FOA-ILAB-22-26.pdf

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Bureau of International Labor Affairs

Program Office:

OTLA

Notice of Availability of Funds and Funding Opportunity Announcement for: Elevating Women's Participation in the Workplace in West Africa

Announcement Type: Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: FOA-ILAB-22-26

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 17.401

Key Dates: The closing date for receipt of applications under this announcement is 10/07/2022.

Applications must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

All technical questions related to the content of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) must be submitted no later than 10 business days prior to the close date of the FOA.

Award decisions are expected to be made between 10/11/2022 and 12/31/2022.

The Department will make its best efforts to make award decisions within this timeframe, but please be aware that there are a variety of circumstances that may result in a later or earlier than expected award decision.

To apply: Submit applications via https://www.grants.gov/ in response to this funding opportunity number.

Please refer to Section IV for application submission instructions.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB), U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL, or the Department), announces the availability of approximately $5,000,000 total costs (subject to the availability of Federal funds) for 1 cooperative agreement(s) to fund a technical assistance project with the overarching objective to elevate working-age women’s participation in the world of work, particularly women from underserved groups or populations, in Liberia and Nigeria.1 The duration of the project will be a maximum of 54 months from the effective date of the award.

Eligible applicants may include any commercial, international, educational, or non-profit organizations, including any faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, or public international organizations (PIOs), capable of successfully fulfilling the objectives identified in the Funding Opportunity Description. Please see section III of this funding opportunity announcement for complete eligibility requirements.

https://www.grants.gov/

The project will increase the capacity of stakeholders, including individuals, communities, and institutions to address discrimination and gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) in the world of work. It will also strengthen existing networks to address discrimination and GBVH in the world of work that include government entities at all levels, businesses, communities, civil society organizations, worker organizations, and other social partners. In addition, the project will facilitate communication between and across stakeholders and promote collective action to address discrimination and GBVH in the world of work. The project must be designed to achieve two or more outcomes that are considered both necessary and sufficient to achieve the project objective, and substantially contribute to the desired long-term impact(s). DOL has identified the following outcome(s) as necessary to achieve the project objective:

1. Increased capacity of individuals, communities, and/or institutions to address2 discrimination and GBVH in the world of work.3

2. Strengthened networks among individuals, communities, and/or institutions to address discrimination and GBVH in the world of work.4

Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. PROGRAM PURPOSE

B. PROGRAM AUTHORITY

C. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. AWARD TYPE AND AMOUNT

B. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

B. COST SHARING OR MATCHING

C. OTHER INFORMATION

1. Application Screening Criteria

2. Number of Applications to be Submitted

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. HOW TO OBTAIN AN APPLICATION PACKAGE

B. CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

1. Technical Proposal

2. Cost Proposal

3. Submission Date, Times, and Process

C. INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW

D. FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

E. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

F. OTHER SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. CRITERIA

B. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

1. Merit Review and Selection Process

2. Risk Review Process

VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

A. AWARD NOTICES

B. ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS

1. General Requirements

2. Audits and Attestation Engagements

3. Administrative Standards

4. Other Legal Requirements………………………………………………………………….43

5. Other Administrative Standards

6. Special Program Requirements

C. REPORTING

1. Quarterly Federal Financial Report (SF 425, FFR)

2. Semi-Annual Technical Progress Reports

3. Final Technical Report

4. Indirect Cost Rates

5. Closeout Reports

VII. AGENCY CONTACTS

VIII. OTHER INFORMATION

A. OMB INFORMATION COLLECTION

IX. APPENDICES

APPENDIX A: Acronyms

APPENDIX B: Definitions

APPENDIX C: Relevant Grant and/or Contract Experience

APPENDIX D: Requirements for Application Submission

APPENDIX E: Past Performance Questionnaire

APPENDIX F: List of Standard Indicators

APPENDIX G: Sustainability Strategy Template

ENDNOTES

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. PROGRAM PURPOSE

ILAB leads the U.S. Government’s (USG) efforts to improve working conditions and fight labor exploitation around the world. ILAB’s mission is to promote a fair global playing field for workers in the United States and around the world by enforcing trade commitments, strengthening labor standards, and combating international child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking. ILAB’s Office of Trade and Labor Affairs (OTLA) works to make sure that U.S.

trade partners fulfill their promises and play by the rules, and that American workers are able to compete on a level playing field by negotiating strong labor provisions in trade agreements and preference programs, monitoring for compliance, enforcing trade agreement and preference program commitments, and sharing technical expertise. See ILAB’s webpage for additional information: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ilab.

