Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program | DHS FEMA C UAS 161

Opportunity Information: Apply for DHS FEMA C UAS 161

The Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program is a DHS/FEMA discretionary grant (Funding Opportunity Number: DHS FEMA C UAS 161; CFDA: 97.161) created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, 2025 (Pub. L. No. 119-21, Sec. 90005(a)). Its purpose is to strengthen government capabilities to detect, identify, track, and monitor unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), as defined in 49 U.S.C. 44801, in a way that aligns with the legal frameworks in Titles 18 and 49 of the U.S. Code. The program is aimed at helping state, local, tribal, and territorial partners address unlawful or malicious drone activity that could threaten public safety, major gatherings, critical infrastructure, and other sensitive institutions.

The program provides a total of $500,000,000 split across two fiscal years: up to $250,000,000 in FY 2026 and up to $250,000,000 in FY 2027. In practical terms, the funding is intended to help public safety and homeland security stakeholders build or expand operational capacity around counter-drone missions, especially in situations where drones could be used for disruption, surveillance, contraband delivery, or other illegal actions. While the eligible applicant category listed for the opportunity is state governments, the description also makes clear that subrecipients under state awards can include other units of government, meaning states can typically pass funding through to local, tribal, and territorial partners consistent with grant rules.

Allowable investments emphasized in the notice include purchasing UAS detection, identification, monitoring, tracking, and mitigation technologies (often grouped under the shorthand DIMT-M). The focus is on equipping and supporting public safety officials so they can better protect the public and critical infrastructure from unlawful or harmful UAS use. A key limitation is that UAS mitigation technologies (tools that go beyond detection and attempt to disrupt, disable, or otherwise counter a drone) will only be available to select jurisdictions, reflecting the tighter legal and operational controls that generally apply to mitigation activities.

For FY 2026, FEMA intends to prioritize the first $250,000,000 toward high-profile, elevated-risk special events. Specifically, the priority is for the 11 states directly or indirectly hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 events and for the National Capital Region (NCR), which will host national America 250 events. These events are designated at Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) levels 1 or 2, which are among the highest federal special-event risk tiers. The funding distribution for those priority recipients is structured to include statutory minimums established under the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP), and then additional funding is to be awarded competitively based on two main factors: the SEAR level of the hosted events and how effective the proposed projects are expected to be.

The remaining $250,000,000 is planned for distribution in FY 2027 to all 56 states and territories, with a broader emphasis on building nationwide detection and response capacity rather than concentrating primarily on a specific set of events. FEMA notes that FY 2027 details will be finalized and shared later, signaling that the second-year rollout may include additional guidance on allowable activities, competitive elements, or national capability goals once FY 2026 awards and event-driven needs are clearer.

Key administrative details included in the listing are that the award instrument is a grant, the award ceiling shown is $250,000,000 (matching the maximum planned for a single fiscal year), and the anticipated number of awards for the FY 2026 cycle is 12 (consistent with the 11 FIFA-related states plus the NCR). The opportunity was created on 2025-11-07, and the listed closing date is 2025-12-05.

• The Department of Homeland Security - FEMA in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 97.161.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2025-11-07.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-12-05. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $250,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 12 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments.

Apply for DHS FEMA C UAS 161

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