State Public Safety Grant Guide
Michigan Public Safety Grants
Funding pathways, current cybersecurity grants, FY2026 JAG allocations and accurate SHIELD bill and UAS procurement guidance.
Michigan agencies can combine state-administered justice and emergency-management programs, direct federal funding and dedicated cybersecurity grants when their projects meet each notice. Review eligibility, current deadlines and equipment rules before specifying drones, cameras, radios or cloud services.
The SHIELD Michigan procurement bills passed the House but have not become law. DTMB publishes state IT policies, and local purchasers should check their own networks and purchasing rules. For the separate federal framework, read MAXSUR’s NDAA, TAA, FCC & Blue UAS guide.
Planning correction: The old page called Michigan’s statewide drone-ban status “none” and described every federally funded purchase simply as “NDAA mandatory.” The attached SHIELD summary goes further in the opposite direction by treating pending bills as enacted. This update identifies the bills’ status and separates actual grant, IT and federal-award requirements.
Michigan Procurement & Cybersecurity
What Michigan Buyers Should Check Before Selecting Cameras or Drones
The House-passed SHIELD texts signal a possible future state rule; current procurement still depends on agency policy, funding and applicable federal restrictions.
Pending in Senate
House passage did not activate the proposed procurement restrictions.
DTMB review
Policies 1340 and 1365 address state IT security and procurement processes.
Cybersecurity
FY2025 SLCGP runs through October 11 with a 40% match.
Separate UAS tests
ASDA award restrictions and BJA express prior approval can govern funded costs.
What the SHIELD Bills Actually Do Today
HB 5329 and HB 5331 are House-passed bills addressing public-entity drone acquisition, software and restrictions tied to federal lists. The House-passed text contains future start dates, conditions and exceptions. Those provisions would matter if enacted, but they are not a current blanket state purchasing ban.
The wider package contemplated state drone tracking and restrictions around certain facilities. These should not be advertised as an operating MDOT registry or enforceable SHIELD flight prohibition. Check the official bill history again before posting an update or soliciting a purchase that may extend into a later fiscal year.
Existing Michigan Cybersecurity and Procurement
DTMB’s published IT policy set includes Policy 1340, Information Technology Information Security, and Policy 1365, IT Adoption, Procurement, Development and Implementation. Their published scope concerns State of Michigan operations. Agency IT should evaluate the device, controller, camera, radio, cloud service, remote access, identity controls and retention requirements before connecting equipment to state systems.
A county, township or city has its own procurement and security procedures; check whether it uses state systems or receives an award with additional conditions. DTMB’s Michigan Cyber Partners also provides local-government assessment resources.
Federal Award Funds and Country of Origin
OMB M-26-02 Appendix D implements the American Security Drone Act rule that, from December 22, 2025, federal award funds generally cannot be used to procure or in connection with operating a FASC-prohibited UAS, subject to specified exemptions and waivers. Funding source and operational charges matter; a locally purchased aircraft does not become eligible for federally funded operation merely because its capital purchase used local dollars.
NDAA Section 889, the FCC Covered List, applicable Trade Agreements Act clauses and the specific UAS award rule are different tests. Screen the actual supplier, software, communications, video components and data services rather than assuming a country-of-final-assembly label resolves all requirements.
BJA UAS and Counter-UAS Prior Approval
BJA awards, including JAG, require express prior approval for UAS purchases. The certification concerns the DCMA Blue UAS Cleared List, Commerce Consolidated Screening List, accessories and modifications, federal information, privacy, civil liberties and cybersecurity policies. A formula allocation is not purchase approval.
Counter-UAS purchases are a separate category requiring express prior approval, clear legal authority, federal training and certification, and federally approved technology. Do not infer mitigation authority from an HSGP or JAG program name.
Grant Planning That Fits Michigan
DTMB’s FY2025 SLCGP application window runs September 14 through October 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. It is reimbursable with a 40% match; approved priorities include backup, assessments, EDR, managed security services, .gov migration and MFA. Publicly owned water, energy and transportation systems receive priority, with rural and first-time applicants also prioritized. It is a cyber program, not a general drone purchase fund.
MSP’s FY2027 Byrne JAG information was posted September 8; the old page’s projected 2027 direct JAG deadline should be replaced by BJA’s open FY2026 direct Local JAG notice. MCOLES states that its PA 166 narcotics task-force applications were frozen May 13, 2026; do not present that program as open.
