US Department of Labor announces $10 million in funding to reduce child labor in Ecuador and Panama, solicits grant applications

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of International Labor Affairs is seeking eligible applicants under two competitive grant solicitations to implement projects that will reduce child labor in Ecuador and Panama.

Under the first solicitation, ILAB will award $6.5 million to reduce child labor in Ecuador and Panama by providing education to children as well as livelihood services for their households that help decrease families' dependence on child labor to meet basic needs. Under the second solicitation, ILAB will award $3.5 million to strengthen policy and enforcement efforts that will reduce child labor in these countries. In Ecuador, these grants also will support policies and services that address the education and livelihood needs of child laborers affected by disabilities.

Eligible applicants may submit proposals for one or both solicitations. Applicants responding to either solicitation must respond to the entire scope of work and demonstrate a proven ability to manage complex projects designed to improve the lives of children.

Applications must be submitted by Nov. 15 at 5 p.m. EST 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, DC 20210, Attention: Brenda White and James Kinslow.

All awards will be made by Dec. 31. The solicitations for grant applications (SGA 12-10 for policy/enforcement and SGA 12-11 for direct services) are available online at http://www.dol.gov/ILAB/grants/main.htm and http://www.grants.gov.

Congress has appropriated funds for ILAB to conduct technical cooperation projects to combat child labor internationally. ILAB grants help rescue children from exploitative labor and strengthen the capacity of governments to address the issue in a sustainable way.