NIJ FY 2026 Research and Evaluation on Drones as First Responders
USDOJ-OJP-NIJ Posted O-NIJ-2026-172805
Close Date:
November 30, 2026
30 days remaining
Description
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.
Eligibility
Other Units of Local Government
Actions
Funding Details
- Award Floor
- Not specified
- Award Ceiling
- $3,500,000.00
- Total Estimated Funding
- $3,500,000.00
- Expected Awards
- 6
Key Dates
- Posted
- October 22, 2026
- Closes
- November 30, 2026 30d
- Archive Date
- N/A
Agency Information
- Agency Name
- National Institute of Justice
- Agency Code
- USDOJ-OJP-NIJ
- Funding Instrument
- Other