New restricted commodity: unmanned aircraft systems

Sep 16, 2025 | News

The use of drones (unmanned aircraft systems, or UAS) at the university is regulated through the Regents’ Ordinance Article XVI. Anyone wishing to operate a drone on U-M property—or faculty, students, and staff conducting U-M activities off U-M property—must comply with university guidelines and federal regulations.

Before operating a drone, review the following requirements:

NOTE: As of November, 2025, users are reporting an error when trying to download the FASCSA Orders from SAM.gov without a login. You must set up an account and log in (no fee) to successfully download the FASCSA Orders. The federal service help desk has created an escalation ticket, and we are hopeful for a prompt resolution.

Effective December 22, 2025, new federal regulations will restrict the purchase or operation of drones that have been sold, manufactured, or assembled by suppliers on the Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act (“FASCSA”) list.

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