Every term, in plain words
145 terms: what each one stands for, what it means, and why a drone founder should care. Underlined terms across the site show this definition when you hover or tap.
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- 8(a)SBA 8(a) Business Development program
SBA certification for small disadvantaged businesses.
Why it matters: Some buys are set aside for 8(a) firms.
A
- A2EAir-launched effects
Small drones or payloads launched from aircraft.
Why it matters: Some SOCOM assessment events target it.
- AALArmy Applications Laboratory
Army office that finds and tests commercial tech.
Why it matters: Runs open calls for autonomy and unmanned tech.
- ACCArmy Contracting Command, or Air Combat Command
Same letters, two organizations. Read the notice to see which one.
Why it matters: ACC-Redstone and ACC-APG sign Army drone deals. Air Combat Command posted the counter-drone-as-a-service notice.
- AFLCMCAir Force Life Cycle Management Center
The Air Force office that buys and maintains systems.
Why it matters: Posts many Air Force small-drone RFIs and Calls.
- AFWERXAir Force innovation hub (a name, not an acronym)
Runs challenges and early buys for the Air Force.
Why it matters: An early door for prototypes.
- AIArtificial intelligence
Software that learns from data to perform tasks.
Why it matters: Autonomy and C2 software lanes depend on it.
- AMTC / NAC/NEST / TReX II / C5 / SOSSEC / NAMCNames of defense contracting consortia
Member groups that run Other Transaction competitions in specific tech areas.
Why it matters: See chapter 07 for which ones touch drones.
- AOIArea of Interest
The topic category a CSO or Call lists for pitches.
Why it matters: The Army Drone Marketplace CSO says briefs without the AOI in the email subject line will not be reviewed.
- ASDAAmerican Security Drone Act
Law banning federal buying, operation and funding of covered foreign drones.
Why it matters: Reaches federal buys, operations and grant-funded activity, including DHS, subject to the law's exceptions and waivers.
- ATECArmy Test and Evaluation Command
Runs the Army's national test ranges.
Why it matters: You can book range time to generate test data.
- AUSAAssociation of the United States Army
Army trade association with a large annual meeting.
Why it matters: The Army often announces drone plans there.
- AUVSIAssociation for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International
Industry trade group.
Why it matters: Runs Green UAS certification.
B
- BISBureau of Industry and Security
Commerce Department export-control office.
Why it matters: Runs EAR licensing for dual-use drones.
- Blue ListFormerly Blue UAS
Government list of drones and parts cleared to buy, run by DCMA.
Why it matters: Required for Drone Dominance deliveries and GSA sales, and one of the FCC exemptions.
- BLUFBottom line up front
Put the answer in the first lines.
Why it matters: Reviewers skim. Lead with what you deliver.
- BOABasic Ordering Agreement
Pre-agreed terms and prices. Not a purchase.
Why it matters: Getting a BOA is a hunting license. You still have to sell to units.
- BOMBill of materials
Your full parts list.
Why it matters: The basis for every compliance check.
- BPABlanket Purchase Agreement
A standing agreement for repeat small buys.
Why it matters: Fort Drum and USAREUR-AF use them for small-drone buys.
- BVLOSBeyond visual line of sight
Flying where the pilot can't see the drone.
Why it matters: Needs an FAA waiver until Part 108 is final.
C
- C-UAS / C-sUASCounter-unmanned aircraft systems / counter-small UAS
Tech that detects and defeats drones.
Why it matters: A separate market with its own marketplace and task force.
- C2Command and control
Software to direct drones and share data.
Why it matters: A distinct product lane on the pathway map.
- C3PAOCertified Third-Party Assessment Organization
Accredited outside CMMC auditor.
Why it matters: That Phase II audit is paused for now.
- CAGECommercial and Government Entity code
Your defense supplier ID, assigned through SAM.
Why it matters: Every notice response asks for it.
- CBPCustoms and Border Protection
DHS border agency.
Why it matters: Posts its own drone buys, some controlled and some set aside.
- CCLCommerce Control List
Commerce Department list of controlled dual-use items.
