OP 72.22: Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drone) and Parts Acquisitions

 

[NEW OP–initial posting 6/8/26]

 

Operating Policy and Procedure

OP 72.22: Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drone) and Parts Acquisitions

DATE: June 8, 2026

PURPOSE: The purpose of this Operating Policy/Procedure (OP) is to establish the procedures to be followed when anyone intends to acquire, lease, or contract for the services of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS, also referred to as drones).

REVIEW: This OP will be reviewed every two years after publication by the Assistant Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer, the Senior Vice President for Administration & Finance and Chief Financial Officer (SVPAF/CFO), and the Provost and Senior Vice President.

DEFINITION

UAS – An unmanned aircraft system (UAS) without a human pilot onboard, controlled by a pilot on the ground. An aircraft operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.

POLICY/PROCEDURE

1.  The acquisition of, lease of, or contracting for services to operate a UAS must comply with the procurement requirements of OP 72.09, Procurement of Goods and Services, and OP 72.02, Contract Management Procedures. Acquisition of a UAS includes the purchase of parts to assemble a UAS.

In addition, the acquisition or lease of any equipment or parts must comply with the following:

• FAR 52.240-1, Prohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manufactured or Assembled by American Security Drone Act-Covered Foreign Entities
• Section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act
• Executive Order GA-48
• Department of Information Resources Prohibited Technologies List

2.  In accordance with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2024 and the American Security Drone Act of 2023, the use of federal grant money, contracts, or cooperative agreements to purchase or otherwise acquire UAS and associated elements that can collect and transmit sensitive information from “covered foreign entities” is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, manufacturers based in the People’s Republic of China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, and Russia, such as DJI and Autel Robotics, including any subsidiary or affiliate of those entities.

3.  As of December 22, 2025, any UAS purchased with federal funds (21 funds) from a covered foreign entity may no longer be used on any federally funded project or research activity. Principal investigators are responsible for ensuring their research projects comply with this requirement.

4.  In accordance with Texas Government Code, Sections 2205.031(b), 2205.032(a), and 2205.041(a)(1) and the General Appropriations Act, Article IX, Section 12.01, the purchase of UAS above $5,000 may not be made with appropriated funds.

5.  A UAS How-To Guide, including approved models and vendors, will be maintained and periodically updated by Procurement Services, in consultation with TTU’s Information Technology Department and TTU’s Export and Security Compliance Office, and published on the Procurement Services site.

6.  All UAS purchases, leases, and associated elements related to the collection and transmission of information must be approved by TTU’s Procurement Services Office, the Office of Export and Security Compliance, and Information Technology to ensure the model and manufacturer comply with this policy before purchase.

7.  UAS acquisitions and associated elements are not permitted on the PCard.

8.  Contact strategic.acquisitions@ttu.edu for assistance.

9.  Related Policies

• OP 72.09, Procurement of Goods and Services
• OP 72.02, Contract Management Procedures
• OP 74.10, Export Control
• OP 60.31, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drone) Flight Requests
• TTU System Regulation 01.04, Unmanned Aircraft Systems
• General Appropriations Act, Article IX, Section 12.01
• TechBuy Guidelines for Acquiring Unmanned Aircraft Systems or Drones and Related Services

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