Border Patrol calls on Silicon Valley for advice on small drones

Federal Times: The Department of Homeland Security issued a call on its five-year Other Transaction Solicitation (OTS) funding mechanism to solicit innovative ways to use unmanned vehicles — commonly known as drones — to help Customs and Border Protection meet its mission.

“CBP — through its Air and Marine Operations (AMO) — utilizes a fleet of marine vessels and aircraft, including large UAS platforms to help fulfill its mission,” according to the call issued July 15. “UAS provide assistance filling gaps in border surveillance and their high level of mobility is a valuable capability compared to stationary sensing and surveillance systems.”

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