This FOA solicits applications to implement 1 project(s) with the objective of elevating working-age women’s participation in the world of work, particularly women from underserved groups or populations, in Liberia and Nigeria

The project will increase the capacity of stakeholders, including individuals, communities, and institutions to address discrimination and GBVH issues in the world of work. It will also strengthen existing networks to address discrimination and GBVH in the world of work that include government entities at all levels, businesses, communities, civil society organizations, worker organizations, and other social partners. In addition, the project will facilitate communication between and across stakeholders and promote collective action to address discrimination and GBVH in the world of work. The project must be designed to achieve two or more outcomes that are considered both necessary and sufficient to achieve the project objective, and substantially contribute to the desired long-term impact(s). DOL has identified the following outcome(s) as necessary to achieve the project objective:

1. Increased capacity of individuals, communities, and/or institutions to address GBVH in the world of work.

2. Strengthened networks among individuals, communities, and/or institutions to address discrimination and GBVH in the world of work.

Applicants selected for award will be required, within the first six months of award, to carry out additional in-country needs assessments and consultations with partners and relevant stakeholders to assess and identify gaps, risks and opportunities, analyze stakeholder capabilities and interests, understand potential harm and refine and/or validate the proposed project design, including performance indicators and targets, risk mitigation and sustainability strategies. All post-award refinements to the project strategy will be subject to approval by USDOL.

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ilab

This announcement is for the award of 1 new cooperative agreement with the specific project objective and outcomes outlined in this FOA. As such, applicants may not submit applications to renew or supplement an existing project.

B. PROGRAM AUTHORITY

ILAB is authorized to award and administer grants and cooperative agreements by the Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 2022 (Pub. L. 117-103, Division H, Title 1) to implement a project with the overarching objective to elevate working-age women's participation in the world of work.

C. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Women are disproportionately impacted by discrimination and GBVH in the workplace.5 They are often forced to work in intimidating, hostile, or humiliating environments and experience sexual harassmentt.6 Although they account for more than 50% of the population, only about a third of women participate in formal economic activity across the African continent.7 In West Africa, women are more likely than men to be in vulnerable employment and work primarily in the informal sector.8

Global efforts to prevent, remedy, and eliminate violence and harassment in the workplace, including gender-based violence and harassment have recently been bolstered by the adoption of the International Labor Organization (ILO) Violence and Harassment Convention (No. 190) in 2019. Through Convention 190, the global community has provided a common framework to identify the broad range of unacceptable behaviors and practices and the need to address these problems throughout all sectors of the economy (whether formal or informal) as well as in both rural and urban areas. Recognizing the importance of this new instrument, trade unions and other civil society organizations in Africa have been among the most active voices calling for the ratification and effective implementation of Convention 190. The Convention highlights the need to consult with workers’ and employers’ organizations in order to adopt an inclusive, integrated and gender-responsive approach to prevent and eliminate violence and harassment in the workplace.9

Liberia

Most working women in Liberia are employed within the agriculture and service sectors, and very few women are found within the professional, managerial, technical, or skilled labor sectors, limiting their economic potential. In some areas such as food crops, women’s participation exceeds male participation. However, women in agriculture lack autonomy in production. Insecure land ownership and land tenure continue to limit women’s access to credit, inputs, and, ultimately, productivity and financial empowerment.10

Discrimination in employment and occupation occur with respect to gender, disability, HIV-positive status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Women experience economic discrimination based on cultural traditions discouraging their employment outside the home in rural areas. Anecdotal evidence indicates that women’s pay lags that for men. LGBTQI+ persons and persons with disabilities face hiring discrimination, and persons with disabilities face difficulty with workplace access and accommodation.11

Liberia’s Decent Work Act of 2015 (section 2.8) prohibits sexual harassment in the workplace.

However, despite the legal prohibition, implementation of the law in the workplace remains a challenge.12 Liberian law prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, color, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity, or HIV and AIDS status. The Decent Work Act mandates equal remuneration for work of equal or comparative value; however, the government does not effectively enforce the law. Penalties are not sufficient to deter violations and are seldom applied. Mechanisms for receiving and acting on complaints are inadequate, and the government has not taken any action to strengthen antidiscrimination regulations.

