NDAA Policies by University

aerialPLOT compiled this current list of NDAA compliance by university as a quick reference for those interested. If you have any corrections or additional information, please send a message to info@aerialplot.com!

Thanks to team members Hunter Donaldson and Nolan Mueller for putting this together.

Purdue University

The Latest document for UAS policies was posted April 1st, 2017, it states “All operation and use of UAS must comply with FAA regulations, state and federal laws, and University policies at all times. Any operation or use of UAS that violates such regulations or laws is prohibited…”

  https://www.purdue.edu/business/risk_mgmt/drone_UAS_procedure/unmanpolicy.html

The Universities Policies for Foreign Adversary Nations states “All bids or proposals for contracts for goods or services must include a certification that the company, and, if applicable, any of its holding companies, affiliates, or subsidiaries, is not a Restricted Vendor.” They define a restricted vendor as “Listed in Section 889 of the 23019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)”

https://www.purdue.edu/vpec/policies/ethics/iiib7/

The Autonomous Technology Device Procedure says “All persons operating Autonomous Technology Devices on University Grounds are responsible for complying with this procedure; all federal, state, and local regulations; as well as applicable University policies.”

 https://www.purdue.edu/business/risk_mgmt/drone_UAS_procedure/uaspolicy.html

Currently Purdue policy governing the operation of drones focus on safety and regulatory compliance but doesn’t specifically mention NDAA specific rules. As of 12/30/2025

 

University of Minnesota

Their use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Administrative Policy) states that “UAS used for mission-related activities (teaching, research, or outreach) is permitted, provided it does not interfere with or interrupt the operations of the University and complies with federal and state law.” and that “Students, faculty, staff, volunteers, and visitors must comply with all laws, licensing, certification, and regulations governing UAS, including but not restricted to those issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Minnesota Department of Transportation (MN/DOT), and other government agencies.

https://policy.umn.edu/operations/drones

The published policy does not include any language specifically about NDAA requirements, NDAA-compliant drones, or federal procurement/security lists such as the Blue UAS Cleared List or restrictions on drone manufacturers. It states that operators must follow all applicable federal and state laws.

https://policy.umn.edu/operations/drones

Minnesota state law does not currently mandate NDAA compliant drones for state or government entities. The state regulates drones mainly through FAA compliance and registration requirements.

The University UAS Lab Platform list include multiple NDAA compliant drones as well as DJI Mavic’s

https://rs.umn.edu/uas-lab/uas-platforms

 

Southern Illinois University

They don’t have a lot of information online for use of Drones or compliance with NDAA regulations in their policy.

https://policies.siu.edu/other-policies/chapter6/unmanned-aircraft-systems.php

They do have general UAV FAQs which explain FAA compliance and research in the field.

https://facilities.siu.edu/uav/faq/index.php#:~:text=Can%20I%20fly%20a%20drone,be%20followed%20for%20indoor%20use.

Q1: What aircraft are approved for use on University Projects?

“Any aircraft that meets the FAA definition of a small UAV can be approved. Complete a UAS Registration Form for each UAV that you intend to use.”

Q2: I am taking a drone to conduct field work for research, what do I need to know?

“If you will be conducting research for a university or grant-supported project, you need to obtain approval for the drone use prior to initiating your project. Without approval, any liability for injury to others or damage to property will be your responsibility. You will need to be familiar with the University UAS Operating Standards and applicable FAA regulations.”

There is currently no Illinois state law to regulate use of NDAA compliant drones for universities, but a current bill in the committee does limit government agencies from using drones from "countries of concern “

https://www.billtrack50.com/billdetail/1825664/.multi-collapse#:~:text=Requires%20the%20Department%20of%20Transportation,Effective%20January%201%2C%202026.

