Territory Public Safety Grant Guide
American Samoa Public Safety Grants
Funding pathways, territorial grant contacts, drone procurement and cybersecurity guidance, and historical allocations for American Samoa public-safety agencies.
This American Samoa public-safety grant page is part of the MAXSUR Public Safety Grant Resource Center. It is designed to help territorial agencies identify funding pathways and planning resources for law enforcement technology, drones, surveillance, communications, officer safety, forensic capabilities, traffic safety, school safety, emergency response, training, homeland security, and broader public-safety initiatives.
American Samoa agencies can plan around island logistics, maritime and port security, severe weather, communications resilience, and traffic safety. Confirm eligibility, allowable costs, deadlines, and procurement terms with the grant administrator before spending. For the federal framework, read MAXSUR’s NDAA, TAA, FCC & Blue UAS procurement guide.
Planning note: Federal award rules, territorial procurement terms, equipment authorization, and airspace rules answer different questions. No blanket territorial country-of-origin prohibition was identified in the sources reviewed as of September 26, 2026; confirm current ASG and agency policy. Foreign manufacture alone does not establish whether a particular system is allowable under a particular grant.
American Samoa Drone Procurement & Cybersecurity
Funding Rules and UAS Security for American Samoa Public Safety
Territorial agencies must evaluate the source of the money, the aircraft and its components, data handling, and where the mission will fly. A grant's eligibility for equipment does not establish that every model is eligible.
Check ASG and Agency Terms
Confirm the current territorial solicitation, grant administrator instructions, and any agency-specific sourcing or security standards.
ASDA Restricts Covered UAS
Since Dec. 22, 2025, federal award funds generally cannot procure or support operating a FASC-prohibited UAS, subject to defined exemptions and waivers.
Review the Whole System
Assess cameras, radios, networking, software, cloud storage, update paths, access controls, and retention of sensitive mission data.
Plan for FAA Airspace
Choose Part 107 or a public-aircraft COA route, as appropriate, and verify airspace authorization near airports such as Pago Pago.
Territory Grants and Procurement
The Office of Justice Programs identifies the American Samoa Criminal Justice Planning Agency as the administering agency for JAG and Byrne SCIP. The American Samoa Department of Homeland Security publishes local notices for preparedness programs. Territorial and agency procurement terms must be checked for each solicitation.
A federal program's broad equipment category is only a starting point. Obtain grant administrator approval for aircraft, sensors, software, training, and ongoing service costs before including them in a project budget.
American Security Drone Act and Federal Awards
OMB M-26-02, Appendix D applies the American Security Drone Act to federal grants, cooperative agreements, and other awards. Since December 22, 2025, recipients and subrecipients generally may not use those funds to procure a FASC-prohibited UAS or in connection with its operation, unless an applicable exemption or waiver applies.
FAR 40.202 states the federal executive-agency acquisition rule and defines related prohibitions. It is useful for understanding the framework, while grant recipients should check Appendix D and their award terms.
Surveillance Equipment, FCC, TAA and Blue UAS
2 CFR § 200.216 limits federal award spending on certain covered telecommunications and video-surveillance equipment and services. NDAA Section 889 separately governs specified federal contract equipment and services; check grant flow-down language rather than treating the rules as interchangeable.
The FCC's UAS Covered List guidance concerns equipment authorization, including certain foreign-produced drones and critical components; it does not automatically revoke prior authorizations. TAA country rules depend on a covered federal procurement and are not a universal grant requirement. Blue UAS listing can matter when the award or agency policy calls for it, but listing alone does not replace the other checks.
Operations and Island Data Resilience
FAA public-safety UAS guidance explains the Part 107 and public-aircraft COA pathways. Check controlled airspace and authorization for the specific launch site, particularly around Pago Pago International Airport, and document any emergency operations procedure.
For maritime search, storm response, and remote-island deployments, specify offline capability, secure evidence export, access controls, battery and spare-parts logistics, and continuity when internet connectivity is interrupted. The SLCGP addresses cybersecurity planning and implementation subject to its current notice, approved plan, and award terms.
Match the Project to the Grant
- JAG through CJPA: criminal-justice technology, planning, communications, or training may fit a justified program; confirm local priorities and approval.
