Title
Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Consultant for the Phoenix Fire Department (Ordinance S-48793)
Description
Request authorization for the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into a contract with Kellie Michele Consulting, LLC for an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Consultant to provide training and guidance for the UAS program launch for the Fire Department. The aggregate value of the contract will not exceed $23,000. Further request authorization for the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item.
Report
Summary
The Phoenix Fire Department (PFD) responds to many emergency calls that are high risk operations requiring coordination and planning normally centered around limited information. The PFD is one of the largest fire departments in the nation and protects well over 1.7 million residents spread across an area of 517 square miles. Currently, the PFD must rely on UAS assistance from outside agencies during emergency incidents.
The PFD requires a UAS consultant to provide consultation services and training to help implement a UAS program for the PFD. UAS is an emerging and everchanging technology that must be leveraged appropriately to maximize capabilities and effectiveness while also mitigating privacy and information technology risks. To achieve these goals for UAS operations in Phoenix, contracting with a UAS Consultant will greatly decrease the obstacles and time frame needed to successfully launch a sustainable program that minimizes risk to the public, first responders, and the City. The best practices and lessons learned during this process will be shared with other city departments as they move to implement their own UAS programs in the future.
Procurement Information
In accordance with Administrative Regulation 3.10, normal competition was waived, citing a determination memo - without competition.
Contract Term
The term of the agreement shall commence upon execution and continue for one year.
Financial Impact
The aggregate contract value shall not exceed $23,000. Funds are available in the Fire Department’s operating budget.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Lori Bays and the Fire Department.