 

Kansas State University

Their Unmanned Aircraft Systems Policy, which was revised September 23, 2025 states that “Kansas State University prohibits procurement or operation of any UAS, and associated elements, that are manufactured or assembled by entities based in Countries of Concern, or that contain critical components manufactured in Countries of Concern, unless an approved exception applies.” In terms of existing systems, their policy states that “This prohibition applies to both newly acquired and existing systems when used with federal funds on or after December 22, 2025, and to all state‑funded procurements as of July 1, 2025.” There is an exception, House Sub. for SB 9 provides continued use of existing equipment and replacement with parts acquired prior to July 1, 2027.

https://www.k-state.edu/policies/ppm/7800/7860.html

 

Kansas House Sub. for SB 9, 2025 says that as of July 1, 2025, Kansas governmental agencies (including state universities) are prohibited from purchasing or acquiring drones, or related services, maintenance agreements, or equipment, whose critical components were produced in a Country of Concern or produced/owned by any foreign principal from a Country of Concern. Existing equipment acquired prior to July 1, 2025 may continue to be used and maintained with previously acquired replacement parts.

https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb9/

 

Mississippi State University

University policy doesn’t currently say anything about NDAA compliant drones. But it does mention how they lead the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Center of Excellence for UAS, as well as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Common UAS Demonstration Range.

https://www.raspet.msstate.edu/capabilities/uas-support

 

An article from the university states that MSU is pioneering the next generation of agriculture drones. From that article, “MSU’s Agricultural Autonomy Institute, or AAI, and Hylio, a Texas-based drone manufacturer, are leading the way in researching the emerging technology of agricultural spray drones.”

https://www.msstate.edu/newsroom/article/2024/08/sky-field-msu-pioneers-next-gen-agricultural-drones

State Law in Mississippi, Senate Bill 2853 which passed April 12, 2023 requires “State-purchased Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Or Drones To Be Manufactured In The United States Of America By An American-owned Company And To Possess Collision Avoidance Systems; To Exempt State Institutions Of Higher Learning From Such Requirements Under Certain Circumstances; To Grant A 10% Bid Preference In Public Procurement For Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems And Related Services To Mississippi Manufacturers And Servicing Companies; To Require All Public Agencies To Solicit At Least One Bid From A Mississippi-based Small Unmanned Aircraft System Manufacturer; To Prohibit State Agencies From Purchasing Or Operating Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manufactured Or Assembled From Parts Manufactured In The People's Republic Of China; And For Related Purposes.”

https://legiscan.com/MS/bill/SB2853/2023

South Dakota State University

They have a full page on their website regarding the ban on foreign manufactured drones. Key take aways are that “The use of federal funds awarded through contracts, grants or cooperative agreements to purchase and/or operate foreign, commercial, off-the-shelf drones or unmanned aircraft systems manufactured or assembled in or by a “covered” entity, most notably the People’s Republic of China, will be prohibited starting in December 2025.” In terms of their current fleet, they mention that "If you are currently operating a drone under a federal grant that expires before Dec. 22, 2025, the drone should remain compliant with the Act of 2023 until that date. However, if your federal contract, grant or cooperative agreement extends into 2026, you should consider replacing the drone. If you will be applying for a federal contract, grant or cooperative agreement beginning for running past Dec. 22, 2025, the unmanned aircraft systems obtained must comply with the act.”

https://www.sdstate.edu/emergency-management-preparedness/risk-management/unmanned-aircraft-systems-aka-drones

 

 

Michigan State University

MSU has a policy on the use of uncrewed aerial and submersible vehicle. According to that policy, “UAV operational safety – entailing both UAV equipment and the pilots who operate them -- is regulated by the FAA. Both the Department of State (under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or “ITAR” Home - DDTC Public Portal - DDTC Public Portal) and the Department of Commerce (under the Export Administration Regulations or “EAR” EAR | Bureau of Industry and Security) assert export control over various forms of UAV and USV technology. Drones with payload capacity also pose terrorism and security concerns to law enforcement agencies.”

https://u.policies.msu.edu/doctract/documentportal/08DB6212E93C2D99EAE1A9C75A0E6493

