Know where every part in your drone comes from.
Sourcing compliance assessments for drone makers, component suppliers and the agencies that buy from them. We trace your parts list against NDAA Section 848, the FCC Covered List and Drone Dominance requirements, then show you what to replace.
| Component | Maker origin | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Airframe | China | Out of scope |
| Flight controller | China | Non-compliant |
| GNSS + compass | China | Non-compliant |
| Telemetry radio | China | Non-compliant |
| ESC | China | Non-compliant |
| Servos | China | Verify |
| Motor | China | Non-compliant |
| Battery | China | Non-compliant |
| Propellers | United States | Out of scope |
| Power connectors | China | Out of scope |
| Companion computer | United Kingdom | Compliant |
| Camera module | UK, Japanese sensor | Verify |
| RC link | China | Non-compliant |
| Airspeed sensor | China | Non-compliant |
| Flight firmware | Open source | Verify |
| Ground station software | Open source | Verify |
The deadlines are already set.
Sourcing rules for drones tighten through 2027. A parts list that passes today may not pass at your next delivery.
FCC adds foreign-produced drones and critical components to the Covered List.
Drone Dominance assembly-level sourcing requirements take effect.
FCC carve-outs for Blue UAS and domestic products are scheduled to expire.
Drone Dominance adds non-covered battery cells, GNSS receivers and US-controlled firmware.
Dates as published through October 2026. Rules have changed roughly monthly; we track them for monitoring clients.
What we check
Start with a parts-list review. Add the other services when a contract, submission or deadline calls for them.
Parts-list review
Every line traced to its manufacturer, country of origin and distributor, then checked against Section 848, the American Security Drone Act, Section 889, the 1260H list, the FCC Covered List and the 65% domestic-content test. Every transmitter is also checked for a valid FCC ID.
You get: a part-by-part compliance table, a gap report and replacement options.
Teardown verification
We take apart a production unit and compare it to the parts list: chip markings, modules, connectors and firmware sources. This is how relabeled and counterfeit parts get caught.
You get: a photographed teardown report.
Supplier and firmware review
Foreign ownership and control checks on your suppliers, and confirmation of where firmware and ground-station software are hosted and controlled.
You get: supplier risk findings.
Blue UAS readiness review
Before you pay for a formal Blue UAS assessment, we review your parts list, sourcing records and documentation against what Recognized Assessors evaluate, and close the gaps first. We also assemble documentation for Green UAS applications and FCC domestic-product claims.
You get: a gap report and an organized documentation package for your assessor or filing.
Ongoing monitoring
We watch the rule changes and re-check your parts list when they land, so a supplier swap or a new listing doesn't surprise you at delivery.
You get: monthly status updates and alerts.
Who we work with
Drone makers
Startups and small manufacturers preparing for Drone Dominance, Blue UAS listing or the FCC deadline.
Component suppliers
Motor, battery, electronics and harness makers who need documented provenance to sell upstream.
Government buyers
State and local agencies, first responders and utilities verifying drones before they buy.
Primes and assessors
Integrators vetting suppliers, and assessment firms that need parts tracing or teardown support.
How an assessment runs
A typical parts-list review takes one to three weeks, depending on its size and how much supplier documentation you already have.
Send your parts list
Your bill of materials with part numbers, plus any supplier certificates you hold. We sign an NDA first if you need one.
We trace each part
Manufacturer, country of origin and distributor for every line, checked against the rules that bind your customer.
We verify the hardware
Optional teardown of a production unit to confirm the parts list matches what's actually built.
You get the report
Findings, a compliance table and a remediation plan with replacement parts, plus a walkthrough call.
Findings are technical assessments, not legal opinions or certifications. Blue UAS listing decisions are made by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) through its Recognized Assessors. We work alongside your counsel and can refer you to trade-compliance attorneys.
About Philo Environmental
Philo Environmental LLC started in environmental site characterization and public-sector procurement: work built on regulations, chain-of-custody records and field verification. Supply-chain compliance for drones uses the same discipline.
We also build autonomous sensor systems ourselves, so we know what sourcing a compliant drone actually takes, from flight controller to power connector.
Founded and led by Daniel Philo, PG, a licensed Professional Geologist in California and Utah.
NATO Innovation Challenge finalist
Project DADS, an on-device acoustic detection and tracking platform, presented to NATO HQ SACT evaluators.
Government procurement support
RFP execution and subconsultant partnering for municipal and public-sector solicitations.
Hands-on UAS builds
Our test article is an ArduPilot fixed-wing platform with an onboard companion computer. Its parts list is the subject of our sample assessment.
Start with your parts list.
Email us your bill of materials, or ask for the full sample assessment first. We reply within two business days.
contact@philoenvironmental.com