The U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL), through the Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB), has issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) regarding an upcoming funding opportunity under the initiative titled "Promoting the Voices and Engagement of Persons with Lived Experience to Prevent Labor Exploitation." The purpose of this forecasted opportunity is to establish a cooperative agreement with Free the Slaves, a non-profit organization. Through this partnership, ILAB aims to support and amplify the voices of individuals who have directly experienced human trafficking, forced labor, child labor, or other forms of labor exploitation. This initiative is not an open call for applications but an announcement of USDOL’s intent to fund specific project activities without full competition.

The project’s primary goal is to prevent labor exploitation by actively involving individuals with lived experience in the development and implementation of labor policies. This approach aligns with USDOL’s broader strategy to support technical assistance and advocacy initiatives that strengthen the inclusion of these individuals in policy-making processes. By integrating their insights and experiences, the project seeks to create more effective prevention strategies and to help governmental bodies institutionalize their involvement in policies and procedures aimed at combating exploitation.

Funding for this cooperative agreement is expected to total $2,000,000, with this amount set as both the award floor and ceiling, indicating that the total funding allocated for this initiative will be awarded to one selected recipient. As this is a cooperative agreement, Free the Slaves will work closely with ILAB to ensure that project objectives are met effectively. Unlike other grant opportunities, there is no cost-sharing or matching fund requirement for this award.

The eligibility criteria specify that this announcement is not an open invitation for competitive applications. Instead, it serves as public notice of the intent to fund this project directly through Free the Slaves. Therefore, applications from other organizations or individuals are not being solicited at this time. The project is forecasted for FY 2024, with an anticipated launch date that is yet to be confirmed. Additional details, such as the application due date, project start date, and award date, are currently unspecified.

For further details on this forecasted grant, interested parties may consult ILAB’s website or contact Carlie Ortiz at (202) 693-9303 or via email at ortiz.carlie@dol.gov.