DOJ to stop using outside experts to help vet competitive grant applicants

August 18, 2026 / 11:42 AM EDT / CBS News

DOJ to stop using outside experts to help vet competitive grant applicants

TL;DR

  • The Justice Department is ending its practice of hiring outside experts for peer review of competitive grant applications.
  • This move affects billions of dollars in federal grants awarded to law enforcement, victim services groups, and research institutions.
  • The department states the change is to increase efficiency and align with administration goals, while critics worry about politicization and reduced integrity.
  • Past controversies involving political interference and ethical breaches in grantmaking are cited as reasons for concern.
  • Internal staff will now be responsible for reviewing applications, despite potential staffing shortages and lack of expertise.