The DRP is a state initiative authorized under Section 14 of Senate Bill 2018 to replace state-owned drones that do not comply with new federal security and procurement requirements under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and the American Security Drone Act (ASDA).

The program is administered by the Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS) on behalf of the North Dakota Department of Commerce.

No. Agencies are not legally required to participate. However, opting out may risk loss of federal funding and could expose agencies to future compliance mandates.

Participation is currently limited to:

• North Dakota state agencies
• North Dakota University System (NDUS) entities

Public organizations such as counties, municipalities, or local law enforcement agencies are not eligible at this time.

Drones qualify if they meet all of the following:

1. Do not meet NDAA compliance standards, and
2. Are owned by a ND state agency or NDUS entity, and
3. The agency is willing to relinquish the drone as part of the program, and
4. Were purchased before January 1, 2025

While relinquishing non-compliant drones is required, participation ensures agencies receive access to more capable, NDAA-compliant platforms. Joining the program allows agencies to upgrade service quality, collaborate across organizations, and contribute to a groundbreaking statewide initiative.

NDAA compliance means a drone:

1. Does not use parts from "covered foreign entities," and
2. Is assembled in the United States or allied nations using components from trusted sources

Under federal law, drones and components from the following countries are restricted due to cybersecurity and national security risks:

• China
• Russia
• Iran
• North Korea
• Cuba

• Protects access to federal funding; starting in December 2025, federal funds cannot be used to operate non-compliant drones
• Ensures alignment with federal (NDAA/ASDA) and state procurement rules
• Enhances mission readiness with modern, capable UAV systems
• Reduces cybersecurity and supply-chain risks
• Provides opportunities to upgrade service quality with advanced capabilities
• Opens doors to collaboration with other agencies through shared missions and best practices
• Positions North Dakota as a national leader in secure UAS integration

Funding was allocated under Senate Bill 2018, with $9 million appropriated to the ND Department of Commerce to administer the program through NPUASTS.

No. The DRP covers:

• The cost of replacement drones, and
• Initial training for operators

Ongoing costs, such as maintenance, upgrades, or future replacements, are the responsibility of the agency.

NPUASTS will work with the ND Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to solicit and evaluate proposals from NDAA-compliant vendors. Options may include UAS-as-a-Service models. All replacements will provide equal or enhanced capabilities compared to the systems they replace.

Legacy UAS will be:

• Decommissioned,
• Sold (e.g., to federal agencies such as DHS, or through the open market), or
• Disposed of in compliance with state and federal regulations

All revenue from sales will be returned to the State of North Dakota as required by SB 2018.