Description
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) is seeking two cooperative‑agreement awardees to provide technical assistance that strengthens labor‑law enforcement in key trade‑partner countries, thereby preventing unfair competition that harms American workers and producers. One award (≈ $10 M) will cover Ecuador, El Salvador, and Guatemala; the other (≈ $8 M) will cover Bangladesh and Malaysia. Projects must develop country‑specific strategies to address labor violations in sectors that compete with U.S. exports, engage relevant stakeholders, and align with the labor commitments of existing Agreements on Reciprocal Trade (ARTs). The performance period is up to 36 months, with flexibility for shorter terms.
• Two cooperative agreements total funding ≈ $18 M (award ceiling $10 M / $8 M).
• Geographic focus: Western Hemisphere (Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala) or Asia (Bangladesh, Malaysia).
• Eligible applicants: commercial, international, educational, nonprofit, faith‑based, community‑based, or public international organizations.
• Required deliverables: sector‑specific labor‑enforcement strategies, stakeholder engagement plans, quarterly/annual reporting, and compliance with federal policies.
• Application deadline: 11:59 PM ET, 21 Sep 2026; award decisions expected Sep 30–Dec 31 2026.
• Project length: up to 36 months from award date; shorter periods allowed.
• No cost‑sharing required; cooperative agreement implies substantial federal involvement.