MSU also has a page dedicated specifically to the Federal restrictions on unmanned aircraft systems. According to the office of research and innovation, the university must “Cease operations using prohibited UAS before December 22, 2025, for any federal award whether the FAR clause applies or DoD contract. Update internal procurement policies to restrict acquisition from banned manufacturers for all federally funded research and DoD projects. Ensure that all subcontractors involved in federal research or DoD projects are informed and compliant.” Most importantly, they reiterate that “Non-compliance may result in contract termination, legal penalties, and loss of federal funding. Timely action is recommended to ensure alignment with these federal mandates.”

https://research.msu.edu/drones/federal-restrictions-uas

 

Ohio State University

The Ohio State University Drone Policy notes that “Requests for UAS activities will be processed consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws; applicable university policies and standards; contract provisions; and referenced guidance.” The policy also references Ohio Revised Code 4561.51, which states “no person shall operate an unmanned aerial vehicle in the air space over this state if the operation is prohibited by either federal law or federal regulations, including any federal aviation administration regulations.” The universities policy also covers UAS operations involving export-controlled UAS equipment. That anyone “seeking to acquire, transfer, use, and/or modify controlled UAS equipment or technology must comply with the Export Control Policy”

https://policies.osu.edu/sites/default/files/documents/2025/11/UAS-Policy.pdf

https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4561.51

https://policies.osu.edu/sites/default/files/documents/2025/10/export-control-        policy.pdf

 

Nebraska – Lincoln

An article from the of Office of Research and Innovation says that "The enforcement mechanism for the ASDA, applies to all federally funded contracts. The university and its federally funded contractors will be barred from acquiring, operating or utilizing ASDA-restricted drones. Drones must be sourced from the government’s blue UAS cleared list. University researchers and departments are encouraged to review drone-related purchases and operations and budget accordingly for suitable alternatives. As a reminder, all commercial drone flights on, above or in campus property require university authorization.”

UNL | New federal policy in effect regulating drone procurement | Office of Research and Innovation

 

The Nebraska DOT put out an article regarding the Foreign Adversary Contracting Prohibition Act. Stating that it ”Prevents government contracts or purchases from companies controlled by foreign adversaries. Applies to drone procurement with public funds.”

https://dot.nebraska.gov/aeronautics/drones/

Nebraska Legislature established the Secure Drone Purchasing Act. Under this law, the Nebraska Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division must create and maintain the List of Secure Drones Authorized for Purchase that meet state and federal cybersecurity standards. (DJI is not on this list)

 https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/Intro/LB660.pdf

 

Colorado State University

The University of Colorado Boulder, Division of Public Safety posted an article regarding Federal Regulation Updates. It states that “The National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAA) and updates to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), has introduced strict limitations on the purchase and operation of foreign-manufactured drones, particularly those from China-based companies such as DJI. These rules apply to all projects funded by federal agencies and affect both current inventory and future procurement.”

 https://www.colorado.edu/publicsafety/flight-operations/federal-regulations-updates#:~:text=These%20rules%20apply%20to%20all%20federal%20grants%2C,of%20drone%20systems%20used%20in%20DoD%20contracts

 

The universities internal policy for unmanned aircraft systems states that “Everyone must follow FAA regulations, state and federal laws, and university policies for flying Aircraft, whether for personal, recreational, or university purposes.”

https://policylibrary.colostate.edu/policy.aspx?id=746

 

University of Auburn

Auburns internal policy and procedures for Unmanned Aircraft Systems states that “Anyone purchasing a UAS or parts to assemble or to service a UAS with university funds, funds disbursed through a university account, or grant funds, must contact the UAS Program Manager and Risk Management and Safety prior to the purchase in order to assess the university’s ability to comply with current federal laws including FAA requirements, as well as federal, state, and local laws, and to obtain appropriate insurance… Any operation of UAS in violation of this policy or federal, state, and local laws is prohibited”

 https://auburnpub.cfmnetwork.com/B.aspx?BookId=12379&PageId=461569

Other than saying purchasing drones or parts must apply with federal laws, there isn’t any information online specially about NDAA compliance and there currently isn’t any state regulations regarding compliance. “According to the Alabama Department of Transportation and the Alabama Legislature there are currently no state laws in place concerning the operations of drones in Alabama.”

