Partnership with Amentum Supports Department of Homeland Security Airspace Awareness Efforts
Pierce Aerospace announced a $10 million subcontract from Amentum to support the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate. This agreement focuses on advancing Remote Identification (Remote ID) technology to enhance airspace awareness.
Supporting Homeland Security with Remote ID
The contract, awarded as a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program Phase III award, operates under Amentum’s Department of Defense Information Analysis Center (DoD IAC) multiple-award contract vehicle. The task orders, issued by the U.S. Air Force’s 774th Enterprise Sourcing Squadron, aim to expand knowledge and technological capabilities across the research and development community.
Pierce Aerospace will use the subcontract to test and evaluate its Remote ID systems, including the YR1 Remote ID Sensor. These tools provide cost-effective monitoring solutions for both commercial and government airspace users. The technology supports broader airspace safety initiatives by integrating with other systems to create a comprehensive approach to security.
“We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity to serve various United States agencies that are now using our Remote ID capabilities to enhance their airspace awareness,” said Aaron Pierce, CEO and co-founder of Pierce Aerospace. “This award marks a big step in the evolution of end users’ airspace missions, and we look forward to continuing to evolve and enhance that mission as we deploy these systems.”
Scaling Remote ID 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 subcontract, noting the company’s long journey in Remote ID development. “The Amentum team leaned forward and worked with us to make this award an SBIR Phase III subcontract, extending our abilities 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 scale innovative technologies. The program started with the U.S. Air Force via AFWERX and has been instrumental in Pierce Aerospace’s progress in Remote ID deployment.
Background on Remote ID Requirements
Remote ID is a vital tool for airspace safety, 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 is intended to provide relevant stakeholders with information that could link drones seen in the air with pilots on the ground, allowing for better enforcement of airspace regulations. Remote ID also enables integrated air traffic management systems, critical as commercial drone operations scale.
For more details on Remote ID requirements, visit the FAA’s Remote ID page here.
About the Companies
Pierce Aerospace develops Remote ID services and technologies, integrating them into the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) ecosystem. More about their work can be found at Pierce Aerospace.
Amentum specializes in engineering and technology solutions for government and defense agencies. Learn more at Amentum.
The contract reflects ongoing efforts to enhance airspace safety and collaboration between private industry and government agencies. Through this partnership, Pierce Aerospace aims to address evolving airspace awareness challenges with innovative solutions.
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Read more:
- GAO Report: Remote ID Not Living Up to Potential
- Remote ID in a Real World National Security Event: Pierce Aerospace at Super Bowl LVII
- Pierce Aerospace, DroneShield Partner on Integration of Remote ID and Counter Drone Tech
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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