- SHSP through ASDHS: capability gaps, preparedness, interoperability, and approved investments can be a fit; check current FEMA guidance and territorial priorities.
- SLCGP: security assessment, identity, monitoring, and resilience of eligible systems can be relevant; confirm the territory's approved project process.
- NHTSA highway safety: use the American Samoa plan and program conditions for traffic records or safety initiatives; do not assume general drone purchases are eligible.
Practical American Samoa UAS Procurement Checklist
- Identify the money. Record federal award, territorial pass-through, local, and matching funds for the equipment and its operation.
- Check the award. Obtain current notice, approved project scope, equipment allowability, prior-approval conditions, and procurement clauses from CJPA, ASDHS, or the relevant office.
- Screen the aircraft. For federal award funds, assess FASC-prohibited UAS status under OMB M-26-02 Appendix D and document any applicable exemption or waiver.
- Screen connected equipment. Review 2 CFR § 200.216, any Section 889 award or contract clauses, FCC equipment authorization, and any required Blue UAS standard separately.
- Map the data path. Record cameras, radios, firmware, cloud services, encryption, user access, data location, retention, and offline operation.
- Plan the flight. Confirm FAA operating authority, site-specific airspace permission, crew training, and emergency procedures.
- Keep the file. Retain vendor representations, grant approvals, procurement decisions, security assessment, and flight authorization documentation.
Federal framework: Read NDAA, TAA, FCC & Blue UAS Explained for the distinct tests that may apply to drones, surveillance equipment, federal contracts, and grants.
Available Funding Pathways
American Samoa Grant Opportunities
These are potential funding pathways, not currently open solicitations or guarantees of equipment eligibility. Follow the official program page and the American Samoa administrator for current notices, deadlines, approved projects, and allowable costs.
| Grant | Level | Source | Best Fit / Technology | Deadline Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BJA – Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program | Federal | Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) | Body-worn cameras / storage / policy implementation / training | Check current federal notice / territory administrator |
| Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) | Federal / Territory | American Samoa CJPA (DOJ/BJA) | Implementation / data / training / court-process support | Check current federal notice / territory administrator |
| Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program | Federal | BJA | Lab equipment / forensic systems / quality improvement / backlog reduction | Check current federal notice / territory administrator |
| Edward Byrne Memorial JAG (Territory Formula / CJPA) | Federal / Territory | BJA (via Territory SAA) | Equipment / technology / communications / records / implementation | Check current federal notice / territory administrator |
| Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) Program | Federal | BJA | Ballistic and stab-resistant body armor | Check current federal notice / territory administrator |
| BJA Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) for State Prisoners Program | Federal / Territory | BJA | Treatment-program support / case management / recovery support / reentry coordination | Check current federal notice / territory administrator |
| DOJ – STOP School Violence Program | Federal | BJA / COPS | Anonymous reporting systems / alerting / communication / limited school-safety technology | Check current federal notice / territory administrator |
| COPS Hiring Program (CHP) | Federal | COPS Office | Hiring support / personnel expansion / community-policing implementation | Check current federal notice / territory administrator |
| Community Policing Development (CPD) Microgrants | Federal | COPS Office | Pilot projects / analytics / outreach / workflow improvement / novel tools | Check current federal notice / territory administrator |
| Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) Program | Federal | COPS Office | Wellness programming / training / clinical support / family resources | Check current federal notice / territory administrator |
| Safer Outcomes: Enhancing De-Escalation and Crisis Response Training | Federal | COPS Office | Training delivery / scenario tools / program support | Check current federal notice / territory administrator |
| COPS Office – Technology and Equipment Program (TEP) | Federal | COPS | Interoperable communications / policing tech / equipment | Invitational / congressionally designated; check eligibility |
| State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) | Federal / Territory | FEMA / AS DHS | Interoperable communications / surveillance / detection / protective equipment / planning | Check current federal notice / territory administrator |
| State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) | Federal / Territory | CISA / FEMA / AS DHS | Cyber tools / assessments / planning / monitoring / training / implementation | Check current federal notice / territory administrator |
| American Samoa Highway Safety Program (Section 402) | Federal / Territory | AS DPS (NHTSA) | Enforcement overtime / outreach / traffic safety systems / training / equipment | Check current federal notice / territory administrator |
| American Samoa Impaired Driving Countermeasures Grants | Federal / Territory | AS DPS (NHTSA) | Check whether the territory qualifies under the current NHTSA allocation and program terms | Check current federal notice / territory administrator |
| American Samoa Traffic Records System Improvement / Maintenance Grants | Federal / Territory | AS DPS (NHTSA) | Database maintenance / system support / records modernization / contractor services | Check current federal notice / territory administrator |
| American Samoa Occupant Protection / Child Passenger Safety Grants | Federal / Territory | ASOHS (NHTSA) | Education / outreach / enforcement support / child-seat equipment / tablets | Check current federal notice / territory administrator |
Historical Funding Context
American Samoa Formula Allocations
The figures below are historical territory-level allocations or authorized not-to-exceed amounts in official program tables. They are not awards to individual departments, current balances, application windows, or approval for any specific equipment.