Why it matters: Dual-use drones usually fall in Category 9.
- CDAOChief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office
Pentagon AI and data office.
Why it matters: Runs Tradewinds.
- Ceiling
The most a contract can ever pay.
Why it matters: Not revenue. Money arrives order by order.
- CFRCode of Federal Regulations
The published rules of federal agencies.
Why it matters: FAA, SBA and export rules live here.
- CIOChief Information Officer
An agency's top technology official.
Why it matters: DoW's CIO issued the CMMC suspension guidance.
- CMMCCybersecurity Maturity Model Certification
Defense cyber certification program.
Why it matters: Level 1/2 self-assessments are in force. Third-party audits are paused.
- COContracting Officer
The only official who can legally sign a contract.
Why it matters: Your point of contact on every notice.
- CoOCountry of origin
Where a part was made.
Why it matters: A column in your parts matrix (Template E).
- CQB / DSClose-quarters battle / Deep strike
The two Drone Dominance Phase 3 drone types.
Why it matters: Each has a fixed government price.
- CRContinuing Resolution
Stopgap law that keeps funding at last year's levels.
Why it matters: New programs often wait until full-year funding passes.
- CRSCongressional Research Service
Nonpartisan research office for Congress.
Why it matters: Its reports explain programs in plain terms.
- CSOCommercial Solutions Opening
A standing notice inviting short pitches for commercial tech.
Why it matters: The main open door at the Army, DIU, JIATF-401 and the Air Force.
- CUIControlled Unclassified Information
Sensitive government info that isn't classified.
Why it matters: Handling it triggers DFARS 7012 and NIST 800-171.
- CVAConsortium Vendor Agreement
The agreement you sign to join the Drone OTA Consortium.
Why it matters: Part of the application.
D
- DAWGDefense Autonomous Warfare Group
Replicator's successor, hosted by SOCOM.
Why it matters: Buys larger attack drones. No open door yet.
- DCMADefense Contract Management Agency
Defense agency that oversees contractors.
Why it matters: Runs the Blue List through US-X.
- DCSADefense Counterintelligence and Security Agency
Handles facility clearances and foreign-ownership reviews.
Why it matters: Foreign investors can trigger its review.
- DDPDrone Dominance Program
Test-then-buy program for cheap one-way attack drones.
Why it matters: $1.1B at fixed prices. Delivery decides who gets paid.
- DFARSDefense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement
Defense-specific contract rules.
Why it matters: Clause 252.204-7012 sets your cyber duties.
- DHSDepartment of Homeland Security
Includes CBP, the Coast Guard and FEMA.
Why it matters: The biggest non-DoD drone buyer.
- Directed requirement
A fast-track Army requirement approved to meet an urgent need.
Why it matters: PDW and Anduril won one for company-level drones.
- DIUDefense Innovation Unit
Pentagon office that buys commercial tech fast.
Why it matters: Co-runs Drone Dominance and runs its own CSO.
- DoD / DoWDepartment of Defense / Department of War
The same department. Notices use both names.
Why it matters: Search SAM.gov under both.
- DRPM-UxSDirect Reporting Portfolio Manager for Unmanned Systems
New office overseeing almost every drone budget line.
Why it matters: The future center of drone money. No vendor door yet.
- DVIDSDefense Visual Information Distribution Service
Pentagon news and media site.
Why it matters: Hosts many service announcements.
E
- EARExport Administration Regulations
Commerce export rules for dual-use items.
Why it matters: Classify products before you sell abroad.
- ECCNExport Control Classification Number
The code that sets export rules for a dual-use item.
Why it matters: Classify before you sell abroad.
- EMSOElectromagnetic spectrum operations
Military use and control of radio frequencies.
Why it matters: A recurring theme in prizes and RFIs.
- ETEastern time
U.S. Eastern time zone.
Why it matters: Every deadline in this playbook is in ET.
F
- FAAFederal Aviation Administration
Regulates civil flight.
Why it matters: Part 107 covers demos and civil customers.
