TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Matt Henry, Chief of Police
PREPARED BY: Stephanie Lawson, Management Analyst - Administration
SUBJECT:
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Third Amendment to Agreement with Flock Group, Inc. to Add the “Drone as First Responder” Program
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RECOMMENDATION
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Amend the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Operating Budget to establish an appropriation of $150,000 using Measure T Unassigned Fund Balance;
Authorize the exemption from bidding requirements;
Approve the third amendment to the Agreement with Flock Group, Inc. to add the “Drone as First Responder” Program in the total amount of $750,000 for a three year agreement; and
Authorize the City Manager to execute the third amendment to the agreement and amend the agreement with a contingency amount not to exceed $75,000.
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PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
On August 15, 2023, the City Council approved a five-year agreement with Flock Group, Inc. and approved an additional appropriation of $5,500 in the Supplemental Law Enforcement Fund Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2023/24 (Vote: 5-0).
On August 20, 2024, the City Council approved the addition of the Enhanced License Plate Reader package, appropriated an additional $15,000 in the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Supplemental Law Enforcement Fund Operating Budget (Vote: 5-0).
CITY COUNCIL GOAL
Provide a high level of innovative public safety.
DISCUSSION
In January 2022, the Murrieta Police Department entered into a one-year agreement with Flock Group, Inc. to install and access 20 of their Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras to be deployed throughout the City of Murrieta. In July 2023, based on the efficacy of this ALPR system relative to crime investigations, the Police Department entered into a five-year agreement with Flock Group, Inc. to install and maintain 20 additional ALPR cameras.
In August 2024, the five-year agreement was amended to give the Police Department access to Flock’s Enhanced License Plate Reader software package, which provides advanced capabilities beyond simply reading license plates. Today, the Department is seeking a third amendment to this agreement with Flock Group, Inc. to initiate a Drone as First Responder (DFR) program.
The Murrieta Police Department launched its Unmanned Aerial Systems Program in October 2022. Since that time, the program has proven to be a valuable asset, supporting police containment searches, wildfire response, crime scene and traffic collision investigations, search and rescue operations, and other public safety missions.
Building on this success, the Department seeks to leverage advancements in drone technology by implementing a DFR program. Under this model, police personnel will operate drones from a centralized location, enabling rapid deployment to service calls citywide. This approach eliminates the delay of traveling to a scene before launch, significantly improving response times. The Department intends to utilize Flock Group Inc. for both the hardware and software necessary to operate the program.
The DFR program is designed to improve operational efficiency, enhance officer and community safety, and support more effective de-escalation strategies. Drones can quickly arrive on the scene to provide real-time aerial assessments, allowing dispatchers and responding officers to make informed decisions and tailor their response. This capability reduces risk to officers and the public by identifying potential hazards before personnel arrive on the scene.
Section 3.08.280(G) of the Murrieta Municipal Code authorizes competitive bidding procedures and requirements to be dispensed with when it would be inefficient, impractical, and unnecessary. In this instance, the DFR program is an add-on to our ALPR cameras, with our current vendor, Flock Group, Inc.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently updated its regulations regarding drone operations. For public safety organizations operating drones below 200’ above ground level (AGL), the FAA now allows for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, without the need for a visual observer. This is made possible, in part, by using location services from existing aircraft utilizing an ADS-B transponder that broadcasts its location to ground stations and other aircraft. With additional approved waivers, the FAA has also been allowing public safety organizations to operate drones up to 400’ AGL. This level of operation will typically require the use of a dedicated radar, installed in the desired operational area, that will specifically monitor the skies for air traffic. Operation at 400’ AGL brings a variety of benefits over 200’ AGL operations, including a larger coverage area, improved situational awareness, reduced noise complaints, better line of sight, and improved safety from ground-level hazards.
This proposed amendment with Flock is being structured as a three-year agreement, broken down as shown below.
• Year One: $150,000
• Year Two: $300,000
• Year Three: $300,000
Flock offers two (2) different product options for its DFR program. One option will allow their drones to operate up to 200’ AGL, while the other option allows for drone operations up to 400’ AGL. Operation at 200’ AGL is accomplished through existing FAA radar technology infrastructure and is accessible without additional cost. Operation at 400’ AGL requires the lease and installation of a Flock-branded radar in our city that will specifically monitor the skies above Murrieta for air traffic that could impact DFR operations. Flock’s current pricing for leasing this radar is $150,000 per year.
As an incentive to new DFR customers, Flock has discounted the first year’s cost of their radar by 100%. Additionally, if, after the first year, the Police Department does not see the value in operating at 400’ AGL with the radar, Flock will allow the City to modify the agreement. The modification would require the return of Flock’s leased radar, which would drop the agreement costs for year two to $150,000 and year three to $150,000.
Based on the significant benefits that operating at 400’ AGL brings to operational capabilities, staff recommends purchasing the Flock-branded radar, in addition to the drones, to allow for the increased level of service these devices can offer.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total fiscal impact of the proposed contract amendment is $750,000, over the next three (3) Fiscal Years (FY), beginning in FY 2025/26. If approved, staff recommends amending the Operating Budget to establish a budget in GL 1113120-63055 using Measure T Fund unassigned fund balance as follows:
FY 2025/26: $150,000
FY 2026/27: $300,000
The recommendation includes for a potential future amendment of $75,000 to be approved by the City Manager. If the contingency is necessary, the budget appropriation for the amount needed up to $75,000 will be appropriated. The remaining $300,000 for FY 2027/28 will be incorporated into the next Biennial Budget.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Third Amendment with Flock Drone, Inc.