REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
June 9, 2026
FROM
TRACY REECE, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Department
SUBJECT
Title
Contract with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for Purchase of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Approve Contract with Axon Enterprise, Inc., for the purchase of two Unmanned Aircraft Systems and 60 months of supporting software, beginning June 15, 2026 through June 14, 2031, for a total amount of $304,591.14.
(Presenter: Tracy Reece, Chief Probation Officer, 387-5692)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Operate in a Fiscally-Responsible and Business-Like Manner.
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The total contract cost of $304,591.14 for the purchase of two Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) hardware, in the amount of $122,636.74; supporting software from June 15, 2026 through June 14, 2031, in the amount of $168,956.40; and other services and warranties, in the amount of $12,998, are funded with existing ongoing Proposition 172 funds. Adequate appropriation and revenue are included in the Probation Department’s (Probation) 2025-26 budget and will be included in future recommended budgets.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Probation’s Safety and Security Unit is requesting the purchase of two UAS and supporting software for the initial phase of its UAS program, that will be implemented as a new project at detention facilities. The UAS will support perimeter security operations by providing real-time aerial observation to identify individuals, monitor suspicious activity, and assist in the detection of contraband, such as illegal narcotics, weapons, or other prohibited materials, that may be introduced into the facility by being thrown over perimeter fencing. The UAS will also enhance situational awareness during facility events, such as graduations, visiting hours, and other large gatherings where enhanced situational awareness improves public safety and operational efficiency.
The use of UAS offers a cost-effective and flexible alternative to traditional surveillance and response methods. Their deployment will improve Probation’s ability to monitor large or hard-to-reach areas, reduce staff exposure to risk, and enhance overall institutional safety. The selected UAS models have been reviewed and verified as National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)-compliant, ensuring they meet federal standards for data security and operational reliability. In compliance with County Policy 03-13 SP1 for UAS, the UAS Steering Committee approved Probation’s purchase of the UAS during the July 14, 2025, Steering Committee meeting.
On October 22, 2024 (Item No 53), the Board of Supervisors (Board) approved Agreement No. 24-987, which is Axon Enterprise, Inc.’s (Axon) Master Services and Purchasing Agreement, including a non-standard term, for the Sheriff’s Department for the purchase of tasers. On February 25, 2025 (Item No. 24), the Board approved Agreement No. 25-135, for Probation to purchase tasers utilizing the same Axon Master Services and Purchasing Agreement terms and conditions, including the non-standard term.
The recommended item will create a new contract with Axon for Probation to purchase two UAS plus 60 months of supporting software, utilizing the same previously approved terms and conditions in Agreement Nos. 24-987 and 25-135.
PROCUREMENT
This non-competitive procurement is in accordance with County Procurement Policy 11-04 due to the proprietary nature of Axon’s integrated platform and compatibility requirements. Probation solicited a quote via email from Axon. The Department has chosen the SkydioX10 for purchase as it provides better integration and operational efficiency since it is already part of the Axon ecosystem Probation uses. Axon provides 5G capabilities through its platform and Axon will replace the UAS whenever technology is upgraded. Additionally, Axon provides a warranty for the entire contract term, and it will replace the UAS if lost, stolen or damaged. The software allows for seamless connectivity with Axon Evidence.com platform, enabling secure data management, real-time evidence uploads and compatibility with existing hardware and software system. The selected UAS model have been reviewed and verified as NDAA-compliant, ensuring they meet federal standards for data security and operational reliability. Purchasing supports this non-competitive procurement.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Maria Insixiengmay, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on April 27, 2026; Purchasing (Ariel Gill, Supervising Buyer, 387-2070) on April 29, 2026; Risk Management (Noel Cantrell, Administrative Supervisor, 386-8890) on April 27, 2026; ITD (Jeremiah Thomas, Staff Analyst II, 388-0641) on April 29, 2026; and County Finance and Administration (Matthew Dalton, Administrative Analyst, 387- 5005) on May 4, 2026.