NIJ FY 2026 Research and Evaluation on Drones as First Responders

Source-based overview

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. The official record contains the controlling eligibility, budget, attachment and submission requirements for opportunity O-NIJ-2026-172805.

Eligibility

Eligible applicant types listed by the agency: Small businesses; State governments; Private institutions of higher education; Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; County governments; Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification); Special district governments; For profit organizations other than small businesses; Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized); Public and State controlled institutions of higher education; Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments); City or township governments; Independent school districts; Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities. Applicants must also satisfy every programme-specific condition in the official notice.

Funding and benefits

Award ceiling: USD 3,500,000

Expected number of awards: 6

Themes and supported activities

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.

Opportunity number: O-NIJ-2026-172805

Deadline and timeline

Applications close 2026-11-30: Applications close 2026-11-30: Nov 30, 2026.

Applicants should confirm the exact deadline time, time zone, required documents, portal steps and any institutional approvals on the official call page before submitting.

How to apply

Open the official Grants.gov record, review the full notice and attachments, and use the application package or agency route stated there.

Before applying, check eligibility rules, budgets, attachments, page limits, partner requirements, cost-share conditions and whether the opportunity uses an expression of interest, full proposal, registration or nomination stage.