Title
Drones as First Responders Program
Action
Action:
A. Approve a contract with Motorola Solutions, Inc. to provide, implement, and maintain drones and related systems for the Drones as First Responders Program for a term of five years,
B. Authorize the City Manager to renew the contract for up to one, five-year term with possible price adjustments and to amend the contract consistent with the purpose for which the contract was approved,
C. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate, execute and purchase such additional software licenses, services, hardware, maintenance, and support as required to maintain the system for as long as the city uses the system,
D. Accept a donation from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Foundation in the amount of $1,000,000 for the Drones as First Responders Program, and
E. Adopt a budget ordinance appropriating $1,000,000 from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Foundation to the General Grants Fund.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Johnny Jennings, Police
Jacquelyn Bryley, Police
Explanation
§ To enhance public safety, improve response times, and optimize situational awareness during critical incidents within the city, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) will implement a Drones as First Responders Program using small, unmanned aircraft systems, commonly referred to as “drones.”
§ This program aims to improve response times, help officers de-escalate situations, and enhance officer and community safety by providing real-time video and information to the police command center.
§ Drones will be used for rapid deployment for emergency situations, search and rescue, traffic management, and crime scene monitoring.
§ On May 30, 2025, the city issued a Request for Proposals (RFP); three responses were received.
§ Motorola Solutions, Inc. best meets the city’s needs in terms of qualifications, experience, cost, and responsiveness to RFP requirements.
§ At renewal, potential price adjustments may be considered based on legitimate and justified increases in the cost of doing business. The ability to consider price adjustments also allows the city to accept decreases, if warranted.
§ Annual expenditures are estimated to be $2,500,000.
§ The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Foundation (CMPF) is donating $1,000,000 to fund a portion of the Drones as First Responders Program costs.
§ CMPF is a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to strengthening CMPD services and promoting public safety in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area.
§ The Drones as First Responders Program furthers CMPF’s mission to create a safer community by supporting efforts to pilot new strategies and improve officer safety and effectiveness.
Charlotte Business INClusion
Contract goals were not established for this contract because the scope of work or goods required does not present viable subcontracting opportunities. Motorola Solutions, Inc. will be responsible for 100% of the work or goods, and there are no opportunities to include subcontractors. This assessment was confirmed by CBI and the respective department after reviewing the project’s scope and potential for division into subcontracting opportunities.
Fiscal Note
Funding: Private donation and General Grants Fund
Attachments
Attachment(s)
Budget Ordinance