Protecting the American Seafood Supply Chain by Countering Unfair Labor Practices and Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing
🏛 Bureau of International Labor Affairs
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations working to strengthen labor enforcement and address abusive practices in the global seafood supply chain, specifically targeting IUU fishing impacts in Indonesia and the Philippines.
Eligible applicants likely include nonprofits, research institutions, government agencies, and private sector partners with expertise in labor rights, fisheries, international development, or supply chain accountability. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to engage with partner governments, worker organizations, regional associations, and industry stakeholders.
The project focuses on creating mechanisms to prevent unfair labor practices that disadvantage American seafood workers and businesses. Activities may include technical assistance, policy advocacy, worker training, labor enforcement support, and supply chain improvements.
This is a three-year cooperative agreement with a single award of approximately $11 million. Applicants must show ability to work across multiple countries and with diverse stakeholder groups.
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Key dates
- Jul 16, 2026 Applications open
- Oct 17, 2026 Application deadline in 92 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 $11,000,000 total costs (subject to the availability of Federal funds) for 1 cooperative agreement(s) to fund a technical assistance project aimed at addressing abusive labor practices associated with Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing in Indonesia and the Philippines that disadvantage American seafood workers and businesses. 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 mechanisms to address and prevent the use of abusive labor practices in the global seafood supply chain to allow American seafood workers and businesses to compete on a level playing field.
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.
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/Proposal
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Organizational capacity documentation
- Letters of commitment from partner organizations
- Evidence of international experience in target countries
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?
Organizations with expertise in labor rights, fisheries, international development, or supply chain accountability can apply. Government agencies, nonprofits, research institutions, and private sector partners are eligible. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to work internationally and engage multiple stakeholders.
What is the geographic scope of this project?
The project specifically targets IUU fishing in Indonesia and the Philippines. However, activities may address broader seafood supply chain issues affecting American workers and businesses.
What activities does this grant support?
The grant funds technical assistance projects aimed at preventing abusive labor practices in the seafood supply chain. Activities include labor enforcement strengthening, policy work, worker engagement, and collaboration with government and private sector partners.
What is the funding amount and project duration?
This is a single cooperative agreement for approximately $11 million total costs. The project is three years in duration with a deadline of October 17, 2026.
Is cost sharing required?
No cost sharing is required for this grant.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Build a strong coalition including government agencies, worker organizations, and industry partners before submitting. This grant emphasizes multi-stakeholder engagement.
- Clearly articulate how your project will help American seafood workers and businesses compete fairly. Connect labor enforcement improvements to domestic economic benefits.
- Demonstrate expertise in international labor law, fisheries policy, and supply chain dynamics. Partner with organizations experienced in Indonesia and Philippines contexts.
- Develop specific, measurable outcomes for labor enforcement mechanisms. The grant requires applicants to define project outcomes themselves, so be strategic.
- Start planning early. Register for Grants.gov updates immediately, as the FOA is under development and may have significant changes before the formal announcement.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when they don't clearly connect labor enforcement improvements to American worker competitiveness. Weak international partnerships or lack of private sector engagement reduce competitiveness. Vague outcomes without specific metrics for labor practice improvements weaken proposals.
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