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OpenFederal grantOpen to for-profit businessesO-NIJ-2026-172805

NIJ FY 2026 Research and Evaluation on Drones as First Responders

National Institute of JusticeCloses Nov 30, 2026(38 days left)Up to $3,500,000

Does this fit your business?

This NIJ program funds rigorous research and evaluation of drone-as-first-responder (DFR) programs, run jointly by researchers and law enforcement agencies. It is for teams that can study police drone operations, not for businesses selling drones or services without a research partnership. If you are not working with a law enforcement agency or cannot run a serious evaluation, do not bother applying.

Best for
Universities and research institutions partnering with police departments, Law enforcement agencies running or piloting DFR programs, Small businesses or nonprofits that can lead a rigorous DFR evaluation, State, local, or tribal governments collaborating on DFR research
Not for
Businesses without a law enforcement research partnership, Organizations wanting funding unrelated to drone research or evaluation, Construction, agriculture, housing, or other industries with no law enforcement angle
Estimated fit by industry, best first
IndustryEstimated fit
Technology & SoftwareMatches your industry (technology, tech)
74
Good Match
Education & TrainingLimit: Nothing in this notice points to education & training
54
Possible Match
Energy & Clean TechLimit: Nothing in this notice points to energy & clean tech
54
Possible Match
Environment & ConservationLimit: Nothing in this notice points to environment & conservation
54
Possible Match
Food & BeverageLimit: Nothing in this notice points to food & beverage
54
Possible Match
Healthcare & BiotechLimit: Nothing in this notice points to healthcare & biotech
54
Possible Match
Show all 15 industries
Estimated fit by industry, best first
IndustryEstimated fit
Social Services & NonprofitLimit: Nothing in this notice points to social services & nonprofit
54
Possible Match
Transportation & LogisticsLimit: Nothing in this notice points to transportation & logistics
54
Possible Match
Arts & CultureLimit: Nothing in this notice points to arts & culture
53
Possible Match
Finance & BankingLimit: Nothing in this notice points to finance & banking
53
Possible Match
Retail & E-CommerceLimit: Nothing in this notice points to retail & e-commerce
53
Possible Match
Housing & Real EstateLimit: Nothing in this notice points to housing & real estate
52
Possible Match
ManufacturingLimit: Nothing in this notice points to manufacturing
52
Possible Match
Agriculture & FarmingLimit: Nothing in this notice points to agriculture & farming
49
Possible Match
Construction & InfrastructureLimit: Nothing in this notice points to construction & infrastructure
48
Possible Match

These are our matcher’s estimates for a typical business in each industry. A real match depends on your size, your state and what you need the money for — check your own fit.

What this funds

Money can be used for
Research, Evaluation, Equipment, Technical assistance, Planning
Who can apply
Small businesses, For-profit companies, Nonprofits, State and local governments, Tribal governments and organizations, Colleges and universities, Other applicants (see eligibility)
Award range
Up to $3,500,000

Questions about this grant

When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is November 30, 2026. The notice was posted October 22, 2026.
How much funding can an applicant receive?
Awards range from $0 to $3,500,000, with total program funding of $3,500,000 and about 6 awards expected. There is no cost sharing requirement.
Who can apply for this grant?
Eligible applicants include public and private institutions of higher education, small businesses and other for-profit organizations, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, state and local governments, special district governments, independent school districts, public housing authorities, and Native American tribal governments and organizations. Others may be eligible under the 'Other Units of Local Government' eligibility text.
Can a nonprofit apply?
Yes. Both nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education) are listed as eligible applicants.

Summary

NIJ funds rigorous research and evaluation of drone-as-first-responder programs, in collaboration between researchers and law enforcement agencies. Eligible applicants include universities, small businesses, for-profits, nonprofits, state/local/tribal governments, and school districts. Funds support evaluations, pilot programs, and DFR technology purchases retained by participating agencies.

About this grant

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

Other Units of Local Government

Topics and uses of funds

Topics

  • Public safety
  • Technology
  • Research
  • Law enforcement

Program contact

National Institute of JusticeOJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov202-616-5314

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