Equitable Sharing Program

Program objective

The Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Program is a nationwide law enforcement initiative that removes the tools of crime from criminal organizations, deters crime and deprives wrongdoers of their criminal proceeds, and recovers property that may be used to compensate victims. Equitable sharing further enhances the law enforcement mission by fostering cooperation among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Federal law authorizes the Attorney General to share federally forfeited property with participating state and local law enforcement agencies. The exercise of this authority is discretionary and limited by statute. The Attorney General is not required to share property in any case.

As published in the SAM.gov Assistance Listing.

No open or forecasted opportunities are currently posted under this listing. Programs often post notices on an annual cycle — see recently closed opportunities below for timing.

Eligible applicants (program level)

• ✓Federally Recognized lndian Tribal Governments
• ✓U.S. Territories and possessions
• ✓State
• ✓Local (includes State-designated lndian Tribes, excludes institutions of higher education and hospitals

A state or local law enforcement agency meeting eligibility requirements set forth in the Guide and that directly participates in an investigation or prosecution resulting in a federal forfeiture may request an equitable share of the net proceeds of the forfeiture. For purposes of equitable sharing, the Department of Justice defines a law enforcement agency as a state or local government organization authorized to engage in, as its primary function, the investigation and apprehension, or the prosecution of individuals suspected or convicted of offenses against the criminal laws of the United States or of any state, county, municipality, or territory of the United States. A state National Guard generally does not meet the law enforcement agency criteria for participation in the Program because its primary mission is a military or other non-law enforcement purpose. However, a National Guard Counterdrug unit may qualify for sharing if: (1) It is a distinct unit of a state National Guard that has counterdrug activities as its primary mission and receives funding solely for this purpose; or (2) It is a military police or similar state National Guard unit that provides support to federal law enforcement agencies in counterdrug activities.

Intended beneficiaries: U.S. Territories, State, Local and Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments.

Program-level eligibility from SAM.gov. Each funding notice sets its own requirements.

Frequently asked questions