Ensuring “Pro-American Worker” Critical Minerals Supply Chain in the Western Hemisphere
🏛 Bureau of International Labor Affairs
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Sep 4, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations supporting labor standards and fair labor practices in critical minerals industries.
Applicants must demonstrate capacity to work with government agencies, worker organizations, and private sector partners in Argentina and Chile. Organizations experienced in labor enforcement, supply chain transparency, or international labor standards are preferred.
This is a cooperative agreement requiring strong partnerships with regional stakeholders. Projects focus on copper, lithium, and silver sectors to strengthen U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through improved labor compliance.
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Key dates
- Aug 21, 2026 Applications open
- Sep 21, 2026 Application deadline in 16 days
- Dec 31, 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 $5,000,000 total costs (subject to the availability of Federal funds) for 1 cooperative agreement(s) to fund a technical assistance project aimed at supporting fair labor standards in the critical minerals sector, specifically copper, lithium, and silver, in Argentina and Chile to support American workers and American manufacturing competitiveness. This three-year project will engage partner government agencies, regional associations, workers and worker organizations, and the private sector to improve labor enforcement.
The objective of the project is to strengthen labor standards compliance and transparency in Western Hemisphere critical minerals supply chains to advance U.S. manufacturing competitiveness.
Outcome(s)
- 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
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Organizational Capacity Documentation
- Letters of Partnership from regional stakeholders
Program contact
- 👤 Sue Levenstein
- 📧 OGM_ILAB@dol.gov
- 📞 1-877-872-5627
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 17.401 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$18,000,000
-
$8,000,000
-
$7,000,000
-
$7,000,000
-
$6,000,000
-
$5,000,000
-
$5,000,000
-
$4,740,000
-
$4,455,000
-
$4,260,000
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 17.401). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $62,240,455 | |
| 2025 | $63,034,997 | |
| 2026 est. | $64,249,000 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Organizations with experience in labor standards, supply chain development, or international labor affairs. Strong partnerships with government agencies and worker organizations are essential.
What is the funding amount and project duration?
The grant provides $5,000,000 for a three-year cooperative agreement focused on Western Hemisphere critical minerals sectors.
What activities does this grant support?
The project supports technical assistance, labor enforcement capacity building, and supply chain transparency initiatives in Argentina and Chile.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required for this grant.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is October 17, 2026. Register on Grants.gov for updates as the FOA is still under development.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize your organization's experience working with labor unions, worker organizations, and government agencies in Latin America.
- Highlight specific expertise in copper, lithium, or silver mining sectors and labor compliance monitoring.
- Develop outcomes that directly strengthen U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through improved labor standards.
- Build partnerships with Argentine and Chilean government agencies and industry stakeholders before submitting.
- Focus on supply chain transparency and enforcement mechanisms rather than standalone training.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without established partnerships in Argentina and Chile. Failing to clearly connect labor improvements to U.S. manufacturing competitiveness. Proposing activities unrelated to critical minerals copper, lithium, or silver sectors.
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