The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is currently accepting applications for the OJP FY 2026 Special Attorneys Program, which supports state, local, Tribal, and territorial prosecuting agencies in assigning or hiring qualified prosecutors to serve full time as Special Attorneys or as Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs) to strengthen complex criminal investigations and prosecutions.

Funding Agency

U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)

Solicitation Title

OJP FY 2026 Special Attorneys Program

Funding Opportunity Number

O-BJA-2026-172587

Assistance Listing Number

16.076 – Law Enforcement Support for Combating Criminal Aliens, Drug, and Human Trafficking

Application Deadlines

• Grants.gov (SF‑424): May 15, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. ET
• JustGrants Full Application: May 20, 2026, by 8:59 p.m. ET

Note: This NOFO is released in multiple rounds and applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.

Funding Information

The NOFO does not specify a maximum award amount per grantee. Award amounts will be based on approved costs requested by applicants, subject to availability of funds.

• Expected Total Amount of Funding: $300,000,000
• Award Type: Cooperative Agreement
• Expected Period of Performance: 36 months (starting June 1, 2026)
• Cost Sharing/Match: Not required

Program Summary

This program supports prosecuting agencies in placing experienced prosecutors in cross‑designated roles within the U.S. Department of Justice, including the National Fraud Enforcement Division, the Criminal Division, or U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Funded prosecutors will investigate and prosecute fraud and other crimes committed by criminal aliens, as well as drug trafficking and human trafficking offenses, with the goal of strengthening intergovernmental coordination and enhancing enforcement of federal criminal laws.

Key Activities Supported

Funded prosecutors may support:

• Investigation and prosecution of fraud and related offenses
• Drug trafficking and human trafficking prosecutions
• Cross‑designation of prosecutors as Special Attorneys or SAUSAs
• Coordination with federal law enforcement and prosecutorial partners
• Strengthening prosecutorial capacity in participating jurisdictions

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include government prosecuting agencies, including:

• State governments
• County governments
• City or township governments
• Federally recognized Tribal governments

Applicants must have the legal authority and capacity to assign or hire prosecutors to serve in full‑time, cross‑designated roles and to enter into required memoranda of understanding with DOJ components.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov and JustGrants by the deadlines listed above. Applicants should carefully review the NOFO for required supporting documentation, eligibility requirements, and application materials.

Links

• Full NOFO (PDF): https://www.ojp.gov/funding/docs/bja-2026-172587.pdf
• BJA Opportunity Page: https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/o-bja-2026-172587