About Blue UAS

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 that rapidly vets and scales 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 these systems become more apparent each day  through observation of their tactical capabilities in contested battle spaces. 

Policy compliant commercial UAS, once vetted by the Blue UAS On-Ramp effort, 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 as POR and ETP is a valid means of acquisition. 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. DIU does not define Government sUAS compliance standards or provide sUAS security or drone certification for such other efforts.

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.

Blue UAS Cleared List

A list of DoD approved drones providing options for the evolving mission needs of government users. These drones are compliant with section 848 of the FY20 NDAA , section 817 of the FY23 NDAA, and the American Security Drone Act, validated as cyber-secure and safe to fly, and are available for government purchase and operation. It Includes sUAS platforms both commercial and bespoke.

Blue UAS Framework

Interoperable, 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.

Additional background

The first Blue sUAS project developed trusted, policy compliant small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) for the broader Department of Defense (DoD) and Federal Government partners. This effort builds upon the U.S. Army’s sUAS program of record, Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR), for an inexpensive, rucksack portable, vertical take-off and landing sUAS. These systems share the SRR air vehicles' capabilities but integrate a vendor provided ground control system.

The next iteration of Blue UAS expanded the variety and capabilities of DIU vetted drones to provide DoD users compliant, secure sUAS. These systems were selected to include a variety of sizes, capabilities, price points, and flight modalities. Each system has undergone a cyber vulnerability assessment in accordance with the Risk Management Framework, is issued an associated Authority to Operate by DIU, and a FY20 Section 848 NDAA compliance check.  Additionally, we are introducing the systems to the service level airworthiness organizations to accelerate approvals.

This effort also proves out a repeatable administrative onboarding process called “Blue UAS On-Ramp” designed to reduce barriers to entry for commercial sUAS and create a more permissive acquisition process for DoD customers.  More systems will be added to the roster soon.

Information for Vendors

Requirements for addition to the Blue List:

• A DoD sponsor with a bona fide operational or training need for the platform, defined as a DoD organization that is willing and able to fund the initial and ongoing platform NDAA compliance and cybersecurity testing, and intends to purchase the platform upon addition.

• It offers a new capability or meets a need in a way not previously done.

• It is not duplicative or have significant overlap with platforms already available.

Requirements to remain on the Blue List: 

• Is there demonstrated end user demand-if DoD users aren’t buying it in sufficient quantity, then we have to make a resource allocation decision. 

• Sufficient quantity of purchases dependent on use case.

• Progress made on POA&M and any other issues addressed and acted on during the formal Quarterly review meetings. 

• Continuous improvement and development of the platform, its capabilities, and components, in coordination with the Blue UAS CCB.

Criteria for removal from the Blue List: 

• Sufficient quantity of purchases not made by DoD users. 

• Capabilities no longer meet DoD needs / changing needs of DoD.

• Cybersecurity issues not addressed within designated timeline, whether through inaction or inability.

• Platform or critical components are End-of-Life, or will no longer be updated.

• Significant changes are rolled out to Blue UAS configured platforms without formal approval by DIU.