Summary: The C-UAS FEMA Grant Program is a $500 million federal initiative designed to help State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial (SLTT) agencies strengthen their ability to detect, identify, track, and monitor drone activity while supporting limited, legally compliant mitigation capabilities. While Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 funding has been allocated to host sites of high-profile national events including the World Cup and Olympics, the remaining $250 million will be distributed in FY 2027 with expanded eligibility across all states and territories.
The Grant Program is designed to improve low-altitude airspace awareness and enable coordinated, legal responses to unauthorized drone activity, with priority given to high-risk locations and major events. This guide outlines FY 2027 eligibility requirements, application considerations, and allowable uses of funds to help agencies prepare for participation in the C-UAS FEMA grant program.
Key Details for FY 2027 C-UAS Grants:
Drone activity is increasing across:
Unauthorized drone operations can disrupt operations, interfere with emergency response, and create safety risks. FEMA’s approach prioritizes airspace awareness first, enabling agencies to respond effectively and lawfully.
Only State Administrative Agencies (SAAs), government bodies created by a state legislature to implement, administer, and enforce specific laws, can apply directly to FEMA. These agencies manage funding distribution within their state or territory.
Through SAAs, funding may be awarded to:
For Fiscal Year 2027, the remaining $250 million in C-UAS FEMA Grant Program funding will be distributed with eligibility expanded to all states and U.S. territories. This round is designed to support the development of nationwide drone detection and response capabilities, shifting the program’s focus from event-specific security to long-term operational readiness.
Unlike FY 2026, which prioritized jurisdictions hosting major national events, FY 2027 ensures that all 56 U.S. states and territories are eligible. This reflects FEMA’s broader goal of establishing a comprehensive, nationwide approach to low-altitude airspace awareness and response.
The FY 2027 funding structure is established under Section 90005(a)(1)(A) of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, aligning with the statutory framework of the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP).
Under this structure:
The current expected award range of up to 56 awards is $3,325,000 - to be determined. To guarantee baseline capability across all jurisdictions, FEMA sets minimum funding levels:
This structure ensures that every jurisdiction - regardless of size - receives funding to build or enhance C-UAS capabilities, while additional funding may be distributed competitively based on risk and operational need.
According to the C-UAS Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity, these are the funding categories and technologies:
1. Planning
Developing or updating UAS-specific response plans that integrate detection systems into existing emergency operations plans (EOPs) or incident command systems.
Conducting risk assessments to identify high-priority areas for UAS detection, such as critical infrastructure, public events, or disaster-prone areas.
Developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for responding to unauthorized or malicious UAS activity.
Coordinating with federal agencies (e.g., FAA, DHS) to ensure compliance with federal laws and regulations governing UAS detection and mitigation. 22 | P ag e FEMA Version 25-02.
Establishing information-sharing protocols with fusion centers, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to disseminate UAS-related threat intelligence.
Planning for the integration of UAS detection systems with existing public safety technologies, such as Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) platforms or computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems.
2. Organization
Salaries for personnel supporting C-UAS operations.
Developing or updating UAS-specific response plans that integrate detection systems into existing EOPs or incident command systems.
Conducting risk assessments to identify high-priority areas for UAS detection, such as critical infrastructure, public events, or disaster-prone areas.
Developing SOPs for responding to unauthorized or malicious UAS activity.
3. Equipment
For detection, tracking, and identification:
Remote ID and similar broadcast beacon receivers
Radio Frequency Detection Systems
Radar (active and passive)
Electro Optical and Infrared Cameras
Acoustic Systems
Integrated multi-sensor systems include all or some of the above
Senior fusion software and hardware
Networking communications
For UAS Mitigation:
Physical barrier such as Security Netting (authorized for all entities)
Only available for jurisdiction trained at the FBI NCUTC – specific systems are subject to approval by NCUTC:
Radio frequency cyber take-over
Radio frequency jamming
Drone interception (those not considered “weaponized aircraft”)
Integrated systems which combine some or all the above
Third Party Data Service Providers.
