Better Tools for Fair Cotton: Traceability Solutions to Protect U.S. Supply Chains from Chinese Forced Labor

The Bureau of International Labor Affairs within the U.S. Department of Labor is responsible for advancing workers rights and improving labor conditions globally. Through its International Labor Programs, the agency funds initiatives that address forced labor, child labor, and labor rights compliance in global supply chains. This funding opportunity, titled Better Tools for Fair Cotton: Traceability Solutions to Protect U.S. Supply Chains from Chinese Forced Labor, represents a strategic effort to strengthen ethical sourcing practices and reinforce the integrity of cotton supply chains connected to the United States. The primary purpose of this cooperative agreement is to enhance traceability and responsible sourcing in cotton supply chains, particularly in South Asia. The project seeks to incentivize suppliers to adopt improved labor practices, increase transparency in the verification of cotton origin, and mitigate the risk of forced labor-tainted goods entering U.S. markets. By supporting these objectives, the initiative also aims to elevate the global reputation of U.S.-produced cotton as a sustainable and compliant alternative, thereby strengthening export opportunities for American producers. The total available funding for this opportunity is approximately six million dollars, with a single award expected. The funding is structured as a cooperative agreement, indicating substantial involvement from the funding agency during project implementation. The period of performance is anticipated to be thirty six months from the award date, although applicants may propose shorter project durations aligned with their proposed strategies. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement associated with this opportunity, which may broaden accessibility to a wide range of eligible organizations. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is inclusive and extends to commercial entities, international organizations, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, faith based entities, community based organizations, and public international organizations. The Department of Labor explicitly states that it does not discriminate based on religious character or affiliation, ensuring equal opportunity for faith based and secular organizations alike. This broad eligibility framework supports diverse applicant participation and encourages innovative approaches from multiple sectors. At the time of this notice, the opportunity is in a forecasted stage and applications are not yet being accepted. The estimated posting date is August 5, 2026, with an anticipated application deadline of September 4, 2026. Applications must be submitted electronically through the appropriate federal submission systems by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the due date. Interested applicants are encouraged to subscribe for updates through Grants.gov, as additional details and formal solicitation documents will be released closer to the application opening date. The application process and evaluation criteria are not fully disclosed at this stage due to the opportunity being under development. However, applicants should expect to define project outcomes, demonstrate capacity to improve supply chain traceability, and outline strategies for promoting responsible labor practices. Questions regarding the forecast may be directed to the Bureau of International Labor Affairs via the provided email contact, although detailed responses may be limited until the official funding announcement is released. This opportunity does not explicitly indicate recurrence, and future funding cycles are uncertain based on the available information.