- FAQFrequently asked questions
An agency's question-and-answer page.
Why it matters: Useful, but the rule text governs if they differ.
- FARFederal Acquisition Regulation
The main federal buying rulebook.
Why it matters: CSOs and OTAs work around parts of it.
- FCCFederal Communications Commission
Approves radio-emitting devices.
Why it matters: Foreign drones and parts can't get new FCC approvals. Blue-listed items are exempt for now.
- FCLFacility clearance
Permission for a company to access classified work.
Why it matters: You can't sponsor yourself. A government office or cleared contractor must.
- FEMAFederal Emergency Management Agency
DHS agency that gives states grants.
Why it matters: Counter-drone grant money flows to states, which buy from vendors.
- FFPFirm-fixed-price
You get paid a set price no matter your costs.
Why it matters: Drone Dominance and marketplace BOAs use it. Know your unit cost.
- FMSForeign Military Sales
Government-to-government sales to allies.
Why it matters: FMS Fast Lane opens partner-nation demand.
- FOCIForeign Ownership, Control or Influence
Review of foreign investor influence.
Why it matters: Can sink awards late. Review your cap table early.
- FoSUASArmy Family of sUAS
An Army budget line for small drones.
Why it matters: One of the drone budget lines to watch.
- FPVFirst-person view
Drones flown through a live camera feed.
Why it matters: The core Drone Dominance drone type.
- FYFiscal year
Government year, Oct 1 to Sep 30.
Why it matters: FY27 money is requested, not passed.
G
- Gauntlet
A Drone Dominance test event flown by military operators.
Why it matters: Its scores decide who gets fixed-price orders.
- Green UAS
AUVSI's cyber and supply-chain review for drones.
Why it matters: A recognized pathway to the Blue List.
- GSA / MAS / SINGeneral Services Administration / Multiple Award Schedule / Special Item Number
GSA's catalog contract. SIN 334220 is its drone category.
Why it matters: The door to civil, state and local buyers. Blue-listed drones only.
H
- HASC / SASC / HACHouse Armed Services Committee / Senate Armed Services Committee / House Appropriations Committee
Congressional committees that set policy and funding.
Why it matters: Their marks show where drone money is headed.
- HUBZoneHistorically Underutilized Business Zone
SBA program for firms in designated areas.
Why it matters: Some buys are set aside for HUBZone firms.
I
- I-CsUASInstallation-Counter small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Marine Corps base counter-drone program.
Why it matters: The Anduril case study.
- IAPInitial Acceptance Packet
The first Blue List submission: company, product and technical data.
Why it matters: Starts your Blue List review.
- IDIQIndefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity
Master contract that orders are placed against.
Why it matters: The counter-drone marketplace runs on one.
- IOCInitial operational capability
When a system or office is first ready to operate.
Why it matters: Signals a program is starting to buy.
- ISRIntelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
Watching and gathering information.
Why it matters: A main drone mission and product lane.
- ITAR / USMLInternational Traffic in Arms Regulations / U.S. Munitions List
State Department rules for military items.
Why it matters: Certain military drones fall in USML Category VIII; other military drones are EAR 9A610 and commercial drones are EAR 9A012. Required for the Drone OTA Consortium.
- IWSInnovative Warfighter Solutions
The rolling-pitch lane of the Army Drone Marketplace CSO.
Why it matters: The broadest door into Army orders.
J
- JIATF-401Joint Interagency Task Force 401
Joint counter-drone task force.
Why it matters: Runs the counter-drone CSO and marketplace.
L
- L2CMMC Level 2
The CMMC level for companies handling CUI.
Why it matters: Self-assessment is in force; third-party audits are paused.
- LASSO(Army program name)
An Army loitering munition program.
Why it matters: A budget line in the money chapter.
- LOALetter of Offer and Acceptance
The government-to-government sales offer in FMS.
Why it matters: How allied buys are formalized.
M
- MCWLMarine Corps Warfighting Laboratory
Marine Corps experimentation lab.
Why it matters: A door for FPV attack drones.