Practical Michigan UAS Procurement Checklist
- Trace the funds and buyer. Record state, local, federal direct and pass-through money, including mission operating costs.
- Check bill status. Monitor HB 5329 and HB 5331 for Senate amendments, enactment, delayed dates and exceptions.
- Apply existing IT policies. State agencies review DTMB Policy 1340 security and Policy 1365 technology adoption and procurement; local buyers check their own policies.
- Map the complete system. Identify aircraft, software, cameras, radios, cloud hosting, remote access, subcontractors and data flows.
- Screen federal award use. Apply OMB M-26-02 Appendix D to funded procurement or operation of FASC-prohibited UAS, subject to the stated exemptions and waivers.
- Request BJA approval when applicable. Provide the current UAS certification and obtain express approval before using BJA award funds for an aircraft.
- Keep the record. Retain vendor representations, lists checked, cost allocation, privacy and cyber controls, FAA authority and approvals.
Federal framework: Read NDAA, TAA, FCC & Blue UAS Explained for the separate federal tests. Track SHIELD proposals using the official Michigan Legislature bill pages before treating any future text as a requirement.
Funding Pathways
Michigan Grant Opportunities
Each linked administrator controls applicant eligibility, allowable costs, award conditions and the current application window. A program page is not an open notice.
| Grant | Level | Source | Best Fit / Technology | Deadline Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DTMB – State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program | Federal pass-through | DTMB / FEMA-CISA | Government cybersecurity, assessments, backup, EDR, MFA and training; 40% FY25 match | Open through Oct. 11, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Eastern |
| BJA – FY 2026 Local JAG Formula | Federal direct | BJA | Listed local jurisdictions; allowable justice costs and prior-approved UAS | Oct. 9 Grants.gov; Oct. 16 JustGrants, 2026 |
| MSP – Byrne JAG State Program | Federal pass-through | MSP / BJA | Program-specific criminal justice, task forces, victim services and community initiatives | FY27 information posted Sept. 8; check MSP notice |
| MSP – Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program | Federal pass-through | MSP / BJA | Crisis intervention and firearm-related safety initiatives | Check MSP funding notice |
| MSP – Residential Substance Abuse Treatment | Federal pass-through | MSP / BJA | Correctional treatment and reentry program capacity | Check MSP funding notice |
| MSP – Auto Theft Prevention Authority | State | MSP ATPA | Vehicle-theft investigation, prevention and task force needs | FY27 closed June 1, 2026 |
| MSP – Sexual Assault Kit Initiative | Federal pass-through | MSP / BJA | Evidence tracking, forensic testing and case follow-up | Check MSP program |
| MSP – State Homeland Security Program | Federal pass-through | MSP EMHSD / FEMA | Risk-based preparedness; approved equipment, training, planning | Check regional and state process |
| MSP – Urban Area Security Initiative | Federal pass-through | MSP EMHSD / FEMA | Regional high-threat preparedness and approved capabilities | Check regional process |
| MSP – Operation Stonegarden | Federal pass-through | MSP EMHSD / FEMA | Eligible border-security coordination, personnel and equipment | Check regional process |
| MSP – Emergency Management Performance Grant | Federal pass-through | MSP EMHSD / FEMA | Emergency management capability, planning and operations | Check MSP EMHSD cycle |
| MSP – Nonprofit Security Grant Program | Federal pass-through | MSP EMHSD / FEMA | Eligible high-risk nonprofit physical and cyber security | Check next notice |
| MSP OHSP – Highway Safety Grants | Federal pass-through | OHSP / NHTSA | Traffic safety behavior change and allowable enforcement activities | FY27 Phase Two follows approved Phase One projects |
| MSP OHSP – Secondary Road Patrol | State | OHSP | Sheriff road patrol under program rules | Check OHSP program |
| MCOLES – Michigan Justice Training Fund | State | MCOLES | Eligible in-service criminal justice training | Check competitive and distribution cycles |
| MCOLES – Public Safety Academy Assistance | State | MCOLES | Eligible academy and officer basic training support | FY27 guidance subject to appropriation |
| DNR – Marine Safety Grants | State | Michigan DNR | County sheriff marine patrol and boating safety | Check DNR application |
| DNR – ORV Law Enforcement Grants | State | Michigan DNR | County sheriff ORV law enforcement | Check DNR application |
| DNR – Snowmobile Law Enforcement Grants | State | Michigan DNR | County and local snowmobile enforcement | Check DNR application |
| BJA – Body-Worn Camera Partnership | Federal direct | BJA | BWC deployment, policy and digital evidence | Check BJA NOFO |
| BJA – STOP School Violence | Federal direct | BJA | Threat assessment and approved school-safety projects | Check BJA NOFO |
| COPS – School Violence Prevention | Federal direct | COPS Office | Allowable 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 |
Two near-term opportunities: Michigan FY2025 SLCGP closes October 11, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. Direct FY2026 Local JAG closes October 9 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern in Grants.gov and October 16 at 8:59 p.m. Eastern in JustGrants. Verify the full notice and any earlier internal agency deadline.
