Supporting Implementation of the Labor Provisions of Trade Arrangements for American Worker Competitiveness
🏛 Bureau of International Labor Affairs
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant funds technical assistance projects to improve labor law enforcement in targeted trade partner countries. Applicants must have expertise in international labor law, trade agreements, and capacity building. Projects focus on Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala (Western Hemisphere, up to $10M) or Bangladesh, Malaysia (Asia, up to $8M). Applicants may apply for both regions with separate applications evaluated independently. Organizations must demonstrate ability to work with foreign governments and institutions.
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Key dates
- Jul 16, 2026 Applications open
- Oct 15, 2026 Application deadline in 90 days
- Dec 31, 2026 Project start
Program description
This is a Notice of Intent/Forecast only. The Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB), DOL intends to award two (2) cooperative agreements ($18 million, total costs subject to the availability of Federal funds) to fund technical assistance projects to improve labor law enforcement in targeted sectors of key trade partner countries to ensure unfair competition does not undercut American workers and producers. One cooperative agreement for a project in the Western Hemisphere, focused on Ecuador, El Salvador, and Guatemala (award ceiling: $10 million) and the other in Asia, focused on Bangladesh and Malaysia (award ceiling: $8 million). Both projects will support the implementation of labor commitments in trade arrangements, with a focus on free trade agreements and Agreements on Reciprocal Trade (ARTs). If applicants choose to apply for both geographic regions, they must submit separate applications for each, and each application will be evaluated independently.
Outcome(s)
- The 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
- Standard federal forms (likely SF-424 or equivalent)
- Project narrative with defined outcomes and labor law improvements
- Detailed budget with justification
- Organizational capacity and relevant experience documentation
- Letters of support from government partners in target countries
- References to relevant trade agreements and labor provisions
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 international labor enforcement and trade agreement implementation. The grant description doesn't specify recipient type restrictions, but experience with government agencies and trade compliance is expected.
What is the deadline?
The fixed deadline is October 15, 2026. This is a Notice of Intent; the full FOA will be released later.
What activities are funded?
Technical assistance projects that improve labor law enforcement in targeted countries. Focus areas include Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala (Western Hemisphere) or Bangladesh, Malaysia (Asia).
What is the typical award amount?
Western Hemisphere region: up to $10 million. Asia region: up to $8 million. Total funding available is $18 million across two awards.
Can I apply for both regions?
Yes, but you must submit separate applications. Each will be evaluated independently with different award ceilings.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start building relationships now with potential government partners in target countries. Strong partnerships with foreign labor ministries strengthen competitiveness.
- Clearly define measurable outcomes and labor law improvements. ILAB will expect concrete metrics tied to trade agreement compliance.
- Demonstrate expertise in both international labor standards and the specific trade agreements (FTAs, ARTs) relevant to your region.
- Allow time for complex international logistics. Working across multiple countries requires careful planning and adequate staffing.
- Consider hiring or partnering with local experts in target countries. On-the-ground knowledge is crucial for successful implementation.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications lack strong evidence of prior success implementing labor compliance projects internationally. Weak partnerships with target country governments undermine credibility. Proposals fail to clearly link activities to specific trade agreement provisions and labor commitments.
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