https://uavcoach.com/drone-laws-alabama/

University of Georgia

The Center for Geospatial Research at the University of Georgia says their “Available systems include United States federally compliant drones that have been cleared by the Department of Defense (Blue UAS/Blue List and National Defense Authorization Act - NDAA - compliant systems).”

https://cgr.uga.edu/drone-services.html

Other than the article from the center of geospatial research and one article about spray drones, there aren’t any policies or official UGA webpages that mentions drones, unmanned, UAV, or NDAA. This could be because they’re currently rewriting the policy given the recent federal regulations but I’m not sure.

https://policy.uga.edu/policies#/home

 

University of Missouri

The University of Missouri has a full page dedicated to the Federal ban on drones from certain foreign entities. The article says that “Effective December 22, 2025, the procurement of drones manufactured or assembled by entities designated as "American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entities" (ASDA-covered entities) will be prohibited. In addition, federal contractors, including Mizzou, may not use or operate any drones from these ASDA-covered entities for federally funded contracts.” However, they do include that “The use of existing Mizzou-owned-or-operated drones from ASDA-covered entities, including third-party service drones, may continue after December 22, 2025, for university business not associated with federal contracts that include FAR clause 52.240-1.”

https://research.missouri.edu/international-activities/federal-ban-drones-certain-foreign-entities

 

University of Tennessee

The University of Tennessee Policy (FI0137 Unmanned Aircraft Systems) states that “Tennessee law prohibits state agencies, including the University, from purchasing drones from manufacturers that the U.S. Department of Defense places on its list of banned manufacturers.  The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) allows the Department of Defense to maintain the list of banned manufacturers.” Regarding University funding, the policy states that “The Tennessee laws related to the NDAA list applies to UAS purchases regardless of the source of funding.  In other words, this requirement applies to all University UAS purchases, even when funded with grants, gift funds, or other sources of revenue.”

https://policy.tennessee.edu/policy/fi0137-unmanned-aircraft-systems-drones/

 

Montana State University

Currently, Montana State doesn’t have anything about NDAA compliance on their website or any of their policies. Their unmanned aircraft policy does require all operators to be “ … in full compliance with all applicable international, federal, state, and local rules and regulations, and builds guidelines around UAS use on campus to ensure the safety of the campus community.”

 https://www.montana.edu/policy/unmanned_aircrafts/index.html

The MSU College of Ag did send a contract for “three complete drone packages, each requiring a quadcopter drone with specific technical specifications, including Green Listed UAS status, two batteries, an integrated multispectral and thermal camera, and a rugged transport case.”

https://govtribe.com/opportunity/state-local-contract-opportunity/drone-camera-and-training-package-for-msu-college-of-ag-msuifb20250715?clickedFeature=true&r1=e2&2wikmtdjjkq=1

 

Utah State University

Utah State Legislature, Utah Code: Chapter 10 Aeronautics Act, Part 12 requires “Prohibition on the Purchase of Unmanned Aircraft Manufactured or Assembled by a Covered Foreign Entity (Effective 1/1/2025)” as means for inspection of critical infrastructure.

https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title72/Chapter10/72-10-P12.html?v=C72-10-P12_2025010120240501

The university has a full page dedicated to the federal restrictions. The University Office of Research states that “Effective December 22, 2025, federal funds may no longer be used to purchase drones from Covered Foreign Entities, and any drones previously purchased from a Covered Foreign Entity may no longer be used in performance of federal projects.” They define covered foreign entities as “countries such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, and specifically encompass well-known brands like DJI and Autel.” The article later says that people who need to purchase a new drone for federally funded research that “… it must be NDAA compliant, meaning the drone and all critical components are not sourced from a Covered Foreign Entity.”

