Federal Grant Award Summary

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $12.47 million through the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program (CFDA 97.161) to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) on July 4, 2025. This project grant, with an ultimate completion date of September 30, 2028, supports the acquisition and deployment of fixed and portable detection, tracking, identification, and mitigation systems designed to address unmanned aircraft system (UAS) threats. The funding enables PEMA, as the state-level recipient, to procure technological solutions that strengthen Pennsylvania's capacity to detect and respond to unauthorized or potentially dangerous drone operations in support of public safety objectives.

As a state government entity, PEMA will utilize these federal resources to enhance detection and counter-UAS capabilities across Pennsylvania, with anticipated distribution of sub-awards to eligible local governments, counties, municipalities, and public safety entities throughout the Commonwealth. The grant aligns with the C-UAS program's objective of strengthening state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies' ability to combat unlawful and nefarious uses of unmanned aircraft systems, consistent with applicable federal laws. Recipients must comply with 2 C.F.R. Part 200 administrative requirements and maintain financial records for a minimum of three years from final Federal Financial Report submission.