US DOT Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grants (DIIG) Program
🏛 69A345 Office of the Under Secretary for Policy
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 21, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for government entities seeking to adopt drone technology for infrastructure inspection and maintenance. Eligible applicants include federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial government agencies. Private companies, nonprofits, and universities cannot apply directly but may participate as contractors or vendors to eligible government applicants.
The program funds purchasing, leasing, or upgrading drone systems. It also covers contracted services and program management support. Projects must focus on inspection, operation, construction, maintenance, and repair of critical infrastructure.
Federal funding covers up to 50 percent of project costs, with a potential increase to 75 percent if justified. Applicants must demonstrate that additional federal assistance is necessary for project success. The program emphasizes projects that address worker safety and serve diverse communities.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
The Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grants (DIIG) Program will provide grants to eligible government entities to facilitate the use of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), referred to herein as drones, in critical infrastructure inspection. The objective is to increase the widespread adoption of drones and relevant technologies in support of more efficient Inspection, Operation, Construction, Maintenance, and Repair (IOCMR) of critical infrastructure to improve worker safety related to critical infrastructure projects. The program is established by Section 912 of Public Law 118-63 and Public Law 119-75. Eligible uses of grant funds include purchasing, leasing, or enhancing drone systems; contracting for services when internal expertise is lacking in the government entities; and supporting program management for these systems and operations. The DIIG Program prioritizes projects that create and utilize innovative drone inspection technologies and systems, address inspection data management and data platform interoperability, and streamline inspection workflows and processes while accounting for the complexities inherent in multi-jurisdictional regions. Total available funds of $9,000,000 in the DIIG Program (Fiscal Year 2026) are to be awarded on a competitive basis. In selecting applications, the Department will prioritize projects carried out in a variety of communities and projects that address safety risks in the IOCMR of critical infrastructure.
The Federal share of the total project cost may not exceed 50 percent.
· A lead applicant may request an increase in the Federal share up to 75 percent.
· A request for an increased Federal share must be submitted in writing as part of the application.
· The request must demonstrate that additional Federal assistance is necessary to facilitate acceptance and full use of the grant, such as by alleviating economic hardship, meeting additional workforce needs, or other appropriate reasons determined by the Department.
Applications from private companies, nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, and other non-governmental entities are not eligible unless such entities participate only as contractors, vendors, or other non-applicant partners to an eligible governmental entity.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative describing drone technology and inspection plan
- Budget and Budget Narrative detailing all project costs
- Cost-Sharing Documentation demonstrating applicant's financial commitment
- Letters of Support from partners or contractors (if applicable)
- Federal funding justification (if requesting more than 50 percent federal share)
Program contact
- 👤 Thy H Nguyen Grantor
- 📧 thy.nguyen@dot.gov
- 📞 202-875-0520
Funding track record
No recent recipient data available for CFDA 20.765 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.
FAQ
What government entities are eligible to apply?
Federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial government agencies can apply. Private companies and nonprofits cannot be lead applicants but may serve as contractors or vendors.
What can grant funds be used for?
Funds can purchase, lease, or upgrade drone systems, contract for specialized services, and support program management for drone operations and infrastructure inspection.
What is the cost-sharing requirement?
The federal share cannot exceed 50 percent of total project costs. Applicants can request up to 75 percent federal funding if they justify the need and show why additional assistance is required.
What projects does the program prioritize?
The program favors innovative drone inspection technologies, data management solutions, projects serving multiple jurisdictions, and initiatives that improve worker safety in critical infrastructure work.
What is the award range?
Individual awards range from $500,000 to $9,000,000. Total program funding is $9 million for FY26, awarded competitively.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly explain how your project improves worker safety in critical infrastructure inspection and maintenance. Safety benefits are a key evaluation criterion.
- Demonstrate your government entity's capacity to manage drone systems and operations. Explain any partnerships with contractors for expertise gaps.
- Address how your project will achieve innovation in drone technology, data management, or inspection workflows. Show how it differs from standard inspection practices.
- Describe your cost-sharing plan in detail if requesting above 50 percent federal funding. Justify why additional federal support is essential to project success.
- Emphasize how your project serves diverse communities or addresses regional inspection challenges. The program prioritizes geographic and community diversity.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying as a private company, nonprofit, or university without a government co-applicant. Only eligible government entities can be lead applicants. Proposing projects that lack clear worker safety benefits or innovation in drone inspection technology. Failing to demonstrate adequate cost-sharing capacity or justifying requests for increased federal funding above the standard 50 percent match.
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