FROM:
Police Department
SUBJECT:
Title
Purchase of First Responder Drones (DFR) for Public Safety
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
1. Authorize to procure First Responder Paladin Drones utilizing the Purchasing Policy and Procedure and Procedure Manual 3.1.5 Non-Competitive Proposal - Single Source/Sole Source.
2. Authorize the City Manager or his assigned designee to sign the agreement between the Paladin Drones Inc. and the Fontana Police Department for the total amount of $354,600.00.
3. Authorize the Chief of Police or his assigned designee to continue to renew the annual maintenance agreements as long as it remains in the best interest of the City of Fontana.
End
COUNCIL GOALS:
• Operate in a businesslike manner by creating a memorable customer experience with every interaction.
• Operate in a businesslike manner by improving services through the effective use of technology.
• Concentrate on Inter-governmental relations by working cooperatively with neighboring jurisdictions.
DISCUSSION:
In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, it is crucial for the city to adopt technologies that not only enhance our capabilities but also ensure reliability and transparency. Drones have proven to be valuable assets in enhancing police operations and bolstering public safety. Their ability to offer real-time surveillance, collect vital evidence, and access inaccessible areas makes them invaluable tools in combating crime.
Drone as First Responder (DFA) boast numerous advantages, including decreased response time and heightened safety for both law enforcement officers and communities. When a 911 call is received, a trained police officer can deploy a drone to the emergency site while patrol cars are enroute, ensuring swift and efficient response even before officers arrive on the scene.
After extensive research and consideration, Paladin emerged as the clear choice for the police department. Staff researched several other companies such as Drone Sense and Brinc. Paladin was the only company who provided all the resources in a single company, single cost solution. Brinc and Drones Sense do have a comprehensive DFR program, but they use radio technology and require additional personal to visually observe the drones in flight. Having additional personal just to observe the drones in flight would significantly increase the cost of the program.
Paladin's pioneering work with LTE-connected drones was a major factor in our decision. Their EXT module allows our drones to connect via 4G/5G LTE cellular service, significantly improving range and enabling remote and autonomous operations. This capability is crucial for enhancing our response times and operational efficiency.
Support and training are vital components of successful technology integration. Paladin excels here by offering unlimited implementation and support at no additional cost. Their team includes former public safety professionals who understand our unique challenges, providing us with relevant and effective training.
Protecting our investment is also a top priority, and Paladin's comprehensive warranty and maintenance agreement ensures that any issues are resolved quickly and without hidden costs. This financial predictability allows us to focus on our primary mission of keeping our community safe.
Paladin’s system is designed to integrate seamlessly with our entire fleet of drones. This flexibility means we can incorporate all of our existing equipment into one cohesive system, maximizing efficiency and effectiveness.
Additionally, Paladin offers an all-in-one integrated solution, bundling hardware, software, support, training, and FAA approvals into a single package. This streamlines our operations, reducing the complexity of managing multiple vendors and systems.
Paladin’s exclusive focus on local government first responders ensures that their technology is tailored specifically to our needs. This specialization means that every feature and tool they develop is directly relevant to the challenges we face daily.
Furthermore, Paladin’s commitment to advancing DFR-Drones as First Responders-capabilities is particularly exciting. The ability to deploy drones autonomously within 90 seconds to any location in our jurisdiction could revolutionize our response efforts, where every second counts.
Moreover, in the decision-making process, staff had the opportunity to speak with current public agencies. Their feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising Paladin's exceptional customer service. Public agencies highlighted the company’s responsiveness and dedication to resolving issues swiftly. This level of support reinforces our confidence in Paladin as a partner who not only provides cutting-edge technology but also stands by us every step of the way.
Lastly, Paladin’s expertise in handling FAA COA authorization and BVLOS waivers ensures that we remain compliant and operationally efficient. Their strong relationship with the FAA facilitates smooth and timely approvals, even in complex airspaces.
In conclusion, Paladin Drones, Inc. is currently the only source of the suite of items, services, and licenses that can connect drones to a cellular network. No other company can provide this service today, as all other drones operate on radio frequency (RF) controllers.
Fontana Police Department chose Paladin because their innovative, reliable, and comprehensive solutions align perfectly with our mission to enhance public safety. With Paladin as our partner, we are confident in our ability to respond more effectively and efficiently to the needs of our community.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Federal Assets Seizure Funds (223) have been requested during the 2024/2025 first quarter adjustments. The total amount of the five-year project is $ 354,600.00. Future funds will be requested during the preparation of the two- year budget or during a quarterly adjustment as needed.
MOTION:
Approve staff recommendation.