The federal counter-drone funding landscape is moving faster than ever. Following Phase 1 of FEMA’s Counter-UAS grant program—which saw $250 million awarded in a record 25 days—public safety, critical infrastructure, and correctional leaders are bracing for what comes next.
AirSight and emergency management software leader Juvare recently co-hosted "The FEMA Phase 2 Playbook: Winning the Next $250M in Federal Counter-UAS Funding Before the NOFO Drops." Featuring former FBI C-UAS leadership, Juvare product directors, and Air Force Reserve contracting expertise, the session cut through the noise to deliver an actionable strategy for public safety agencies.
Here are the top three strategic takeaways you need to know, followed by urgent federal grant updates you can leverage today.
1. Phase 2 Rewards "Standing Capability" Not Just Event Security
Phase 1 focused narrowly on 11 World Cup host states and the National Capital Region. When Phase 2 launches as early as October 2026, the remaining $250 million+ will unlock for all 56 U.S. states and territories.
FEMA scoring guidelines indicate that winning Phase 2 applications will favor:
- Multi-Capability Sensor Networks: Moving away from single-sensor "boxes" to layered detection architectures (combining passive RF, Remote ID, optical cameras, and radar).
- Standing Infrastructure: Investing in permanent, meshed regional networks rather than temporary, event-only rentals.
- Turnkey Integration: Proving how airspace data plugs directly into your operational workflow.
2. Detection is Only Half the Battle: The AirSight + Juvare Ecosystem
Detecting a rogue drone is useful, but the ninety seconds after the alert are what protect the public. The webinar demonstrated how AirSight’s AirGuard platform integrates seamlessly with Juvare’s WebEOC to execute the complete Detect → Coordinate → Document loop:
- Real-Time Ingestion: AirGuard's airspace data feeds directly into WebEOC's daily operations boards, mapping live drone flight paths, pilot GPS takeoff locations, and hardware profiles.
- Common Operating Picture: Command staff can overlay airspace threats against physical assets, weather radar, and live traffic camera feeds.
- Automated Auditing: WebEOC logs the entire incident response, creating court-ready evidence files and generating the documented operational baseline required to qualify for federal grants and airspace restrictions.
3. Winning Applications Are Built BEFORE the NOFO Drops
Grant packages that stall in review usually fail due to vague requirements, lack of site-specific threat modeling, or undefined procurement vehicles.
- Engage Your SAA Now: More than 97% of FEMA C-UAS funding flows through State Administrative Agencies (SAAs). Local police, sheriffs, DOCs, and airports apply as sub-applicants, meaning you must get on your state SAA's radar today.
- Facility-Specific Risk Assessments: Generic, jurisdiction-wide funding requests lose. Applications built around specific named facilities, documented threat vectors, and clear capability gaps win.
Your Action Plan for August & September
Don't wait for official funding announcements to begin drafting your paperwork:
- Identify High-Priority Sites: Map out critical infrastructure, correctional facilities, or public assembly areas requiring coverage.
- Conduct an Aerial Risk Assessment: Baseline your current airspace threat environment.
- Pre-Draft Procurement Artifacts: Establish market research and pre-select compliant purchasing pathways.
Watch the full On-Demand Webinar Recording to see the live WebEOC integration demo, or contact the AirSight team to schedule a site-scoping session.
🚨 Active Grant Opportunity Update: DOJ BJA BIDEN Program
While preparing for FEMA Phase 2 ($250M+ launching in October 2026), agencies should actively pursue complementary federal grant streams open right now:
DOJ FY 2026 BIDEN Program Grant
The Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance is accepting applications under the BIDEN Program (Bridging Immigration-Related Deficits Experienced Nationwide):
- Current Status: Round 1 is closed. Round 2 opens next month (August 2026), and Round 3 opens in September 2026.
- Target Agencies: State, county, city, tribal, and special district law enforcement agencies, as well as state Departments of Correction (DOCs) and county sheriffs.
- Core Prerequisite: Applicants must actively participate in, or formally commit to entering into, a 287(g) program agreement or Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) operations.
- Eligible Expense Scope: Physical security equipment, perimeter protection, surveillance technology, and operational enhancements.
- Official Document: Review the DOJ BJA FY 2026 BIDEN Program Solicitation (PDF) for complete submission criteria.