In reviewing Liberia’s commitments under ILO Convention 111 on Discrimination (Employment and Occupation), the International Labor Organization’s Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations asked the Government of Liberia to provide detailed information on the specific measures adopted to report and address sexual harassment, in both the public and the private sectors. Government actions have included billboards and notices in government offices warning against harassment in the workplace. Additionally, a Gender Unit has been recently established within the Ministry of Labour to promote gender equality in employment and this includes work on the issue of sexual harassment.13

Trade unions in Liberia, including the Liberia Labour Congress and various civil society partners have also called for increased government action to address GBVH in the workplace, including launching campaigns advocating for the ratification of ILO Convention 190.14

Nigeria

A 2021 survey by the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) found that 57.5% of women workers interviewed across all sectors for a recent report say they experienced GBVH in the workplace.

More than one-third of respondents said that even when violations were reported, justice was rarely upheld.15 According to reports, many businesses have implemented a “get pregnant, get fired” policy.16According to the NLC, a “lack of worker-led research about the scope and incidence of GBVH in Nigeria’s workplace, poor implementation and enforcement of laws and workplace policies, entrenched discriminatory gender norms, and an inadequate legal framework hampered civil society and union efforts to address the problem.” The NLC and other civil society organizations are continuing efforts to advocate for Nigeria to ratify Convention 190 - Violence and Harassment Convention.

Sexual harassment remains a common problem in Nigeria. No federal statutes prohibit sexual harassment, but assault statutes provide for prosecution of violent harassment. The law criminalizes stalking. The law also criminalizes emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse and acts of intimidation. The practice of demanding sexual favors in exchange for employment or university grades remains common.17

Although the constitution provides the same legal status and rights for women as for men, women are prohibited from working in mining and are forbidden from working at night in industrial and agricultural undertakings. Women experienced considerable economic discrimination. The law does not mandate equal remuneration for work of equal value, nor does it prohibit discrimination based on gender in employment.18

There are several applicable laws prohibiting domestic violence in Nigeria, including the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act of 2007 and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act of 2015. However, domestic violence remains widespread, and many consider it socially acceptable. A 2019 survey on domestic violence found that 47% of female respondents had suffered from domestic violence or knew someone who had; 82% of respondents indicated that violence against women was prevalent in the country. Police often refuse to intervene in domestic disputes or blame the victim for provoking the abuse. In rural areas courts and police are reluctant to intervene to protect women who formally accuse their husbands of abuse if the level of alleged abuse does not exceed local customary norms.19 In Nigeria, as in other countries, domestic violence can have a significant impact on the workplace including through stress and trauma related health concerns, reduced productivity, and increased absenteeism.20

U.S. Trade with Liberia and Nigeria

Both countries are African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) eligible.

The top U.S. imports from Liberia in 2019 were: rubber ($62 million), precious metal and stone (diamonds) ($3 million), electrical machinery ($654,000), animal or vegetable fats and oils (palm oil) ($635,000), and art and antiques ($362,000).21

Some of the top U.S. products imports from Nigeria in 2019 were: mineral fuels ($4.4 billion), oilseeds and oleaginous fruits (plants) ($15 million), fertilizers ($11 million), and cocoa ($10 million). U.S. imports of services from Nigeria were an estimated $464 million in 2019, 1.3% ($6 million) less than 2018, but 7.9% less than 2009 levels. Leading services imports from Nigeria to the U.S. were in the travel, research and development, and transport sectors.22

II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. AWARD TYPE AND AMOUNT

Funding will be provided in the form of a cooperative agreement. Approximately $5,000,000 total costs is expected to be available to fund approximately 1 award(s). Applicants may apply for a ceiling amount of up to $5,000,000 total costs. Awards made under this announcement are subject to the availability of federal funds. In the event that additional funds become available, USDOL reserves the right to use such funds to select additional recipients from applications submitted in response to this announcement.

In addition to its normal consultative role as grantor, ILAB’s substantial involvement in program activities may focus on elements that are essential to meet program requirements and ensure achievement of program objectives and outcomes. ILAB’s involvement may include, but not be limited to:

• Liaising with in-country USG officials and host country governments on matters related to the project.

• Collaborating substantially on the project strategy and implementation, as well as the development of the project document package.

• Collaborating substantially on the development and implementation of the monitoring and evaluation plan and all of its components.

• Providing highly specialized input on the technical definitions and concepts of workers’ rights, international labor standards, occupational safety and health (OSH), industrial relations, social dialogue, collective bargaining, freedom of association, acceptable conditions of work, stakeholder compliance, non-discrimination, labor courts, labor administration, labor inspection, labor law and judicial reform, legal and policy frameworks, child labor, forced labor, human trafficking, and effective enforcement, among others.

• Being substantially and actively involved in designing research, service provision, and/or capacity building activities jointly with the recipient.

• Reviewing and providing input on project’s planning for sustainability and collaborating to promote sustainability of project efforts, including through replication of good practices.

B. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance is a maximum of 54 months from the effective date of the award.

This performance period includes all necessary implementation and start-up activities. Only allowable costs incurred during the period of performance may be charged to the federal award (2 CFR 200.1 Period of performance).

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

• U.S. organizations:

o Nonprofits, including any faith-based organizations or community-based organizations o Public/State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education o Private Institutions of Higher Education o For-Profit organizations

• Non-U.S. organizations:

o Non-U.S. Entities, including PIOs, as described in 2 CFR 200.46.

Applicants selected for award must abide by DOL's requirements in the term and conditions of the award, in alignment with U.S. appropriation laws and applicable U.S. regulations.

Applicants do not need previous experience managing federal awards, but they must speak persuasively about their ability to leverage other previous experience and bring it to scale in support of a large federal investment.

The following types of organizations are not eligible to apply nor to participate as subrecipients/contractors:

• Organizations designated by the U.S. Government to be associated with terrorism.

• Organizations designated by the U.S. Government to have been debarred or suspended.

• Organizations planning to charge a fee (profit) associated with a project funded by a USDOL award.

• Foreign governments and entities that are agencies of, or operated by or for, a foreign state or government are not eligible to apply. However, they may be eligible to participate as a subrecipient in certain instances, subject to USDOL approval. NOTE: If an exception to this subrecipient eligibility criterion might be appropriate, the application must include a detailed justification for the possible exception. USDOL funds are not intended to duplicate existing foreign government efforts or substitute for activities for which such governments have already assumed responsibility. USDOL will make eligibility decisions on a case-by-case basis after receiving the application.

B. COST SHARING OR MATCHING

This program does not require cost sharing or matching funds. Including such funds is not one of the application screening criteria and applications that include any form of cost sharing or match will not receive additional consideration during the review process. Instead, the agency considers any resources contributed to the project beyond the funds provided by the agency as leveraged resources. Section IV.B.2 provides more information on leveraged resources.

C. OTHER INFORMATION

1. Application Screening Criteria Use the following checklist as a guide when preparing the application package to ensure that the application has met all of the screening criteria. Note that this checklist is only an aid for applicants and should not be included in the application package. It is recommended to use this checklist to ensure that the application contains all required items. If the application does not meet all of the screening criteria, the application will not move forward to the merit review process.

Application Requirement Instructions Complete?

The deadline submission requirements are met Section IV.B.3.a.

Eligibility Section III.A The components of the application are saved in any of the specified formats and are not corrupt. (USDOL will attempt to open documents, but will not troubleshoot any problems related to opening files)

Section IV.B.3.b.

Application does not exceed the ceiling amount of $5,000,000 total costs Section II.A

Applicant has registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) and maintains an active account

Section IV.B.2.a

Completed and signed SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance, including a Unique Entity Identifier Number

Section IV.B.2.b

SF-424A, Budget Information Form Section IV.B.2.c

2. Number of Applications to be Submitted Multiple applications from an organization are not allowed. If multiple applications are received, the most recent application submitted by the deadline will be accepted. If the most recent application is disqualified for any reason, USDOL will not replace it with an earlier application.

Applicant entities are not precluded from participating as partners on another entity’s application.

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. HOW TO OBTAIN AN APPLICATION PACKAGE

This FOA, found at www.grants.gov, contains all of the information needed to apply for funding.

Applicants should note that it includes hyperlinks to external forms and resources. Applicants are required to comply with all parts of the FOA, including those parts found at the hyperlinks.

B. CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

Applications submitted in response to this FOA must consist of two separate and distinct parts:

(1) a Technical Proposal, including attachments; and (2) a Cost Proposal, including the SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance and related forms identified as follows. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the funding amount requested is consistent across all parts of the application. If the funding amount is not consistent, the amount requested on the SF-424 will be considered for the purpose of the award.

Technical Proposal Section

IV.B.1

Attachments to Technical Proposal

• Abstract

• Evidence of Government Support

• Work Plan

• Sustainability Strategy Template

• Relevant Grant and/or Contract Experience

• Evidence of Country Presence

• Key Personnel Signed Commitment Letters (3)

• Resume for Key Personnel (3)

• Resume for Other Required Professional Personnel

(3)Project Management Organizational Chart

Section IV.B.1.e

Outcome-Based Budget Section IV.B.2.e.

Budget Narrative Section IV.B.2.e.

http://www.grants.gov/

1. Technical Proposal Applicants should use their technical expertise to propose how to meet the requirements of the FOA and must provide justification for their choices based on evidence, analysis of contextual opportunities and constraints, and available resources within the requirements of the FOA.

