1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Joint Task Force to Combat Opioid Trafficking Act of 2018 . 2. Authorization of Joint Task Force to counter opioids (a) In general Section 708(b) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 ( 6 U.S.C. 348(b) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (2)(A), by adding at the end the following new clause: (iv) Enhancing the integration of the Department’s border security operations to detect, interdict, disrupt, and prevent narcotics, such as fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, from entering the United States. ; (2) by redesignating paragraphs (9) through (13) as paragraphs (11) through (15), respectively; and (3) by inserting after paragraph (8) the following new paragraphs: (9) Engagement with the private sector (A) In general The Director of a Joint Task Force may engage with representatives from a private sector organization for the purpose of carrying out the mission of such Joint Task Force, and any such engagement shall not be subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.). (B) Assistance from private sector (i) In general Notwithstanding subsection (b)(1), the Secretary, with the agreement of a private sector organization, may arrange for the temporary assignment of employees of the organization to the Joint Task Force in accordance with this paragraph. (ii) Application of ethics rules An employee of a private sector organization assigned under clause (i)— (I) shall be deemed to be a special government employee for purposes of Federal law, including chapter 11 of title 18, United States Code, and the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.)