WASHINGTON, USA — As the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) advances its drone and counter-drone capabilities through the newly established Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Counter-UAS (C-UAS), the DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is highlighting a critical resource for first responders and security agencies: the C-UAS Purchasing Tool.
Developed by S&T’s National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL), the C-UAS Purchasing Tool provides a standardised framework to help national security and public safety agencies with C-UAS expanded authorities select systems for detection, tracking, identification, and mitigation that align with their specific mission requirements.
“As drones become a permanent fixture in our airspace, front-line responders must have the right C-UAS tools for the mission,” said Alice Hong, laboratory director of NUSTL. “By providing a data-driven framework to compare vendor offerings, our purchasing tool empowers public safety agencies to make informed, mission-focused procurement decisions with confidence.”
“The C-UAS Purchasing Tool is designed with first responders in mind,” said Steven Willoughby, executive director of the Program Executive Office for UAS and C-UAS. “It helps ensure those on the front lines have access to the most effective counter-drone solutions to keep their communities safe.”
The launch of the C-UAS Purchasing Tool arrives at a critical moment, aligning with FEMA’s FY 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity. This grant cycle awarded an initial $250 million to the National Capital Region and the 11 states hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.
By guiding equipment selection through tailored scorecards, the tool empowers agencies to maximise these funds and make evidence-based procurement decisions. It ensures the most suitable C-UAS solutions are selected by weighing direct capability comparisons against complex operational factors like terrain, budget, and radio frequency environments.
DHS Science and Technology Directorate