Promoting Responsible Investment and Rights-Respecting Production Models

Background
The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor at the U.S. Department of State is issuing this funding opportunity titled 'Promoting Responsible Investment and Rights-Respecting Production Models' to support responsible businesses in countering unfair competition from production models that rely on forced labor and worker exploitation.

The program aims to promote worker upskilling by collaborating with leading foreign companies in critical industries to enhance private-sector workforce development practices that support resilient, rights-respecting supply chains.

Grant Details
The program will utilize a phased, evidence-based approach. Initially, it will conduct research and engage foreign companies to identify workforce-related barriers to investment and expansion. This includes assessing promising workforce development practices and effective private-sector upskilling models.

Following this research phase, subawards will be provided to qualified partners for activities such as:
- Strengthening partnerships between foreign companies and U.S. workforce stakeholders;
- Adapting employer-led workforce development approaches;
- Developing worker upskilling initiatives;
- Facilitating technical exchanges;
- Providing guidance and assistance;
- Enhancing worker engagement.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations (including think tanks), public/private educational institutions, for-profit organizations (if allowed by appropriation), individuals, public international organizations, and governmental institutions. Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or SAM registration. Only one proposal per organization is permitted.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for the grant is 36 months from the anticipated project start date of September 30, 2026.

Grant Value
The total value of the grant is $2,959,500 with one anticipated award.

Place of Performance
The grant activities will primarily take place in the United States and may involve international stakeholders.