HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 02 Authorization to Accept FDLE Drone Replacement Program Grant Funding and Authorize the Purchase of a New Drone
City of Ocoee ▪ 1 N. Bluford Avenue ▪ Ocoee, Florida 34761
Phone: (407) 905-3100 ▪ www.ocoee.org
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: October 21, 2025
Item #: 2
Contact Name: Charles Van Camp Department Director: Thomas Smothers
Contact Number: Ext. 2006 City Manager: Craig Shadrix
Subject: Authorization to Accept FDLE Drone Replacement Program Grant Funding and
Authorize the Purchase of a New Drone. (Deputy Fire Chief Van Camp)
Background Summary: The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has awarded the Ocoee Fire
Department $25,000 from the FY 2025–2026 Drone Replacement Grant Program. This program allows public
safety agencies to replace non-compliant unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) with compliant models that meet
the security requirements of Rule 60GG-2.0075, Florida Administrative Code.
The department is seeking permission to accept the grant funds and also to purchase one NDAA-compliant
replacement drone kit per vendor Quote Q-43178 (dated September 28, 2025). The quote includes the
compliant drone, accessories, support, and software, for a total of $25,087.15. The FDLE grant will provide
$25,000, with the remaining $87.15 to be covered by existing Fire Department operational funds.
The new drone will enhance operational readiness for search and rescue, disaster assessment, structure-fire
overwatch, and hazardous materials incidents, while ensuring compliance with Florida’s technology and
cybersecurity requirements. The replacement aircraft will comply with Rule 60GG-2.0075, Florida
Administrative Code.
OFD seeks to purchase the following equipment package from Skydio (Quote Q-43178, dated September 28,
2025):
• Skydio X10 Ready Kit with controller, case, batteries, chargers, and autonomy software
• Skydio NightSense attachment (low-light operations)
• Skydio Spotlight and Speaker
• Skydio Care 1-year protection plan
• Skydio Fleet Manager and Model Viewer subscription (12 months)
• Skydio Connect 5G Range Extender (12 months)
• Shipping
Total Project Cost: $25,087.15
Approval of this item will allow OFD to apply for a grant for one compliant aircraft and restore mission-critical
aerial capabilities for structure fires, large-area searches, hazardous incidents, major events, and disaster
assessments. An annual subscription cost of $120.00 will allow the department to utilize web based video
streaming and flight/telemetry data.
City of Ocoee ▪ 1 N. Bluford Avenue ▪ Ocoee, Florida 34761
Phone: (407) 905-3100 ▪ www.ocoee.org
Issue:
Should the Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners approve the acceptance of funding from the FDLE
Drone Replacement Program Grant and approve the department in purchasing a new drone that will meet the
security requirements of Rule 60GG-2.0075, Florida Administrative Code?
Recommendations:
It is recommended that the Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners approve the acceptance of funding from
the FDLE Drone Replacement Program Grant and approve the department in purchasing a new drone.
Attachments:
None
Financial Impacts:
Grant Request: The FDLE Drone Replacement Grant Program has approved funding of $25,000 for the
purchase of a new drone.
City Share: The city's share will be $87.15, representing costs exceeding the FDLE funding cap. This amount
will be absorbed within the Fire Department’s operating budget. An annual web-based subscription cost of
$120.00 will be included in the department’s future budget.
Type of Item: Consent