Applicants must include specific citations to the evidence used to support their proposed project strategy. If there is limited evidence to support the proposed intervention(s), applicants may propose to pilot an innovative approach but must include and describe a plan for monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of the intervention(s).

All pages of the application must be numbered. All required documents (including attachments) must be submitted in English. Any additional documentation submitted that is not required or specifically requested under this announcement will not be considered during the merit review process.

Technical Proposals must be no more than 50 single-sided, double-spaced pages (8.5 x 11 inches with 1-inch margins). If any page limits required by this FOA for any part of the application are exceeded, the content that exceeds the page limit will not be considered during the merit review process. Font style must be Times New Roman and font size must be 12-point. The Cover Page, Acronyms List, Table of Contents, required attachments to the Technical Proposal, and the Cost Proposal do not count toward the page limit and do not have any spacing restrictions. Different fonts and font sizes may be used for tables, text boxes, and graphics. However, it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that they are legible and meet electronic submission requirements. Documents which cannot be read or accessed by the Department will not be considered during the merit review process. Please see section IV.B.3. for the file format requirements for electronic submissions.

The following instructions provide all the information needed to complete the Technical Proposal. Applicants should carefully read and consider each section and include all required information. The Technical Proposal will be evaluated using the evaluation criteria identified in Section V, Application Review Information. Applicants must use the same section headers identified in this FOA for each section of the Technical Proposal:

a. Abstract (Executive Summary) Applicants must submit as an attachment an abstract summarizing the proposed project including, but not limited to, the Theory of Change, the project objective, proposed outcomes, outputs, and activities. The abstract should describe the proposed project in plain language and include the following sections:

1. Applicant's Name and Title for the Project. The applicant's name and title for the proposed project.

2. Purpose. A brief description of the purpose for the award, including a description of the geographic area to be served (if applicable), population(s) to be served (if applicable), number and description of individuals, groups and institutions to be served (if applicable), and the funding level requested.

3. Activities to be Performed. A brief description of award specific activities and other deliverables.

4. Expected Outcomes. The project objective, proposed outcomes, and outputs.

5. Intended Beneficiaries. Intended beneficiary(ies) or recipient(s) of the project activities.

6. Sub-recipient Activities. If sub-awards are proposed, then specify the activities to be provided and the name of each proposed sub-awardee, if known.

The abstract is limited to two double-spaced single sided 8.5 x 11-inch pages with 12-point text font, Times New Roman font style, and 1-inch margins. When submitting in Grants.gov, this document must be uploaded as an attachment to the application package and specifically labeled "Abstract."

b. Table of Contents

The table of contents must list all required documents and include their corresponding page numbers.

c. Project Narrative The Project Narrative must describe in detail the applicant’s response to the FOA. At minimum, the Project Narrative must contain the following sections:

1. Problem Analysis (up to 6 points)

a) Scope of the Problem (2 points): Applicants will be evaluated based on the extent to which their analysis demonstrates a systemic understanding of the worker rights problem that the proposed project is designed to address. Applicants must describe in both quantitative and qualitative terms the need for assistance, including the nature, scope and root causes of the problem, and the consequences of not addressing the need. The analysis must reflect all the relevant conditions that are holding the problem in place, complicating or reinforcing it, including relevant cultural, economic, social, demographic, technological, historical, political, or environmental factors contributing to the problem. The problem analysis must demonstrate a cogent assessment of the boundaries of the “system” the project is seeking to transform, identify specific leverage points (transforming structures or processes) within the system that could drive change with respect to the problem, how they interact with one another and any related factors or barriers to change. Applicants must identify significant gaps in laws, policies, programs, and coordination efforts that contribute to the identified problem and that need to be addressed.

b) Population / Institutions Served (2 points): The analysis must include discussion of specific actors within the system (individuals, groups, institutions, coalitions, or networks) that have influence and/or interest in addressing the problem, giving particular attention to underserved communities, including historically marginalized, underrepresented and vulnerable groups. This discussion should clearly describe how the targeted population(s) to be served in the project will meet the requirements of this FOA by increasing their access to and/or demand for services, benefits, protections, or programs associated with improved workers’ rights. The analysis must address considerations of harm equity, and equality sufficient to demonstrate the applicant’s understanding of how the problem affects different groups, with particular attention to gender and equity based on ethnicity. For projects involving institutional strengthening, the problem analysis should clearly describe institutional barriers (or “pain points”) encountered by the target population(s) in accessing services, benefits, protections, or programs associated with improved workers’ rights. The problem analysis must be supported by relevant empirical data, including citations.

c) Proposed Geographic Scope (2 points): The applicant must identify and provide a justification for the proposed target service area(s) and the number of individuals and institutions/groups that the applicant expects to serve. Applicants may choose one or more of the following scopes: local (municipal or provincial), regional (contiguous area within country), sectoral or supply chain (within country), national, multi-country (contiguous or non-contiguous), industry or supply chain (regional or global). Within the chosen geographic scope, applicants must identify the specific site(s) where awarded applicants will implement project interventions.

