FirstNet Authority’s Lack of Contract Oversight for Device Connection Targets Puts the NPSBN at Risk of Impacting First Responders’ Use of the Network

We announced two concurrent audits to determine whether First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) is ensuring that AT&T is achieving the desired results for device connection targets and Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN) coverage for each state and territory. We separated these objectives into three components that include (1) the evolution of the desired results for device connection targets and network coverage as executed through contract modifications, (2) oversight of device connection targets, and (3) oversight of network coverage. This report focuses on the second component: FirstNet Authority’s oversight of device connection targets. We found that FirstNet Authority did not adequately assess contractor performance to ensure AT&T achieved the desired results for device connection targets for each state and territory. Specifically, FirstNet Authority did not develop measurable performance standards and methods of surveillance to assess if reported device connections complied with the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 and contract requirements; develop an adequate performance metric to accurately measure public safety use and adoption; review AT&T’s quality control program results or consistently conduct audits of raw data; or remediate deficiencies for device connections.