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National Institute of Justice · United States

NIJ FY 2026 Research and Evaluation on Drones as First Responders

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National Institute of Justice expects to make 6 awards of up to $3.5 million each, from a total budget of $3.5 million. Applications close on 30 Nov 2026. Eligible applicant types include state governments, private institutions of higher education, nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education and 12 more.

About this call

This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the NIJ FY 2026 Research and Evaluation on Drones as First Responders. This opportunity seeks proposals for rigorous evaluations of implementations of drone technology to combat violent crime, immigration enforcement, and other law enforcement activities.

The goal of this NOFO is to provide actionable information about police implementation of small drones through a collaboration between law enforcement agencies and researchers. NIJ welcomes research and evaluation of drones as first responders (DFR) capabilities, including evaluation of existing capabilities or pilot programs at police departments already using DFR, as well as implementation of new pilot programs or demonstrations. NIJ expects research entities and law enforcement agencies to collaborate on implementing DFR and evaluating operational performance. Law enforcement agencies participating in evaluations will have the option to retain any DFR technology purchased through the NOFO at the study’s conclusion.

Who can apply

• State governments
• Private institutions of higher education
• Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
• Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
• Independent school districts
• Small businesses
• Special district governments
• Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
• Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
• Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
• For profit organizations other than small businesses
• County governments
• City or township governments
• Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
• Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities

Other Units of Local Government

Applicant categories are a starting point. The official call decides eligibility.

Topics

Science and Technology and other Research and Development

How to apply

1. Read the full notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) linked from the official page: eligibility, cost sharing and evaluation criteria.
2. Make sure your organisation has an active SAM.gov registration and Unique Entity ID (UEI); registration can take several weeks.
3. Register with Grants.gov and set up a Workspace for this opportunity, with the right roles for your organisation.
4. Prepare the required forms, narrative, budget and attachments exactly as the NOFO specifies.
5. Submit before the deadline and keep the tracking number. Check for amendments before you submit.

From the call text

Who can apply

Not stated in the call text we hold — check the official page

Company stage

Not stated in the call text we hold — check the official page

Single applicant or consortium

Not stated in the call text we hold — check the official page

Where applicants must be based

Not stated in the call text we hold — check the official page

Where to apply

Not stated in the call text we hold — check the official page

Contact

National Institute of Justice · OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov · 202-616-5314

Where these facts come from

Official sources

Official call page · Funder's programme page

Facts on this page come from the funder’s official data, taken on 13 Nov 2026. The funder's own documents, including later amendments, always take precedence.

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