MDARD AAM Statewide Mobility Challenges

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), in partnership with the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME), is exploring Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technologies to modernize pesticide drift investigations in Michigan. The goal of this challenge is to utilize unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to collect hazardous samples, detect pesticide residues, and visualize plant damage, reducing response times to 24 to 48 hours while ensuring inspector safety and delivering faster, smarter, and safer agricultural oversight.

Applicants are not required to be based in Michigan, but their application must include a clear plan for growth within the state. Consistent with federal and state priorities for domestic drone manufacturing, proposals showcasing a commitment to building and expanding drone production within Michigan receive priority consideration. Applicants must work collaboratively with MDARD, address the identified agency challenge, and provide matching funds in financial resources or fair-market-value in-kind contributions.

Eligible projects must demonstrably leverage AAM technologies, such as UAS, advanced sensors, and AI-powered analytics. Projects must integrate seamlessly with existing department systems, provide direct and quantifiable economic benefits to Michigan (such as job creation, cost savings, or operational efficiency), and include a deployment plan within Michigan that complies with all relevant aviation and UAS regulations. Projects must also demonstrate scalability and long-term financial and operational sustainability beyond the pilot period.

The application period opens February 2, 2026, with virtual information sessions held on February 10 and February 12, 2026. Completed proposals must be submitted by March 31, 2026. Proposals are evaluated on a best value basis by a review committee assessing project description, alignment with state goals, team capacity and experience, interoperability, post-pilot sustainability, matching funds, proposal quality, and cost. Selected companies are notified by May 11, 2026.