Attachment E_DroneGuidance.pdf

Attachment E

GUIDANCE ON USING FEDERAL FUNDS TO PURCHASE DRONES

Federal regulation states that federal funds may not be used to purchase covered uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), i.e., drones. The term “covered UAS” as defined in EO 13981 and adopted for official use by the Department of the Interior means any UAS that:

1) Is manufactured, in whole or in part, by an entity domiciled in an adversary country (such as

China)

2) Uses critical electronic components installed in flight controllers, ground control system processors, radios, digital transmission devices, cameras, or gimbals manufactured, in whole or in part, in an adversary country (As defined in Executive Order 13981.)

3) Uses operating software (including cellphone or tablet applications, but not cell phone or a tablet operating systems) developed, in whole or in part, by an entity domiciled in an adversary country.

4) Uses network connectivity or data storage located outside the United States or administered by any entity domiciled in an adversary country; or

5) Contains hardware and software components used for transmitting photographs, videos, location information, flight paths, or any other data collected by the UAS manufactured by an entity domiciled in an adversary country.

Based on the above, federal funds may only be used to purchase non-covered UAS.

If drones are required for the work proposed, please survey the market and provide a quote for a non-covered UAS that will be satisfactory for your Priority 2 project. If the project is recommended for funding, and upon receipt of the quote, the Program Office will consider the quoted amount and determine if funds may be provided.