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HomeMy WebLinkAboutE-17 Staff Report - Flying Lion DFRCONSENT ITEM E-17 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL VIA: SERGIO GONZALEZ, ICMA-CM, CITY MANAGER FROM: ROCKY WENRICK, CHIEF OF POLICE DATE: SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 SUBJECT: CONTRACT WITH FLYING LION, INC. FOR UNMANNED AIR SYSTEMS CONSULTING SERVICES BACKGROUND: Flying Lion, Inc. is a drone service provider to Law Enforcement, Public Safety Agencies and Municipalities. Flying Lion provides On-demand drone Air Support, training, and consultation, and has over 24,000 DFR Flights and over 11,800 Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights as the remote pilots in command (RPICs) for the Chula Vista PD, Redondo Beach PD, Santa Monica PD, and Beverly Hills PD DFR (Drone as a First Responder) Programs. The Azusa Police Department is seeking a contract with flying lion to provide rooftop RPIC so that we may harness the power of aerial technology to swiftly locate and address emergencies, improve our ability to coordinate resources during critical incidents, and ensure a safer environment for all residents. This partnership reflects our commitment to innovative solutions and proactive approaches in modern law enforcement, reinforcing our dedication to the well-being of Azusa's citizens. RECOMMENDATION(S): Staff Recommends the City Council take the following action(s): 1)Approve funding ($124,322) for services with Flying Lion Inc, so that the Azusa Police Department can enhance public safety by adding needed capability to the DFR program. 2)Approve funding pursuant to Municipal Code 2-520(b), sole source. Flying Lion, Inc. provides a unique and sole source service which is outlined in attachment #2. ANALYSIS: Flying Lion provides an on-demand rapid aerial assessment and imaging services to Law Enforcement and Emergency Service Departments with remotely operated copters with built-in high definition and infrared cameras. Flying Lion works with Local, County, State, and Federal Agencies and businesses to Approved City Council September 18, 2023 provide on-demand cost effective air-support. Flying Lion has the most DFR experience of any organization in the world. Flying Lion will assist with navigating the intricacies of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) laws with their expert guidance. As an industry-leading consulting company, Flying Lion specializes in demystifying the ever-evolving regulatory landscape governing unmanned air systems. Leveraging their knowledge and experience, they assist in the process of interpreting and apply FAA regulations to clients' specific operational needs. As an integral component of their consulting services, Flying Lion will provide a dedicated Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) who will be available for a full 40 hours a week. This seasoned RPIC brings a wealth of expertise to the table, ensuring that the Azusa Police Department will have a skilled and certified professional assisting their unmanned air system operations. The RPIC provided by Flying Lion will become an extension of Azusa PD’s team, overseeing safety of all aspects of flight. This valuable inclusion in the contract guarantees a consistent and proficient presence, fostering operational excellence and peace of mind throughout the entirety of the project. Flying Lion excels in providing comprehensive support throughout the equipment selection and care process, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. Leveraging their industry expertise, the company offers guidance in choosing the right unmanned air system equipment tailored to specific project requirements. Their consultants consider factors such as payload capabilities, range, and operational environments to recommend equipment that aligns with the Azusa PD’s objectives. Moreover, Flying Lion offers insights into equipment maintenance, storage, and regular servicing protocols. This approach guarantees that the selected equipment operates at its peak, maximizing efficiency and minimizing downtime. City of Azusa Municipal Code 2-520(b) defines a sole source purchase as “Unique commodities or services that can be obtained from only one vendor…”. Flying Lion is the only company in our region that provides specialized DFR training, Remote Pilots in Command (RPICs) and Remote Operations staffing services for DFR operations. Flying Lion has quoted the Azusa Police Department $124,322 for one year of their services. The Azusa Police Department Policy 606 governs the use of unmanned air systems, and this contract is in accordance with current policy. FISCAL IMPACT: There are adequate funds available for the DFR contracting services of Flying Lion, Inc. This purchase was budgeted for in the fiscal year 2023/2024 account #28203100417142. This is yearly contract set not to exceed $124,322. Prepared by: Reviewed and approved: Seth Chapman Rocky Wenrick Sergeant Chief of Police Reviewed and Approved: Sergio Gonzalez City Manager Attachments: 1. Summary of Price Quotations 2. Sole Source Documentation © 2023 Flying Lion, Inc. Steven Katz sk@flyinglioninc.com 