FY26 COPS Anti-Heroin Task Force Program

The COPS Anti-Heroin Task Force Program is administered by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services within the U.S. Department of Justice. The COPS Office is responsible for advancing community policing practices nationwide and supports law enforcement agencies through funding, training, and technical assistance. This program aligns with federal priorities to enhance public safety and reduce opioid-related crime by strengthening law enforcement capacity at the state level. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to provide competitive grants to state law enforcement agencies operating in states with high per capita rates of opioid-related treatment admissions. The program focuses specifically on combating the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and unlawfully distributed prescription opioids. It emphasizes statewide collaboration through multijurisdictional task forces that investigate illicit drug activities. The program aims to increase investigative capacity, improve coordination among agencies, and enhance analytical capabilities to better address opioid-related crime. Funding under this program supports a range of allowable costs directly tied to task force operations. These include salaries and fringe benefits for new or rehired sworn law enforcement officers, as well as civilian personnel such as analysts and project coordinators. Additional allowable expenses include training and travel related to task force activities, equipment and technology purchases, software and maintenance agreements, overtime costs, and procurement of consultants. However, the funding explicitly excludes treatment programs and prosecution-related activities, focusing strictly on investigative and enforcement functions. Eligibility is limited to state governments, specifically state law enforcement agencies that have primary authority over opioid seizures, possess multijurisdictional reach, and operate interdisciplinary task forces. Applicants must also comply with federal information-sharing requirements under applicable immigration-related statutes. The program is designed to support agencies capable of coordinating across jurisdictions and contributing to statewide enforcement strategies. The application process involves two required submission steps. First, applicants must submit the SF-424 form through Grants.gov by the specified deadline. Second, applicants must complete the full application in the JustGrants system, which includes required components such as standard applicant information, a proposal abstract, detailed budget documentation, and supporting attachments such as letters of support and justifications for costs. The proposal abstract must clearly describe the project purpose, activities, partners, and expected outcomes in a concise and publicly understandable format. Applications are evaluated based on their alignment with program goals, capacity to improve investigative outcomes, and ability to enhance collaboration and analytical capabilities. Additional consideration may be given to agencies that collaborate with federal law enforcement, participate in Homeland Security Task Forces, submit accurate reporting data, or address priorities such as domestic terrorism. Awards are contingent upon appropriated funding and compliance with all federal requirements. The application timeline begins with the release of the funding opportunity in June, followed by a Grants.gov submission deadline in late July and a subsequent JustGrants submission deadline shortly thereafter. Award notifications are anticipated on or after October 1, with a performance period of approximately 36 months. Applicants can seek assistance through multiple support channels, including Grants.gov, JustGrants, and the COPS Office Response Center, which provides programmatic guidance.

Emphasize statewide collaboration, demonstrate strong analytical capacity, align with federal priorities such as interagency coordination and data reporting, and clearly justify all budget items