2. Project Design (up to 40 points)

a) Project Strategy and Sustainability Strategy (up to 25 points)

The applicant's Project Strategy and Sustainability section will be evaluated based on its responsiveness to the unmet need described in its Problem Analysis.

The project-level objective is to elevate working-age women’s participation in the world of work, particularly women from underserved groups or populations, in Liberia and Nigeria. The project will use a systems approach to address discrimination and GBVH in the world of work while placing women workers at the center of project interventions.

Outcome 1: Increased capacity of individuals, communities, and institutions to address

Applicants must propose a strategy, using a systems approach, to achieve the project-level objective and expected outcomes stated above. Applicants must clearly identify how the project will achieve (or substantially contribute to) these outcomes within the period of performance of the project. In addition, applicants may propose additional outcomes they deem necessary to achieve the project objective and a rationale (including supporting evidence) for how they contribute to the achievement of the project’s overall objective. Together these outcomes are expected to have a lasting impact on the systemic worker rights problem identified in the project objective. Applicants must describe the key outputs produced by the project that will lead to the expected outcomes. In addition, applicants must describe in a narrative format how these outcomes and outputs align with their planned interventions. Applications must clearly state expected project results that are specific, measurable, achievable, and reasonable according to the project design and timeline. Project results must include: 1) any results, including appropriate outputs and outcomes that are achieved by the end of the grant period; 2) long-term benefits that include outcomes expected 5+ years after the end of the grant period to demonstrate sustainability.

Scoring under this criterion is based on how completely the narrative project strategy describes the project design, the extent to which it addresses key stakeholders, risks and critical assumptions, and on its relevance to the unmet need described in its Problem Analysis. The logic of the project strategy will be evaluated based on the extent to which the project’s interventions can be expected to shift the conditions that are holding the problem in place. Successful applicants will design their project based on existing evidence of the effectiveness and sustainability of their proposed strategy and cite such evidence in their project design.

Applicants must demonstrate how their proposed strategy will address gaps identified in the problem analysis, identify any potential barriers, and describe how the project will work to overcome those barriers. In addition, applicants must clearly describe in their proposed strategy how they will integrate sustainability into their project strategy, beginning in the early stages of project implementation (please see Appendix B for a definition of sustainability). Applicants shall use the Sustainability Strategy Template (please see Appendix G) to show how they plan to build sustainability into their design for applicable outcomes/elements. Successful applicants will have an opportunity to update and elaborate on this template post-award.

As part of its strategy, applicants must undertake an initial assessment of any unique needs of underserved communities, including historically marginalized, underrepresented and vulnerable groups and describe how any identified needs will be addressed.

Expected Outcomes

The project’s contribution to long-term trade and development impacts may be measured by one or more of the following impact-level indicators (to be finalized in consultation with USDOL after award):

• Reduced proportion of (working age) population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed (in the world of work) in the previous 12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited under international human rights law (disaggregated by sex) (SDGi 16.b.1).

• Reduced proportion of (working age) population subjected to (a) physical violence, (b) psychological violence and (c) sexual violence in the (world of work) in previous 12 months (SDGi 16.1.3).

• Increased level of extent to which legal frameworks are in place to promote, enforce and monitor equality and nondiscrimination in the world of work (SDGi 5.1.1).

The project should be designed to achieve two or more outcomes that are considered both necessary and sufficient to achieve the project objective, and substantially contribute to the desired long-term impact(s). DOL has identified the following outcome(s) as necessary to achieve the project objective:

Outcome 1: Increased capacity of individuals, communities, and institutions to address discrimination and GBVH in the world of work.