- MOSAModular Open Systems Approach
Designs with open interfaces so parts can be swapped.
Why it matters: Likely to score well in Drone Dominance Phase 4.
N
- NAICS / PSCNorth American Industry Classification System / Product Service Code
Codes for what you make and what's bought.
Why it matters: Drones: NAICS 336411 (1,500-employee small-business limit), PSC 1550.
- NCRNational Capital Region
Washington, D.C., and nearby areas.
Why it matters: Received FY26 FEMA counter-drone grant money.
- NDAANational Defense Authorization Act
Yearly defense policy law.
Why it matters: Sections 848 and 817 ban covered-country drone parts.
- NIST SP 800-171National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication 800-171
The cyber controls contractors must meet for CUI.
Why it matters: The basis of your SPRS score. Still fully required.
- NOFANotice of Funding Availability
An announcement that funding is open for applications.
Why it matters: OSC opens loan windows this way.
- NSTXL / S2MARTSNational Security Technology Accelerator / its contracting consortium
A nonprofit and the consortium it runs.
Why it matters: Drone Dominance buys through S2MARTS.
- NSWC CraneNaval Surface Warfare Center Crane
Navy engineering and contracting center.
Why it matters: Contracts for Drone Dominance.
O
- O-6Military pay grade
Colonel (Navy captain).
Why it matters: Can now buy small drones for their units.
- Obligated
Money legally committed on a contract or order.
Why it matters: The real cash, as opposed to the ceiling.
- OMBOffice of Management and Budget
White House budget office.
Why it matters: Approves some waivers and reviews final rules.
- OSCOffice of Strategic Capital
Pentagon office that lends to manufacturers.
Why it matters: A capital source for scale-up.
- OSDOffice of the Secretary of Defense
Pentagon headquarters staff.
Why it matters: Sets drone policy and priorities.
- OT / OTAOther Transaction / Other Transaction Authority
Flexible agreements outside the FAR for prototypes and follow-on production.
Why it matters: The main contract type at DIU, consortia and Drone Dominance.
- OWAOne-way attack
Drones that strike and don't return.
Why it matters: What Drone Dominance buys.
P
- PALTProcurement administrative lead time
Time from request to signed award.
Why it matters: Tradewinds' 2025 median was 45 days.
- Part 107 / Part 108FAA rules (14 CFR)
Part 107 covers small-drone flights today; Part 108 is a proposed rule for flights beyond visual line of sight.
Why it matters: Check status before promising BVLOS work.
- PEO / PMProgram Executive Office / Program Manager
Offices that own specific programs and their budgets.
Why it matters: They decide what to buy. Example: Army PM UAS under PEO Aviation.
- PEO-FW(SOCOM office named in notices)
A SOCOM program executive office that posts assessment events.
Why it matters: Runs some autonomy events through SOFWERX.
- Pitch-anytime door
A way to pitch the government any time, not only when a specific solicitation is open.
Why it matters: Examples: CSOs, open BAAs and unsolicited proposals. See chapter 18.
- POA&M / SSPPlan of Action and Milestones / System Security Plan
Your cyber gap plan and your security description.
Why it matters: Required behind your SPRS score.
- POCPoint of contact
The one person a buyer should reach.
Why it matters: Every response needs one.
- Program of record
A formal, funded, long-term program in the budget.
Why it matters: The sticky revenue every winner here eventually reached.
R
- R&DResearch and development
Work to create or improve technology.
Why it matters: Funded by RDT&E and SBIR money.
- RCORegional Contracting Office
Local Army contracting office.
Why it matters: RCO Bavaria runs the USAREUR-AF drone BPA.
- RDT&EResearch, development, test and evaluation
Budget category for development money.
Why it matters: Funds prototypes, not production.
- RFIRequest for Information
Market research before a purchase.
Why it matters: Your free chance to shape the requirement.
- RFS / RFSB / RFPPRequest for Solutions / Request for Solution Briefs / Request for Prototype Proposals
Different "pitch us" requests, usually under OTAs.
Why it matters: Read which one you're answering. Each wants a different format.
