The 69th Legislative Assembly has approved funding to support the use of autonomous technology in law enforcement operations across North Dakota. Through the Office of the Attorney General, this grant program will assist individuals and organizations that provide technological solutions to aid the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).
This initiative supports the use of innovative tools to improve:
- Missing person searches
- Crime scene reconstruction
- Law enforcement first-response operations
- Event Security Operations
This funding is intended as a one-time investment to enhance public safety capabilities through advanced technology.
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Now Accepting Applications
- Application Deadline: Wednesday, July 15, 2026, by 11:59 PM (Central Time)
- Apply Here: [Link to Application]
- Submit to: agogrants@nd.gov
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Eligibility Requirements
Who Can Apply:
- Individuals or entities capable of providing or operating autonomous technology that supports BCI’s law enforcement efforts.
Certification Requirement:
- Applicants must certify that the use of the technology directly supports:
- Missing person searches
- Crime scene reconstruction
- Law enforcement first-response operations
- Event Security Operations
Drone Policy
- Must provide an agency or regional team policy with the application governing the use of this equipment.
Quote and Specs
- Must provide quote with application that details the item(s) being purchased and that it meets the federal requirements.
Funding Availability
- The total funding available under this grant program is $250,000.
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Authorized Uses
Grant funds may be used for:
- Operation of autonomous technology
- Contracting for autonomous technology services
- Implementation and deployment of qualifying technology
- Other related uses as approved by the Attorney General
Must aid the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) upon request(s).
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Prohibited Uses
Grant funds cannot be used for:
- Activities unrelated to the authorized law enforcement purposes
- Uses not approved by the Attorney General
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Eligible Technology
Autonomous Technology includes, but is not limited to:
- Drones (uncrewed aircraft systems)
- Autonomous vehicles
- Other self-operating systems, processes, or technologies
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Federal Compliance Requirements
All equipment, technology, and services purchased or used under this grant must comply with applicable federal laws and regulations, including:
National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)
- Prohibits the purchase or use of certain telecommunications and video surveillance equipment from restricted or prohibited foreign entities
American Security Drone Act of 2023
- Restricts the use of federal funds for the purchase or operation of drones manufactured by covered foreign entities
- Requires use of approved or secure drone technology
Buy America Act
- Requires that certain equipment and products purchased with grant funds be manufactured in the United States, unless a waiver applies
Applicants are responsible for ensuring all equipment and services meet these federal requirements. Documentation or certification of compliance may be required.
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Application & Award Timeline
- June 2026: Notice of funding opportunity released
- July 15, 2026: Application deadline
- July 31, 2026: Application review and approval
- August 2026: Award notifications issued
- June 30, 2027: Grant period concludes
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Grant Period
- Start Date: August 1, 2026
- End Date: June 30, 2027
This is one-time funding, and continued funding beyond this period is not guaranteed.
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Awardee Requirements
Reimbursement Requirements:
This is a reimbursement-based grant. All submitted expenses must include full and detailed documentation, including:
- Invoices
- Financial documentation
Required Reports:
This grant must provide a written report on the items below prior to closing of the grant.
- Description of how funds were used
- Operational outcomes or results
- Supporting documentation as requested
- Reimbursement may be withheld for incomplete or late reports
Additional Requirements:
- Site visits or desk reviews may be conducted during the funding cycle.
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Legislative Reporting and Oversight
In accordance with Senate Bill No. 2018 (69th Legislative Assembly), the Office of the Attorney General is required to report to the Appropriations Committees of the Legislative Assembly on the use of funds and outcomes of programs supported by the Autonomous Technology Grant. Information that must be reported by grantees to the Office of the Attorney General will include statistics and other information related to the following:
- A list of grant recipients
- The amount of funding awarded
- A description of how the funds were used
The Attorney General will also report to Legislative Management during the 2027–2029 session on the overall status and results of the grant program.
To support these statutory reporting obligations, all grantees must ensure timely, complete, and accurate data submission in their progress reports. This data will inform the Attorney General’s interim and biennial reports to the legislature.
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Need Assistance?
For questions about the application process, contact Grants Management at
701-328-2210.