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Air Innovation Range in Kansas (AIR KS) grant

The Kansas Department of Commerce is seeking competitive proposals from qualified applicants to advance Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) capabilities within the State of Kansas. This one-time targeted investment directed by the 2026 HB2513 for FY2027 is intended for a Kansas-based UAS test range focused on attracting and developing agriculture, rural healthcare, defense, and other emerging technologies.

The program seeks to leverage the State’s one-time investment to:

Expand BVLOS navigation infrastructure and operational capabilities;
Increase commercial, public-sector, research, and industry utilization;
Accelerate commercialization and attract investment in agriculture, rural healthcare, defense, and emerging technologies;
Strengthen public-private partnerships and the broader Kansas BVLOS ecosystem; and
Support the long-term operation, maintenance, and growth of a Kansas-based UAS test range.

Application Information

The Kansas Department of Commerce is seeking competitive proposals from qualified applicants to advance Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) capabilities within the State of Kansas. Projects should be Kansas non-competitive in nature. This one-time targeted investment directed by the 2026 HB2513 for FY2027 is intended for a Kansas-based UAS test range focused on attracting and developing agriculture, rural healthcare, defense, and other emerging technologies.

The application is located within Salesforce which will require the applicant to create an account. Once an account is created, they can begin filling out the application.

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About

Funding Amount

Total Funding Available: $2,000,000
Max Award Amount: $2,000,000

Eligible Entities

The applicant can be one of the following entities: Airport Authorities, Airport Sponsors, Municipalities, Counties, Other Governmental Entities, Private Companies, Nonprofit Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education, Tribal Governments, and Partnerships among such organizations possessing the technical, managerial, and financial capability necessary to successfully perform the work described. The application is designed for one applicant; however, partnerships and coalitions of agencies are encouraged.

Eligible Uses

Improvements to navigation infrastructure, technology systems, and operational capability. Depending on project scope, additional expenses could include software enhancements, professional services, equipment, infrastructure, or project management costs.