The U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL) Bureau of International Labor Affairs is seeking eligible applicants under a $2.2 million competitive grant solicitation to strengthen worker organizations in Haiti and Peru. ILAB intends to award $1.2 million to be used for Haiti and $1 million for Peru.

Eligible applicants can compete for the full amount of the grant for both countries or a partial amount for either country. The overarching objectives of the grants are to improve the capacity of worker organizations in Haiti and Peru to better protect the rights of vulnerable workers, and to engage in effective advocacy and dialogue. Under the solicitation, funding will be awarded to one or more qualifying organizations that propose innovative ways and sound strategies to provide these services in partnership with local organizations and institutions.

In Haiti, the funds will be used to support worker organizations in the apparel export sector, improving their capacity to protect and promote workers' rights with respect to freedom of association, sexual harassment and forced overtime. In Peru, the funds will be used to build the capacity of worker organizations to organize and effectively advocate for the rights and interests of vulnerable workers, including temporary and fixed-term contract workers in export sectors.

Applications must be submitted by November 15 at 5 p.m. EST electronically via 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 December 31, 2012.

The solicitation for grant applications (SGA 12-17) is available online at www.dol.gov/ILAB/grants/main.htm

HL/ HaitiLibre