Agenda Item Wording:
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Authorize the purchase of three (3) Skydio unmanned aerial systems (UAS) - Request authorization to award a purchase contract with Axon Enterprise located in Scottsdale, Arizona for two (2) Skydio X10 UAS and one (1) R10 Indoor UAS in the amount of $53,600 under a Sourcewell cooperative procurement agreement under contract #101223 and appropriate $18,470 from the General Fund.
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Agenda Date: 04/06/2026
Prepared by: Police Chief Jason Salazar, 713-4215, Jason.Salazar@visalia.gov ; Captain Daniel Ford, 713-4151, Daniel.Ford@visalia.gov ; Lieutenant Clay Moffett, 713- 4408, Clay.Moffett@visalia.gov ; Financial Analyst Liz Ybarra, 713-4250, Liz.Ybarra@visalia.gov
Department Recommendation: Request authorization to award a purchase contract with Axon Enterprise, Inc. located in Scottsdale, Arizona for two (2) Skydio X10 UAS and one (1) R10 Indoor UAS from Axon Enterprise in the amount of $53,600 under Sourcewell Contract #101223 and appropriate $18,470 from the General Fund.
Summary:
The Visalia Police Department has utilized unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for approximately eight years, primarily operating consumer-grade DJI Mavic drones assigned to individual pilots. In addition, the Department maintains two larger DJI Matrice drones equipped with FLIR cameras for nighttime and preplanned operations and DJI Avata drones for indoor operations. While these systems have supported UAS operations, pilots have identified several operational limitations.
The smaller DJI Mavic drones have limited flight times, particularly during summer months when extreme heat degrades battery performance and has resulted in in-flight failures. Additionally, these drones lack integrated thermal imaging capabilities, restricting their effectiveness during nighttime operations. Their consumer-grade construction has also raised durability concerns. Further, DJI drones are manufactured outside the United States and are subject to frequent design changes, requiring replacement of proprietary parts and batteries when models are updated.
The Department currently deploys one DJI Matrice 30T drone at each district substation, allowing pilots access to FLIR-equipped platform when needed. These drones provide superior imaging, thermal capability, and extended flight time, making them the most effective assets in the current fleet. Purchasing two additional drones with comparable capabilities will allow for more rapid deployment and improve situational awareness for on-scene first responders.
Staff had originally planned on replacing the current drones with like models. However, the intended replacements were no longer available, and the United States FCC has since banned the use of foreign-made drones for replacement or new UAS platforms for use in law enforcement. Replacing the smaller DUI drones with law-enforcement-specific Skydio X10 drones, manufactured in the United States, will provide capabilities consistent with the Matrice 30T while allowing more rapid deployment and remaining compliant with new federal guidelines. Additionally, the Skydio X10 drone platform is the superior law enforcement drone. The chassis design allows for hardware and software upgrades while maintaining its original chassis. This allows for drone technology to evolve as technology and advancements advance without the cost of purchasing a new drone. Additionally, their advanced imaging and flight performance will enhance situational awareness and improve officer and public safety.
This shift in drone technology has changed the operational deployment strategy for the department. Instead of permanently assigning drones to each individual drone operator, these drones will now be issued to trained officers at the start of each shift and deployed as incidents require. The proposed deployment model will support a range of operations and units. Drones are used to assist in tracking subjects fleeing from officers, assisting members of the HOPE team in identifying encampments in areas not easily visible, and help to provide enhanced situational awareness during high-risk arrest details handled by the department’s Special Enforcement Unit and SWAT Team. Drones have also proven to be resources for other City divisions such as Fire (HAZMAT and large fire responses) and were heavily used during the flooding events of 2023.
Additionally, the Department currently utilizes DJI Avata indoor drones for interior reconnaissance; however, these systems have experienced connectivity and durability issues. The Skydio R10 indoor drone is purpose-built for law enforcement and offers enhanced obstacle avoidance and indoor flight capability, allowing officers to conduct interior visual assessments prior to entry. This capability supports de-escalation, intelligence gathering, and improved safety outcomes for officers, suspects, and the public.
Background Discussion:
The Visalia Police UAS Unit currently consists of ten (10) pilots and ten (10) DJI drones. Of the ten drones in the fleet, seven (7) are older Mavics, of which three are inoperable, one (1) is an indoor Avata, and the remaining two (2) are Matrices.
Through discussions within the UAS Unit and the wider law enforcement industry, establishing a responsible replacement schedule is difficult. Rapid advances in drone technology make it hard to predict how long companies will support current software and hardware. For example, the 2017 DJI Mavic 2 still receives software updates and replacement batteries, though batteries are now only made by non-DJI companies. Additional factors determine how long a drone remains operational. Frequency of use, duration (battery life), type of operation (such as flying in heavy winds), and specific needs (like FLIR, spotlight, or PA system) all affect drone longevity.
The purchase of law-enforcement-specific Skydio drones provides a significant improvement in the ability to maintain hardware and upgrade technology as it is developed. The Skydio X10 drone uses the same chassis design and appearance, with only the hardware and software improved These software and hardware updates are offered at a discounted rate to Skydio customer. Skydio is an American manufacturer based in San Mateo, California. Additionally, Skiydio has partnered with AXON and is developing drone technology that will interact with current AXON products used by the department, such as BWC, Taser, and signal-sidearm activation. This integration will activate the drone’s camera systems to record and capture use of force events from the drone’s overhead position.
Fiscal Impact including annual maintenance and operating costs: Axon’s national contract with Sourcewell provides government agencies with cooperative procurement solutions and is valid until December 15, 2027. Both products on the quote are listed on the contract price listing with matching product codes. The current available budget is $35,132. Staff is requesting a transfer of funds from CIP budget 001/EQ0219 in the amount of $10,800 and CIP budget 012/EQ0208 in the amount of $24,332 to create a single multi-funded CIP account. To complete the funding, an additional appropriation of $18,470 is necessary from the General Fund for a total purchase price of $53,600. There are no additional operating costs with this purchase.
Prior Council Action: N/A
Alternatives: Do not replace current drones that are becoming inoperable.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
Request authorization to award a purchase contract with Axon Enterprise, Inc. located in Scottsdale, Arizona for two (2) Skydio X10 UAS and one (1) R10 Indoor UAS from Axon Enterprise in the amount of $53,600 under a Sourcewell cooperative procurement agreement under contract #101223 and appropriate $18,470 from the General Fund.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N.A
Deadline for Action: 04/06/2026
Attachments: Axon Quote, Sourcewell contract with price listing
Strategic Goal: Indicates which City Strategic Goal(s) this item supports. Check all that apply.
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