How to Write a Drone as First Responder (DFR) Program Proposal for City Council Approval

One factor that affects an agency’s ability to launch a DFR program is failing to get approval from the municipality’s City Council. A DFR proposal’s failure doesn’t mean the need isn’t real or the cost is too high— this outcome is a result of the proposal not connecting effectively with City Council members who will make the ultimate decision. A proposal that focuses on technology, for example, will struggle in a room full of elected officials who are focused on liability, public reception, and budgets. A successful proposal addresses the concerns of the council by not only presenting the facts, but weaving a believable narrative, proving value, and assessing the risks. Today, we’ll go over what matters most when writing a proposal so that your agency can get started in achieving its DFR goals.

Start with Solutions

City Council members don’t fund technology, but they do fund solutions to distinct problems within a community. Before presenting any hardware or software, it’s smart to lead with local data that highlights the faults of your system as it currently functions. Emergency response times, gaps in coverage, and recent outcomes in the field are great examples for this introduction. The goal at this stage is to reframe the conversation in such a way that DFR becomes the responsible answer to a community that values safety.

The next step is introducing startup and operational costs transparently and measuring them against tangible returns and savings. Some of the ways in which DFR can reduce costs within a department include:

• Reduced overtime
• Fewer officer injuries
• Less vehicle use and maintenance
• Faster incident resolution

Over time, all of this translates into monetary savings across your agency and highlighting this can prove a solid case for implementing DFR. In addition, Federal and state funding are options for saving costs. When council members are aware of the option of outside funding, the budget conversation can become a much more manageable request.

Address Privacy Directly

Don’t shy away from discussing potentially difficult topics— privacy concerns should be addressed before they are raised by council members. Be sure to present information surrounding how and when your agency is allowed to use drone data, including data retention policies, flight restrictions, camera activation protocols and any additional transparency measures built into your DFR program. Because drone usage can sometimes be associated with bad actors and unwelcome surveillance, make sure to put council members at ease by getting ahead of privacy concerns and providing accurate, objective data surrounding the subject. This is a great way to gain credibility and the trust of your audience and increase your chances of a successful proposal. Don’t forget to also emphasize the outcomes everyone can support: closing the response gap in underserved areas, reducing response times, and decreasing injury to both First Responders and those they serve.

A Clear Path Forward

Typically, achieving compliance with the FAA for your agency’s drone program can be a time-consuming and convoluted task. Multiple certifications, registrations, authorization forms, qualifications for BVLOS waivers and NDAA compliance are all necessary for your department’s drone program to get off the ground, literally. Council members may lose confidence in your proposal if they do not see a clear path to obtaining FAA approval. Luckily, when partnering with Paladin, we take care of everything for you. Your agency only has to provide information for our team to obtain compliance with the FAA, eliminating the uncertainty surrounding FAA regulations. When proposing a Paladin DFR program, city council members can be assured that everything is taken care of by professionals who are committed to getting your agency’s DFR program approved efficiently.

The Ask

While a drone program may already make complete sense to those in your department, city council members often want to see proof of effectiveness and a return on their investment before committing to a larger expense. For the best chance of success, define your goals and metrics and propose a period of time to measure efficacy before asking for approval on a lengthy contract. This low-stakes request has a better chance of being approved and can help city council members see the benefits of DFR through improved metrics over a predetermined amount of time. Currently, Paladin offers a trial Pilot Program allowing agencies to implement our DFR program for 30 days at $8,000, with the option to renew for up to 90 more days. This short-term commitment is a great option for departments that want to prove DFR’s value to their city council at a fraction of the cost. Learn more about our offer by booking a demo with us!

The Bottom Line

The way that a department presents their DFR program says a lot to city council members about how the program will be run and whether or not it is worth the room in the budget. Presenting a thorough, organized, honest proposal signifies that your team is approaching the situation seriously and responsibly. Start with solutions, address privacy concerns, lay out the road map for FAA compliance, and keep your ask reasonable. Not only will you gain the trust of the council, but the opportunity to develop an ongoing relationship. A strong proposal doesn’t just get a project funded, but also builds a foundation of trust and confidence for years to come. We hope this guide has been helpful in setting the groundwork for your DFR proposal. For more information about Paladin’s DFR program and the services we offer, please book a demo with us or connect with us at one of our upcoming events.

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