NIJ FY 2026 Research and Evaluation on Drones as First Responders
National Institute of Justice · National Institute of Justice Research, Evaluation, and Development Project Grants (16.560)
Posted 22 Oct 2026 · 38 days left
In plain terms
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.
Summary from the donor's own text; the full wording is below.
Summary
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.
Excerpt from the donor's page. The full text, annexes and forms are on the original call.
Who can apply
- Government body
- Academic or research institution
- Community-based organisation
- NGO / civil society
- Private company
Eligibility and conditions
Show the eligibility text from the source
Applicant types: Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized); County governments; Independent school districts; Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification); Private institutions of higher education; 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; Small businesses; City or township governments; Public and State controlled institutions of higher education; Special district governments; For profit organizations other than small businesses; State governments; Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
Other Units of Local Government