DNR AAM Statewide Mobility Challenges

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) seeks to modernize its aerial operations by replacing non-NDAA drones and adding VTOL fixed-wing mapping capacity. These upgrades aim to expand safe, compliant coverage for wildfire, forest health, and large-scale mapping, delivering faster, higher-quality data and reducing risk to personnel. This challenge is part of the broader AAM Statewide Mobility Challenges run by the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME), which leverage Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technologies to solve agency problems, drive commercial market growth, activate production capacity, and build public understanding. Eligible projects must provide transformative AAM solutions addressing these specific DNR needs. The application period opens on October 27, 2025, with information sessions held on November 6 and 10, 2025. Applications must be submitted by December 5, 2025, and selected companies will be notified by January 26, 2026.