[Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB), U.S. Department of Labor](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ilab)

September 26, 2025 (11:59 pm ET, electronic submission only)

$10,000,000 total; one award; project duration up to 54 months

Supports a single large-scale project to reduce wage suppression and unfair labor practices in key Mexican trade sectors, leveling the playing field for American workers.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity, issued by the Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) at the U.S. Department of Labor, will support a single cooperative agreement for a project aimed at reducing wage suppression and other unfair labor practices in key trade sectors in Mexico. The initiative is designed to help American workers compete more fairly in international trade by improving labor standards and enforcement in Mexico, particularly in sectors with significant U.S.-Mexico trade ties. Applicants are expected to collaborate with Mexican state governments, the private sector, and worker organizations to: - Strengthen labor law enforcement by supporting state labor authorities. - Improve private sector compliance, especially among SMEs, with United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) labor obligations. - Educate and empower Mexican workers regarding their labor rights, collective bargaining, and fair wage advocacy. The project will operate in three to five Mexican states (to be selected from a list of priority states and sectors) and is intended to have direct and indirect benefits for American workers and businesses by addressing labor practices that undermine U.S. competitiveness. --- ## Due Dates - **Application Deadline:** September 26, 2025, at 11:59 pm Eastern Time (ET) - **Submission:** Electronic only, via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360092) - **Award decisions expected:** Between September 30, 2025, and December 31, 2025 --- ## Funding Amount - **Total Funding Available:** $10,000,000 (subject to federal appropriations) - **Expected Number of Awards:** 1 - **Award Ceiling/Floor:** $10,000,000 (single award) - **Project Duration:** Up to 54 months from the award date (shorter durations may be proposed if justified) - **Cost Sharing/Matching:** Not required and will not be given additional consideration --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - U.S. and non-U.S. commercial, international, educational, and non-profit organizations - Faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, and public international organizations (PIOs) - U.S. higher education institutions (including HBCUs, tribal colleges, HSIs, MSIs) - For-profit organizations (but may not charge a fee/profit to the award) - Organizations must not be debarred, suspended, or listed as associated with terrorism - Foreign governments and government-controlled entities are not eligible as lead applicants but may participate as subrecipients in limited cases (with justification and USDOL approval) **Note:** Multiple applications from the same organization are not allowed. --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Applications must be submitted electronically via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360092) by the deadline. - **Required Components:** - Technical Proposal (max 50 pages, plus required attachments) - Abstract, Work Plan, Sustainability Strategy, Evidence of Country Presence, Project Management Organizational Chart - Cost Proposal - SF-424, SF-424A, budget summary and narrative, indirect cost documentation - **Registration:** Applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and be registered in the System for Award Management ([SAM.gov](https://sam.gov/)). - **Review Process:** Applications are scored on problem analysis, project design, organizational capacity, work plan, M&E, and budget justification. Award is based on merit review and other relevant factors (e.g., past performance). - **Contact for Questions:** OGM_ILAB@dol.gov (see below for details) --- ## Additional Information - **ILAB Involvement:** Substantial involvement is expected from ILAB in project strategy, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. - **Geographic Focus:** Applicants must propose work in 3–5 Mexican states from a defined list and justify their choices based on trade relevance and project feasibility. - **Key Activities:** Must include engagement with state labor authorities, employer associations, companies, and worker organizations; capacity building; compliance assistance; and stakeholder convening. - **Reporting:** Quarterly financial and semi-annual technical progress reports are required, along with a final technical report. - **Open Licensing:** All work created with grant funds must be openly licensed for public use. - **Evaluation:** Awardees must set aside 5–8% of the budget for monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities, including the possibility of an independent evaluation. - **Special Note:** Applicants must conduct an in-country needs assessment and stakeholder validation within the first six months of the award. --- ## External Links - [Full Grants.gov Opportunity Synopsis](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360092) - [ILAB Program Page](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ilab) - [FOA Full Document (PDF)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/FOA-ILAB-25-43%20Mexico.pdf) - [Amendment Two (Budget Guidance)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/FOA-ILAB-25-43%20Amendment%20Two.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Office/Contact | Email | Description | |---------------------------------|-------------------------------|-----------------------------------| | Office of Grants Management | OGM_ILAB@dol.gov | For all questions regarding this FOA; reference FOA-ILAB-25-43 | ---

Leveling the Field for American Workers in US-Mexico Trade

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