FY 2026 Formula Snapshot
Michigan Local JAG Allocations
Selected BJA formula allocations, not actual awards or approval for a specific drone or camera. Joint groups are listed once.
| Jurisdiction / Group | FY26 Amount | Applicant Note |
|---|---|---|
| Wayne County group (Detroit and other listed communities) | $1,390,328 | Joint; one fiscal agent |
| Kent County / Grand Rapids | $198,363 | Joint; one fiscal agent |
| Macomb County group | $187,031 | Joint; one fiscal agent |
| Genesee County group (including Flint) | $168,407 | Joint; one fiscal agent |
| Ingham County / Lansing | $145,774 | Joint; one fiscal agent |
| Kalamazoo County / Kalamazoo | $114,146 | Joint; one fiscal agent |
| Saginaw County / Saginaw | $83,439 | Joint; one fiscal agent |
| Oakland County | $76,923 | Direct |
| Washtenaw County | $57,231 | Direct |
| Ottawa County | $49,389 | Direct |
BJA lists a $2,982,882 Michigan local total. The selected table is not the entire allocation sheet. A joint group selects one fiscal agent and documents its distribution through a memorandum of understanding. View complete FY26 Michigan allocation sheet.
Michigan UAS Procurement FAQ
Common Michigan Compliance Questions
Check bill status, current award terms and agency policy when a purchasing decision is made.
Is the Michigan SHIELD Act a current drone procurement ban?
No. HB 5329 and HB 5331 passed the House in May 2026 and were referred to the Senate. They remain proposed legislation in the sources reviewed. Do not apply their prospective restrictions as enacted law.
Would the SHIELD bills cover all Michigan public entities?
The House-passed texts address public entities and include delayed compliance dates and exceptions. Scope, lists and deadlines can change in the Senate; evaluate the final enacted text if the bills become law.
Did Michigan create the proposed commercial-drone database or critical-infrastructure flight bans?
The attached notes describe provisions in the wider SHIELD proposal. Those proposals are not an enacted statewide database or flight ban based on the legislative status reviewed. Current FAA, state and site rules still need independent review.
Does local money make any drone eligible for a federally funded task force?
A local-only purchase does not automatically impose every federal acquisition rule. OMB M-26-02 Appendix D can restrict federal award funds used in connection with operating a FASC-prohibited UAS. Review charged costs and award terms.
Can JAG pay for a Michigan police drone?
A BJA-funded UAS purchase needs express prior BJA approval and the current certification, including DCMA Blue UAS Cleared List verification and privacy, cybersecurity and vendor checks. A JAG formula allocation is not approval of a particular drone.
Is Michigan SLCGP open now?
The FY2025 Michigan SLCGP application window runs September 14 to October 11, 2026. DTMB describes it as reimbursement funding with a 40% match and prioritizes critical infrastructure, rural applicants and entities without a prior SLCGP award. Check the official guidance for eligibility and allowable projects.
Are NDAA Section 889, TAA, FCC and Blue UAS interchangeable?
No. The rules serve distinct contract, award, equipment and authorization purposes. Assess the buyer, funding and complete system against each applicable requirement.
MAXSUR Solution Pathways
Connect Michigan Funding to Field Capability
Match documented equipment, training and cyber controls to an approved mission and budget.
Procurement Pathway
Move From Grant Approval to a Documented Purchase
Confirm Michigan and local IT review, federal award conditions, system connections and any BJA UAS approval before ordering.
A cooperative contract does not waive purchasing rules or award terms. Confirm the method and product with the administrator and procurement office.