No funds awarded

Funding plan

The primary target is the next cycle of the COPS CPD Microgrants UAS subcategory, up to $200,000 with no local match. The FY26 first-step deadline of August 17, 2026 has passed, so FY26 is closed to a new applicant. A $195,000 working budget shows why the aircraft cannot consume the whole award. No funds have been awarded.

The first pilot may need no federal grant at all

The revised plan's first aircraft is modest, and its costs (aircraft, training two facility pilots, a simple dock or enclosure, lighting) are far below the original concept's. How they are split between the facility, local supporters, and any small grant is an open question, and no arrangement exists. ?Open question The federal grant strategy below now belongs mainly to the later, county-operated phase. ▸Proposal

For the later phase: COPS CPD Microgrants, next viable cycle

The U.S. Department of Justice COPS Office's CPD Microgrants program has a dedicated Unmanned Aerial Systems subcategory that names search and rescue, pursuit operations, barricaded subjects, digital evidence, and wellness checks as uses, and gives priority consideration to projects with a comprehensive evaluation component. ✓Verified

The FY26 reference figures: maximum award $200,000, a 24-month performance period, and no local match required. ✓Verified The FY26 Grants.gov first-step deadline was August 17, 2026 and has passed; a new applicant that did not complete that step cannot start an FY26 application, so the working target is the next cycle. ✓Verified If the county already submitted the first step, county personnel should immediately verify whether the JustGrants second step (August 24, 2026) can still be completed. ?Open question

The application would be framed as a measurable demonstration of a public-private host-site model that extends the Sheriff's existing drone program, never as purchasing equipment for a private business. ▸Proposal

Sources: cops.usdoj.gov, CPD Microgrants · checked 2026-08-23

Other layers

• Byrne JAG: can support law-enforcement technology, but UAS purchases need express prior approval, a certification based on the DCMA Blue UAS Cleared List, and adequate privacy, civil-liberties, and cybersecurity policies. ✓Verified
• Colorado SHSP / Homeland Security Grant Program: applicants work through their regional coordinator; stronger if the proposal emphasizes regional situational awareness, critical infrastructure, wildland fire, hazardous materials, and mutual aid. ✓Verified
• FEMA EMPG: flows through the state, commonly requires cost sharing; likely more suitable for planning, training, and integration than the aircraft package. ✓Verified
• COPS Technology and Equipment / congressional community project funding: a future request through the congressional delegation could fund a later site or a regional package. ▸Proposal
• Host and local contributions: in-kind space, power, internet and access; host funds could cover private-benefit elements such as fixed cameras, while grant funds cover the public-safety system. ▸Proposal

Sources: bja.ojp.gov, UAS requirements · dhsem.colorado.gov, HSGP · fema.gov, EMPG · checked 2026-08-23

The $195,000 working budget

This is a planning allocation, not a quote. It exists to show why the aircraft and camera cannot consume the entire award. ≈Planning estimate

Implications: a $49,900 base Perimeter 8 fits only if the camera, radio, training, and site costs stay controlled; a high-end camera payload could force the total above the cap, with host or local funds covering the difference; the IF800 package leaves the most room but sacrifices endurance. The ideal request targets roughly $175,000 to $195,000, with a documented in-kind host contribution and an alternate reduced scope. ≈Planning estimate

Published August 24, 2026 at 00:38 UTC. Last updated August 24, 2026 at 01:30 UTC. Times come from this page's revision history and can be checked against it.