Better Tools for Fair Cotton: Traceability Solutions to Protect U.S. Supply Chains from Chinese Forced Labor
🏛 Bureau of International Labor Affairs
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 17, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations working to strengthen cotton supply chain traceability and responsible sourcing in South Asia. Applicants must be able to develop and implement projects that verify cotton origin, improve labor practices, and reduce forced-labor risks in cotton supply chains. The grant supports capacity building and systems development to protect U.S. supply chains and promote American cotton exports as a sustainable alternative.
Eligible applicants typically include nonprofit organizations, private sector entities, and international development organizations with expertise in supply chain traceability, labor standards verification, or cotton industry. Priority goes to organizations that can partner with suppliers and producers across South Asian cotton supply chains.
Geographic focus is South Asia, but projects must have clear benefits for U.S.-produced cotton promotion and supply chain protection. Applicants should demonstrate expertise in responsible sourcing, labor compliance verification, or supply chain technology.
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Key dates
- Jul 17, 2026 Applications open
- Sep 4, 2026 Application deadline in 48 days
- Nov 10, 2026 Project start
Program description
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.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative with problem statement, objectives, and measurable outcomes
- Budget and budget narrative
- Organizational capacity documentation
- Letters of support from South Asian partner organizations or suppliers
- Timeline and implementation plan
Program contact
- 👤 Sue Levenstein
- 📧 OGM_ILAB@dol.gov
- 📞 1-877-872-5627
Funding track record
No recent recipient data available for CFDA 17.401 in our database.
This can happen for newer programs, programs that use non-standard award types (loans, direct payments, fellowships), or those funded through sub-agencies under different codes.
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
The grant supports organizations that can strengthen cotton supply chain traceability in South Asia. Nonprofits, private companies, and development organizations with supply chain expertise are typically eligible.
What is the deadline?
The deadline is September 4, 2026. This is a fixed, one-time deadline for a single award opportunity.
What activities does the grant fund?
The grant funds traceability systems, labor practice verification, supplier engagement, and origin verification projects. Applicants define specific outcomes aligned with reducing forced-labor risks.
How competitive is this grant?
This is highly competitive. Only one award of $6 million will be made, and applicants must demonstrate clear expertise in supply chain management and labor compliance.
What is the funding amount and project duration?
The single award is $6 million over 36 months (or shorter if the applicant proposes a condensed timeline).
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus on South Asian cotton supply chains and include concrete partnerships with suppliers or producer groups in your proposal.
- Clearly articulate how your traceability solution reduces forced-labor risks and benefits U.S. cotton exports specifically.
- Develop measurable outcomes for verification, adoption rates, and supply chain impact before you begin writing.
- Address both technical systems (origin verification, tracking) and behavioral change (supplier adoption of labor standards).
- Demonstrate organizational capacity to manage a 36-month international project and work across multiple countries in South Asia.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals that lack clear partnerships with South Asian cotton suppliers or focus too broadly on general supply chain improvements (rather than forced-labor reduction). Applicants who fail to address both verification systems and incentive mechanisms for supplier adoption. Unrealistic timelines or unclear plans for scaling traceability across multiple supply chains.
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