Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program
Agency: Department of Homeland Security - FEMA
Assistance Listings: 97.161 -- Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program
Description
The Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program, established under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, 2025 (Pub. L. No. 119-21, Sec. 90005(a)), provides $500 million in funding to enhance state and local capabilities to detect, identify, track, or monitor unmanned aircraft systems (as defined in 49 U.S.C. § 44801), consistent with Titles 18 and 49 of the U.S.C. This funding supports U.S. state, local, tribal, and territorial governments in combatting the unlawful use of unmanned aircraft systems that pose a threat to the safety and security of the American people, communities, and institutions.
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; mitigation technologies will be limited to select jurisdictions. For Fiscal Year 2026, DHS/FEMA will prioritize $250 million in funding for the 11 states that are directly or indirectly hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 events and the National Capital Region (NCR), which is hosting national America 250 events. All of the FIFA and NCR America 250 events are designated as Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) 1 or 2. These states and the NCR will receive statutory minimums established under the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP), with additional funds allocated competitively based on the SEAR level of hosted events and the anticipated effectiveness of proposed projects.
The outstanding $250 million will be distributed in Fiscal Year 2027 to all 56 states and territories, with an expanded focus on building national detection and response capacity. Details regarding Fiscal Year 2027 will be determined and shared at a later date.
The total funding for the grant program is $500,000,000 - Fiscal Year 2026: up to $250,000,000 - FY 2027: up to $250,000,000.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants
Government
- State governments
Additional information
Grantor contact information
Description
fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov
Documents
| File name | Description | Last updated |
|---|---|---|
| Counter-Unmanned_Aircraft_Systems_Grant_Program_NOFO_Final_508.pdf | NOFO | Nov 12, 2025 01:58 PM UTC |
| C-UAS_Application_Worksheet.xlsx | Application Worksheet | Nov 12, 2025 01:59 PM UTC |
| C-UAS_Investment_Justification_Form.docx | Investment Justification Form | Nov 12, 2025 01:59 PM UTC |
Link to additional information
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Closing: December 5, 2025
Award
$250,000,000
Program Funding
12
Expected awards
$3,325,000
Award Minimum
$250,000,000
Award Maximum
Funding opportunity number:
DHS-FEMA-C-UAS-161
Cost sharing or matching requirement:
Funding instrument type:
Grant
Opportunity Category:
Discretionary
Opportunity Category Explanation:
Category of Funding Activity:
Other
Category Explanation:
Provides $500 million in funding to enhance state and local capabilities to detect, identify, track, or monitor unmanned aircraft systems.
History
Version:
4
Posted date:
November 7, 2025
Archive date:
January 4, 2026
