The Department of Labor’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) has issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) for the project titled "Addressing Child Labor, Forced Labor, and Improving Working Conditions in Select Supply Chains in Brazil and other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean" (NOI-ILAB-24-03). This is a forecasted funding opportunity indicating ILAB’s plan to provide financial support through a cooperative agreement without an open application process, as the Department has identified the International Labor Organization (ILO) as uniquely qualified for this project. As such, the announcement is primarily intended to notify the public of ILAB’s intent to fund the ILO, and no additional applications are being accepted at this time.

The primary objectives of this project include reducing child labor, eradicating forced labor, and improving overall working conditions within targeted supply chains in Brazil and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. To achieve these goals, the project will facilitate partnerships with local labor stakeholders, including Brazil's Ministry of Labor and Employment (MTE), to implement a series of "pactos" or agreements that promote decent work conditions and address violations in key sectors. These tripartite pactos are designed to engage governments, employers, and labor representatives in collaborative frameworks to enhance labor compliance, mitigate exploitative labor practices, and ensure a sustainable approach to labor reform.

The project is expected to be funded at up to $15 million, with award amounts ranging from a minimum of $5 million to a maximum of $15 million. Funding will be allocated as a cooperative agreement, enabling ILAB to maintain significant involvement in the project’s implementation. The Department has determined that only the ILO is capable of meeting the requirements for this project due to its unique qualifications and established networks within the region, which allow for efficient and impactful execution of project activities.

This notice does not specify cost-sharing or matching fund requirements, indicating that the full project funding will be provided by ILAB. The project will be funded under Assistance Listing 17.401, which covers international labor programs, and will operate under the fiscal year 2024 funding allocation. ILAB's authority to issue this award without open competition is based on federal guidelines, as outlined in DLMS 2-836 G.3, allowing for a sole-source recipient when one entity is uniquely positioned to fulfill the project’s needs.

As this is a Notice of Intent, no specific project start or award dates have been released, and potential applicants should note that this announcement is not a call for proposals. Those interested in similar initiatives or partnerships may consider monitoring ILAB’s future funding announcements for additional opportunities.

For further information or inquiries about this funding opportunity, Carlie Ortiz can be contacted via phone at (202) 693-9303 or by email at ortiz.carlie@dol.gov.