FY 2026 Special Attorneys Program Round 2
Can you apply?
This grant is for state, local, Tribal, and territorial prosecuting agencies. Eligible applicants include prosecutor offices, district attorney offices, and similar entities that employ prosecutors. Agencies must assign or hire qualified prosecutors to serve as Special Attorneys cross-designated to federal authorities. These prosecutors will investigate and prosecute fraud, crimes by aliens, drug trafficking, and human trafficking under federal direction while remaining state/local employees.
Geographic scope is national. There are no state-specific restrictions. Eligible agencies must have prosecutorial jurisdiction and the capacity to designate staff for full-time federal work coordination.
The program strengthens prosecutorial capacity for fraud enforcement, immigration-related crimes, and trafficking investigations in partnership with federal agencies.
This grant is for state, local, Tribal, and territorial prosecuting agencies. Eligible applicants include prosecutor offices, district attorney offices, and similar entities that employ prosecutors. Agencies must assign or hire qualified prosecutors to serve as Special Attorneys cross-designated to federal authorities. These prosecutors will investigate and prosecute fraud, crimes by aliens, drug trafficking, and human trafficking under federal direction while remaining state/local employees.
Geographic scope is national. There are no state-specific restrictions. Eligible agencies must have prosecutorial jurisdiction and the capacity to designate staff for full-time federal work coordination.
The program strengthens prosecutorial capacity for fraud enforcement, immigration-related crimes, and trafficking investigations in partnership with federal agencies.
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 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
Details
This grant is for state, local, Tribal, and territorial prosecuting agencies. Eligible applicants include prosecutor offices, district attorney offices, and similar entities that employ prosecutors. Agencies must assign or hire qualified prosecutors to serve as Special Attorneys cross-designated to federal authorities. These prosecutors will investigate and prosecute fraud, crimes by aliens, drug trafficking, and human trafficking under federal direction while remaining state/local employees.
Geographic scope is national. There are no state-specific restrictions. Eligible agencies must have prosecutorial jurisdiction and the capacity to designate staff for full-time federal work coordination.
The program strengthens prosecutorial capacity for fraud enforcement, immigration-related crimes, and trafficking investigations in partnership with federal agencies.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative/Statement of Need
- Organizational capacity documentation
- Prosecutor qualifications and resumes
- MOA/letters of support from federal partners
- Budget and budget narrative
- Indirect cost rate agreement (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 Bureau of Justice Assistance
- 📧 OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov
- 📞 202-514-9354
Funding track record
No recent recipient data available for CFDA 16.076 in our database.
This can happen for newer programs, programs that use non-standard award types (loans, direct payments, fellowships), or those funded through sub-agencies under different codes.
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
State, local, Tribal, and territorial prosecuting agencies can apply. Your agency must employ or be able to hire qualified prosecutors for cross-designation to federal authorities.
What will grant funds support?
Funds support salaries and costs for prosecutors to serve as Special Attorneys or SAUSAs coordinating with federal agencies on fraud, alien crime, and trafficking cases.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is June 2, 2026. This is a fixed deadline with no rolling acceptance.
Do we need to provide matching funds?
No cost sharing or matching funds are required for this grant.
Can our agency apply if we're a small prosecutor's office?
If your agency is a state, local, Tribal, or territorial prosecuting agency, you can apply regardless of size. Ability to assign or hire qualified prosecutors is the key requirement.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize your agency's track record with fraud, immigration, or trafficking investigations. Show existing capacity or growth potential.
- Clearly explain the operational logistics for cross-designating prosecutors. Address how they'll coordinate with federal authorities while maintaining local duties.
- Build strong partnerships with relevant federal offices before applying. Letters of support from DOJ or U.S. Attorneys can strengthen your application.
- Detail the qualifications of prosecutors you plan to assign or hire. Experience with complex federal cases is a major plus.
- Describe how this program will integrate with your existing prosecution strategy and resource allocation.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to demonstrate existing prosecutorial capacity or a clear plan to hire/assign qualified attorneys. Underestimating the operational complexity of cross-designation and federal coordination. Weak relationships or lack of communication with federal partners before application submission.
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