FY26 COPS Technology and Equipment Program

The COPS Technology and Equipment Program is administered by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, a component of the U.S. Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The program aligns with federal priorities to improve public safety and strengthen relationships between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. Through grant funding, the agency supports state, local, territorial, and Tribal law enforcement entities by providing resources that enhance operational effectiveness, communication, and crime prevention strategies. This funding opportunity is authorized under longstanding federal statutes governing public safety and law enforcement assistance. This program is structured as a noncompetitive and invitational funding opportunity, meaning that only entities specifically designated in the Congressional Joint Explanatory Statement associated with the relevant appropriations act are eligible to apply. The purpose of the program is to support the development and acquisition of law enforcement equipment, technologies, and interoperable communication systems. These investments are intended to improve the ability of agencies to respond to and prevent crime, enhance information sharing across jurisdictions, and expand the implementation of community policing practices. Funded equipment must comply with applicable standards established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Funding provided through this program can be used for a range of allowable costs directly tied to the acquisition and implementation of equipment and technology. Applicants must ensure that all proposed expenses are reasonable, necessary, and clearly aligned with the project scope identified in the congressional designation. Costs must be documented with detailed justifications and calculations, and all expenditures are subject to federal cost principles and program-specific requirements. Certain activities and costs are explicitly disallowed, and applicants are required to consult the program guidance to ensure compliance. Eligibility is limited to government entities and other organizations identified in the congressional funding directive. This includes state governments, local governments, tribal governments, and other designated entities whose names match those listed in the official documentation. Applicants must also meet administrative requirements such as maintaining an active registration in the System for Award Management and ensuring that their legal entity name aligns with federal records. Additional statutory compliance requirements apply, including provisions related to information sharing policies. The application process involves a two-step submission. First, applicants must complete and submit the SF-424 form through Grants.gov by the stated deadline. Second, applicants must complete the full application package in the Justice Grants system, which includes standard applicant information, budget documentation, and required narrative components such as a proposal abstract. The abstract must summarize the project in clear, public-facing language without including sensitive or personally identifiable information. Additional attachments may be required depending on the nature of the proposed project. Applications are reviewed for completeness, responsiveness, and alignment with program objectives. While the opportunity is noncompetitive, submissions must still meet all requirements and demonstrate that the proposed project effectively supports the program’s goals. The agency evaluates whether proposed activities are appropriate, cost-effective, and consistent with allowable uses of funds. Performance reporting is required after award, and success is measured based on progress toward stated objectives and outcomes. Key dates for this funding opportunity include the release of the notice in early June, a Grants.gov submission deadline in mid-July, and a subsequent deadline for completing the full application in late July. Award notifications are anticipated to begin on or after early October, and funded projects are expected to operate over a 24-month performance period beginning in late January of the funding year. Applicants may contact the COPS Office Response Center or designated technical support resources for assistance throughout the application process.

Ensure all costs are clearly justified and directly tied to the congressionally designated project; write a clear public-facing abstract without sensitive information; ensure compliance with allowable cost rules