Post-Hurricane_Damage_Assessment_Using_Drone_Technology_&_Aerial_Data_Analytics_Request_for_Information.pdf

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Post-Hurricane Damage Assessment Using Drone Technology & Aerial Data Analytics Request for Information
Solicitation number
25-0798-RFI
Issued by
Pinellas County, Florida

About this file

This is a Request for Information (RFI) issued by Pinellas County, Florida, seeking detailed insights from vendors specializing in drone-based technology and aerial data analytics for post-hurricane damage assessment. The RFI, solicitation number 25-0798-RFI, is designed to gather comprehensive information about drone capabilities, data collection methods, and damage assessment technologies for use in emergency management and property evaluation following natural disasters. Key dates include an issue date of July 15, 2025, a question submission deadline of July 22, 2025 at 10:00 am, and a proposal submission deadline of August 5, 2025 at 3:00 pm. Vendors are asked to provide detailed information across seven specific areas: drone and sensor capabilities, data collection and processing, substantial damage methodology, deliverables and reporting, personnel and professional services, pricing information, and references and case studies.

The RFI emphasizes that this is an exploratory information-gathering process, not a formal solicitation for bids or proposals, with responses potentially informing a future procurement process. Pinellas County, located on Florida's west central coast and highly susceptible to tropical storms and hurricanes, is specifically interested in innovative technologies that can expedite damage assessments, support federal disaster aid eligibility, facilitate insurance and tax adjustments, and aid infrastructure restoration planning. Vendors must submit their responses electronically via OpenGov's procurement portal, with all costs for responding to be borne by the participating firms. The county seeks vendors with capabilities in identifying high water marks, assessing structural damage, mapping debris fields, and providing rapid, comprehensive post-disaster imagery and analysis.

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SOLICITATION

25-0798-RFI

POST-HURRICANE DAMAGE ASSESSMENT USING DRONE

TECHNOLOGY & AERIAL DATA ANALYTICS REQUEST FOR

INFORMATION

Pinellas County

Pinellas County Courthouse Annex Bldg., Sixth Floor

Clearwater, FL 33765

THE MISSION OF PINELLAS COUNTY

"Pinellas County Government is committed to progressive public policy, superior public service, courteous public contact, judicious exercise of authority and sound management of public resources to meet the needs and concerns of our citizens today and tomorrow."

ISSUE/RELEASE DATE: July 15, 2025

QUESTION SUBMISSION DEADLINE: July 22, 2025

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION DEADLINE: August 5, 2025, 3:00 pm

RESPONSES MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY VIA OPENGOV TO:

Solicitation #25-0798-RFI Title: Post-Hurricane Damage Assessment Using Drone Technology & Aerial Data Analytics Request for Information https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/pinellasfl https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/%7bproject.government.code%7d

Pinellas County

Post-Hurricane Damage Assessment Using Drone Technology & Aerial

Data Analytics Request for Information

Table of Contents No table of contents entries found.

Title: Post-Hurricane Damage Assessment Using Drone Technology & Aerial Data Analytics Request for Information

1. Notice

SUBMITTALS ARE OPENED PUBLICLY AND ARE ACCEPTED VIA OPENGOV

RFP - Informal / Formal

25-0798-RFI

Post-Hurricane Damage Assessment Using Drone Technology & Aerial Data Analytics Request for

Information

ALL QUESTIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN OPENGOV WITHIN THE QUESTION & ANSWER SECTION.

SOLICITATION MEETINGS: Site Visit: None; Pre-Conference: None

SUBMITTALS MAY NOT BE WITHDRAWN FOR 120 DAYS AFTER OPENING DATE.

The Purchasing and Risk Management Division for the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners has transitioned to OpenGov Procurement for Contractor/Vendor registration, and for posting, submitting and receiving bids, quotes and proposals for active solicitations. Contractors/Vendors must register with OpenGov Procurement (https://procurement.opengov.com/signup) to participate in active County solicitations.

Should you need technical assistance with OpenGov, the following options are available:

Phone: (855) 680-4747, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday - Friday

Email:procurement-support@opengov.com

Chat is available in the OpenGov application

Web:https://help.procurement.opengov.com

Please Note:

From time to time, addenda may be issued to this solicitation. Any such addenda will be posted to https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/pinellasfl. Receipt of addenda confirmation is required in

OpenGov.

AUTHORIZED BY:

Merry Celeste, CPPB

Division Director of Purchasing https://procurement.opengov.com/signup mailto:procurement-support@opengov.com https://help.procurement.opengov.com/ https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/pinellasfl

Title: Post-Hurricane Damage Assessment Using Drone Technology & Aerial Data Analytics Request for Information

2. Introduction

2.1. Summary

Pinellas County Government is seeking information from qualified vendors that offer drone-based technology and professional services for conducting post-hurricane (or other natural disaster) damage assessments, particularly in areas impacted by high winds, storm surge, and flooding.

