Anti-Heroin Task Force (AHTF) Program

The Anti-Heroin Task Force (AHTF) Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice through the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), a federal agency dedicated to advancing community policing nationwide. Since its inception, the COPS Office has invested more than $21 billion in law enforcement capacity, supporting thousands of agencies and funding the hiring and redeployment of officers. The AHTF Program is part of this broader mission, specifically targeting opioid-related crime through coordinated enforcement strategies. The program focuses on addressing heroin and opioid distribution by strengthening statewide law enforcement collaboration and investigative capabilities. The primary purpose of the AHTF Program is to enhance public safety by supporting state law enforcement agencies in states experiencing high rates of opioid-related treatment admissions. Funding is directed toward activities that locate and investigate illicit drug distribution networks, including heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and unlawfully distributed prescription opioids. The program emphasizes statewide collaboration and task force models, encouraging multi-agency participation and interdisciplinary coordination. Key objectives include increasing investigative efficiency, improving arrest and prosecution outcomes, expanding drug seizure operations, and strengthening analytical capabilities within task forces. Funding under this program can be used to support personnel costs, including additional law enforcement officers and civilian staff, as well as training and equipment that enhance task force operations. The program explicitly prohibits the use of funds for treatment programs or prosecution activities, ensuring that resources remain focused on investigative and enforcement functions. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement, making the funding fully federal. The anticipated award ceiling is up to $4,000,000 per grant, with approximately 15 awards expected and a total program funding pool of up to $35,000,000. Eligibility is limited to state law enforcement agencies that meet specific criteria. Applicants must have primary authority over statewide opioid seizures, demonstrate multijurisdictional reach, and operate interdisciplinary task forces. Eligible entities include state governments and their law enforcement agencies across all U.S. states and territories, including the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. Applicants must also comply with federal requirements related to information sharing under immigration law statutes. The program is not open to local agencies, nonprofits, or private entities. The application process is conducted in two steps. First, applicants must register with SAM.gov to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier and submit the SF-424 form through Grants.gov. Second, applicants complete the full application in the JustGrants system, including proposal narratives, budget details, and required attachments. Required components include a proposal abstract, detailed budget justification, disclosures, certifications, and responses to survey questions. Applications must be complete and error-free to be accepted, and both a law enforcement executive and a government executive must serve as authorized representatives. Applications are evaluated through a structured review process beginning with a Basic Minimum Requirements review, followed by a technical evaluation based on defined criteria. These criteria include problem identification, current investigative activities, task force participation, collaboration, proposed strategies, data on treatment admissions, and budget effectiveness. Additional consideration may be given for cooperation with federal law enforcement on immigration issues. Final award decisions are made by the COPS Office Director, with notifications expected on or after September 1, 2025. The application timeline for this funding opportunity began with a release date of May 13, 2025. The Grants.gov submission deadline was June 25, 2025, followed by a JustGrants deadline of July 2, 2025. The period of performance for awarded projects is 36 months, starting October 1, 2025. The program is structured as an annual competitive grant opportunity, suggesting recurrence in future fiscal years. Applicants are encouraged to monitor future announcements and prepare for similar timelines in subsequent cycles.

Align proposal with review criteria emphasize collaboration and measurable investigative outcomes ensure budget justification is detailed and complete