Project Overview

Solicitation
Type:

Request for Information (RFI)
 

Solicitation
Issue Date:

August 15, 2016
 

Deadline for
Submissions:

September 9, 2016
 

Background:

Passengers within Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) facilities currently get cellphone signal coverage via indoor Distributed Antenna System (DAS) technology infrastructure. Currently, the Airports Authority’s indoor DAS technology infrastructure is being maintained and managed by a consortium cellphone carrier group CWAS (Common Wireless Access System).  The current CWAS supports approximately 22 million annual passengers at DCA and 22 million annual passengers at IAD. 

Objective:

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority has issued this RFI to gain information on current industry practices that will meet the Airports Authority requirement for implementation and sustainment of a new DAS system. In order to both strengthen cellphone signal coverage, density and reception for our passengers, and obtain fair and competitive Minimum Annual Guarantee (MAG), the Airports Authority would like to explore alternative solutions to its current indoor DAS.  The Airports Authority is seeking input for optimal approaches for the implementation and sustainment of a new DAS within a new partnership or contractual arrangement.  Note that Public WiFi services, oDAS, small cell, and Public Safety DAS requirements are not part of this inquiry or contemplated as requirements within a new DAS.