The County is exploring advanced aerial surveillance methods to expedite and enhance structural damage inspections, including identification of high water marks, debris mapping, structural compromise, and flood extent analysis.

This RFI is intended to gather information on capabilities, technologies, data collection standards, and operational methodologies that can support Pinellas County's emergency management, building inspections, and property assessment functions following a declared disaster event.

This is not a solicitation for bids or proposals and no contract will be awarded directly from this RFI.

Responses may be used to inform a future procurement process.

2.2. Background

Pinellas County is located on the west central coast of Florida and is highly susceptible to tropical storms and hurricanes. Post-disaster assessments are critical for:

• Rapid determination of disaster severity

• Eligibility for federal disaster aid (e.g., FEMA Public Assistance, Individual Assistance)

• Property insurance and tax assessment adjustments

• Infrastructure restoration planning

Current post-disaster workflows are largely manual, time-consuming, and can be hindered by unsafe or inaccessible conditions. The County seeks to supplement these efforts with aerial drone technology and AI-driven data analysis tools.

2.3. Contact Information

Kimberly Meador, CPPB

Procurement Analyst Lead

400 S. Ft. Harrison

6th Floor

Clearwater, FL 33765

Email: klmeador@pinellas.gov

Phone: (727) 464-3148

Department:

BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY SERVICES (BTS)

2.4. Timeline

Issue Date July 15, 2025 mailto:klmeador@pinellas.gov tel:(727)464-3148

Title: Post-Hurricane Damage Assessment Using Drone Technology & Aerial Data Analytics Request for Information

Question Submission Deadline July 22, 2025, 10:00am

Proposal Submission Deadline August 5, 2025, 3:00pm

Title: Post-Hurricane Damage Assessment Using Drone Technology & Aerial Data Analytics Request for Information

3. Scope of Work / Specifications

3.1. REQUIREMENTS

The County invites responses that include details on the following capabilities and services:

A. Drone and Sensor Capabilities

• Types of drones (fixed-wing, rotary, VTOL, etc.) used for damage assessment

• Payloads and sensors (e.g., high-resolution RGB, LiDAR, thermal, multispectral)

• Ability to identify:

- High water marks on buildings and property features

- Roof and structural damage

- Debris fields and blocked access routes

- Erosion and flood extent

• FAA certifications and compliance (Part 107, waivers, airspace authorization processes)

B. Data Collection and Processing

• Flight planning and area coverage capabilities (e.g., square miles per day)

• Timeframe from deployment to delivery of usable data for substantial damage determinations

• Data processing methods, including AI/ML applications for automated damage classification

• Integration with GIS platforms (e.g., Esri ArcGIS)

C. Substantial Damage Methodology for Assisting Floodplain Administrator Determination

• A detailed step-by-step process for determining the degree of exterior damage to a structure.

• Use of remote sensing indicators such as:

- High water marks on structure exteriors

- Structural deformation

- Wall and roof compromise

- Foundation displacement

• Methods for correlating visual and structural damage indicators with pre-event condition data

• How outputs are validated or calibrated (e.g., historical assessments, field checks, ML accuracy metrics)

• Output formats usable by local Floodplain Administrators and Building Officials

D. Deliverables and Reporting

• Types of data products provided (orthomosaics, 3D models, heatmaps, geo-tagged imagery)

• Ability to compare pre- and post-event imagery

• Support for FEMA damage assessment criteria and formats

• Secure data storage and access portals for county staff and emergency teams

E. Personnel and Professional Services

• Team structure and relevant experience

• Past deployments in post-hurricane or large-scale disaster scenarios

• Capacity for rapid mobilization in the immediate aftermath of a storm

• Training or technical support services for county personnel

F. Pricing Information

Title: Post-Hurricane Damage Assessment Using Drone Technology & Aerial Data Analytics Request for Information

• Typical cost structures (e.g., per flight hour, per square mile, per incident)

• Optional subscription or retainer-based service models

• Availability of cooperative purchasing agreements or pre-negotiated state contracts

G. References and Case Studies

• Examples of previous work with government agencies in similar use cases

• Demonstrated success in identifying high water marks and structural damage via drone data

• Contact information for references (if available)

3.2. DELIVERABLES

This RFI is intended to gather information on capabilities, technologies, data collection standards, and operational methodologies that can support Pinellas County's emergency management, building inspections, and property assessment functions following a declared disaster event.

Title: Post-Hurricane Damage Assessment Using Drone Technology & Aerial Data Analytics Request for Information

4. Vendor Submissions

4.1. Renumeration*

All costs for responding to this RFI will be borne by the responding firm.

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

4.2. Inquiries

All inquiries for information shall be made through OpenGov within the Q&A section.

☐ Please confirm

4.3. Summary

This is a Request for Information (RFI), not a solicitation for proposals. Pinellas County appreciates your assistance with this RFI. Responses will not be treated as proposals.

☐ Please confirm

4.4. RESPONSE DOCUMENTS*

No e-mail responses will be accepted. Please upload your complete response here:

* Sections A-G from the SCOPE.

*Response required

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