State Public Safety Grant Guide
Maryland Public Safety Grants
Funding pathways, 2026 local JAG allocations and practical cybersecurity and drone-procurement guidance for Maryland agencies.
Maryland agencies can combine state-administered justice and emergency-management programs with direct federal awards when a proposed mission and cost are eligible. Confirm the current notice, budget categories and approval process before specifying cameras, radios, software or drones.
Maryland’s executive-branch Prohibited Technologies Policy adds a state cybersecurity screen for covered devices and services. Local agencies must also examine their own policy and the funding source. For the wider federal framework, read MAXSUR’s NDAA, TAA, FCC & Blue UAS guide.
Planning correction: The previous page’s “none” state-ban label and “NDAA mandatory with federal funds” phrasing hide distinct rules. Maryland’s executive-branch cybersecurity directive is binding in its scope; federal award UAS restrictions and BJA approval are separate. A local-only purchase requires its own policy and system review.
Maryland Procurement & Cybersecurity
What Maryland Buyers Should Check Before Selecting Cameras or Drones
Maryland’s published DoIT directive, the particular agency’s scope, federal award terms and the proposed system architecture determine the review.
Binding directive
Covered products and services may not be used or installed on in-scope devices absent an approved exception.
Scope differs
DoIT urges out-of-scope entities to consider compliance; county and municipal buyers must check local policy, shared systems and grants.
Inventory and block
In-scope units must remove referenced items, prevent installation and restrict network access to prohibited services.
Separate UAS tests
ASDA federal-award restrictions and BJA’s express prior approval apply to qualifying funded purchases and operations.
DoIT’s Directive and FCC Covered List
Maryland’s Prohibited Technologies Policy was issued in December 2022 and revised in December 2024. It covers State executive-branch technology, including internet-capable computers, servers, IoT and operational-technology devices; it also reaches personal devices used to connect to State systems or conduct State business. The directive’s published list includes Tencent products, AliPay, a Dahua covered-equipment category, Kaspersky products and specified telecommunications services. It cites the FCC Covered List as the source for its federal-prohibitions section.
The attachment describes Huawei, Hikvision, ZTE and DJI as if every item were expressly named in this policy. The published DoIT text reviewed does not list those names individually, nor DJI; use the live directive and FCC list for exact product and service coverage rather than extending the text by inference.
State Assets, Exceptions and Remediation
DoIT instructs in-scope units to remove referenced hardware or software from State-owned or managed technology assets, prevent further installation and impose network restrictions on prohibited services after issuance or modification. Requests for exceptions or extensions go to DoIT’s Office of Security Management.
This is more than a purchasing checklist: a camera, controller, cloud client or app connected to a covered State environment can create an operational issue. Check physical inventory, firmware and app dependencies, account connections and data exchange before deployment. Maryland’s 2026 Cybersecurity and Privacy Policy Suite adds executive-branch standards for acquisition, supply-chain risk, access, data protection and system security.
County and Municipal Procurement
DoIT says entities outside its directive’s scope should strongly consider compliance. The directive does not by itself establish a universal local-government manufacturer blacklist or declare that every foreign-made drone is lawful for local use. A county, municipality, school or police department may have its own policy, use shared State systems or receive an award with additional restrictions.
Record who owns each aircraft, camera, radio and cloud account; whether it connects to State networks; whether local procurement rules adopt a prohibited list; and whether state or federal grant terms add conditions. Do not describe a product’s country of final assembly as the only cybersecurity test.
Federal Award Funds and BJA UAS Approval
OMB M-26-02, Appendix D generally bars use of federal grant or cooperative-agreement funds to procure, or in connection with operating, a FASC-prohibited UAS beginning December 22, 2025, subject to specified exemptions and federal waivers. Federal executive-agency rules under FAR 40.202 are a separate procurement context.
BJA awards, including JAG, allow a UAS purchase only with express prior approval. BJA’s September 2026 guidance requires a written certification tied to the DCMA Blue UAS Cleared List, a Commerce Consolidated Screening List check, privacy and civil-liberties and cybersecurity assurances, and conditions concerning accessories, modifications and federal information. Counter-UAS has separate prior approval and legal authority requirements.
Grant Planning That Fits Maryland
GOCPP’s BJAG page covers state and local criminal-justice initiatives and lists equipment among funded categories; the specific NOFA controls each cost. Its Entertainment District Security Grant expressly lists surveillance cameras, lighting and communications for eligible districts. The new SAPC program targets AES-256 compliant subscriber radios and related secure communications equipment.
MDEM leads the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, with DoIT technical review. MDEM currently describes rolling second-round FY2023 applications for short-term projects; applicants should confirm the window and completion period. MDEM says not to begin an approved project until FEMA approval and a fully executed subrecipient agreement are in place.
