"The Department of Commerce’s FirstNet must establish a nationwide broadband network for public safety officials (like police officers and firefighters)." "In 2017, FirstNet awarded AT&T a contract to deploy, operate, and maintain the network. AT&T is meeting contract milestones." "But since awarding the contract, FirstNet has shared little to no information about its contract oversight with state officials and other stakeholders, said the Government Accountability Office. This has led to speculation about the extent of FirstNet’s oversight of AT&T, which could affect network users’ and stakeholders’ continued support of the program." "GAO recommended that FirstNet address this and other issues...” "FirstNet uses various mechanisms to oversee AT&T; many of which align with key contract-oversight practices. For example, FirstNet uses a quality assurance surveillance plan to evaluate AT&T’s performance. However, GAO found that FirstNet lacked (1) a reliable master schedule to review, (2) communication with relevant stakeholders regarding contract oversight, and (3) meaningful information on end-users’ satisfaction to gauge performance quality…" "GAO is making four recommendations, including that FirstNet ensure the schedule aligns with GAO best practices, share additional oversight and other information with appropriate stakeholders, and utilize end-user satisfaction information to gauge performance. FirstNet agreed with GAO’s recommendations." Read the full article here. Source: GAO: Network Deployment Is Progressing, but FirstNet Could Strengthen Its Oversight - January 27, 2020. Homeland Security Today.