A holistic and continuous approach to rapidly prototyping and scaling capable and secure commercial UAS technology for the Department of Defense.
A holistic and continuous approach to rapidly prototyping and scaling capable and secure commercial UAS technology for the Department of Defense.
DIU's Project G.I. seeks to more rapidly identify, assess, iterate and then integrate “ready now” autonomous solutions at scale for participating units. Learn more and apply here.
The ever-evolving development of commercial UAS can benefit DoD and government users as commercial systems are updated and improved on a far faster timeline than traditional Programs of Record (POR). The Blue UAS effort, started in 2020, is a holistic and continuous approach to rapidly vet commercial unmanned aerial system (UAS) technology for the Department of Defense (DoD). This program consists of two lines of effort that curate, maintain and improve a robust roster of policy approved commercial UAS to meet the diverse needs of DoD users. The military applications of uncrewed systems become more apparent each day through observation of their use in combat.
Policy compliant commercial UAS, once listed on the Blue UAS Cleared List, do not require an Exception to Policy (ETP), reducing the administrative burden on end users. The Blue UAS program is not an exclusive path for government validation of UAS. However, it is built with the intention of being the fastest and most cost effective method available for sUAS to be purchased within DoD. Blue UAS listing does not preclude the Government from purchasing any other UAS that are certified compliant by the purchasing Government organization.
All Blue UAS platforms and components are in compliance with the law as it existed at time of original examination and are in compliance at present with any changes since the original examination.
A list of DoD approved drones providing options for the evolving mission needs of government users. These drones are compliant with current law and policy, validated as cyber-secure, and are available for DoD purchase and operation.
Platforms are added to Blue UAS Select in response to partner organization needs and through competitive processes. These platforms have an Authority to Operate (ATO).
NDAA compliant UAS components and software that provide options for Government and industry partners. The Framework provides advanced capabilities to sUAS developers and reduces risk for government customers. It includes critical components, sub-components, modules & software for use in DoD applications.
If you have questions about Blue UAS and some of the policies impacting commercial drone use in the USG and DoD, please reach out to the DIU Blue UAS team at blueuas@diu.mil.