Protecting the American Seafood Supply Chain by Countering Unfair Labor Practices and Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing  

Background
The Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) of the U.S. Department of Labor announces a funding opportunity to protect the American seafood supply chain by addressing unfair labor practices and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The initiative aims to strengthen mechanisms that prevent abusive labor practices in the global seafood supply chain, ensuring American seafood workers and businesses can compete fairly. This project is part of a broader effort to combat foreign labor abuses that undermine U.S. prosperity and security.

Grant Details
The project will focus on supporting American seafood workers by combatting abusive labor practices associated with IUU fishing, particularly in coordination with Indonesia and the Philippines.

Key tasks include:
1) Strengthening mechanisms to address labor abuses in the seafood supply chain;
2) Focusing on commercial distant-water fishing vessels;
3) Ensuring compliance with federal policies and strategies throughout the project;
4) Collaborating with local governments and stakeholders for effective implementation;
5) Monitoring and evaluating project outcomes to ensure alignment with program objectives.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include U.S. organizations such as non-profits (including faith-based and community-based organizations), public/state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, Native American tribal organizations, for-profit organizations, and non-U.S. entities including public international organizations.

Applicants must demonstrate their ability to leverage previous experience effectively for large federal investments.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for this grant is set at 36 months from the award date, allowing for necessary implementation and start-up activities.

Grant Value
Approximately $11 million total costs are available for one cooperative agreement under this funding opportunity. Applicants may propose a ceiling amount of up to $11 million.

Place of Performance
The project will be performed primarily in Indonesia and the Philippines, focusing on addressing labor abuses in these regions' seafood supply chains.