Applicants must propose evidence-based interventions targeting specific leverage points that will result in increased ability of individuals, communities, and institutions to address discrimination and GBVH in the world of work using a systemic approach. Applicants must clearly identify barriers and entry points and describe how proposed interventions will increase capacity to address discrimination and GBVH in the world of work. Applicants must include specific citations to evidence used to support their proposed strategies.23 If there is limited evidence to support the proposed intervention(s), applicants may propose to pilot an innovative approach(es), but must include and describe a plan for monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of the intervention(s) to be approved by DOL post-award.24

Outcome 2: Strengthened networks among individuals, communities, and institutions to address

Applicants must propose evidence-based interventions targeting specific leverage points that will result in strengthened networks to achieve systemic improvements in conditions in the targeted sectors to elevate women’s participation in the world of work, particularly underserved groups, or populations. These interventions should be part of a strategy that includes collaboration with individuals, communities, and institutions such as the private sector and relevant national, regional, and local government. The project will identify gaps, barriers, and entry points, and how the project will work to overcome those barriers and use entry points. The strategy will include the use of legal and policy frameworks, various mechanisms, lessons learned, activities, and tools to address discrimination and GBVH in the world of work. Applicants must undertake an initial assessment of any unique needs of the most underserved groups and describe how their proposed strategy may affect these groups. As part of the strategy, applicants will identify relevant networks and explain how it will increase and/or strengthen them. Applicants must include specific citations to evidence used to support their proposed strategies. Evidence can include lessons learned and promising practices from labor programming as well as other relevant initiatives. If there is limited evidence to support the proposed intervention(s), applicants may propose to pilot an innovative approach(es) but must include and describe a plan for monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of the intervention(s) to be approved by USDOL post-award.

Additional (Applicant-Defined) Outcomes:

DOL has determined that these outcomes are necessary, but likely insufficient to achieve the project objective. In their proposals, applicants must select or propose at least one additional outcome that is realistic and essential to achieving the project objective, and justify its selection based on evidence, analysis of contextual opportunities and constraints, and available resources.

Applicants must include specific citations to evidence used to support their proposed strategies.

Applicant-defined outcomes must be mutually exclusive of other outcomes required by DOL, and when taken together with the DOL-defined outcomes, comprise what is necessary and sufficient to achieve the project objective and lead to sustained change. Applicant-defined outcomes must meet the criteria for an outcome statement and may be selected and adapted from the list below, or if proposed by applicants, should be evidence-based and distinct from the other outcomes listed, as well as realistic and essential to achieving the project objective, and must meet the criteria for an outcome statement.25

• Increased availability of resources that enable individuals, communities, and institutions to continue addressing discrimination and GBVH in the world of work.

• Increased motivation of individuals, communities, and institutions to address

Cross-Cutting Themes

To the extent possible, applicants should mainstream two cross-cutting themes in all project outcomes and interventions: Equity, Equality, and Worker Voice/Empowerment.26 In their project strategy, applicants (1) must include a definition and description of the specific “underserved populations” to be considered and reached within the context of their project and proposed interventions; and (2) should use a collective impact framework that promotes collaboration to address discrimination and GBVH in the world of work in a structured and systemic way and is based on a common agenda, shared measurement systems, mutually reinforcing activities, continuous communication, and coordination.27

USDOL has informed host government officials of the proposed project. Applicants must consult with the Government of Liberia and Nigeria to ensure that their proposed strategies are relevant to the country’s needs and supportive of the Governments of Liberia's and Nigeria's efforts to address discrimination and gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) in the world of work.

Applicants must propose strategies for collaborating with the relevant government agencies in each country. Applicants must include as an attachment to their technical proposal letters of support from the host government expressing their commitment to work with the organization towards specific outcomes. At a minimum, letters must be included from the Ministry of Labor and any ministries from which the host government requires approval to implement activities related to this announcement. In addition, letters can be provided from the relevant national, regional and/or local governments based on the level necessary to implement the project strategy.

If the applicant is unable to secure letters of support from the relevant government agencies named above, the applicant must include an attachment explaining their efforts to secure the letters of support, why they were unable to get the letters of support and explain how the project would still be able to be successful in achieving the objective and outcomes.

Applicants must discuss proposed interventions and activities with host government officials and work with government stakeholders at the national and/or local level, including relevant ministries or government bodies, during the preparation of their applications. The Project Design and Sustainability Strategy must demonstrate evidence of this consultation.

If in-country consultations are not possible during preparation of the proposal due to limitations on in-country scoping and consultations, applicants must note this and outline a post-award strategy for engaging specific, relevant government offices and/or officials.

Efforts must be made to avoid duplication and to build upon relevant previous or ongoing activities [in the target country(ies)]. Applicants must include a mapping of the landscape of current relevant programming [in the target country(ies)]. Applicants must also demonstrate how they intend to coordinate with other relevant projects and initiatives, including those funded by the host government (where applicable), USDOL, other USG, and other donor governments and organizations. Applicants must include a brief description of the consultative process undertaken in preparing their proposal.