Practical Maryland UAS Procurement Checklist
- Identify the buyer and funds. Record State, local, direct federal and pass-through shares and all award conditions.
- Check DoIT scope. Determine whether the executive-branch directive covers the agency, device or State-system connection.
- Screen the actual system. Check vendors, affiliates, radios, cameras, apps, cloud services and the current directive and FCC Covered List.
- Apply local and State IT rules. Obtain security, data and procurement review and any DoIT exception where required.
- Review federal award restrictions. Test ASDA / OMB M-26-02 for funded purchase and operation and document any authorized exemption or waiver.
- Seek BJA approval if applicable. File the current UAS certification and obtain express approval before using BJA award funds.
- Preserve the evidence. Keep vendor representations, components, data flows, approvals, FAA authority, updates and mission policies.
Federal framework: Read NDAA, TAA, FCC & Blue UAS Explained for the separate federal tests. Maryland HB 471 (2026) proposed UAS operation limits but remained in the House after its hearing; proposed effective-date text is not an enacted restriction.
Funding Pathways
Maryland Grant Opportunities
Official program pages below distinguish enduring programs from a currently open notice. Check the administrator for current eligibility, allowable costs and changes to application windows.
| Grant | Level | Source | Best Fit / Technology | Deadline Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GOCPP – Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (BJAG) | Federal pass-through | GOCPP / BJA | Justice equipment, training, investigations and eligible technology; BJA UAS approval applies | Check next GOCPP notice |
| BJA – FY 2026 Local JAG Formula | Federal direct | BJA | Listed formula jurisdictions; eligible public-safety programs and prior-approved UAS | Oct. 9 Grants.gov; Oct. 16 JustGrants, 2026 |
| GOCPP – Body Armor for Local Law Enforcement (BARM) | State | GOCPP | 50% reimbursement for qualifying sworn-officer body armor | FY27 closed Apr. 17, 2026 |
| GOCPP – Byrne State Crisis Intervention (BSCI) | Federal pass-through | GOCPP / BJA | Crisis intervention and firearm-related safety initiatives | Check next GOCPP notice |
| GOCPP – Paul Coverdell Forensic Sciences (CFSI) | Federal pass-through | GOCPP / DOJ | Forensic laboratory quality, capacity and evidence backlog | Check next GOCPP notice |
| GOCPP – Entertainment District Security (EDSG) | State | GOCPP | Eligible district security operations, cameras, lighting and communications | FY27 closed Apr. 10, 2026 |
| GOCPP – Gun Violence Reduction (GVRG) | State | GOCPP | Violent-crime reduction, investigators and approved equipment | Check next GOCPP notice |
| GOCPP – Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network (MCIN) | State | GOCPP | Cross-jurisdiction intelligence, sharing and supporting technology | Check next GOCPP notice |
| GOCPP – Police Accountability, Community & Transparency (PACT) | State | GOCPP | Accountability systems and allowable technology, policy and training | Check next GOCPP notice |
| GOCPP – State Aid for Police Protection / Communications Encryption (SAPC) | State | GOCPP | AES-256 subscriber radios and secure interoperable communications | Check SFY27 NOFA |
| GOCPP – State Aid for Police Protection (SAPP) | State | GOCPP | Local police operations under statutory allocation and program rules | Check GOCPP program |
| GOCPP – Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) | State / federal | GOCPP | Task-force digital forensics, investigation and training | Check next GOCPP notice |
| GOCPP – Law Enforcement Training Scholarship (LETS) | Federal pass-through | GOCPP / BJA | Specialized training up to $7,500 per application; apply at least 30 business days before training | Rolling; final May 31, 2027 |
| GOCPP – STOP Violence Against Women (VAWA) | Federal pass-through | GOCPP / OVW | Victim-centered response, prosecution and training | Check next GOCPP notice |
| MDEM – State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP) | Federal pass-through | MDEM / FEMA | Risk-based preparedness, interoperable response and eligible equipment | Check MDEM and local subaward |
| MDEM – Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) | Federal pass-through | MDEM / FEMA | Regional high-threat preparedness and allowable capabilities | Check MDEM regional process |
| MDEM – Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) | Federal pass-through | MDEM / FEMA | Emergency-management planning and capacity | Check MDEM cycle |
| MDEM – State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program | Federal pass-through | MDEM / FEMA-CISA | Government cybersecurity projects; FY23 second-round applications rolling | Confirm current eligibility and period |
| MDEM – Local Cybersecurity Support Fund | State | MDEM | Eligible local-government cyber resilience | Check MDEM cycle |
| MDEM – Nonprofit Security Grant Program | Federal pass-through | MDEM / FEMA | Eligible high-risk nonprofit physical and cyber security | Check MDEM current notice |
| Maryland Highway Safety Office – Law Enforcement Grants | Federal pass-through | MHSO / NHTSA | Traffic enforcement, training and allowed equipment | Check MHSO current cycle |
| BJA – Body-Worn Camera Partnership Program | Federal direct | BJA | Body camera deployment, policy and evidence management | Check BJA NOFO |
| BJA – STOP School Violence | Federal direct | BJA | Threat assessment, reporting and approved school-safety activities | Check BJA NOFO |
| COPS – School Violence Prevention Program | Federal direct | COPS Office | School security equipment and coordination | Check COPS NOFO |
| COPS – Hiring Program | Federal direct | COPS Office | Sworn officer positions; equipment is not program focus | Check COPS NOFO |
FY26 direct Local JAG: BJA lists Oct. 9, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern for Grants.gov and Oct. 16 at 8:59 p.m. Eastern for JustGrants. Only jurisdictions on the Maryland FY26 allocation sheet qualify for direct formula awards; other applicants can explore GOCPP’s state-administered BJAG opportunities. JAG eligibility does not bypass UAS prior approval.
