CRS Report Contemplates Possible Need for More Hill Oversight of FirstNet Deployment
A recent 30-page report from the Congressional Research Service contemplated circumstances that may necessitate that Congress take a bigger role in FirstNet’s deployment. “FirstNet officials face enormous pressure to produce a functional network in a timely manner, reflecting widespread concerns…
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that public safety communications will not be adequate for response and recovery if a catastrophic national emergency occurs,” said the CRS report. “Building momentum after a slow start in setting up the organization, it is possible that FirstNet, working closely with the NTIA, is now opting for expediency at the expense of states’ own public safety goals. For example, much of the available information about the role of states in managing networks in their jurisdiction is -- at this point in time -- vague, with a heavy emphasis on proposals, drafts, and works-in-progress.” States eventually could encounter “federal-centric” final plans that lead to governors turning to lawmakers for assistance, CRS said. “At this point, however, revising the contracts negotiated by the FirstNet Board of Directors may be difficult and costly,” CRS said. “Both the Government Accountability Office and the Inspector General of the Department of Commerce have found fault with the decision-making process at FirstNet and the level of oversight by the NTIA.” If these issues persist, “Congress may consider the value of greater vigilance over the planning process for the deployment,” CRS advised. “For example, a number of economic decisions that claim to justify federal control are not supported by public circulation of the economic modeling.” FirstNet has defended its progress through the development of its request for proposals process and said it’s preparing for various state opt-out scenarios (see 1604120046). A FirstNet spokeswoman declined comment on the CRS report.