SAPP - Communication Encryption Grant Program (SAPC)
This grant program is currently accepting applications. Please download the most recent Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) - PDF - 1.17 MB on this page to guide you, and contact the program manager with any questions. You must be a registered user of the Grants Management System to apply.
Online submission deadline:
August 28, 2026 at 11:59pm
Overview
Description
This funding opportunity supports the procurement, upgrade, and implementation of secure law enforcement communications through Advanced Encryption Standard (AES-256) compliant subscriber radios and related equipment. The program helps agencies strengthen the security of sensitive communications, improve officer safety, and maintain interoperability with local, State, regional, and federal public safety partners during both routine operations and emergency incidents.
History
The State Aid for Police Protection Communication Encryption (SAPC) Program was established during the 2026 Maryland legislative session as a targeted enhancement to the State Aid for Police Protection (SAPP) Program. The General Assembly recognized the growing need for secure, interoperable law enforcement communications as agencies across Maryland continue transitioning to Advanced Encryption Standard (AES-256) encrypted radio systems.
Preliminary statewide assessments conducted during program development found that while many law enforcement agencies have successfully achieved full encryption capability, several jurisdictions continue to experience gaps in encryption across their portable and mobile radio fleets. These remaining gaps present operational challenges that can compromise officer safety, expose sensitive law enforcement communications, and reduce interoperability with neighboring jurisdictions that have already implemented fully encrypted communications.
In response, the Maryland General Assembly authorized dedicated funding through SAPC to assist eligible law enforcement agencies in completing their transition to secure communications. The program supports the procurement, upgrade, and implementation of AES-256 compliant subscriber radios and related equipment necessary to achieve secure, interoperable communications.
SAPC is designed to strengthen Maryland's public safety communications infrastructure
by prioritizing investments that:
- Close encryption gaps in jurisdictions that are not fully AES-256 compliant;
- Enhance interoperability with local, State, regional, and federal public safety partners;
- Improve officer safety by protecting sensitive law enforcement communications; and
- Standardize secure communications in alignment with national public safety communications standards and best practices.
Through this investment, Maryland continues its commitment to ensuring that law enforcement agencies throughout the State have the secure communications capabilities necessary to protect officers, safeguard sensitive information, and effectively respond to incidents that require coordinated multi-jurisdictional operations.