RFI/Sources Sought- Drone as First Responder Program

The City of Fort Worth is conducting a market research effort through Request for Information 26-0323 to identify qualified firms and solutions for a citywide Drone as First Responder (DFR) program. The primary objective is to implement a system capable of rapid unmanned aircraft deployment to improve situational awareness for emergency personnel, targeting an average response time of approximately 90 seconds within service areas. The city is seeking comprehensive information on hardware, including aircraft, docking pods, payloads, and command-and-control infrastructure, as well as support services such as program design, site surveys, and FAA regulatory assistance for Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations. Technical requirements emphasize strict adherence to security and regulatory standards, including CJIS Security Policy alignment, U.S.-based data storage for criminal-justice data, and NDAA or DIU Blue UAS compliance. The city is requesting details on cybersecurity controls such as multi-factor authentication and tamper-evident audit logging, as well as safety features like parachute systems and obstacle avoidance. This RFI is issued solely for planning and budgetary purposes; any pricing provided by respondents is nonbinding and will not serve as the basis for a contract award. Interested firms must provide company experience, technical recommendations, and estimated costs by the response deadline of October 14, 2026.