US Department of Labor announces $6 million grant solicitation
to combat child labor in Liberia rubber industry

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of International Labor Affairs today announced a $6 million competitive solicitation for a cooperative agreement to combat child labor in the rubber-producing areas of Liberia.

Qualified applicants should focus on children who are engaged in or at risk of being involved in various forms of child labor in rubber-producing areas. Among other things, applicants must:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the cultural, economic, social and legal contexts of Liberia and the communities in which interventions will be carried out.
• Address existing gaps in policies, programs, and the enforcement of relevant laws and coordination of relevant efforts.
• Promote approaches that increase children's access to quality education opportunities as well as sustainable livelihoods for children's households.

Eligible applicants must respond to the entire scope of work outlined in the solicitation. Applications must be submitted by Sept. 4 at 5 p.m. EDT electronically via http://www.grants.gov or as hard copies to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Procurement Services, 200 Constitution Ave. NW, Room S-4307, Washington, D.C. 20210, Attention: Brenda White and James Kinslow.

All cooperative agreement awards will be made by Dec. 31, 2012. The solicitation for grant applications is available online at http://www.dol.gov/ILAB/grants/main.htm and http://www.grants.gov.