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

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs is preparing to award a cooperative agreement totaling approximately $6 million to support a project aimed at strengthening traceability and responsible sourcing in cotton supply chains across South Asia. The initiative seeks to incentivize suppliers to adopt labor-compliant practices, improve the verification of cotton origin, and mitigate the risk of forced-labor-tainted cotton entering U.S. markets, thereby enhancing the credibility and competitiveness of U.S.-produced cotton as a sustainable alternative. Projects funded under this effort will run for a maximum of 36 months from the award date, though applicants may propose shorter timelines aligned with their strategic approach. Outcomes are to be defined by the applicant and must directly contribute to reducing supply chain vulnerabilities linked to forced labor. The project, titled “Better Tools for Fair Cotton: Traceability Solutions to Protect U.S. Supply Chains from Chinese Forced Labor,” targets South Asian supply chains as a pathway to safeguard U.S. import integrity and expand export opportunities for American cotton producers. While the solicitation number is not yet available and the solicitation remains in forecast status, interested parties are encouraged to register for updates via Grants.gov. All inquiries should be directed to OGM_ILAB@dol.gov or called through the provided contact number, with the understanding that detailed information is limited pending finalization of the funding opportunity. The initiative is managed by the Department of Labor and is aligned with broader efforts to enforce ethical labor standards in global cotton sourcing.