Department: Universal Services
Department Head/Elected Official: Sindhu Menon, Executive Director and CIO
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Policy
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Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
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Request for discussion and possible approval of the Harris County small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Policy.
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Background and Discussion:
The purpose of this policy is to establish small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) program management, operational requirements, reporting and records management, and safety considerations necessary to support County departmental personnel conducting missions as permitted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Harris County (the County) Universal Services (HCUS) has been engaged with County departments in sUAS, also referred to as “drones” and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), since 2014. HCUS recommends implementation of a countywide, sUAS Policy as the technology continues to evolve and County usage expands.
HCUS and the existing sUAS Committee worked closely to develop the sUAS Policy. Going forward, HCUS will manage the policy and the sUAS Committee will manage sUAS usage. The County will benefit from the strategic coordination of assets that are being increasingly used, regulated and have the potential for misuse by bad actors.
Expected Impact:
The expected impact of the policy is countywide compliance with federal and state regulations and the provision of consistent operations, training and other benefits of a coordinated process led by the County’s enterprise systems experts. Leveraging the buying power of the County, economies of scale in purchasing and managing a coordinated sUAS fleet will benefit the County.
If passed, HCUS recommends a minimum six-month implementation period to December 1st, 2024. This timeframe allows adequate time for departments to receive the necessary awareness, training and guidance to ensure implementation, operating effectiveness, and compliance.
Alternative Options:
Alignment with Goal(s):
_ Justice and Safety
_ Economic Opportunity
_ Housing
_ Public Health
_ Transportation
_ Flooding
_ Environment
X Governance and Customer Service
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Anticipated Court Date: June 25, 2024
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date):
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or COVID-19 related item
Contact(s) name, title, department: Nicole Broyles, Senior Manager, Policy, Universal Services
Attachments (if applicable): Harris County small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Policy