TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Oscar Ortiz, Sheriff-Coroner
REPORT BY: Erin Corry, Staff Services Analyst II
SUBJECT: Capital Asset Purchase: BRINC Lemur 2 Drone
RECOMMENDATION
title
Authorize the purchase of a capital asset for one unmanned aerial system (UAS) BRINC Lemur 2 Operations Bundle; approve a sole source waiver of competitive bidding; and approve a Budget Amendment with appropriation authority for the Sheriff’s Office. (Fiscal Impact: $21,549 Expense; General Fund; Budgeted; Discretionary)
[4/5 vote required]
body
BACKGROUND
The mission of the Napa County Sheriff’s Office Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Team is to use drone resources to protect the lives and property of citizens of Napa County and first responders in a constitutionally and legally sound manner and in compliance with regulations. The sUAS Team operates under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines and all pilots undergo strict training, including obtaining FAA Remote Pilot Licensing. UAS equipment is used to support first responders in Search and Rescue, disaster response, barricaded suspects, hazardous material spills, natural disasters, crime scene preservation and documentation, traffic accident investigations, high-risk tactical operations and community outreach.
The sUAS Team currently operates several different types of DJI Mavic drones which are sufficient for basic surveillance tasks, but there is a growing need for versatile drones that can be utilized in a multitude of law enforcement operations. To address this need, the Sheriff’s Office has been researching today’s drone market for suitable drone models and has found one in the BRINC Lemur 2 drone.
The BRINC Lemur 2 drone is the only law enforcement grade drone system that offers a wide range of capabilities, including maneuvering in tight spaces, breaking windows for entry, pushing doors open, delivering or dragging small objects during negotiations with a payload attachment, resume normal operation if dropped, flip over if knocked over on its back, ability to produce real time floor plans, and can be deployed in under a minute. In addition, it is weather resistant, has an integrated spotlight, night vision, two-way communication, has obstacle awareness, and thermal vision. These capabilities allow the drone to be utilized in many different situations.
BRINC is the sole manufacturer and developer of the Lemur 2 drone as well as the sole provider of a proprietary comprehensive fleet management, live streaming and operations hub. This drone is manufactured in the United States and meets the security standards set forth by the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
Recommendations:
1. Authorize the purchase of a BRINC Lemur 2 Operations Bundle drone and establish it as a capital asset in the amount of $21,549.
2. Approve a Budget Amendment in the Sheriff’s Operations budget Equipment expenses (Fund 1000, Org 1360000, Obj 55400), increasing appropriations by $21,549, offset by a decrease in appropriations of the same budget by $21,549 from Law Enforcement Supplies (Object 53620). (4/5 vote required)
3. A waiver of competitive bidding requirements and sole source award for the purchase of a BRINC Lemur 2 Operations Bundle drone from BRINC for a total of $21,549 pursuant to County Ordinance Code 2.36.090.
FISCAL IMPACT
|
Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
Yes |
|
Is it currently budgeted? |
Yes |
|
Where is it budgeted? |
Sheriff’s Operations Budget (Org 1360000) |
|
Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Discretionary |
|
Discretionary Justification: |
The purchase of the versatile BRINC Lemur 2 drone enhances officer safety, operational efficiency, and community service capabilities. Modern public safety drones provide cost-effective aerial support that improves situational awareness while reducing risk to personnel and the public. |
|
Is the general fund affected? |
Yes |
|
Future fiscal impact: |
Any future fiscal impact will be budgeted accordingly. |
|
Consequences if not approved: |
If not approved, the Sheriff’s Office would not purchase a Lemur 2 drone, which can be an essential tool to effectively assist during critical incidents and natural disasters. |
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed action is not a project as defined by 14 California Code of Regulations 15378 (State CEQA Guidelines) and therefore CEQA is not applicable.