Advancing Labor Rights in the Garment Industry

The program aims to advance labor rights in the garment industry by strengthening the implementation of labor provisions in U.S. Agreements on Reciprocal Trade (ARTs) and supporting reforms in strategic partner countries. It focuses on empowering garment workers to understand and exercise their rights, freely associate, and access timely, non-retaliatory remedies for workplace abuses across global supply chains. Activities include supporting worker organization and advocacy, documenting labor violations, promoting accountability and remediation for abuses, and engaging employers, civil society, and government stakeholders to improve compliance with labor standards and working conditions. The initiative aligns with U.S. economic and strategic interests by fostering a more level playing field for responsible businesses and reinforcing labor rights commitments consistent with the Trump administration’s trade policy. The solicitation, identified as DFOP0019477 and posted by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor under the Department of State, seeks proposals for a project with an anticipated start date of September 30, 2026, and a performance period of 18 to 24 months. Eligible applicants must hold a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and maintain an active SAM.gov registration; foreign entities are eligible provided they comply with federal requirements. The estimated award amount is $349,105, with no option periods or multi-year extensions specified. Proposals must include mandatory forms (SF-424, SF-424A), a 15-page narrative outlining goals, activities, methods, timeline, key personnel, partnerships, monitoring and evaluation plans, and a sustainability strategy, along with a detailed Excel budget and supporting documentation. Evaluation is based on six non-weighted factors—program quality, organizational capacity, planning, budget, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability—with award determined through a trade-off approach prioritizing technical merit over cost. Compliance with 2 CFR 200 regulations, anti-trafficking requirements, PHFFA policies, anti-discrimination certifications, and UAS restrictions is mandatory, and all submissions must be made electronically via Grants.gov or MyGrants by August 27, 2026, at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time.