Federal Register #DOT-OST-2026-3367

Request for Comment: Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grant Program Information Collection

This opportunity from the Department of Transportation's Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology (OST-R), via the Highly Automated Systems Safety Center of Excellence (HASS COE), seeks public comment on a proposed information collection for the 2026 Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grant (DIIG) Program. - Government Buyer: - Department of Transportation - Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology (OST-R) - Highly Automated Systems Safety Center of Excellence (HASS COE) - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vendors are named; focus is on drone technologies and automated systems - Products/Services Requested: - Information collection related to grant applications and reporting for drone system deployment, expansion, and training - Application forms: SF424, SF424A, SF424B, DIIG-specific project narrative and budget templates - Performance and program evaluation reports required periodically - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Grants support government entities in deploying and enhancing highly automated drone systems for critical infrastructure safety inspections (bridges, dams, roads, etc.) - Competitive federal funding ranging from $500,000 to $9,000,000 per recipient - Merit evaluation based on multi-jurisdictional complexity and fiscal oversight - Estimated annual burden: 2,788 hours; labor cost estimate: $185,151.08 - About 5 active recipients anticipated - Recipients must comply with quarterly, annual, and final performance reporting - No specific drone manufacturers or products are mandated; the program is open to all qualifying drone solutions.

Description

The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology (OST-R) invites public comment on a new information collection request for the 2026 Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grant (DIIG) Program. This federal assistance program, established under the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, supports government entities in deploying and enhancing highly automated drone systems for critical infrastructure safety inspections. The program provides competitive federal funding up to $9,000,000 to state, local, tribal, and territorial government entities for drone system expansion, training, and deployment. The information collected will be used to verify applicant eligibility, evaluate merit, and ensure fiscal oversight throughout the grant lifecycle.

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