Opportunity Information: Apply for FOA ILAB 25 43
The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) is offering a single cooperative agreement designed to address labor practices in Mexico that can depress wages and undermine fair competition in North American trade. The goal is to reduce wage suppression and other unfair labor practices in key Mexican trade sectors so that American workers are not put at a disadvantage and can compete on a more level playing field under the U.S.-Mexico trade relationship. This is a discretionary funding opportunity, meaning applicants compete for the award based on the strength of their proposal and alignment with the program's objectives.
ILAB expects to fund one project with a total budget of up to $10,000,000 (contingent on the availability of federal funds). The planned performance period is 54 months from the award date, although applicants are allowed to propose a shorter timeline if it fits their strategy and planned activities. Because the award is a cooperative agreement, the Department typically anticipates a more active partnership with the recipient than in a standard grant, often involving ongoing coordination, shared planning, or other forms of substantial federal involvement during implementation.
The funded project is expected to work closely with a mix of partners in Mexico, specifically state governments, private sector actors, and worker organizations in the targeted sectors. The work is organized around three major pillars. First, it aims to strengthen labor law enforcement by supporting state labor authorities so they can better enforce labor laws, identify and respond to unfair labor practices, and engage proactively with both employers and workers to improve industrial relations. Second, it focuses on improving private sector compliance, especially by helping companies, with particular attention to small and medium-sized enterprises, understand what is required under the labor provisions of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and providing practical compliance assistance and clear guidance. Third, it seeks to improve wages and labor conditions by educating Mexican workers about their rights, building their ability to negotiate collectively, and equipping them with tools to pursue remediation when rights are violated, all with the broader intent of supporting fairer wages and stronger workplace standards.
Eligibility is broad. ILAB will consider applications from commercial entities, international organizations, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations, including community-based and faith-based organizations, as well as public international organizations. Faith-based organizations are explicitly encouraged to apply, and the Department states that it will not discriminate in selection or administration based on an organization's religious character or affiliation (or lack thereof), consistent with federal policy. The opportunity is listed under CFDA 17.401, with the funding opportunity number FOA ILAB 25 43, and the application deadline is September 26, 2025.Apply for FOA ILAB 25 43
- The Bureau of International Labor Affairs in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Leveling the Field for American Workers in U.S.-Mexico Trade" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 17.401.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2025-08-27.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-09-26. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $10,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What agency is offering this funding opportunity?
This opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB).
What type of award is being offered?
The award will be a cooperative agreement. This typically means the Department of Labor expects substantial federal involvement during the project, such as ongoing coordination, shared planning, or other active partnership activities during implementation.
Is this a competitive or non-competitive opportunity?
This is a discretionary funding opportunity. Applicants compete for the award based on the strength of their proposal and how well it aligns with the program's objectives.
How many awards does ILAB expect to make?
ILAB expects to fund one project under this opportunity.
What is the maximum amount of funding available?
ILAB expects a total project budget of up to $10,000,000, contingent on the availability of federal funds.
How long is the expected project period?
The planned performance period is 54 months from the award date.
Can an applicant propose a shorter project timeline than 54 months?
Yes. Applicants are allowed to propose a shorter timeline if it fits their strategy and planned activities.
What is the overall purpose of this cooperative agreement?
The project is intended to address labor practices in Mexico that can depress wages and undermine fair competition in North American trade. The goal is to reduce wage suppression and other unfair labor practices in key Mexican trade sectors so American workers are not put at a disadvantage and can compete on a more level playing field under the U.S.-Mexico trade relationship.
Where will the work focus geographically?
The work is expected to focus in Mexico, in targeted trade sectors.
Who is the project expected to work with in Mexico?
The funded project is expected to work closely with partners in Mexico that include state governments, private sector actors, and worker organizations in the targeted sectors.
What are the main program pillars or components?
The work is organized around three major pillars: (1) strengthening labor law enforcement, (2) improving private sector compliance, and (3) improving wages and labor conditions for workers.
What does "strengthening labor law enforcement" mean in this opportunity?
This pillar focuses on supporting state labor authorities so they can better enforce labor laws, identify and respond to unfair labor practices, and engage proactively with both employers and workers to improve industrial relations.
What does "improving private sector compliance" mean in this opportunity?
This pillar focuses on helping companies understand what is required under the labor provisions of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and providing practical compliance assistance and clear guidance. The opportunity notes particular attention to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
What does "improving wages and labor conditions" mean in this opportunity?
This pillar focuses on educating Mexican workers about their rights, building their ability to negotiate collectively, and equipping them with tools to pursue remediation when rights are violated, with the broader intent of supporting fairer wages and stronger workplace standards.
How does this project relate to USMCA?
The project is expected to help companies, especially SMEs, understand and comply with the labor provisions of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) by providing practical compliance assistance and clear guidance.
Why is ILAB funding work focused on labor practices in Mexico?
The opportunity states that certain labor practices in Mexico can depress wages and undermine fair competition in North American trade. By reducing wage suppression and unfair labor practices in key Mexican trade sectors, the project aims to help ensure American workers are not put at a disadvantage.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad. ILAB will consider applications from commercial entities, international organizations, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations (including community-based and faith-based organizations), as well as public international organizations.
Are faith-based organizations allowed to apply?
Yes. Faith-based organizations are explicitly encouraged to apply.
Will an organization's religious character affect selection or award administration?
The Department states it will not discriminate in selection or administration based on an organization's religious character or affiliation (or lack thereof), consistent with federal policy.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FOA number)?
The funding opportunity number is FOA ILAB 25 43.
What is the CFDA number listed for this opportunity?
The opportunity is listed under CFDA 17.401.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is September 26, 2025.
Does ILAB guarantee the full $10,000,000 will be available?
No. The opportunity indicates funding is contingent on the availability of federal funds.
What makes a cooperative agreement different from a standard grant in this case?
The opportunity notes that, because this award is a cooperative agreement, the Department typically anticipates a more active partnership with the recipient than in a standard grant, often involving ongoing coordination, shared planning, or other substantial federal involvement during implementation.
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