NDAA was formed in 1950 by local prosecutors to give a focal point to advance their causes and issues at the national level. NDAA representatives regularly meet with the Department of Justice, members of Congress and other national associations to represent the views of prosecutors to influence federal and national policies and programs that affect law enforcement and prosecution. The NDAA is governed by a board of directors that is made up of state directors appointed to the board by the prosecuting associations of the states, and current and past officers of the association. The officers are chosen by the board annually to govern the NDAA; they are the president, president-elect, treasurer, assistant treasurer, secretary, assistant secretary, and ten vice-presidents. The outgoing president becomes the chairman of the board. Its purposes are: -To foster and maintain the honor and integrity of the prosecuting attorneys of the United States in both large and small jurisdictions by whatever title such attorneys may be known.
 -To improve and to facilitate the administration of justice in the United States. -To promote the study of the law and legal research, the diffusion of knowledge and the continuing education of prosecuting attorneys, lawyers, law enforcement personnel, and other members of the interested public by various means including, but not limited to, arranging conferences and fostering periodic meetings for the discussion and solution of legal problems affecting the public interest in the administration of justice. -To cause to be published and to distribute articles, reports, monographs, and other literary works on legal subjects or other related subjects. -To provide to state and local prosecutors the knowledge, skills and support to ensure that justice is done and the public safety and rights of all are safeguarded.