About this file

This is a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the OJJDP FY 2026 Missing and Exploited Children Training and Technical Assistance program. The Office of Justice Programs is offering a single cooperative agreement award of up to $1,200,000 with a 12-month performance period beginning January 1, 2027. Applications must be submitted in two steps: first by completing and submitting the SF-424 form in Grants.gov by October 29, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET, then submitting the complete application in JustGrants by November 5, 2026 at 8:59 p.m. ET. The funding opportunity number is O-OJJDP-2026-172744, and the statutory authority is the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2026 (Pub. L. No. 119-74).

Eligible applicants include public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, and for-profit organizations including small businesses. No cost sharing or match is required. The program aims to strengthen investigation, prosecution, and coordinated multidisciplinary responses to missing and exploited children cases by increasing capacity through targeted training and technical assistance and implementing best practices. Recipients must deliver nine core training modules, including sextortion offenses, child abuse investigations, community action planning, child sex trafficking response, evidence handling and presentation, and disclosure procedures. Additional deliverables include performance reports demonstrating progress toward program goals. The successful applicant must coordinate with the current training provider to ensure continuity of services. Unallowable activities include violations of federal immigration law, federal civil rights laws, and provision of legal services to removable aliens, with specified exceptions for protection orders and authorized immigration-related legal services.

Application Instructions

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OMB No. 1121-0329

Approval Expires 02/28/2027

OJJDP FY 2026 Missing and Exploited Children Training and Technical Assistance

Grants.gov Funding Opportunity Number: O-OJJDP-2026-17244

Application Deadlines in Eastern Time (ET):

1. Complete SF-424 and submit in Grants.gov: October 29, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. ET

2. Submit full application in JustGrants: November 5, 2026, by 8:59 p.m. ET

OJJDP FY 2026 Missing and Exploited Children Training and Technical Assistance

U.S. Department of Justice | Office of Justice Programs | Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention | 2

Contents

1. Basic Information

2. Eligibility

3. Program Description

4. Application Contents and Format

5. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

6. Application Review Information

7. Award Notices

8. Post-Award Requirements & Administration

9. Questions?

U.S. Department of Justice | Office of Justice Programs | Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention | 3

1. BASIC INFORMATION

Purpose of the Funding

The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) is committed to advancing work that furthers the

U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) mission to keep our country safe and secure and uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of American citizens. OJP provides federal leadership, funding, and other critical resources to directly support law enforcement, combat violent crime, protect American children, provide services to American crime victims, and address public safety challenges, including human trafficking and the opioid crisis.

This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the OJJDP FY 2026 Missing and

Exploited Children Training and Technical Assistance program. This opportunity will build the capacity of state, Tribal, and local agencies to effectively investigate and prosecute cases of missing and exploited children. The program provides assistance to multidisciplinary teams of prosecutors, state and local law enforcement, child protection personnel, medical providers, and other child-serving professionals to strengthen multidisciplinary responses to cases of missing and exploited children and improve the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators. This program will also support National

Missing Children’s Day activities as identified and requested by OJJDP.

See the Eligible Applicants section for eligibility details.

Funding Details

Announcement Type Initial

Assistance Listing Number 16.543

Statutory Authority Pub. L. No. 119-74, 140 Stat. 5, 34-35

Grants.gov Opportunity Number O-OJJDP-2026-172744

Expected Total Amount of Funding $1,200,000

Anticipated Number of Awards 1

Award Type(s) Cooperative Agreement

Anticipated Award Amount Up to $1,200,000

Expected Award Period(s) 12 months starting on January 1, 2027

Key Dates and Times

NOFO Release Date September 21, 2026

SAM.gov Registration/Renewal Begin the process by September 29, 2026, and no later than October 15, 2026

U.S. Department of Justice | Office of Justice Programs | Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention | 4

Step 1: Grants.gov Deadline 11:59 p.m. ET on October 29, 2026

Step 2: JustGrants Deadline 8:59 p.m. ET on November 5, 2026

See Questions? at the end of this NOFO for agency contact information.

2. ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants

The types of entities that are eligible to apply are:

Educational Organizations

• Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education

• Private institutions of higher education

Nonprofit Organizations

• Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), other than institutions of higher education

For-Profit Organizations

• Organizations other than small businesses

• Small businesses

Cost Sharing (Match) Requirement: This NOFO does not require cost sharing

(match).

Limit on Number of Applications: An applicant may submit only one application in response to this NOFO.

If a project will be carried out by two or more entities (project partners), only one entity may submit the application. The other entities (project partners) must be proposed as subrecipients rather than co-applicants. An entity may be proposed as a subrecipient in more than one application. For additional information regarding subawards, see the Application Resource Guide.

3. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Statutory Authority

Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2026, Pub. L. No. 119-74, 140 Stat. 5, 34-35.

https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#information-proposed-subawards

U.S. Department of Justice | Office of Justice Programs | Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention | 5

Agency Funding Priorities

To help meet its mission, OJP may give priority consideration to applications proposing

(as applicable within the scope of this NOFO) projects designed to advance the goals listed below:

(a) Directly supporting law enforcement operations (including immigration law enforcement operations);

(b) Combatting violent crime;

(c) Supporting services to American citizens;

(d) Protecting American children; and

(e) Supporting American victims of trafficking and sexual assault.

Note: Addressing these priorities is one of many factors that OJP considers in making funding decisions. Receiving priority consideration does not guarantee funding.

Unallowable Activities: The following are certain unallowable costs and certain activities that are out of the program scope and will not be funded.

1. Out of program scope is any program or activity, at any tier that, directly or indirectly, violates (or promotes or facilitates the violation of) federal immigration law (including 8 U.S.C. § 1373) or impedes or hinders the enforcement of federal immigration law—including by failing to comply with 8 U.S.C. § 1373, give access to DHS agents, or honor DHS requests and provide requested notice to DHS agents.

2. Out of program scope is any program or activity, at any tier that violates any applicable Federal civil rights or nondiscrimination law. This includes violations that (1) indirectly violate the law, including by promoting or facilitating violations;

or (2) unlawfully favor individuals in any race or protected group, including on a majority or minority, or privileged or unprivileged, basis, within a given area, population, or sector.

3. As specified in the DOJ Grants Financial Guide, in Chapter 3.13 “Unallowable

Costs” (“Legal Services for Aliens”), any obligations of funds, at any tier, under this award to provide (or to support the provision of) legal services to any removable alien or any alien otherwise unlawfully present in the United States shall be unallowable costs for purposes any award made under this notice, but the foregoing shall not be understood to apply: (1) to legal services to obtain protection orders for victims of crime; or (2) to immigration-related legal services that may be expressly authorized or required by any law, or any judicial ruling, governing or applicable to the award.

https://www.ojp.gov/doj-financial-guide-2024

U.S. Department of Justice | Office of Justice Programs | Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention | 6

Goal and Objectives of This Funding Opportunity

Goal: Strengthen investigation, prosecution, and coordinated multidisciplinary responses to cases of missing and exploited children.

• Objective 1: Increase the capacity of multi-disciplinary team members and other child-serving professionals to effectively respond to child exploitation through targeted, direct technical assistance and support.

• Objective 2: Improve child exploitation investigations and prosecutions by implementing best practices, building and strengthening skills, and enhancing operations.

Note that core training deliverables are listed below. Applicants are expected to address the below deliverables in their projects but are not limited to only these training topics.

Expected Outcomes

OJP expects recipients to submit deliverables and performance reports, as described below. Read the Application Resource Guide for more information. OJP will measure success by reviewing a recipient’s submission of performance reports and data and the extent to which project implementation reflects progress toward the goals and objectives of this NOFO.

Deliverables

Recipients will be expected to submit the following:

• Provide core Missing and Exploited Children program trainings that have already been developed through this program, which include:

o Responding to Sextortion Offenses Against Children.

o Conducting Child Abuse Investigations.

o Creating a Community Action Plan for the Prevention of Child Sexual

Abuse.

o Multi-disciplinary Team Response to Child Sex Trafficking.

o Following the Evidence in Child Abuse and Exploitation Cases.

o Presenting Evidence in Child Abuse and Exploitation Cases.

o Child Sex Trafficking.

o From Suspicion to Disclosure.

o Strengthening Child Abuse and Exploitation Cases with Statement

Evidence.

