Report Prepared by: Leone Pintabona, Police Lieutenant, Police Department Operations
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of a 4-Year Agreement with Motorola Solutions for the Acquisition and Deployment of BRINC Emergency Response Drone Systems not to Exceed $479,993.99
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approval of a 4-year agreement with Motorola Solutions Inc. for the purchase, deployment, and maintenance of emergency response drone systems funded through the opioid settlement fundings to support emergency overdose response and drone first responder operations.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a 4-year agreement with Motorola Solutions Inc. for the purchase and deployment of the BRINC emergency response drone systems; and,
B. Authorizing the selection of Motorola Solutions Inc. as the lowest responsive bidder meeting the operational requirements of the Police Department; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by Staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to Staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Merced Municipal Code Title 3 Article III Purchases Over Thirty-Eight Thousand Dollars.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2026-2027 Adopted Budget, Goals & Priorities.
DISCUSSION
The Police Department is seeking approval to enter into a 4-year agreement with Motorola Solutions Inc. for the acquisition and deployment of the BRINC emergency response drone technology designed to enhance public safety operations and emergency medical response capabilities.
The total cost of the proposed four-year agreement is $479,993.99. The purchase includes two emergency response drones, two drone launch sites, and all associated maintenance, repair services, software updates, and equipment upgrades throughout the contract term. The proposed Motorola Solutions Inc. bid represents the lowest responsive bid that meets the operational and program requirements established by the Police Department.
Staff evaluated available proposals for emergency response drone technology and determined that Motorola Solutions Inc. provides the most cost-effective solution while meeting the opioid abatement program objectives approved by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), California’s oversight entity for the opioid settlement funding. Alternative proposals exceeded the funding levels available for this project and would require additional funding beyond the amount received from the opioid settlement program.
Additionally, the DHCS oversight committee reviewed and approved the implementation of the BRINC Drone as First Responder (DFR) program as an opioid abatement and overdose response initiative. The BRINC proposal directly supports the approved program objectives and provides the capabilities necessary to achieve the intended outcomes identified during the DHCS review and approval process.
The primary function of these drone systems will be the rapid delivery and dissemination of Naloxone (Narcan) during emergency overdose incidents, particularly in difficult-to-access locations such as creek banks, homeless encampments, freeway underpasses, freeway overpasses, and other areas where traditional emergency response vehicles may experience delays or limited access. The deployment of drone technology is intended to improve emergency response times and increase the likelihood of successful overdose intervention during critical incidents.
Additionally, the drones will serve as (DFR) assets during emergency incidents. These capabilities will provide responding personnel with enhanced situational awareness during critical incidents, assist with locating individuals in hazardous or inaccessible areas, and improve overall coordination during emergency response operations.
Funding for this agreement is available through the opioid settlement funds in PD030017 specifically designated to support opioid abatement efforts, overdose prevention, and community health initiatives. The use of these funds for emergency Narcan delivery aligns with the intended purpose of the opioid settlement program by expanding life-saving response capabilities within the community.
The proposed agreement provides a comprehensive service package that includes ongoing technical support, maintenance, repairs, and system upgrades, ensuring operational readiness and long-term sustainability of the program throughout the duration of the contract.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
The total estimated cost of the four-year agreement is $479,993.99 and the contract costs will be covered by the Opioid Settlement funding available.
No additional appropriation is needed.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proposed Agreement with BRINC Drone System Proposal and Pricing Sheet
2. Proposed Quote with ARCHER Drone Systems