UAS/Drone Purchase and Use

Policies & Rules Governing Potential UAS/drone purchases

• System policy 29.01.06 – Covered Applications and Prohibited Technologies 
• System webpage:  Prohibited Technology | Texas A&M System Cybersecurity 
• Prohibited Technology FAQs 
• Covered Applications and Prohibited Technologies | Texas Department of Information Resources 
• Additional regulations govern certain federally sponsored projects (FAR 52.240-1 – Prohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manufactured or Assembled by American Security Drone Act – Covered Foreign Entities) 
• TAMU personnel (faculty, staff, and students) cannot purchase OR utilize equipment included on the DIR Covered Applications and Prohibited Technologies list (without an approved exception). 
  • This includes DJI drones & other equipment manufactured by DJI.

Updated UAS/drone use requirements

On January 7, 2026, the FCC updated their “List of Equipment and Services Covered by Section 2 of The Secure Networks Act” to include all UAS systems and UAS critical components produced in ANY foreign country.

Additionally, some federal sponsors have updated UAS/drone use requirements.

What does this mean?

• Only UAS/drones that already have FCC authorization can be used/purchased.
• Foreign-origin drones that do not currently have FCC authorization will not be authorized by the FCC.
• If changes are made to a foreign-origin drone that would require a new FCC authorization, it will not be authorized.
• If you are utilizing the UAS/drone on a federally funded project, the drone must be FCC authorized and NDAA certified.
• Because the future of foreign-origin drone use is unclear, it is highly recommended to purchase domestically produced UAS/drones.

Examples of common drone manufacturers that TAMU CANNOT utilize:

• DJI
• Anzu (Anzu Robotics)
• Autel (Autel Robotics)

REMINDER: TAMU cannot purchase from companies (and subsidiaries & affiliates thereof) that appear on the Texas DIR Prohibited Technologies List.