Acquiring sensor fusion software to integrate data from multiple detection systems into a common operational picture (COP).
Procuring portable/mobile UAS detection systems for use during temporary events or in remote areas.
Investing in UAS software-as-a-service (SaaS) subscription models to access cutting-edge technology without the need for large upfront investments, including but not limited to surveillance as a service and data as a service.
Purchasing mounts, masts, power supplies, and networking equipment to support the deployment of UAS detection systems.
Procuring calibration tools and spares to ensure the ongoing functionality of detection equipment.
4. Training and Travel
Training programs for C-UAS systems.
Attendance at FBI NCUTC.
Necessary related travel costs for C-UAS personnel adhering to federal U.S General Services Administration standards and policy.
Providing hands-on training for first responders on the operation of specific UAS detection systems.
Conducting train-the-trainer programs to build local capacity for ongoing training efforts.
Providing scenario-based training to prepare responders for real-world UAS threats, such as swarming drones or UAS equipped with payloads.
Training personnel on the interpretation of UAS detection data and the integration of this data into decision-making processes.
5. Exercising
Conducting tabletop exercises (TTXs) to simulate UAS-related incidents and test response plans, SOPs, and coordination protocols.
Organizing functional exercises (FXs) to test the operation of UAS detection systems and the integration of these systems with other public safety technologies.
Running full-scale exercises (FSEs) to simulate large-scale UAS threats, such as unauthorized UAS activity at a public event or near critical infrastructure.
Including multi-jurisdictional exercises to test coordination between state, local, tribal, and federal agencies, as well as private sector partners.
Conducting after-action reviews (AARs) to identify lessons learned and areas for improvement following exercises.
Incorporating UAS detection scenarios into broader homeland security exercises, such as those focused on terrorism or disaster response.
6. Management and Administration
Necessary direct costs incurred in direct support of the federal award or as a consequence of it, such as travel, meeting-related expenses, and salaries of full/part-time staff in direct support of the program. As such, M&A costs can be itemized in financial reports. If an outside consultant or contractor is used for grant writing or grant management, additional federal requirements may apply.
The program does not support:
No, there is no cost share requirement for the FEMA C-UAS grant.
While details and specific submission instructions and deadlines for the FY 2027 cycle have not yet been announced by FEMA, we can look at the unique process implemented for the initial rollout.
Here is how the application process worked for the FY 2026 cycle:
The C-UAS Grant Program application process involves several key steps for eligible State Administrative Agencies (SAAs). Applicants are encouraged to ensure their SAM.gov registration and Unique Entity Identifier information are current well in advance, as registration updates can take several weeks and may impact submission timelines.
To complete an application, SAAs are required to submit several documents, including an Investment Justification (IJ), budget information forms, lobbying certifications, and standard federal assistance forms.
Applications undergo a multi-step review process designed to evaluate eligibility, completeness, and alignment with program objectives. First, SAAs review and prioritize subapplications from local and tribal entities to ensure they meet FEMA requirements and align with state and federal priorities. Under statutory pass-through rules, SAAs must allocate at least 97% of awarded funds down to these local subrecipients.
FEMA then conducts a compliance review to confirm applications meet all program requirements. Eligible applications move into a competitive scoring phase, where projects are evaluated based on criteria such as mitigation capabilities, deployment planning, operator readiness, and support for high-profile or high-risk events.
Following scoring, FEMA and federal subject matter experts conduct a final review of project feasibility, budgets, and alignment with national security priorities. Final funding decisions are made by the Department of Homeland Security.
Once reviews are complete, SAAs are notified whether projects are approved, require additional information, or are not selected for funding.
Here you can find how the application process worked for the FY 2026 cycle (see Application Process section).
With FY 2027 focused on nationwide capability building, agencies should act early:
Agencies that align with FEMA’s emphasis on integrated, mission-ready capabilities will be best positioned for funding.