Partnership with Amentum Supports Department of Homeland Security’s Airspace Awareness Efforts
Pierce Aerospace announced a $10 million subcontract with Amentum to support the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate. This agreement focuses on the advancement of Remote ID technology to improve airspace awareness.
Supporting Homeland Security with Remote Identification
The contract, awarded under Phase III of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, operates under Amentum’s Department of Defense Information Analysis Center (DoD IAC) multi-award contract vehicle . The task orders, issued by the U.S. Air Force’s 774th Enterprise Supply Squadron, are intended to expand knowledge and technological capabilities within the research and development community.
Pierce Aerospace will use the contractor to test and evaluate its Remote ID systems, including the YR1 Remote ID sensor. These tools provide cost-effective monitoring solutions to commercial and government airspace users. The technology supports broader airspace security initiatives by integrating with other systems to create a holistic approach to security.
“We are extremely grateful for this opportunity to serve various U.S. agencies who are now using our remote identification capabilities to improve their airspace awareness,” said Aaron Pierce, CEO and co-founder of Pierce Aerospace. “This award marks an important milestone in the evolution of end-user airspace missions, and we look forward to continuing to evolve and improve this mission as we deploy these systems.” »
Evolving remote identification through collaboration
Remote ID technology allows drones to broadcast their identification and location information. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) introduced remote ID requirements in 2021 and began enforcing them in 2024.
Aaron Pierce highlighted the collaborative effort involved in securing this outsourcing contract, highlighting the company’s long history in developing remote ID. “The Amentum team leaned forward and worked with us to make this contract an SBIR Phase III subcontract, expanding our capabilities to serve end users today and into the future.” , Pierce said.
The collaboration aligns with Congress’s vision for the SBIR program, which aims to advance innovative technologies. The program began with the US Air Force through AFWERX and has been instrumental in Pierce Aerospace’s progress in deploying Remote ID.
General information on remote identification requirements
Remote identification is an essential tool for airspace security, ensuring drones comply with FAA regulations. The FAA codified these requirements in January 2021 to improve situational awareness and accountability in the growing drone ecosystem. Ultimately, Remote ID aims to provide relevant stakeholders with information to link drones seen in the air with pilots on the ground, thereby enabling better enforcement of airspace regulations. Remote identification also enables integrated air traffic management systems, essential to the scale of commercial drone operations.
For more details on remote ID requirements, visit the FAA’s Remote ID page. here.
About companies
Pierce Aerospace develops remote identification services and technologies, integrating them into the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) ecosystem. To learn more about their work, visit Pierce Aerospace.
Amentum specializes in engineering and technology solutions for government and defense agencies. Learn more about Amentum.
The contract reflects ongoing efforts to improve airspace safety and collaboration between private industry and government agencies. Through this partnership, Pierce Aerospace aims to address the evolving challenges of airspace awareness with innovative solutions.
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