The Migrant Resilience Collaborative (NOI-ILAB-24-05) is a forecasted project from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB). This initiative intends to fund activities to reduce forced labor risks among internal migrant workers in South and Southeast Asia by enhancing their access to social security and worker protections. The Department of Labor has identified the organization People’s Courage International as a uniquely qualified partner to lead this project, based on their submission of an unsolicited proposal with innovative solutions and significant merit. Therefore, ILAB will award this cooperative agreement without a competitive application process, and this Notice of Intent (NOI) serves to inform the public of ILAB’s funding intentions rather than soliciting new applications.

The project’s primary objective is to strengthen social protection services available to internal migrant workers in South and Southeast Asia, beginning with implementation in Bangladesh or another country within the region. By enhancing migrant workers' access to critical social security benefits and labor protections, the project aims to improve their resilience against forced labor and other exploitative labor practices. This goal aligns with ILAB’s broader mission to support fair labor practices and strengthen labor rights internationally, particularly among vulnerable worker populations who may lack formal employment protections.

Funding for the Migrant Resilience Collaborative is expected to total $9 million, with individual award amounts ranging from $3 million to $9 million. This funding will be distributed through a cooperative agreement, allowing ILAB to participate actively in the project’s development and monitoring. The project falls under Assistance Listing 17.401, which supports international labor programs focused on enhancing worker protections and social equity.

There are no cost-sharing or matching requirements associated with this project, and no open competition for the funding, as ILAB has invoked DLMS 2-836 G.4 authority to grant this award solely to People’s Courage International. This determination is based on the organization’s demonstrated expertise and innovative approach to mitigating forced labor risks among migrant workers, as detailed in their proposal. Specific project start and award dates have not yet been announced, and the forecasted date for further updates is set for July 29, 2024.

Since this notice does not constitute a request for applications, organizations interested in similar projects may need to monitor ILAB’s future announcements for potential funding opportunities. For more detailed information or inquiries about the Migrant Resilience Collaborative, Carlie Ortiz at ILAB is available for contact by phone at (202) 693-9303 or via email at ortiz.carlie@dol.gov.