310.702.8147 Page 1 of 4 Flying Lion Proposal Azusa Police Department DFR Remote Pilot in Command Services Presented: August 21, 2023 ***Pricing is valid for 6 months from date presented. Attachment 1 © 2023 Flying Lion, Inc. Steven Katz sk@flyinglioninc.com 310.702.8147 Page 2 of 4 Drone Program Service Offering Overview of Flying Lion Flying Lion, Inc. (FLI) is a drone service provider to Law Enforcement, Public Safety Agencies and Municipalities. Founded in 2014 and incorporated in California in 2015 to provide On- demand drone Air Support, training, and consultation, and are currently under contract by Chula Vista, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Redondo Beach, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica Police Departments. Additionally, Flying Lion has over 28,000 DFR Flights and over 14,000 Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights as the remote pilots in command (RPICs) for the Chula Vista PD, Redondo Beach PD, Hemet PD, Santa Monica PD, and Beverly Hills PD DFR Programs. Supporting the successful 4 week paid DFR trial, here is a proposal for ongoing DFR operations – identical RPIC services to what was executed during the 4 week trial period. Description of Rooftop RPIC Staffing: Flying Lion to provide trained Part 107 certified Remote Pilots in Command (RPIC) for specified work shift. Here are the responsibilities of the Remote Pilot in Command (Remote): o Ensure safety of drone flights both line-of-sight and BVLOS o Setup and takedown of drone equipment o Aircraft airworthiness verification o Daily coordination with members of the agency and Air Support Officer (ASO) o Daily minor drone maintenance (e.g. broken propeller replacement, cleaning, etc.) o Diagnose errors or technical problems and determine proper solutions. o Document and communicate technical issues to DFR Software engineers & DFR Program Manager or designee. © 2023 Flying Lion, Inc. Steven Katz sk@flyinglioninc.com 310.702.8147 Page 3 of 4 Billing will be done for actual work completed, and invoiced every 2 weeks: (Prices effective July 1, 2023) Breakdown of Hourly Rates 2023 Hourly Rate i. RPIC Daylight Hours $ 54.86 ii. RPIC Daytime Overtime $ 82.29 iii. RPIC Nighttime Hours $ 64.68 iv. RPIC Nighttime Overtime $ 97.02 Non-Flight Rate - Due to adverse weather or equipment failure (minimum of 5 hours compensation for any non-flight day) $ 54.86 Notes: • Overtime charged for time over 10 hours per shift per pilot • Represents only personnel cost, does not include drone hardware lease or any software subscriptions. • Holiday Pay (1.5): For the following seven (7) national holidays, the hourly rates will be paid at time-and-a-half (1.5x) on the day observed: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Not to Exceed amount (2023/24 fiscal year): $124,322 per year (Assumes 40 hours per week, blended 50% daytime and 50% nighttime.) PAYMENT TERMS: Invoicing: Invoiced every 2 weeks for actual amount worked Invoice Terms: Payment Due Upon Receipt and paid based on City of Azusa Account Payables Check Schedule © 2023 Flying Lion, Inc. Steven Katz sk@flyinglioninc.com 310.702.8147 Page 4 of 4 Rooftop RPIC Staffing – Additional Details Notes: • Pricing includes assumption for breaks/lunch, overtime hours (based on individual state’s laws), holiday pay and no-fly days. During no-fly days (weather/ASO staffing), RPICs can perform maintenance and other drone-focused agency tasks. If known weather event will happen, schedule can be adjusted. • Nighttime Operational Hours based on chart below • Represents only personnel cost, does not include drone hardware lease or any software subscriptions Daytime and Nighttime Hours are Defined Based on the following Sunset to Sunrise table: Month Sunset Sunrise January 5:00pm PST 7:00am PST February 5:30pm PST 6:30am PST March 6:00pm PST, 7:00pm PDT 6:00am PST, 7:00am PDT April 7:30pm PDT 6:30am PDT May 8:00pm PDT 6:00am PDT June 8:00pm PDT 5:30am PDT July 8:00pm PDT 6:00am PDT August 8:00pm PDT 6:00am PDT September 7:00pm PDT 6:30am PDT October 6:30pm PDT 7:00am PDT November 6:00pm PDT, 5:00pm PST 7:00am PDT, 6:00am PST December 5:00pm PST 6:30am PST 2110 Artesia Blvd. Suite 234, Redondo Beach, CA 90278 Tel: 310-722-1550 www.flyinglioninc.com May 11, 2023 Azusa Police Department 725 N. Alameda Avenue Azusa, CA 91702 To whom it may concern: Considered an industry expert, Flying Lion is exclusively retained by all Drone as First Responder (DRF) software providers as a system integrator to provide Consulting, Training, Equipment Leasing, and Staffing regarding Public Safety drone use. Additionally, Flying Lion is the only company that provides specialized DFR training, Remote Pilots in Command (RPICs) and Remote Operators staffing services for DFR operations. To validate that expertise, from April 2020 through April 2023, Flying Lion has conducted the following Drone as First Responder (DFR) operations: Total DFR Flights BVLOS Flights BVLOS Flight Time 24,539 11,891 6,233 hours Please let me know if there is any additional information that might be helpful. Thank you, Steven Katz sk@flyinglioninc.com Tel: 310-702-8147 Attachment 2