Federal Grant Award Summary

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded the District of Columbia Emergency Management Agency (DCEMA) $28.27 million under the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program (CFDA 97.161) on July 4, 2025, with a project completion deadline of September 30, 2028. The C-UAS Grant Program provides resources to state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies and first responders to strengthen their capabilities in detecting, tracking, identifying, and mitigating unmanned aircraft system (UAS) threats. Through this award, DCEMA will procure fixed and portable detection, tracking, identification, and mitigation systems to address unauthorized or potentially dangerous drone operations affecting public safety in the National Capital Region.

As the primary awardee, DCEMA will administer this grant funding and distribute sub-awards to over 35 state and local partners throughout the National Capital Region to enhance UAS threat detection and response capabilities. The grant supports the acquisition of technological infrastructure and equipment designed to combat unlawful and nefarious uses of unmanned aircraft systems, strengthening the region's preparedness and response capabilities for emerging aerial security challenges. Award scoring was based on the effectiveness of proposed training and equipment, prioritization factors including events of national significance, and the risk associated with project locations, with funding allocated at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security.