- RWPRequest for White Papers
A request for short technical papers, often under an OTA.
Why it matters: Step one at the Drone OTA Consortium.
S
- SAAState Administrative Agency
The state office that applies for FEMA grants.
Why it matters: Your path to FEMA counter-drone money.
- SAM / UEISystem for Award Management / Unique Entity ID
The federal vendor registry and the company ID it issues.
Why it matters: Gate zero for every award.
- SBASmall Business Administration
Federal agency for small businesses.
Why it matters: Sets size standards and certifies 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB and SDVOSB.
- SBIR / STTRSmall Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer
Federal R&D money for small businesses.
Why it matters: Authorized by law through Sep 30, 2031, so the program is stable for years. Screens foreign ties.
- SDVOSBService-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
A certified small-business category.
Why it matters: Some buys are set aside for them.
- Section 889(law)
Ban on certain Chinese telecom and video gear in government contracts.
Why it matters: Report covered gear within one business day.
- Set-aside
A buy reserved for a type of small business.
Why it matters: Only helps if you hold the status named.
- SkyFoundry(Army program name)
The Army's in-house drone build effort.
Why it matters: A sign the Army also buys parts, not just drones.
- SOCOM / USSOCOMU.S. Special Operations Command
Special operations forces command.
Why it matters: Hosts DAWG and buys through SOFWERX events.
- SOFSpecial operations forces
Military special operations units.
Why it matters: SOCOM's customers.
- SOFWERXSpecial Operations innovation hub (a name)
Runs assessment events for SOCOM.
Why it matters: Some events are U.S.-citizens-only.
- SOIStatement of intent
A signed statement of plans between partners.
Why it matters: Partner nations sign one to join FMS Fast Lane.
- Sources sought
Market research to see who can do the work.
Why it matters: Often decides whether a buy is set aside.
- SPRSSupplier Performance Risk System
Where you post your cyber self-assessment score.
Why it matters: A false score carries False Claims Act (FCA) risk.
- SRRShort Range Reconnaissance
Army small-drone program.
Why it matters: Where Skydio and Red Cat won.
- sUASSmall unmanned aircraft system
Small drones.
Why it matters: The core market in this playbook.
T
- Tranche
One buying round of a program.
Why it matters: Losing one round does not close the program.
- TRLTechnology Readiness Level
A 1 to 9 maturity scale.
Why it matters: Doors on the pathway map depend on it.
- TRMCTest Resource Management Center
Pentagon test infrastructure office.
Why it matters: Co-runs Drone Dominance with DIU.
- TSMTradewinds Solutions Marketplace
CDAO's video-pitch marketplace.
Why it matters: Software sellers can become awardable there.
U
- UASUnmanned aircraft system
A drone plus its controller and data links.
Why it matters: The government's word for drone.
- US-X(DCMA office name)
The DCMA office that runs the Blue List.
Why it matters: Where Blue List packets go.
- USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Army engineering and construction command.
Why it matters: Publishes helpful SAM.gov search guides.
- USAREUR-AFU.S. Army Europe and Africa
Army command for Europe and Africa.
Why it matters: Runs its own small-drone market research.
- USCGU.S. Coast Guard
Maritime service under DHS.
Why it matters: Buys drone surveillance as a contractor-operated service.
- USMCU.S. Marine Corps
The Marine Corps.
Why it matters: Buys FPV and counter-drone systems.
- USVUncrewed surface vessel
A drone boat.
Why it matters: Some DIU calls are for USVs, not aircraft.
V
- V-BAT(product name)
Shield AI's vertical-takeoff drone.
Why it matters: The Coast Guard case study.
W
- WAWF / PIEEWide Area Workflow / Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment
The invoicing system.
Why it matters: Needed when your award pays through it.
- WOSBWomen-Owned Small Business
SBA certification for women-owned small businesses.
Why it matters: Some buys are set aside for WOSBs.
X
- xTechArmy prize competition program (a name)
Cash prizes for tech challenges.
Why it matters: Low cost way to get soldiers using your product.