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RFP #26-1342-1403 Drone as First Responder Program
4. Scope of Work
4.1. Overview
The City of Newport News is seeking proposals from qualified and experienced firms to provide
comprehensive support for the design, implementation, operation, and long-term sustainment of
a Drone as First Responder (DFR) Program. This program is a key public safety initiative
designed to enhance the operational effectiveness and response capabilities of both the Newport
News Police Department (NNPD) and the Newport News Fire Department (NNFD).
The DFR program will leverage drone technology to rapidly respond to emergency calls for
service, providing real-time aerial intelligence to first responders before and during their arrival
on the scene. The goal is to reduce response times, enhance situational awareness, improve
resource deployment, and increase the safety of personnel and the public. The City intends to
dispatch drones to various public safety incidents, including crimes in progress, fires, medical
emergencies, special events, and traffic collisions.
The City seeks innovative, future-ready and turn-key solutions that can scale with operational
needs and evolving technology that includes:
• Proven deployment models and operational workflows;
• Hardware specifications for drones, sensors, and communications tools;
• Software platforms for flight management, video streaming, and data storage;
• Training plans for all system users, including pilots, teleoperators, and end-users;
• Integration strategies with CAD, RTCC, and other public safety technologies;
• FAA compliance and waiver management; and
• Maintenance and support plans to ensure operational continuity.
This DFR program represents a strategic investment in smart public safety infrastructure, and the
City of Newport News is committed to building a transparent, compliant, and community-trusted
operation that serves the evolving needs of its residents and emergency services.
4.2. System Functionality
A. The DFR system shall fully integrate with the City’s existing Computer-Aided Dispatch
(CAD) platform to allow for seamless mission deployment based on incoming emergency
calls. Furthermore, drone operations will be monitored and controlled through the City’s
Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC), which will serve as the centralized hub for drone flight
oversight, video analysis, and intelligence dissemination. The RTCC will also facilitate
communication with on-scene personnel and command staff through secure, live video
streams and real-time updates.
B. The City desires a comprehensive DFR solution that supports public safety drone
operations from deployment and flight control to video dissemination and data
management.
C. DFR Solution Delivery: The desired ready-to-deploy solution should include but not be
limited to:
1. All required hardware, such as drones, cameras, batteries, docking stations, and
communications systems.
2. All necessary software, including flight control platforms, video management
systems, and data integration tools.
3. System integration services to ensure compatibility with existing city infrastructure
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