Dear Mr. Choutka and Mr. West,
is a correctional facility operated by . Drone deliveries of contraband are a serious and growing problem for facilities like ours. We have experienced drone incursions at , and we believe the true number is higher than what we are able to detect. remove We do not currently have a system for tracking drones once they are near or over the facility. remove What we need is a system that reliably detects a drone as it approaches the perimeter, tells our staff where it is and where it hovers or drops, and does so without interfering with our radios, cameras, or other equipment.
We have reviewed Aetherus Labs' description of its passive acoustic system at aetheruslabs.com, which uses microphone arrays on posts around the perimeter to detect drones and locate them in three dimensions, including the drop point. We understand that the system is still in development. On that basis, we are writing to confirm our intent as follows.
1. Pilot. We intend to host a pilot of the Aetherus system at once the system is ready for field use, at a time to be agreed with Aetherus Labs. Our current expectation is that the pilot could begin within twelve months of Aetherus Labs contacting us. remove We will provide site access, coordination with our security staff, permission to conduct controlled test flights under our supervision, and structured feedback on the system's performance. The pilot will be provided at no cost to .
2. Success criteria. We would consider the pilot successful if the system detects the large majority of test flights before they reach the perimeter, locates the drop or hover point closely enough for our staff to respond, generates few enough false alerts that staff continue to act on them, and delivers alerts to designated staff quickly enough to matter. Specific thresholds will be agreed in writing with Aetherus Labs before the pilot begins.
3. Procurement. If the pilot meets those criteria, we intend to pursue procurement of the Aetherus system for and to recommend it for other facilities operated by remove . We understand that Aetherus Labs expects to price the system per listening post: for installation and hardware, approximately $9,700 for each of the first 4 posts and $5,700 for each additional post; for software, monitoring, and support, approximately $7,600 per year for each of the first 4 posts and $1,000 per year for each additional post. We consider pricing in that range reasonable for a system that meets the criteria above. remove We understand that final pricing would be agreed after the pilot.
4. Non-binding. This letter states our current intent and is not a contract, purchase order, or commitment to spend funds. Any purchase would be subject to 's procurement policies, available appropriations, and applicable law, and either party may end discussions at any time.
5. Use of this letter. Aetherus Labs may share this letter with its investors, accelerator partners, and prospective funders to demonstrate customer interest. Aetherus Labs may also name publicly as a prospective customer without our further written consent. remove
We look forward to hearing from Aetherus Labs.
Still needed: Facility name, Agency.
A signed copy will be emailed to you and to Aetherus Labs.