OJJDP expects the successful applicant to work with the current training and technical assistance provider to ensure a seamless transition to allow for continuity of services and training to the public.

https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#general-information-about-post-federal-award-reporting-requireme

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Performance Reports

OJP requires recipients to submit regular performance reports that communicate progress toward achieving Program Goals and Objectives. Read information on performance reporting.

Award recipients will receive further guidance on post award reporting requirements.

Substantial Involvement of Federal Agency: OJP expects to make some or all awards under this NOFO as cooperative agreements, which allows OJP to have substantial involvement in carrying out the project. Read the Application Resource

Guide for a discussion of this involvement and related award conditions.

4. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

Application Contents List

OJP will only consider applications that contain all required parts, which are marked

*Required* below. Refer to the DOJ Grant Application Submission Checklist for application instructions.

Application Item Submission Type

Step 1: Grants.gov

Application for Federal Assistance: SF-424 *Required* Online Form

Step 2: JustGrants

Standard Applicant Information *Required* Online Form

Proposal Abstract Text Box

Data Requested With Application

• Financial Management and System of Internal

Controls Questionnaire (including Applicant

Disclosure of High-Risk Status)

• Agency Funding Priorities Inventory

Online Form

Proposal Narrative *Required* Attachment

Budget *Required* Online Form https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#general-information-about-post-federal-award-reporting-requireme https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#administrative https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#administrative https://justicegrants.usdoj.gov/training/checklist-application-submission

U.S. Department of Justice | Office of Justice Programs | Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention | 8

Other Budget/Financial Attachments

• Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable)

• Consultant Rate (if applicable)

• Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee

Compensation for Awards Over $250,000; Waiver (if applicable)

• Disclosure of Process Related to Executive

Compensation (if applicable)

Attachment

Memorandum of Understanding Attachment

Additional Application Components

• Tribal Authorizing Resolution (if applicable)

• Research and Evaluation Independence and

Integrity Statement (if applicable)

• Position Descriptions

• Timeline

Attachment

In addition to the items marked *Required* in the table above, the following are considered basic minimum requirement elements that are considered in the responsiveness review:

• The application is submitted by an eligible applicant.

• The requested award amount does not exceed the award ceiling.

• The application is responsive to the scope of the NOFO.

Standard Applicant Information *Required*

Review and edit as needed the information imported from the SF-424 submitted in

Grants.gov. Add ZIP codes for areas affected by the project.

Proposal Abstract

In JustGrants, enter a proposal abstract (limited to 2,000 characters) summarizing the proposed project. As abstracts for funded projects are public, do not include any personally identifying information (e.g., staff names). The abstract should include the following information:

• The name of the applicant’s proposed project.

• The purpose of the proposed project (i.e., what the project will do and why it is necessary).

• Where the project will take place (i.e., the service area, if applicable).

• Who will be served by the project (i.e., who will be helped or have their needs addressed by the project).

U.S. Department of Justice | Office of Justice Programs | Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention | 9

• What activities will be carried out to complete the project.

• The subrecipient(s)/partner organizations or entities, if known.

• Deliverables and expected outcomes (i.e., what the project will achieve).

View an example of a proposal abstract.

Data Requested With Application

Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire (including Applicant Disclosure of High-Risk Status)

Review information on this questionnaire.

Agency Funding Priorities Inventory

Applicants seeking priority consideration under the Agency Funding Priorities section should answer the inventory questions in their entirety in the web-based form in

JustGrants.

Proposal Narrative *Required*

Format of the Proposal Narrative

Submit the narrative as an attachment in JustGrants. The document should:

• Be double-spaced, using a standard 12-point size font

• Have no less than 1-inch margins

• Have numbered pages

• Not exceed 20 pages

If the Proposal Narrative does not follow this format, OJP may reduce the score/ranking of the application.

Sections of the Proposal Narrative

The Proposal Narrative must include the four sections listed below. If you want priority consideration, the Proposal Narrative must state which priority(ies) your project will advance and describe how it will do so.

