FY 2026 Special Attorneys Program Round 8
🏛 Bureau of Justice Assistance (USDOJ-OJP-BJA)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Sep 4, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for state, local, Tribal, and territorial prosecuting agencies that want to assign or hire prosecutors for cross-designated roles. Eligible agencies include state prosecutor offices, district attorneys, Tribal prosecutors, and territorial prosecutors. These prosecutors investigate and prosecute fraud and crimes committed by aliens, plus drug and human trafficking cases under federal direction. Prosecutors remain employees of their home agencies while serving as Special Attorneys or Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys. Programs must coordinate with federal authorities on case assignments and logistics.
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Program description
This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the OJP FY 2026 Special Attorneys Program. This program will support state, local, Tribal, and territorial prosecuting agencies to assign or hire qualified prosecutors to serve full-time or part-time (on a case-by-case basis) as Special Attorneys under the direction of the National Fraud Enforcement Division or the Criminal Division, or to serve as Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs) within a United States Attorney’s Office.
These “cross-designated” prosecutors will remain employees of their home agencies but will investigate and prosecute assigned fraud and other crimes committed by aliens within the United States (hereafter referred to as “criminal aliens”) for the duration of their appointment under this program. Cross-designated prosecutors may also be assigned cases involving drug or human trafficking committed within the United States. The National Fraud Enforcement Division, Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices will coordinate with selected prosecutor offices on a case-by-case basis to address logistics and any unique local circumstances.
This grant program, authorized under Public Law 119-21, Title X, Subtitle A, Part II, Section 100055 (codified at 34 U.S.C. § 61101), is intended to strengthen investigative and prosecutorial capacity, expand intergovernmental coordination, and enhance the ability of jurisdictions to investigate and prosecute fraud and other crimes committed by aliens within the United States, as well as investigate and prosecute drug and human trafficking crimes. The program is also intended to increase the availability of cross-designated prosecutorial personnel who can pursue these matters in coordination with federal authorities and contribute to the effective enforcement of applicable criminal laws.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- SF-424 Supplement
- Narrative describing prosecutorial needs and federal coordination plan
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Proof of organizational eligibility
- Resumes or job descriptions for proposed prosecutors
Program contact
- 👤 Bureau of Justice Assistance
- 📧 OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov
- 📞 202-514-9354
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 16.076 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$11,640,892
-
$10,000,000
-
$3,915,534
-
$2,886,300
-
$2,519,010
-
$2,267,723
-
$2,202,480
-
$2,034,444
-
$1,519,006
-
$1,430,622
Top States by Funding
- NC 1 awards $11.6M
- DC 1 awards $10.0M
- OH 3 awards $4.4M
- PA 4 awards $4.0M
- IA 1 awards $3.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
State prosecutor offices, local prosecuting agencies, Tribal nations, and territorial prosecutors. Your agency must be able to assign or hire prosecutors to work full-time or part-time in a cross-designated role.
What activities does this grant support?
Assigning or hiring prosecutors to investigate and prosecute fraud, crimes by aliens, drug trafficking, and human trafficking. Prosecutors remain home agency employees but work under federal direction.
Is there a match requirement?
No. This grant does not require cost-sharing or matching funds from your agency.
What is the typical award amount?
Awards typically range up to $3,000,000, though specific amounts vary based on agency need and available funding.
When is the deadline?
The application deadline is September 14, 2026. Contact your grants office early to allow time for internal reviews and approvals.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Demonstrate your agency's current prosecutorial capacity and why hiring cross-designated prosecutors strengthens your criminal investigation and prosecution efforts.
- Clearly explain how you will coordinate with federal authorities and manage case logistics specific to your jurisdiction.
- Show readiness to handle fraud investigations, alien crime prosecution, drug trafficking, and human trafficking cases within your existing infrastructure.
- Include specific examples of past fraud or trafficking cases your agency has handled successfully.
- Detail your plan for ongoing communication and case coordination with the National Fraud Enforcement Division, Criminal Division, or your U.S. Attorney's Office.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications lack specific coordination plans with federal partners. Agencies fail to show why they need additional prosecutorial capacity or how prosecutors will be integrated into current operations. Proposals don't address ability to handle the specific crime categories (fraud, alien crimes, drug and human trafficking).
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