The American Security Drone Act (ASDA) is a federal legislative initiative aimed at strengthening national security by restricting the use of certain foreign-manufactured unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, within the U.S. federal government. The Act primarily targets drones and drone components produced by foreign adversaries—especially those from the People’s Republic of China—due to concerns over data security, surveillance, and supply chain vulnerabilities.
The American Security Drone Act establishes strict limitations on federal agency procurement and operation of covered UAS, impacting acquisition policy, vendor eligibility, and ongoing drone operations across the federal enterprise. It is part of a broader federal effort to secure critical technologies and prevent foreign influence over government data, systems, and infrastructure.
Legislative Background and Intent
The American Security Drone Act was originally introduced in Congress in 2019 and has since been reintroduced with bipartisan support. It complements other supply chain risk initiatives such as Section 889 of the 2019 NDAA and Executive Order 13981, which collectively aim to limit foreign access to sensitive federal systems through telecommunications, software, and hardware technologies.
The intent behind ASDA is to:
- Eliminate the risk of sensitive government data being accessed or exfiltrated through foreign-made drones
- Strengthen the domestic drone manufacturing base by promoting U.S.-sourced technologies
- Establish a coordinated and consistent approach to drone use across federal agencies
- Reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturers like DJI, which dominate the commercial UAS market
The Act directly affects procurement decisions, requiring agencies to assess the origin of drone components and ensure vendors meet specific sourcing criteria.
Core Provisions of the Act
The American Security Drone Act introduces prohibitions, mandates, and waivers that affect both current drone usage and future acquisitions. Agencies must review their existing drone fleets and establish procurement policies that comply with the Act’s requirements.
Key provisions of the American Security Drone Act include:
- Prohibition on procurement and operation of drones and drone components produced by covered foreign entities, including those from China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran
- Ban on use of federal funds for the purchase or operation of covered UAS, including through grants to state or local governments
- Federal agency inventory requirement mandating the identification and reporting of all covered UAS in use or storage
- Exemption process for certain national security or law enforcement operations, subject to approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
- Requirement to develop a transition strategy for phasing out prohibited drones and replacing them with compliant alternatives
- Promotion of domestic drone manufacturing through coordinated policy support and prioritized procurement of U.S.-made UAS
These provisions are enforced through agency acquisition policies, GSA Schedule contract reviews, and coordination with the Office of the Federal Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
Impact on GSA Procurement and Contractors
The American Security Drone Act has direct implications for GSA’s acquisition programs and contractors seeking to do business with the federal government in the UAS space. GSA is responsible for ensuring that products offered through its Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program, particularly under IT and security-related SINs, are fully compliant with ASDA restrictions.
For GSA contractors, the ASDA means:
- Vendors must certify that their drones and components are not manufactured by prohibited foreign entities or include restricted parts
- Products listed on GSA Advantage! must be TAA-compliant and sourced from approved countries under the Trade Agreements Act
- Noncompliant vendors may be removed from GSA Schedules, or their contract offers rejected, if they fail to meet sourcing and cybersecurity standards
- Contractors must maintain supply chain documentation demonstrating country of origin and compliance with ASDA and related procurement laws
- New market opportunities exist for domestic drone manufacturers and integrators who can meet federal sourcing and performance standards
Contracting Officers and Industrial Operations Analysts (IOAs) are increasingly vigilant about UAS compliance during Contractor Assessments, Schedule renewals, and catalog reviews.
Compliance Considerations and Best Practices
Ensuring compliance with the American Security Drone Act requires coordination across procurement, legal, and supply chain functions—especially for companies in the drone and defense technology sectors.
Best practices for complying with the American Security Drone Act include:
- Conduct a full audit of your drone supply chain, including subcomponents and firmware, to verify country of origin
- Maintain accurate documentation such as Certificates of Origin, manufacturer affidavits, and TAA compliance statements
- Engage with GSA and agency Contracting Officers early to confirm that your offerings are not affected by the Act’s restrictions
- Stay informed of evolving guidance from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of the National Cyber Director, and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
- Educate internal stakeholders on ASDA-related risks and obligations to prevent unintentional contract violations
Federal contractors offering drones, sensors, or UAS-related services must view compliance not as a one-time hurdle but as a continuous requirement tied to cybersecurity, supply chain integrity, and national security.
Conclusion
The American Security Drone Act is a landmark piece of legislation that reshapes how the federal government procures and operates drones. It reflects growing concerns over cybersecurity, foreign influence, and critical technology supply chains. For federal buyers and GSA contractors alike, the Act introduces new responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities. By prioritizing compliance, transparency, and alignment with U.S. security objectives, vendors can position themselves as trusted partners in delivering secure and mission-aligned unmanned systems to federal agencies.