FY 2026 Formula Snapshot
Maryland Local JAG Allocations
These are BJA formula allocations for eligible jurisdictions, not announced awards or approvals for a particular camera or drone. Joint groups are shown once.
| Jurisdiction / Group | FY26 Amount | Applicant Note |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore City | $863,473 | Direct allocation |
| Baltimore County | $314,470 | Direct allocation |
| Prince George’s County | $275,716 | Direct allocation |
| Montgomery County | $154,805 | Direct allocation |
| Anne Arundel County | $145,567 | Direct allocation |
| Charles County | $46,733 | Direct allocation |
| Howard County | $44,753 | Direct allocation |
| Washington County / Hagerstown | $45,383 | Joint allocation; one fiscal agent |
| Wicomico County / Salisbury | $31,555 | Joint allocation; one fiscal agent |
| Dorchester County / Cambridge | $10,978 | Joint allocation; one fiscal agent |
BJA lists a $2,172,915 Maryland local total. This selected table is not the complete allocation sheet. For a joint group, a single fiscal agent applies and participants document distribution in a memorandum of understanding. View the complete BJA Maryland FY26 allocation sheet.
Maryland UAS Procurement FAQ
Common Maryland Compliance Questions
Use current agency policy, award terms and product documentation for each purchase and mission.
Does Maryland have a blanket statewide ban on foreign-made drones?
The Maryland DoIT directive is scoped to the State executive branch and covered technology on government-owned or leased devices and personal devices used for State systems or business. It is not a general manufacturer ban on every county or municipal drone purchase. Check local policy, network connections and funding terms.
Does Maryland’s Prohibited Technologies Policy name DJI?
The published version reviewed does not list DJI by name. It lists specific state-prohibited products and FCC Covered List equipment or services, including a Dahua category and other telecom/security entries. Check the current directive, the referenced federal list and the specific aircraft components and services.
What must a Maryland executive-branch unit do with prohibited technology?
The DoIT directive requires in-scope units to remove referenced hardware/software from State-owned or managed technology assets, prevent future installation and implement network-based restrictions, unless an approved exception applies. DoIT says entities outside scope should strongly consider compliance.
Can a Maryland local police department use a foreign-made UAS bought with local funds?
The State executive-branch directive alone does not answer the legality of a local purchase. Review municipal or county policy, shared State systems, cybersecurity and procurement rules, the actual vendor and components, and any federal award conditions. Do not infer that a locally owned aircraft is eligible for federally funded operation.
Can Maryland agencies buy a UAS with BJA or JAG funds?
Only with express prior BJA approval. Current BJA guidance requires a written certification tied to the DCMA Blue UAS Cleared List, Commerce Consolidated Screening List review and privacy, civil-liberties and cybersecurity assurances. Obtain approval before obligating award funds.
What changed for federally funded UAS after December 22, 2025?
OMB M-26-02 Appendix D generally bars federal grant or cooperative-agreement funds from procuring, or being used in connection with operating, a FASC-prohibited UAS, subject to specified exemptions and waivers. The applicable award may add requirements.
Are the FCC Covered List, NDAA Section 889, TAA and Blue UAS interchangeable?
No. Each serves a different transaction or equipment test. Maryland’s directive expressly cites the FCC Covered List; federal acquisition and grant rules, TAA clauses if applicable, and BJA’s current Blue UAS certification require separate review.
MAXSUR Solution Pathways
Connect Maryland Funding to Field Capability
Match the approved mission and budget to documented technology, support and training.
Procurement Pathway
Move From Grant Approval to a Documented Purchase
Confirm Maryland DoIT or local IT screening, grant conditions, system connections and any required federal UAS approval before ordering through an authorized purchasing method.
A cooperative contract does not waive Maryland policy, local procurement requirements or federal award terms. Confirm method and product with the grant administrator and purchasing office.