FY26 US DOT Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grants (DIIG) Program

The Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grants Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Office of the Under Secretary for Policy. This federal initiative is authorized under recent public laws to promote the adoption of advanced technologies that improve infrastructure management and worker safety. The program is designed to support government entities in integrating small unmanned aircraft systems, commonly referred to as drones, into the inspection and maintenance of critical infrastructure systems. By encouraging innovation and modernization, the program aligns with broader federal priorities to enhance operational efficiency and reduce risks associated with infrastructure projects. The primary purpose of the program is to facilitate the use of drone technologies in the inspection, operation, construction, maintenance, and repair of critical infrastructure assets. These assets may include transportation systems, utilities, and other essential public works. The program seeks to expand the use of drones to improve inspection accuracy, streamline workflows, and reduce the need for hazardous manual inspections. A key emphasis is placed on improving worker safety by minimizing exposure to dangerous conditions and environments during infrastructure assessments. Funding under this program supports a range of eligible activities. Grant funds may be used to purchase, lease, or enhance drone systems, including associated hardware and software. Additionally, recipients may contract with external vendors or service providers if internal expertise is insufficient. Program management costs related to the implementation and operation of drone systems are also allowable. The program encourages projects that incorporate innovative technologies, address challenges in inspection data management, and improve interoperability between systems and jurisdictions. The program operates on a competitive basis, with a total funding pool of nine million dollars and an expected five awards. Individual awards may range from five hundred thousand dollars up to nine million dollars, depending on project scope and merit. The federal share of project costs is generally limited to fifty percent; however, applicants may request an increase to seventy five percent if they can demonstrate financial need or other qualifying circumstances. Such requests must be justified in writing as part of the application. Eligible applicants are limited to governmental entities, including state governments, local governments, tribal governments, metropolitan planning organizations, and consortia of eligible entities. Non governmental organizations, private companies, and academic institutions are not eligible to apply directly but may participate as contractors or partners to eligible applicants. This ensures that project leadership remains within public sector entities responsible for infrastructure oversight. The application process is expected to open in mid September 2026, with submissions due by mid November 2026. As this is currently a forecasted opportunity, applicants are encouraged to prepare in advance by forming partnerships, identifying project scopes, and assessing resource needs. The Department of Transportation will evaluate applications based on factors such as innovation, safety impact, scalability, and the ability to address infrastructure challenges across diverse communities. Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate meaningful improvements in safety and operational efficiency. The program does not specify a recurring cycle but reflects a broader federal commitment to advancing drone technology in infrastructure management. Award announcements and project start dates have not yet been specified. For additional information, applicants may contact the designated program representative at the Department of Transportation. The program represents a strategic investment in modernizing infrastructure oversight through emerging technologies while promoting safety and efficiency nationwide.

Emphasize innovative drone use, safety improvements, and interoperability across jurisdictions