Summary: The C-UAS FEMA Grant Program, often referenced as the FEMA drone detection grant, 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 unknown drone activity, with priority given to high-risk locations and major events. As a counter-UAS grant program, 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.
The FY2027 funding opportunity opened October 16, 2026, with $250 million available across all 56 states and territories. The federal application deadline is November 16, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET.
Key Details for FY 2027 C-UAS Grants:
Drone activity is increasing across:
Unknown drone operations can disrupt operations, interfere with emergency response, and create safety risks. FEMA’s C-UAS Grant Program helps eligible agencies build detection and response capabilities to protect the public and critical infrastructure, with an emphasis on readiness for major events and coordination across agencies.
Only State Administrative Agencies (SAAs) may apply directly to FEMA. These designated agencies administer the program and distribute funding within their state or territory.
Through their SAA, eligible state, local, tribal, and territorial government entities may receive funding, including:
Funding prioritizes first-response and law enforcement capabilities protecting public venues and events. The program is not primarily intended for correctional facility enforcement activities unless they directly support approved program goals and applicable requirements.
For Fiscal Year 2027, the remaining $250 million in C-UAS FEMA Grant Program funding is available across all 56 U.S. states and territories. This round supports nationwide drone detection and response capabilities, with additional emphasis on the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, including the domestic torch relay.
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:
FEMA establishes the following statutory minimum allocations:
These minimums are calculated using $950 million in combined C-UAS Grant Program and Operation Stonegarden appropriations—not the $250 million FY2027 C-UAS funding pool alone. Additional funding is allocated based on risk and the anticipated effectiveness of proposed projects.
According to the C-UAS Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), eligible funding covers a range of C-UAS capabilities and technologies, including solutions for UAS detection, tracking, and identification. Funding may also be used for UAS mitigation capabilities where legally authorized and subject to applicable federal training and approval requirements.
UAS detection, tracking, and identification capabilities may be delivered through third-party services, particularly for wide-area airspace awareness. For the protection of specific sites or public events, organizations may instead deploy and own dedicated detection, tracking, and identification equipment. The NOFO emphasizes that appropriate training, maintenance, and operation of these technologies are important for safe use within the National Airspace System (NAS) and for effective public protection.
The following categories and examples summarize allowable uses described in the FY2027 C-UAS Grant Program NOFO:
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 unknown 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.
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 approved C-UAS operations, subject to the NOFO’s personnel-cost restrictions.
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
Sensor fusion software and hardware
Networking communications
For UAS Mitigation:
Funding is limited to mobile mitigation equipment within authorized technology categories and, where applicable, authorized system listings. Operational use requires an accredited SLTT law enforcement or correctional agency and appropriately certified personnel. Purchasing equipment does not authorize its use.
Additional Equipment and Supporting Services
Third-party data services.
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 unknown 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.
Examples of ineligible costs include:
All proposed costs must meet the FY2027 NOFO requirements and support an approved project.
No, there is no cost share requirement for the FEMA C-UAS grant.
The FY2027 application deadline is November 16, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET. Only State Administrative Agencies (SAAs) may apply directly to FEMA. Agencies seeking funding should contact their SAA immediately to confirm state submission requirements and deadlines, which may be earlier.
1. Coordinate with your SAA
Discuss your proposed project, equipment needs, budget, and alignment with program priorities. The SAA reviews and prioritizes projects for inclusion in its application.
2. Prepare project documentation
Required materials include an Investment Justification, detailed budget, and implementation plan. Explain how the proposed capabilities will be deployed, operated, maintained, and supported by appropriate personnel.
3. Submit through FEMA GO
The SAA submits the consolidated application through FEMA’s Grants Outcomes system, known as FEMA GO. Applicants must maintain active SAM.gov registration and provide their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).
4. Complete FEMA’s review process
FEMA reviews applications for eligibility, feasibility, and compliance. Projects also undergo a post-award effectiveness review to evaluate proposed capabilities and alignment with program priorities.
5. Receive funding through your SAA
Approved agencies receive subawards or other approved support through their SAA, subject to award conditions and applicable requirements.
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.