Federal Money Again Flowing to LA-RICS for Build of First Responder Broadband Network
Based on a recommendation by NTIA, the government lifted the suspension of Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System’s (LA-RICS) use of Broadband Technology Opportunities Program for construction of a public safety LTE cell tower network in the city. The project…
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is one of five early build initiatives FirstNet hopes will provide lessons for the eventual construction of a national network for first responders (see 1504030061). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NTIA’s contracting office, lifted the suspension Friday. “NTIA, in close consultation with FirstNet, determined that the revised LA-RICS project plan submitted on April 20 would deliver substantial benefits to the Los Angeles public safety community and could be completed by the statutory deadline of September 30,” an NTIA spokeswoman said in an emailed statement. NTIA and NOAA also require LA-RICS to follow a new corrective action plan, the spokeswoman said. “We appreciate the continued commitment of the LA-RICS staff and Los Angeles City and County officials to seeing this project to fruition, giving first responders in the Los Angeles region the most advanced communications tools to protect the public and save lives.” LA-RICS had used $31 million of the $154.6 million in BTOP funds it received for the network.