https://research.usu.edu/compliance/uas-restrictions

 

 

Iowa State University

Federal Funding & Restricted Supplier Guidance: Iowa State University Procurement Services states that at any time a federal agency providing funding through a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement chooses to implement NDAA Section 889 restrictions, any drones purchased from restricted suppliers using federal funds from that agency will no longer be permitted for use on federally funded projects. - https://www.procurement.iastate.edu/news/2024/spring/Drones

Upcoming Enforcement Date: Iowa State University notes that, effective December 22, 2025, any drones purchased from restricted suppliers using federal funds will no longer be eligible for use on any federal projects. This reflects future enforcement of NDAA-related procurement restrictions tied to federal funding.

Iowa State-Level NDAA Considerations: At present, Iowa has no enacted state law that directly regulates or restricts the use of NDAA-compliant or non-compliant drones by universities.

Illinois Urbana-Champaign

University UAS Operations Policy: The University of Illinois Office of Safety states that anyone flying a drone, launching a rocket, or releasing a weather balloon is responsible for complying with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines and regulations. Current university guidance emphasizes FAA compliance and operational safety, with no detailed restrictions related to drone manufacturer or NDAA status. https://safety.grainger.illinois.edu/resources/drones?_gl=1*1xonn5r*_ga*MTM3OTkyODczLjE3NjM1ODU0NjU.*_ga_TWFEJJKL35*czE3NjczNzI1NjEkbzEkZzEkdDE3NjczNzI3NDckajU1JGwwJGgw

Illinois State-Level NDAA Considerations: At present, Illinois has no enacted state law that directly regulates or restricts the use of NDAA-compliant or non-compliant drones by universities.

Pending Legislation: Illinois Senate Bill IL SB2364 – Unmanned Aerial Drone Security is currently in committee. The bill would limit government agencies from using drones manufactured by entities associated with “countries of concern.” As of now, this bill has not been enacted and does not apply to university drone operations. https://legiscan.com/IL/bill/SB2364/2025

University of Kentucky

University Authorization for Drone-Based Research: The University of Kentucky has granted researchers permission to conduct drone-based research statewide, allowing flights across multiple disciplines, including precision agriculture, mining, atmospheric science, and transportation at approved research sites. This approval expands operational flexibility for research activities across Kentucky. https://chem.as.uky.edu/uk-granted-permission-conduct-drone-based-research-nationwide

The University of Kentucky Police Department states that all drone use for research or instructional purposes must be registered and approved through the UK Event Management Office prior to flight. This policy emphasizes oversight, coordination, and safety compliance for UAS operations. https://police.uky.edu/unmanned-aircraft-systems-uas

Kentucky State-Level NDAA Considerations: At present, Kentucky has no enacted state law that directly regulates or restricts the use of NDAA-compliant or non-compliant drones by universities.

Wisconsin Madison

General UAS Policy: UW–Madison allows drone use for research and instructional purposes but requires strict compliance with FAA regulations, Wisconsin law, and university policies. All UW-related drone operations require prior approval through the ARROW system, submitted at least 30 days in advance. https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-4005

Operator & Certification Requirements: Drone operations must be conducted by individuals with appropriate FAA credentials: Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required for advanced operations and all contractors: FAA TRUST Certificate permitted for limited UW personnel operations: Remote ID required for drones operated after March 16, 2024 (unless in FRIA)

Third-Party & Contractor Operations: Third-party drone operations require explicit university approval. Contractors must apply through Campus Planning and Landscape Architecture. All third-party operators must hold a current FAA Part 107 certificate. Marketing or promotional drone flights by third parties are not permitted.

