{"id":16120,"date":"2025-07-08T15:29:49","date_gmt":"2025-07-08T19:29:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/research.ncsu.edu\/administration\/?page_id=16120"},"modified":"2026-04-08T13:29:14","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T17:29:14","slug":"drone-use-in-federally-funded-projects","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/research.ncsu.edu\/administration\/compliance\/research-compliance\/research-security\/drone-use-in-federally-funded-projects\/","title":{"rendered":"Drone Use in Federally Funded Projects"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n

The Core Prohibition: What’s Banned?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

FAR 52.240-91 is a federal regulation designed to protect national security by prohibiting the use of drones from specific foreign entities in federally funded projects. Understanding the key dates and what is explicitly banned is the first step to ensuring compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common Prohibited Manufacturers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Restrictions primarily target Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) from China. The following are explicitly designated as covered foreign entities and are therefore prohibited for use in federal contracts. (This list is not exhaustive)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u26a0 DJI (Shenzhen DJI Innovation Technology Co., Ltd.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u26a0 Autel Robotics Co., Ltd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u26a0 Aerospace CH UAV Co., Ltd. (CH UAV)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u26a0 Chengdu IOUAV Automation Tech Co., Ltd. (IOUAV) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u26a0 AEE Shenzhen Yidian Aviation Technology Co., Ltd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The authoritative list is maintained on SAM.gov<\/a> and should be checked regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Compliance Dates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t
Effective Nov 12, 2024
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\n<\/td>		Federal contractors are prohibited from delivering any prohibited UAS and cannot use federal funds to purchase or lease them.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
On or After Dec 22, 2025<\/td>The prohibition extends to operating a prohibited UAS in the performance of a federal contract, even if purchased with non-federal funds.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n

Find Compliant Drones<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The most reliable way to ensure compliance is to select a drone from a trusted source. UAS manufacturers in the U.S., Europe or India are likely compliant.  Additionally, the Department of Defense maintains a Cleared Drone List.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n \n
\n \n View DOD Blue UAS Cleared List <\/strong><\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Compliance Action Checklist<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Follow these best practices to ensure your research operations remain compliant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n