Federal Regulations Updates

Overview

As a research institution actively engaged in federally funded projects and Department of Defense (DoD) contracts, it is critical that all drone activities conducted under university oversight comply with current U.S. Federal Laws and Regulations.

Recent legislation, including the National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAA) and updates to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), has introduced strict limitations on the purchase and operation of foreign-manufactured drones, particularly those from China-based companies such as DJI. These rules apply to all projects funded by federal agencies and affect both current inventory and future procurement.

Covered Foreign Entities

Covered foreign entities refer to governments and organizations tied to countries of concern—nations identified by the U.S. government as potential threats to the privacy, security, and safety of the American people.

Under current federal regulations, no electrical or electronic drone components may be purchased from companies based in, or affiliated with, a covered foreign entity. This restriction does not apply to purely mechanical or non-electrical parts, such as drone frames, airframes, or composite materials.

Examples of countries designated as covered foreign entities include:

  • China
  • North Korea
  • Russia
  • Iran

For a complete and up-to-date list of restricted companies and organizations, please use the search tool linked below.

Covered Foreign Entities Database

What Does This Mean For My Research?

If your research project is supported by a grant that may fall under these new regulations, review the flowchart below to determine what requirements apply.

UAS Compliance Decision Path

Blue UAS List

The Blue UAS list, maintained by the U.S. Department of Defense, is regularly updated to identify drones that meet federal security and compliance standards. These systems have been reviewed and cleared for use in U.S. research, government, and defense applications, making them a trusted option for projects that require NDAA-compliant equipment.

Blue UAS List

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — you may design and build a custom drone for your research objectives. However, your drone must still comply with all NDAA restrictions, meaning it cannot include any electrical components sourced from covered foreign entities.

Before your drone can be commissioned for university or research use, it must also receive an airworthiness certificate from Flight Operations. For detailed guidance on this process, please refer to the Airworthiness Manual.

Flight Operations can not assist you without knowing the source of your funding. Please discuss your specific grant with the Office of Contracts and Grants.

Short answer — no. Exceptions to these regulations would only apply if they are explicitly stated in the language of your specific grant. If you are unsure whether your grant includes such wording, please contact the Office of Contracts and Grants for clarification and assistance.

All drones used in federally funded research projects must be certified as airworthy and receive a type certificate — this includes commercially available, off-the-shelf drones.

Commercial off-the-shelf drones will follow a modified airworthiness process that does not require a flight test or engineering inspection. However, they will be reviewed to ensure that no components originate from a covered foreign entity.

Custom-built drones will undergo both a foreign component inspection and an engineering flight test before certification.

Non-federally funded research projects using commercial off-the-shelf drones do not need to complete the airworthiness process.

Assuming your drone is NDAA compliant, you may request a Bail Agreement through Flight Operations to use your personal drone for research activities during your project period. Please contact Flight Operations for more information on how to begin this process.

These new regulations take effect December 22, 2025.