This policy applies to the operation of autonomous vehicles by faculty, staff, and students in connection with instructional, research, outreach, and other institutional uses on or off campus, as well as all uses of unmanned aircraft systems or ultralight aircraft by any person or organization on or in any lands or facilities owned by, leased by, or otherwise under the control of the UW https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-4005

University of Arkansas

State Law – Act 525 (Country-of-Origin Restrictions) Act 525 (2024) prohibits the purchase of Chinese-made and Russian-made drones by public entities, effective immediately. Use of these drones will be prohibited after May 2027. Applies broadly to state agencies, including public universities. Act 525 includes a formal exemption process, allowing agencies to continue purchasing or operating restricted drones if justified as mission-critical. Exemptions must be reviewed and approved through the state process. https://www.uvt.us/blog/blog-3/arkansas-act-525-drone-purchase-exemption-process-39

The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture (UADA) recognizes the research and educational value of drone-based aerial data collection. All drone operations must comply with FAA regulations, as UAS operates in federally controlled airspace. https://www.uada.edu/docs/policies/UADA_290_1.pdf Revised September 17, 2024

While Arkansas currently provides minimal institutional-level drone policy detail, state-level manufacturer restrictions significantly affect procurement decisions. As the 2027 use ban approaches, NDAA-compliant platforms or approved third-party operators may become increasingly necessary for continuity of research operations.

UC Davis

Federal Grant Restrictions (Office of Research – Jan 23, 2024)UC Davis researchers with federal grants extending into 2026 are advised to consult project managers regarding transitioning away from restricted drones. https://research.ucdavis.edu/new-drone-prohibitions-for-federal-grants/

UC Davis maintains a Drones Knowledge Portal providing NDAA-compliant drone recommendations, manufacturer guidance, and compliance resources. https://ucdrones.github.io/index.html

UC System & Campus Policy: No UC systemwide or UC Davis–specific ban on purchasing or using DJI drones. UC will comply with all federal regulations. No drones lacking FCC authorization may be used https://safetyservices.ucdavis.edu/units/risk-management-services/unmanned-aircraft-systems

Texas A&M

University Policy (Division of Research): Texas A&M personnel (faculty, staff, and students) may not purchase or utilize any equipment listed on the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) Covered Applications and Prohibited Technologies List without an approved exception. This restriction explicitly includes DJI drones and DJI-manufactured equipment https://research.tamu.edu/research-compliance/export-controls/uas-drone-purchase-and-use/

State of Texas Requirement: Governor Abbott’s directive (Dec 7, 2022) mandates that all state agencies prohibit technologies deemed security risks. The DIR Prohibited Technologies List has since been expanded to include DJI, making the restriction binding for TAMU as a state institution https://dir.texas.gov/information-security/covered-applications-and-prohibited-technologies

 Federal / DOD-Aligned Guidance: Texas A&M recommends drones from the Blue UAS Cleared List. Blue UAS is a DoD-approved list, consisting primarily of U.S. and European manufacturers authorized for defense and federally sensitive projects

Oklahoma State University

No publicly available OSU policy explicitly restricts DJI or other foreign-manufactured drones. Current guidance focuses primarily on FAA compliance and operational safety, not procurement origin

State of Oklahoma Pending Legislation: HB 3068 (introduced) proposes prohibiting public entities from operating foreign-made small UAS from “covered foreign entities.” If enacted, the restriction would take effect May 1, 2027. Bill has not advanced since its introduction and has not passed. As of now, no binding state-level prohibition on foreign-made or DJI drones for OSU https://www.okhouse.gov/posts/news-20230117_1

University of Florida

University of Florida (UF) Policy: The University of Florida has not issued a standalone policy specifically addressing NDAA compliance or DJI drone restrictions. UF drone guidance primarily emphasizes FAA compliance, safety, and operational approval, not procurement origin

State of Florida: Statute §934.50 (March 2023 update) prohibits government entities, including public universities, from purchasing or using drones manufactured by companies owned or controlled by foreign countries of concern. This restriction is independent of the federal NDAA ban and applies regardless of funding source. The Florida Department of Education (Jan 9, 2023 memo) clarified that: “Both school districts and Florida College System institutions fall under the definition of ‘governmental agency’ as defined by s. 934.50, F.S.” This places public universities, including UF, squarely under the statute https://www.dronesinschool.com/florida-statute-934-50-march-2023-update?utm

