Leveling the Field for American Workers in U.S.-Mexico Trade

The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) is forecasting a cooperative agreement opportunity titled "Leveling the Field for American Workers in U.S.-Mexico Trade." This grant, identified by opportunity number FOA-ILAB-25-43, will fund one technical assistance project to address unfair labor practices in Mexico that have implications for American workers and businesses. The funding is discretionary and is part of ILAB’s ongoing international labor programs under Assistance Listing 17.401. The intent of this funding opportunity is to enhance labor law compliance and enforcement in Mexico, particularly in three states that are trade-relevant to U.S. labor interests. The objective is to create more equitable labor conditions that align with fair trade expectations and protect U.S. economic interests. The project is expected to span four years and will engage multiple stakeholders including state labor authorities, worker organizations, and the private sector in Mexico. While the specifics of eligible activities or allowable costs have not yet been detailed, the cooperative agreement format implies significant federal oversight and collaboration during implementation. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad. It includes commercial, international, educational, and non-profit organizations. Public international organizations (PIOs), faith-based groups, and community-based organizations are also eligible to apply. Notably, individuals, government entities, and small businesses are not listed as eligible, and applicants should carefully review the final announcement when it is posted for any updates or further clarifications regarding eligibility. This is currently a forecasted opportunity, with the estimated application window opening on July 28, 2025, and closing on September 16, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. The anticipated project start date is December 29, 2025. The total estimated program funding is $10,000,000, with both the award ceiling and award floor set at that same amount, indicating a single awardee is expected. No cost-sharing or matching funds are required. As this is a forecast, ILAB has limited information to share at this stage. Interested applicants are encouraged to subscribe to updates through Grants.gov to receive the final Funding Opportunity Announcement when available. Any questions in the interim can be directed to Sue Levenstein at (202) 693-2860 or via email at OGM_ILAB@dol.gov. The FOA is under development and the agency has not released any application questions, pre-application deadlines, or evaluation criteria at this stage. Prospective applicants should monitor Grants.gov closely and prepare for early engagement and information-gathering prior to the official release. The opportunity provides a significant funding amount for a focused international labor compliance initiative and represents a strategic investment in promoting fair labor practices under U.S.-Mexico trade frameworks.