Fiscal Year 2027 Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program
🏛 Department of Homeland Security - FEMA (DHS-DHS)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 20, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for state and territorial governments, and their subrecipients, to purchase unmanned aircraft system (UAS) detection, identification, monitoring, tracking, and mitigation technologies.
Eligible applicants are official government entities in all 56 states and territories. Mitigation technology operation is limited to accredited law enforcement and correctional agencies that meet training, certification, and accreditation requirements under 6 C.F.R. 124.
Funds support public safety agencies protecting critical infrastructure and the public from unlawful UAS activity. Priority focus areas include building national detection capacity and supporting the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, including the Olympic torch relay security operations.
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Program description
Using C-UAS Grant Program funds, eligible governments and their subrecipients may purchase unmanned aircraft system (UAS) Detection, Identifying, Monitoring, Tracking, and Mitigation (DIMT-M) technologies to support public safety officials in the protection of the public and critical infrastructure from nefarious or unlawful use of UAS consistent with 6 U.S.C. § 124n and 6 C.F.R. 124. The operation of certain detection and all mitigation technologies will be limited to accredited law enforcement and correctional agencies that meet the training, certification, accreditation, and authorized technology requirements of 6 C.F.R. 124 described in this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
For Fiscal Year 2027, the remaining $250 million will be distributed to all 56 states and territories, with a focus on building national detection and response capacity across the nation, generally, as well as an expanded focus on supporting the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. Crucially, this round of funding must be strategically leveraged to support the Olympic torch relay, representing a vital operational priority to secure the relay’s expansive domestic route and ensure seamless interagency coordination before the opening ceremonies. The 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Los Angeles have been designated as a National Special Security Event (NSSE), and official ancillary events have been designated as Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) events. Jurisdictions will receive statutory minimums established under the State Homeland Security Grant Program, with additional funds allocated based on the DHS Terrorism Risk Methodology and the anticipated effectiveness of proposed projects.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- FEMA application form (SF-424 or equivalent)
- Project narrative describing DIMT-M technology purchases
- Budget and budget narrative justifying costs
- Letters of commitment from law enforcement and correctional agency partners
- Accreditation and training certification documentation for operating agencies
- Description of how project aligns with DHS Terrorism Risk Methodology priorities
Program contact
- 👤 Mariano Almonte Grantor
- 📧 femago@fema.dhs.gov
- 📞 2023226443
Funding track record
No recent recipient data available for CFDA 97.161 in our database.
This can happen for newer programs, programs that use non-standard award types (loans, direct payments, fellowships), or those funded through sub-agencies under different codes.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 97.161). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2026 est. | $250,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
State governments, territorial governments, and their designated subrecipients can apply. Only accredited law enforcement and correctional agencies may operate certain detection and all mitigation technologies under this program.
What can funds be used for?
Funds purchase UAS detection, identification, monitoring, tracking, and mitigation (DIMT-M) technologies. Priority focus includes national detection capacity building and 2028 Olympics security operations.
How is funding distributed?
All 56 states and territories receive statutory minimums. Additional funds are allocated based on DHS Terrorism Risk Methodology and anticipated project effectiveness.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is November 16, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, not a rolling submission period.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing match is required to receive this grant award.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Coordinate with accredited law enforcement and correctional agencies early to confirm their training and certification status under 6 C.F.R. 124.
- Align your project with national detection capacity priorities and 2028 Olympics security needs, including Olympic torch relay protection if applicable to your jurisdiction.
- Use the DHS Terrorism Risk Methodology framework to strengthen your project narrative and demonstrate effectiveness.
- Secure formal commitment letters from all subrecipients and technology vendors before submission.
- Review the full regulatory requirements in 6 U.S.C. § 124n and 6 C.F.R. 124 to ensure proposed technologies and operators meet accreditation standards.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when agencies propose mitigation technologies without confirming operator accreditation under 6 C.F.R. 124 standards. Weak project narratives overlook national priorities like Olympics security and torch relay protection. Vague procurement plans lack detail on specific DIMT-M technologies and implementation timelines.
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