Applicants must demonstrate that they have undertaken an initial assessment of the needs, resources, interests, influence and capabilities of all target groups, institutions, organizations or structures that are deemed vital to sustaining project outcomes, by describing the process of conducting the assessment and the results. The needs assessment and discussion of results should give particular attention to structural inequities and vulnerable groups, and should include a gender analysis.

Applicants must plan for long-term sustainability of outcomes in their proposed strategies. The applicant’s description of the project strategy should:

• Explain the flow of inputs to activities, activities to outputs, outputs to outcomes, outcomes to the project objective, and the sustained impact on worker rights that the project will contribute to.

• Fully justify proposed interventions by explaining their purpose and the problems they are intended to address. If available, note any applicable research that establishes evidence of a causal relationship or correlation between interventions and expected outcomes. Proposed interventions, including the activities and outputs that comprise them, should be fully described and should be ambitious but realistic given the implementing environment, scope of the problems to be addressed, and proposed budget.

• Demonstrate knowledge of political, gender, cultural, or other traditions and norms pertaining to and impacting the interventions proposed in the target sectors, including how these issues will be considered while implementing project activities.

• Demonstrate the long-term sustainability of all efforts and outcomes in the design of the proposal, including which outcomes have the potential to be sustained after the end of the project and explain how the responsibility for sustaining them is expected to transition to local stakeholders, systems and institutions.

• Identify risks and opportunities inherent in the project design that could impact the likelihood of achieving or sustaining project outcomes, and describe appropriate mitigation and response strategies.

• Recognize possible external factors or shocks and their potential influence on the project, expected outcomes, and their sustainability.

Sustainability must be the centerpiece of the project strategy. “Sustainability” is concerned with measuring whether the benefits of an activity are likely to continue after donor funding has been withdrawn. Applicants must take into account the likelihood that the benefits or effects of a particular output or outcome will continue after donor funding ends. In developing the project strategy, applicants must consult with key stakeholders to ensure that the proposed strategy takes into account the factors, partners and institutions that are likely to have the strongest influence over, and the capacity and willingness to sustain the desired outcomes and impacts. Applicants should embed sustainability success factors into the project design in accordance with the Sustainability Guide available on ILAB’s website at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ilab/resources/grants.

After award, the selected recipients will be required to refine the Sustainability Strategy, report on it in each of their progress reports and modify or update the strategy as needed. Although there are restrictions on the awarding of subawards or contracts to government entities, to the extent possible, recipients should consider engaging relevant government agencies through other mechanisms, as well as partnering with other local organizations or associations to strengthen their capacity.

b) Project Targets (up to 5 points) https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ilab/resources/grants

The applicant's Project Targets section will be evaluated based on how well it supports the overall project strategy, as well as for how reasonable project targets are with consideration to the allocation of project resources (e.g., budget, staffing) to support the meeting of those targets.

Applicants must describe the target populations, institutions, systems or processes that will be impacted by the project. Applicants must describe how target populations, institutions, sectors and/or geographic areas, etc. reflect the problem to be addressed and the overall strategy being proposed by the applicant.

Applicants must provide a justification for their selection of a target geographical area(s), as applicable.

Applicants must describe how geographic areas reflect the problem to be addressed and the overall strategy being proposed by the applicant.

Applicants must put forward a proposed approach to ensure the safety of participants and implementers within the target geographic area(s). Applicants must describe how they will administer services in a safe environment.

Applicants must propose specific geographical areas, institutions, sectors, populations and communities the project will target in Liberia and Nigeria and justify their selection.

For each country, the project should target:

1. Workers and employers in the target sectors in Liberia and Nigeria;

2. Appropriate communities and institutions, including government institutions, employers and/or employers’ organizations, civil society organizations, unions, workers’ organizations, and/or other actors;

3. One or more sectors of formal employment and based on the level of employment in the informal economy and applicable laws, an informal sector should be considered. The sector selected in the formal economy should be one that produces goods exported to the United States and employs or can potentially employ women; and

4. As applicable, women from underserved groups or populations in the target sectors.

Applicants’ selection of targets should demonstrate a strong understanding of the motivations and incentives of each target group or institution and incorporate strategies for addressing motivational gaps, such as prevailing individual and societal attitudes and norms that influence GBVH and discrimination; women assuming their voices will make little difference or prevailing social norms in their communities that limit the power of women’s individual and collective influence; employers who discount the power of workers’ collective voice, or assume that improving the enabling environment for women’s well-being will hurt the bottom line; local and…