Current Status: Restrictions have been in effect since at least 2023. Florida is one of the most restrictive states regarding foreign-manufactured drones in higher education

Penn State

Penn State University Drone Policy: Penn State’s Use of Drones (formerly SY45) policy governs University-Affiliated Activities conducted off University property. Drone operations must comply with Penn State policy, FAA regulations, and all applicable local, state, and federal laws. Pilot responsibility: Obtain documented permission from the property owner. Submit permission documentation to the Drone Operations Analyst https://policy.psu.edu/policies/ps11

No current state or university policy related to NDAA

North Carolina State

University guidance on drone use/ purchasing: Prioritize DOD Blue UAS Cleared list for strongest compliance. Contact the Export Control Office so they can screen the manufacturer and make sure they aren’t prohibited. Track all purchases, including drone manufacturer, purchase source, and project usage. Clearly segregate drones used for federally funded projects and those used for other activities. Do not rely on exemptions, as they are difficult to obtain. https://research.ncsu.edu/administration/compliance/research-compliance/research-security/drone-use-in-federally-funded-projects/

A potential future North Carolina state ban on state entities purchasing ANY UNMANNED AIRCRAFT MANUFACTURED OR ASSEMBLED BY CERTAIN FOREIGN VENDORS, would become effective July 1, 2027. Still has not been moved past the introduction stages https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2025/Bills/House/PDF/H707v2.pdf?utm

Virginia Tech

General Virginia Tech guidance on operation of a UAS https://policies.vt.edu/5820.pdf

 Commercial and sponsored research activities operating on university farm property must follow FAA flight qualifications as well as have completed the VT UAS training program https://drones.ictas.vt.edu/content/dam/drones_ictas_vt_edu/policy-and-protocols/UAS%20VPISU%20Protocols%20Kentland%20Farm%20signed.pdf

3rd Party Commercial UAS operations on or from University-controlled property are subject to the following limitations and requirements: Commercial operators who wish to operate a UAS on Virginia Tech property must possess and provide proof of an FAA Remote Pilot certification or 333 exemption and obtain written authorization from the UAS Safety Office.  Additionally, each commercial operator will need to provide proof of insurance and name the University and Commonwealth of Virginia as an additional insured. https://drones.ictas.vt.edu/content/dam/drones_ictas_vt_edu/policy-and-protocols/VT%20UAS%20Policy%20Protocols%20COMMERCIAL%20OPERATOR%2009242019.pdf

Texas Tech

As of January 23, 2023, the State of Texas has placed the SZ DJI Technology Company on the prohibited technologies list, preventing DJI drones from being purchased and used on state-owned devices or networks. This policy applies to Texas Tech employees, students, the purchase of UAS with funding from Texas Tech (including accounts and grants), the operation of a UAS by any person on or above Texas Tech University property, and the hiring or contracting for a UAS by any Texas Tech University department. https://www.depts.ttu.edu/ehs/academicsafety/drones.php

Any operation over “Texas Tech University Property (TTU): Buildings, grounds, and land that are owned by TTU or controlled by TTU via leases or other formal contractual arrangements to house ongoing TTU operations”- must abide by FAA policy.  https://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/OP76.07.php

Washington State University

No state or university-specific NDAA laws or policies

University third party pilots guidance: - Persons who are not employed by WSU and not a current WSU student wishing to operate a drone on or above a WSU location or campus must submit a completed UAS Operation Request and Assumption of Risk, Release, and Indemnification Form and include the following information at least two (2) business days before the proposed flight: Copy of the pilot’s FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification; and Certificate of insurance naming WSU as an additional insured and evidencing at least $2 million per occurrence in liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage. https://policies.wsu.edu/prf/index/manuals/business-policies-and-procedures-manual/bppm-50-37/