1. Description of the Need (5% of application score): What critical issue or problem do you propose to address with this project? Please include:

• A description of the need for the training and technical assistance proposed.

• Supporting information, data, or evidence to demonstrate the need’s existence, size, and impact on the target population and community.

• How the need relates to the purpose of the NOFO.

2. Project Goals and Objectives (15% of application score): How will the proposed project address the need identified and address the purpose of the NOFO? Please include:

https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#proposal-abstract https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#fm-internal-controls-questionnaire

U.S. Department of Justice | Office of Justice Programs | Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention | 10

• Project goals (goals are broad, visionary statements on what you hope to accomplish).

• Project objectives (objectives are specific outcomes you plan to achieve through project activities).

• How your project goals and objectives relate to the goals and objectives of the funding opportunity.

3. Project Design and Implementation (35% of application score): How will you implement project activities that meet the project goals and objectives? Please include:

• What strategies and activities you will conduct to achieve the proposed goals and objectives and address the need, gaps, or issues identified, including the TTA products to be delivered.

• How you will deliver or complete those activities.

• When the activities will take place.

• Who in your organization will staff the activities, including key staff.

• Who will participate in and benefit from the activity.

• What deliverables, reports, and other items will be produced as part of the project.

• If you plan to use subrecipients to help conduct the project, please name them (if they are known) or describe how you will identify them. Please describe their role in conducting project activities.

4. Capabilities and Competencies (30% of application score): What administrative and technical capacity and expertise do you bring to successfully complete this project?

Please include:

• A short description of your capacity as well as subrecipient/subawardee capacity to deliver the proposed project and meet the post-award requirements, if funded.

• A description of projects or activities your organization has conducted, or is currently conducting, that demonstrates your ability to undertake the proposed project activities.

• A summary of relevant experience of team members with key responsibilities for implementing the project.

• A summary of management and staffing patterns for the project that are clearly connected to the project design described in the previous section.

Project Evaluations: An applicant that proposes to use award funds to conduct project evaluations must follow the guidance on project evaluations.

Budget and Associated Documentation

Budget (15% of application score) *Required*

Use the Budget Detail Worksheet (Web-Based Form) to submit the budget. Read information on budget preparation and JustGrants Application Submission Training.

https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#project-evaluations https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#budget-prep https://justicegrants.usdoj.gov/training/training-application-submission

U.S. Department of Justice | Office of Justice Programs | Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention | 11

• List each cost needed to implement the project under the appropriate cost category.

• Clearly name and describe each cost.

• Show the computation of each cost (e.g., cost per unit, number of units, and total cost).

• Enter narrative, as needed, to explain the cost calculations and connection to your project goals, objectives, and activities.

• Include only costs that are reasonable, allocable, and necessary to implement the project. They must be allowable under the funding statute and agency requirements.1

Budget/Financial Attachments

• Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable): If the budget includes indirect costs calculated using a current, federally approved indirect cost rate, upload your indirect cost rate agreement. Read information about indirect costs.

• Consultant Rate (if applicable): Read information on limits to consultant rates and whether you need to request approval to exceed those limits.

• Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee Compensation for Awards

Over $250,000; Waiver (if applicable): Read information on this limitation and to determine whether you need to submit a waiver.

• Disclosure of Process Related to Executive Compensation (if applicable):

An applicant that is a nonprofit organization may be required to make certain disclosures relating to the processes it uses to determine the compensation of its officers, directors, trustees, and key employees. Read information about this disclosure and documentation to upload.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Supporting Documents

Attach a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or letter of intent between the applicant and each of the project partner(s). Read information on what to include in an MOU/letter of intent.

MOUs should be submitted as one separate attachment to the application. Unsigned draft MOUs may be submitted with the application, but you should describe in a cover page to the attachment why they are unsigned.

Unsigned draft MOUs may be submitted with the application, but the applicant should describe in a cover page to the attachment why it is unsigned.

