OJP FY 2026 Special Attorneys Program Round 2

The Special Attorneys Program is administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance within the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs. This federal funding opportunity is designed to strengthen prosecutorial capacity across jurisdictions by supporting the hiring or assignment of prosecutors who will serve in cross-designated roles as Special Attorneys or Special Assistant United States Attorneys. These prosecutors operate under the direction of federal entities such as the National Fraud Enforcement Division, the Criminal Division, or United States Attorney’s Offices while remaining employees of their home agencies. The program reflects a coordinated federal effort to enhance the enforcement of criminal laws involving fraud, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other offenses involving non-citizen offenders within the United States. The primary purpose of the program is to improve the ability of state, local, tribal, and territorial prosecuting agencies to investigate and prosecute crimes committed by criminal aliens, as well as drug and human trafficking offenses. By embedding cross-designated prosecutors within federal frameworks, the initiative promotes stronger intergovernmental collaboration and case coordination. The program aims to increase prosecutorial staffing capacity, improve case development and litigation outcomes, and enhance public safety through more effective enforcement strategies. Funding under this opportunity covers up to 100 percent of salary and fringe benefits for approved Special Attorneys or Special Assistant United States Attorneys. In addition, applicants may request up to 20 percent of their total award amount for broader justice system support, including staffing, training, equipment, and advanced technology. These supplemental funds are intended to enhance investigative capabilities, support coordination with federal immigration enforcement partners, and strengthen multi-jurisdictional responses to organized criminal activity. However, funds may not be used for activities that violate federal civil rights laws or for certain legal services to individuals unlawfully present in the United States, except under narrowly defined exceptions. Eligible applicants include government entities with the authority and capacity to employ prosecutors in cross-designated roles. This includes state governments, county governments, city or township governments, and federally recognized tribal governments. Applicants must be willing to enter into a memorandum of understanding with relevant federal entities and demonstrate legal authority to coordinate with federal immigration enforcement. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this program, which lowers barriers to participation for eligible jurisdictions. The application process requires submission in two stages. Applicants must first complete and submit the SF-424 form through Grants.gov, followed by a full application submission in JustGrants. Required components include a proposal narrative, budget, supporting documentation, and additional materials such as resumes, proof of bar admission, and letters of support from federal partners. The proposal narrative must address project goals, design and implementation strategies, and organizational capabilities. Applications are evaluated based on criteria including project design, organizational capacity, and alignment with program objectives. The program operates on a rolling, multi-round basis with specific deadlines for each round. For Round 2, applicants were required to submit initial forms by June 2, 2026, and complete applications by June 4, 2026. Additional rounds follow similar timelines, and awards are made on a rolling basis depending on the availability of funds. The anticipated performance period for funded projects is 36 months, beginning June 1, 2026. Recipients are required to submit semi-annual performance reports and comply with all post-award administrative and reporting requirements. For questions or assistance, applicants may contact the Office of Justice Programs Response Center via phone or email during standard business hours. Additional support is available through Grants.gov and JustGrants help desks. The program emphasizes coordination, accountability, and measurable outcomes, ensuring that funded projects contribute to enhanced prosecutorial effectiveness and public safety nationwide.

Emphasize strong interagency coordination, detailed implementation plans, and qualified prosecutorial staffing aligned with federal priorities