Protecting the American Seafood Supply Chain by Countering Unfair Labor Practices and Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU)Fishing

The Bureau of International Labor Affairs within the U.S. Department of Labor is responsible for promoting fair labor practices and improving working conditions globally. Through its International Labor Programs, the agency funds technical assistance projects that address labor exploitation, strengthen enforcement systems, and promote equitable economic competition. This funding opportunity represents a forecasted cooperative agreement intended to support U.S. economic interests by addressing unfair labor practices in global seafood supply chains, particularly those linked to illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities. The purpose of this opportunity is to fund a single, large-scale technical assistance project focused on Indonesia and the Philippines. The initiative seeks to counter abusive labor practices associated with illegal fishing operations that undermine American seafood workers and businesses. By strengthening enforcement mechanisms and promoting fair labor standards abroad, the project aims to create a more level playing field for U.S. industry participants. The funded project is expected to engage a range of stakeholders, including government agencies, regional associations, worker organizations, and private sector actors, to improve labor compliance and oversight in the seafood sector. Funding for this opportunity totals approximately eleven million dollars, with a single award expected to be issued. The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, indicating substantial involvement by the Department of Labor in project implementation. The project period is anticipated to span three years, beginning around late December 2026. While specific allowable cost categories are not detailed in the forecast notice, funding is intended to support technical assistance activities, capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and labor enforcement improvements tied to the seafood supply chain. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive. Applicants may include commercial organizations, international entities, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, and public international organizations. The Department of Labor explicitly states that it does not discriminate based on religious affiliation or organizational character in awarding funds, ensuring equitable access for both secular and faith-based applicants. This wide eligibility scope reflects the global and multi-sector nature of the project’s objectives. At the time of this forecast notice, applications are not yet being accepted. The opportunity is expected to be formally posted on September 1, 2026, with an estimated application deadline of October 17, 2026. Submissions must be completed electronically through the designated federal grants platform by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the due date. Because this is a forecasted notice of intent, limited additional details are currently available, and applicants are encouraged to monitor updates through subscription services. Evaluation criteria and specific application components have not yet been released, as the full funding announcement is still under development. Applicants can expect that proposals will need to outline project strategies, anticipated outcomes, stakeholder engagement approaches, and mechanisms for improving labor enforcement. Outcomes will be defined by applicants, suggesting flexibility in project design within the overarching goals of addressing labor abuses and strengthening supply chain integrity. For further information, interested parties may contact the Bureau of International Labor Affairs via the provided email address or phone number. However, due to the early stage of this opportunity, responses may be limited. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to register for updates to receive the full announcement when it becomes available. This opportunity does not indicate recurrence and appears to be a one-time funding initiative aligned with fiscal year 2026 priorities.