OJP FY 2026 Special Attorneys Program Round 4

The Special Attorneys Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice through the Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance. The program is designed to strengthen prosecutorial capacity across state, local, Tribal, and territorial jurisdictions by enabling these entities to assign or hire prosecutors to serve in cross-designated roles. These roles include Special Attorneys under the National Fraud Enforcement Division or Criminal Division, or Special Assistant United States Attorneys within U.S. Attorney’s Offices. The overarching goal is to enhance collaboration between federal and non-federal prosecuting agencies to address complex criminal activity involving fraud, drug trafficking, and human trafficking. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to expand the ability of jurisdictions to investigate and prosecute crimes committed by criminal aliens within the United States, as well as related offenses such as drug and human trafficking. By embedding cross-designated prosecutors within federal enforcement structures, the program aims to increase coordination, improve case development, and strengthen enforcement outcomes. These prosecutors remain employees of their home agencies but operate under federal direction for assigned cases, enabling a hybrid enforcement approach that leverages both local knowledge and federal authority. Funding under this program is substantial, with an expected total allocation of $300,000,000. Awards are structured as cooperative agreements with a performance period of 36 months beginning June 1, 2026. Funds may be used to cover 100 percent of salary and fringe benefits for assigned prosecutors. Additionally, up to 20 percent of the award may be allocated toward broader system support, including staffing capacity, training, equipment purchases, and advanced technology implementation. These additional funds are intended to enhance the overall ability of jurisdictions to support investigation, prosecution, and coordination activities tied to the program’s objectives. Eligibility for the program is limited to 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 also be willing to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the appropriate federal entity, such as the National Fraud Enforcement Division, Criminal Division, or a U.S. Attorney’s Office. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement, making the program fully federally funded for eligible expenses. The application process requires submission through two systems. 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, standard applicant information, and supporting documentation such as resumes, proof of bar admission, certificates of good standing, and letters of support from relevant federal partners. The proposal narrative must address project goals, implementation strategies, and organizational capabilities, and is subject to page and formatting limits. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis across multiple rounds, with Round 4 deadlines set for July 8, 2026 for Grants.gov submission and July 10, 2026 for JustGrants submission. Awards are expected to be made on a rolling basis as applications are reviewed. Recipients are required to submit semi-annual performance reports detailing progress toward program goals. These reports are used by the Office of Justice Programs to evaluate program effectiveness and ensure alignment with stated objectives. The program emphasizes accountability and compliance with federal requirements. Certain uses of funds are explicitly prohibited, including activities that violate civil rights laws or provide unauthorized legal services to removable aliens. Award recipients must also comply with administrative, financial, and reporting requirements, including participation in performance measurement systems. For questions or assistance, applicants may contact the OJP Response Center via phone or email during standard business hours.

Ensure strong coordination plan with federal partners clearly justify staffing needs and demonstrate prosecutorial experience and capacity align proposal narrative closely with stated goals and evaluation criteria