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DOJ Ends Outside Peer Review For Competitive Grants, Shifting Vetting In-House
On August 18, 2026, the Justice Department said it will end outside peer review for competitive grant applications this fall and move all vetting in-house.[1]
The Office of Justice Programs and the Office on Violence Against Women have relied on outside subject-matter experts under contracts with BETAH and Leidos to review and rank applications.[1] DOJ said staff who manage grants will take over all competitive-application reviews to better align funding decisions with administration priorities.[1]
DOJ confirmed the external peer review program will formally end in fall 2026, shifting technical vetting from contracted panels to internal grant managers.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On August 18, 2026, DOJ confirmed it will formally end its external peer review program for competitive grants in fall 2026.
- The Office of Justice Programs and Office on Violence Against Women currently use outside subject-matter experts, under contracts with BETAH and Leidos, to review and rank applications.
- DOJ says internal staff responsible for managing grants will take over all competitive-application reviews, citing a desire to align funding decisions with administration priorities.
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August 18, 2026