OJP FY 2026 Special Attorneys Program

The Special Attorneys Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice through the Office of Justice Programs and the Bureau of Justice Assistance. This funding opportunity is designed to strengthen prosecutorial capacity across state, local, Tribal, and territorial jurisdictions by supporting the assignment or hiring of qualified prosecutors who will serve in cross-designated roles at the federal level. These roles include positions within the National Fraud Enforcement Division, the Criminal Division, or as Special Assistant United States Attorneys within U.S. Attorney’s Offices. The program is authorized under federal statute and reflects a broader effort to enhance intergovernmental coordination and enforcement of criminal laws related to fraud, drug trafficking, and human trafficking. The primary purpose of the program is to improve the ability of jurisdictions to investigate and prosecute crimes committed by criminal aliens within the United States, as well as drug and human trafficking offenses. By embedding cross-designated prosecutors within federal structures, the program seeks to increase collaboration between federal and non-federal law enforcement entities. The initiative also aims to expand the availability of prosecutorial personnel capable of handling complex cases involving transnational criminal organizations and coordinated criminal activity across jurisdictions. Funding under this program supports personnel costs associated with hiring or assigning prosecutors, as well as operational activities necessary for investigation and prosecution. Up to 20 percent of the total award may be used for broader justice system support, including staffing, training, and the acquisition of equipment and technology. These allowable expenditures are intended to strengthen investigative capabilities, improve coordination with federal partners, and enhance overall public safety infrastructure. However, certain costs are explicitly unallowable, including the provision of legal services to removable or unlawfully present aliens, except in narrowly defined circumstances such as victim protection orders or legally mandated services. Eligible applicants are limited to government entities with the authority and capacity to employ prosecutors in cross-designated roles. This includes state, county, city, township, and federally recognized Tribal governments. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to enter into formal memoranda of understanding with federal partners and must comply with all programmatic and administrative requirements. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this funding opportunity, which lowers the barrier to participation for eligible jurisdictions. The application process involves a two-step submission. Applicants must first submit the SF-424 form through Grants.gov, followed by a full application package in JustGrants. Required components include a proposal narrative, budget, supporting documentation, and various certifications and disclosures. The proposal narrative is evaluated based on clearly defined criteria, including project goals and objectives, implementation strategy, and organizational capacity. Additional required materials include resumes, proof of bar admission, certificates of good standing, and letters of support from relevant federal entities. This funding opportunity operates on a rolling, multi-round basis. The first round opened on April 21, 2026, with submission deadlines of May 15, 2026, for Grants.gov and May 20, 2026, for JustGrants. Additional rounds follow with subsequent deadlines in June 2026, and applications will continue to be accepted until funds are exhausted. Awards are expected to be made on a rolling basis, and the anticipated project period is 36 months beginning June 1, 2026. Applicants should be prepared to meet ongoing reporting and performance requirements if awarded funding. Recipients must submit semi-annual performance reports through JustGrants and demonstrate progress toward program goals. The Department of Justice maintains substantial involvement in funded projects under cooperative agreement terms, including oversight and coordination. For questions or assistance, applicants may contact the OJP Response Center via phone or email during standard business hours.

Ensure strong demonstration of prosecutorial capacity coordination with federal partners and clear implementation timeline aligned with evaluation criteria