| Territory / Administering Agency | Grant / Program | Funding Basis | Amount | Fiscal Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Samoa Criminal Justice Planning Agency | State JAG FY2025 | Formula allocation / authorized amount | $484,329 | FY 2025 |
| American Samoa Criminal Justice Planning Agency | Byrne SCIP FY2024 | Formula allocation / authorized amount | $248,192 | FY 2024 |
| American Samoa Department of Homeland Security | State Homeland Security Program FY2024 | Formula allocation / authorized amount | $997,200 | FY 2024 |
| American Samoa Department of Homeland Security | State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program FY2024 | Updated formula allocation (FEMA) | $781,921 | FY 2024 |
| American Samoa Department of Public Safety / Office of Highway Safety | NHTSA Section 402 FY2025 | Formula allocation / authorized amount | $1,005,675 | FY 2025 |
| American Samoa Department of Public Safety / Office of Highway Safety | NHTSA Traffic Safety Information System (405c) FY2025 | Formula allocation / authorized amount | $137,592.39 | FY 2025 |
Procurement FAQ
American Samoa Grant and Drone Questions
Does American Samoa prohibit all foreign-made drones?
The sources reviewed did not establish a blanket territory-wide manufacturer prohibition as of September 26, 2026. Check current ASG procurement and agency policy. Federal award restrictions may apply regardless.
Can a federal grant pay for any public-safety drone?
No. Confirm the project's allowable costs and prior approval, then screen the aircraft under the American Security Drone Act rule in OMB M-26-02 Appendix D.
Is Blue UAS listing universally required?
No universal territorial requirement was identified. A grant, procurement policy, or specific mission may require a listing; separately assess award rules, product documentation, and data security.
Does the FCC list ground existing aircraft?
The FCC's Covered List affects equipment authorization for covered models or components; it does not automatically revoke authorization of previously approved equipment. Check the current FCC guidance for the product.
Where should an agency start with JAG or homeland-security funds?
Contact the Criminal Justice Planning Agency for JAG and Byrne SCIP, and ASDHS for its preparedness notices. Confirm the current project process.
What FAA permission is needed?
Government operators may use Part 107 or the public-aircraft COA process, as applicable. Check the actual location and controlled airspace before flight, including near Pago Pago International Airport.
MAXSUR Solution Pathways
Connect Funding to Deployable Public-Safety Capability
Many public-safety grants fund mission outcomes rather than a single product type. MAXSUR can help agencies think through practical technology pathways, deployment planning, training, and sustainment for grant-funded projects.
Procurement Pathway
Use Grant Funding More Efficiently With Cooperative Procurement
Finding a grant is only part of the process. Once funding is identified or awarded, agencies still need a compliant and efficient path to purchase, deploy, and support the equipment or services tied to the project.
MAXSUR participates in cooperative purchasing through BuyBoard, which may help eligible agencies simplify procurement, access contract pricing, and move faster from funding approval to deployment for qualified public-safety technology projects.
BuyBoard eligibility, grant allowability, and procurement requirements may vary by agency, funding source, and jurisdiction. Agencies should confirm requirements with their procurement office, grant administrator, and legal counsel before purchase.