FEMA’s Second $250 Million Counter-Drone Grant Round Closes November 16: What It Funds and What It Means for Pilots

States have two weeks left to apply for the second $250 million round of federal counter-drone money. FEMA’s Fiscal Year 2027 Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program closes at 5 PM Eastern on November 16, 2026, according to the Grants.gov listing. DroneLife flagged the deadline this weekend. The program will put drone detection gear, and in some places drone mitigation gear, into the hands of police and sheriff’s offices nationwide. That makes it worth a look for anyone who flies near stadiums, concerts or critical infrastructure.

Who gets the money

The first $250 million went out in FY 2026 to the 11 states hosting FIFA World Cup matches plus the National Capital Region. This second round is open to all 56 states and territories. Only each state’s State Administrative Agency can apply directly to FEMA. Local law enforcement, corrections and other public safety agencies have to go through their state, and states can set their own earlier internal deadlines.

The Notice of Funding Opportunity guarantees each state, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia at least $3.325 million. American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands get at least $760,000 each. Money above those floors is allocated using DHS’s terrorism risk formula and how effective each proposed project looks. FEMA expects to pick recipients around December 2 and issue awards around December 10.

This round also leans heavily toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympics. The Games are a National Special Security Event, and FEMA says the money should help secure the Olympic torch relay as it crosses the country. Recipients have to agree to provide mutual aid to other grantees, including Olympic support.

What the money can buy

The grant covers detection, identification, monitoring, tracking and mitigation technology. FEMA calls the category DIMT-M. A few requirements stand out:

• Radar is strongly encouraged. FEMA notes that radio frequency detectors usually rely on a drone’s control link or Remote ID broadcast. Radar can pick up drones that are pre-programmed, autonomous, modified to stay quiet or flying without Remote ID.
• Mitigation must be mobile. Grant-funded mitigation gear is limited to handheld or vehicle-mounted systems. Vehicles modified to carry it are allowed.
• Buying isn’t the same as using. Under federal counter-drone law (6 U.S.C. 124n and 6 C.F.R. Part 124), only accredited state, local, tribal and territorial law enforcement or correctional agencies may run mitigation systems and certain detection systems. Their own certified officers have to do the operating. Systems that transmit radio energy also need FCC authorization and advance coordination with the FAA.

DroneLife points out the scale problem. There are roughly 20,000 law enforcement agencies in the U.S., and a layered counter-drone setup with equipment, training and upkeep is expensive. Regional sharing will probably be how many smaller departments get access at all.

What this means for drone pilots

• Expect more eyes on the sky at big events. More local agencies will have detection gear at stadiums, festivals and parades. Flying inside a drone-only TFR over a crowd will be easier to spot and easier to trace back to you.
• Remote ID is your friend. A compliant broadcast tells officers who you are and where you’re standing before anyone assumes the worst. Keep your registration current and your Remote ID working.
• Public safety pilots, get involved. If your agency flies drones, you’re a natural partner for your department’s counter-drone plan. Your knowledge of airspace, LAANC and waivers makes grant proposals stronger. Drone U’s Part 107 course is a fast way to build that foundation.
• Check deadlines locally. If your agency wants funding, call your State Administrative Agency today. Its internal deadline may come well before November 16.

Sources: FEMA FY 2027 C-UAS Grant Program NOFO; Grants.gov opportunity DHS-27-GPD-161-01-99; FEMA C-UAS Grant Program fact sheet; DroneLife

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