# DHS Expands Counter-UAS Contracting

In August 2026, DHS Science and Technology awarded a counter-UAS IDIQ with a $1.5 billion ceiling to 12 companies, while Fortem Technologies was reported selected for potential DHS counter-UAS work valued at up to $1.5 billion; the signals do not establish whether these references describe the same vehicle. DHS components are also seeking FY2027 funding, including $80 million for CBP counter-UAS capabilities, $91.3 million for Coast Guard UAS and counter-UAS, and $130.1 million to establish a Coast Guard robotics and autonomous systems office. These are budget requests, not contract awards. FEMA’s separate $500 million OBBBA-funded grant program is generating state and local demand, giving contractors several potential routes to pursue drone detection, mitigation, integration, and related services.

- The DHS S&T IDIQ offers an existing contracting pathway: awardees should assess where their capabilities align with its hardware, software, managed-services, integration, and RDT&E work areas. Fortem’s reported selection signals potential competition for DHS counter-UAS requirements, but no solicitation number or new RFP deadline is provided.
- CBP and Coast Guard FY2027 figures are proposed funding, not available awards. Contractors should distinguish budget requests from funded solicitations when planning bids and revenue forecasts.
- FEMA’s grant program may create opportunities to serve state and local customers deploying counter-UAS capabilities. Companies should evaluate whether their offerings and customer relationships align with those requirements.
- The Homeland Security Summit on November 10, 2026, is an upcoming industry engagement opportunity, 35 days away as of October 6, 2026.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Public Safety
**Topics:** Grants & Funding, Contracting Vehicles
**Published:** October 06, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T)
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

### Vendors
- Fortem Technologies (Selected for potential DHS counter-UAS work)
- BAE Systems (DHS S&T C-UAS IDIQ awardee)
- CACI (DHS S&T C-UAS IDIQ awardee)
- Leidos (DHS S&T C-UAS IDIQ awardee)
- Anduril Industries (DHS S&T C-UAS IDIQ awardee)

### Key Quotes
> We’re seeing more drone technology, so we’re adapting, and we definitely need more resources.
> — Markwayne Mullin, Secretary of Homeland Security

### Sources
- [Blackstone's new defense tech company and more capital markets action to highlight - Washington Technology](https://www.washingtontechnology.com/contracts/2026/10/blackstones-new-defense-tech-company-and-more-capital-markets-action-highlight/416391) - Washington Technology
- [How Much DHS Is Spending on Drones & Counter-Drone Tech](https://www.govconwire.com/articles/dhs-drone-cuas-funding-fy27-cbp-coast-guard-fema) - govconwire.com