Synopsis

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.
Response Date	Nov 30, 2026 12:00:00 AM EST
Posting Date	Oct 22, 2026 12:00:00 AM EDT
Archive Date
Award Ceiling	3,500,000
Award Floor	N/a
Cost Sharing	No

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

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

Additional Info on Eligibility:

Other Units of Local Government

Additional Information

Agency Name	National Institute of Justice
Link to Additional Information:	Full Announcement
Grantor Contact Information:	If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact: GrantSolutions Help Desk Phone: 202-616-5314

CFDA Program(s)

• 16.560: National Institute of Justice Research, Evaluation, and Development Project Grants