Better Tools for Fair Cotton: Traceability Solutions to Protect U.S. Supply Chains from Chinese Forced Labor
Past Federal grant forecast Posted
- Opportunity number
- FOA-ILAB-26-42
- Agency
-
Department of Labor
- Applications expected due
- Award size
- $6,000,000
Opportunity facts
- Expected posting
- Assistance listings
-
- 17.401 International Labor Programs
- Funding instrument
- Cooperative Agreement
- Category
-
- Other
- Eligible applicants
- Not on record
- Points of contact
-
- Sue Levenstein ogm_ilab@dol.gov (877) 872-5627
Opportunity details come from Grants.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB), U.S. Department of Labor, is soliciting applications for one cooperative agreement totaling approximately $6 million to strengthen cotton supply chain traceability and responsible sourcing in South Asia, with project duration of 36 months from award (applicants may propose shorter periods). Eligible applicants include commercial, international, educational, and non-profit organizations, including faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, and public international organizations. No cost share is mentioned.
The project will incentivize suppliers to adopt responsible labor practices, verify cotton origin, and reduce forced-labor contamination in U.S. supply chains while enhancing the competitiveness of U.S.-produced cotton as a sustainable, labor-compliant alternative. Applicants will develop their own project outcomes aligned with these objectives.
The award operates under CFDA 17.401 (International Labor Programs). A technical review panel of federal staff and peer reviewers will evaluate applications and prepare a report identifying strengths, weaknesses, and cumulative ratings; the Grant Officer makes selections based on the highest-rated proposals and other factors specified in the full funding opportunity announcement. The announcement does not specify application deadline, letter of intent deadline, question deadline, or detailed evaluation criteria. ILAB notes that limited information can be shared while the Funding Opportunity Announcement remains under development and encourages prospective applicants to register for updates via Grants.gov. Questions should be directed to OGM_ILAB@dol.gov.
Forecast synopsis
The Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB), U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL, or the Department), announces the availability of approximately $6 million total costs (subject to the availability of Federal funds) for one cooperative agreement to fund a project that will strengthen traceability and responsible sourcing in cotton supply chains in South Asia. These efforts will enhance the reputation of U.S.-produced cotton as a sustainable and labor-compliant alternative, further promoting export opportunities for American producers.
The duration of the project will be 36 months from the award date. Applicants may propose a shorter period of performance in line with their proposed strategy.
The objective of the project is to incentivize suppliers to adopt responsible labor and sourcing practices, improve verification of cotton origin, and reduce the risk of forced-labor-tainted goods entering the U.S. market.
* Project outcomes will be developed by the applicant.
Questions regarding this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Forecast may be emailed to OGM_ILAB@dol.gov; however, please note there is limited information that may be shared with the public, as this FOA is currently under development. We encourage prospective applicants and interested parties to use the Grants.gov subscription option to register for future updates provided for this particular FOA.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include any commercial, international, educational, or non-profit organizations, including any faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, or public international organizations (PIOs). Faith-based organizations are encouraged to apply, as are all organizations. Those that meet the eligibility requirements may receive awards under this funding opportunity. DOL will not, in the selection of recipients and administration of the grant, discriminate on the basis of an organization's religious character, affiliation, exercise, or lack thereof, or on the basis of conduct that would not be considered grounds to favor or disfavor a similarly situated secular organization.
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