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

The Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB), a division of the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL), has released a forecast notice for a new funding opportunity titled "Leveling the Field for American Workers in U.S.-Mexico Trade" under funding opportunity number FOA-ILAB-25-43. This forecast indicates the department's preliminary intent to support a project that promotes fair labor practices in Mexico to ensure a level playing field for American workers and businesses. ILAB is dedicated to promoting fair labor standards globally, and this effort represents a strategic initiative to enforce trade-related labor commitments with direct implications for U.S. labor markets. The purpose of this technical assistance project is to address unfair labor practices in Mexico that can negatively affect competition and harm American workers and businesses. By focusing on the enforcement and compliance of labor laws in three specific Mexican states, the project aims to engage a broad network of stakeholders, including state labor authorities, private sector actors, and worker organizations. These regions have been selected due to the presence of sectors that are critical to U.S. trade interests. The initiative is structured to improve labor law compliance mechanisms, reduce labor abuses, and promote better working conditions, thereby minimizing distortions in trade competitiveness. Funding will be administered via a cooperative agreement model, indicating significant involvement from the federal awarding agency in the execution of the project. Approximately $10,000,000 in total funding is anticipated for this single award, with both the award ceiling and floor set at the same amount. This suggests that one large-scale award will be granted to a qualified entity capable of executing a four-year technical assistance initiative at a national or international scale. The award is expected to be made by December 29, 2025, with project work starting immediately thereafter. Eligible applicants for this opportunity include a broad array of organizations. These may include commercial entities, international organizations, educational institutions, and nonprofit groups. Faith-based and community-based organizations, as well as Public International Organizations (PIOs), are also eligible to apply. This inclusive eligibility criterion aims to attract a diverse range of applicants with expertise in labor rights, international development, and institutional capacity-building. This opportunity is currently in a forecasted stage, with an estimated posting date of July 28, 2025, and a final application due date of September 16, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. As this is a forecast and not yet an open solicitation, no applications are being accepted at this time. Interested applicants are advised to monitor the opportunity via Grants.gov and subscribe for updates to receive timely notifications about the release of the full Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). Questions may be directed to OGM_ILAB@dol.gov, although limited information can be provided at this stage. The funding activity is categorized under “Other,” signaling that the focus may be cross-cutting or not easily classified under traditional categories. While no cost sharing or matching is required, applicants should prepare for robust collaboration with USDOL throughout the life of the project due to the cooperative agreement structure. This collaboration is likely to include joint planning, oversight, and evaluation activities once the award is issued.