Additional Application Components

Attach these in JustGrants:

1 See 2 C.F.R. Part 200, Subpart E and the DOJ Grants Financial Guide. Read information on unallowable costs that apply to all funding opportunities.

https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#indirect-cost https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#consultant-rate-if-applicable https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#limitation-use-award https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#disclosure-process-executive https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#memorandum-of-understanding-mou-and-supporting-documents https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#memorandum-of-understanding-mou-and-supporting-documents https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#subpart-E https://www.ojp.gov/funding/financialguidedoj/overview https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#unallowable-uses-of-funds

U.S. Department of Justice | Office of Justice Programs | Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention | 12

• Tribal Authorizing Resolution (if applicable): Read information on whether you may need to submit a Tribal Authorizing Resolution.

• Research and Evaluation Independence and Integrity Statement (if applicable): Read information whether you may need to submit this statement.

• Position Descriptions: Provide position descriptions for positions supported under the grant.

• Timeline: Provide a timeline listing key activities and milestones, and the months during which they will take place.

Disclosures and Assurances

Read the disclosures and assurances and complete them in JustGrants:

• Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

• Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items (if applicable)

• DOJ Certified Standard Assurances

• DOJ Certifications

• Applicant Disclosure and Justification – DOJ High-Risk Grantees (if applicable)

5. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

The DOJ Grant Application Submission Checklist provides instructions for how to submit you application by the deadlines. Executive Order (E.O.) 12372 (Intergovernmental

Review of Federal Programs) does not apply to this funding opportunity: read the

Application Resource Guide for details. Read OJP’s policy for applicants to request late submission due to technical difficulties, severe weather, or natural or manmade disasters.

6. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

The Application Resource Guide explains the responsiveness review, review criteria, and review and selection process, including risk review, and deciding official. Refer to the Application Contents List for all required application components and other basic minimum requirement elements that are considered in the responsiveness review. The

Proposal Narrative and Budget sections of this NOFO indicates the weight of technical review criteria.

7. AWARD NOTICES

Read about the award notification process.

https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#tribal-authorizing-resolution https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#research-evaluation https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#disclosures-and-assurances https://justicegrants.usdoj.gov/training/checklist-application-submission https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#guidance-for-specific-sf-424-fields https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#experiencing-unforeseen-technical-issues https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#experiencing-unforeseen-technical-issues https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#application-review-for-competitive-funding https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#federal-award-notices

U.S. Department of Justice | Office of Justice Programs | Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention | 13

8. POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS & ADMINISTRATION

Read the Application Resource Guide for more information about: standard award terms and conditions, administrative and national policy requirements, and post-award reporting requirements.

9. QUESTIONS?

NOFO Contact Name: OJP Response Center

Phone: 800-851-3420 or 202-353-5556 (TTY for hearing-impaired callers only)

Email: OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov

Hours: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday

SAM.gov Help Desk Website: sam.gov/help

Hours: 8 a.m.–8 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday (closed federal holidays)

Grants.gov Help Desk Phone: 800-518-4726

Email: support@grants.gov

Website: grants.gov/support

Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (closed federal holidays)

JustGrants Help Desk Phone: 833-872-5175

Email: JustGrants.Support@usdoj.gov

Hours: 7:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday and 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sunday, and federal holidays.

https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#general-information mailto:OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov https://sam.gov/help mailto:support@grants.gov https://www.grants.gov/support mailto:JustGrants.Support@usdoj.gov

1. Basic Information
Purpose of the Funding
Funding Details
Key Dates and Times
2. Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
3. Program Description
Statutory Authority
Agency Funding Priorities
Goal and Objectives of This Funding Opportunity
Expected Outcomes
Deliverables
Performance Reports
4. Application Contents and Format
Application Contents List
Standard Applicant Information *Required*
Proposal Abstract
Data Requested With Application
Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire (including Applicant Disclosure of High-Risk Status)
Agency Funding Priorities Inventory
Proposal Narrative *Required*
Format of the Proposal Narrative
Sections of the Proposal Narrative
Budget and Associated Documentation
Budget (15% of application score) *Required*
Budget/Financial Attachments
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Supporting Documents
Additional Application Components
Disclosures and Assurances
5. Submission Requirements and Deadlines
6. Application Review Information
7. Award Notices
8. Post-Award Requirements & Administration
9. Questions?

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