jeff Bratcher said the lab will establish a list of verified devices, which public safety agencies can choose to use on the network, similar to carrier acceptance testing by commercial wireless operators.
Rivada Networks has been pursuing the contract, including boosting its leadership line up with former Sprint execs and forming its Rivada Mercury division in partnership with a handful of vendors, including Harris Corporation, Ericsson, Nokia, Intel Security, Fujitsu Network Communications and Black & Veatch.
RCR Wireless News recently spoke with Declan Ganley, co-CEO of Rivada, on the company’s plans as part of the weekly Carrier Wrap video show.
“We have spent a decade preparing for this, before there was even talk of FirstNet or what it would look like,” explained Ganley. “We are highly confident that we have put forward the best possible solution for the nationwide public safety broadband network.”
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