The easing of restrictions coincides with the launch of the Blue sUAS program and the Trump administration's push to "buy American" to ensure cybersecurity.

It's part of director Brett Goldstein's desire to push the group to do more applied work in critical areas.

Mark Bathrik also explained why the Department of the Interior works with UAS vendors on security instead of simply banning noncompliant products.

The small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) can be taken on patrols in the back of a pickup truck.