Drones

ALSO KNOWN AS UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (UAS)

NOTICE: Some drones are prohibited on federal grants

The purchase or use of certain UAS (drones) on federal contracts or grants may result in contract termination, legal penalties, and loss of federal funding! This includes common drones from DJI, Autel, and Aerospace CH UAV., Ltd.
Effective December 22, 2025, FAR 52.240-1 prohibits the procurement, operation, and use of UAS or drones manufactured or assembled by ‘covered foreign entities' to perform federal contracts and grants.

Compliance Requirements

  • Contractors (UW employees) must ensure that no UAS (drones) or related components from listed companies are used in contracts or grants where the FAR clause is included in the award.  The clause is anticipated to be included in all federal contracts moving forward.
  • These restrictions must flow down to all subcontractors/subawards.

Actions Required

  • Review all UAS (drones) and related components against the SAM.gov, DOD 1260H, and other lists before purchase or use in federal research or DoD-funded projects, or purchase the UAS (drone) from DOD’s list of approved manufacturers. UW’s Export Control Officer can review these lists for you to ensure your UAS (drone) is not prohibited.  Contact export@uwyo.edu for assistance.
  • Cease operations using prohibited UAS (drones) as of December 22, 2025, for any federal award, whether the FAR clause applies or a DoD contract.  Even if the UAS (drone) was purchased previously.  It cannot be used on a federal award if the FAR clause applies or a DoD contract.
  • Update internal procurement policies to restrict acquisition from banned manufacturers for all federally funded research and DoD projects.
  • Ensure that all federal research or DoD project subcontractors are informed and compliant.  

Permitted Uses not covered by FAE52.240-1

University-owned UAS (drones), such as DJI, may continue to be used after December 22, 2025 for:

  • Instructional activities;
  • Research not tied to federal funding;
  • Campus facilities inspections;
  • Flight training and demonstrations; or
  • Any activity NOT tied to a federal contract or grant.

Policy Documents

Forms