Silhouette of drone flying above city at sunset

AirSight and Strategic Communications Partner for Drone Detection Procurement

Public safety agencies gain a streamlined path to purchase counter-UAS technology ahead of upcoming federal grant funding cycles.

AirSight is partnering with public-sector technology procurement specialist Strategic Communications to expand the reach of its airspace security platform.

The agreement places AirSight’s AirGuard drone detection and pilot-location platform into Strategic Communications’ public-safety procurement programs. The partnership aims to provide state, local, tribal and territorial agencies with a legally compliant path to acquire counter-unmanned aircraft systems technology before federal funding opportunities expand.

The collaboration comes as the Federal Emergency Management Agency prepares to open its second round of Counter-UAS Grant Program funding. After awarding an initial $250 million to 11 World Cup host states and the National Capital Region, a second round of more than $250 million will open to all 56 U.S. states and territories.

Public safety operators, including law enforcement, corrections and emergency management agencies, must navigate strict federal procurement guidelines when spending FEMA grant dollars. Failure to comply with these federal purchasing rules can jeopardize the grant funding.

To bypass long procurement delays, agencies utilize pre-vetted cooperative and government contract vehicles that have already cleared regulatory hurdles. The new partnership addresses this operational barrier by integrating AirGuard into existing, compliant purchasing channels.

Under the agreement, AirGuard will be accessible through Strategic Communications’ Justice and Public Safety Technology Resources for Unifying Strategies and Tactics program, which helps public safety agencies evaluate and source modern technology.

Additionally, eligible agencies can acquire the platform through the NASPO ValuePoint cooperative purchasing program. This state-led cooperative satisfies the federal procurement standards required for FEMA grants.

As a certified Woman- and Minority-Owned Small Business, Strategic Communications will also assist agencies in meeting small-business participation benchmarks often required in federal grant applications. The two entities plan to collaborate directly with end users to scope and justify airspace security needs before the next federal grant cycle opens.

About the Author

Jesse Jacobs is assistant editor of SecurityToday.com.

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