Request for Applications: DRL Transshipment Supply Chain Tracing (US)

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) has launched the Transshipment Supply Chain Tracing Program to strengthen global efforts to identify and prevent goods produced with forced labor from entering international markets. The programme supports supply chain research, transshipment route analysis, private sector monitoring systems, government policy support, and worker awareness initiatives to combat labor exploitation.

Overview of the DRL Transshipment Supply Chain Tracing Program

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) has announced a funding opportunity to support efforts aimed at detecting and preventing the transshipment of goods produced with forced labor.

The programme focuses on strengthening global supply chain transparency and helping governments, businesses, and workers identify practices used to avoid forced labor import restrictions.

The initiative supports activities that:

Identify high-risk supply chains.
Analyze transshipment routes.
Improve supply chain monitoring systems.
Support enforcement of forced labor trade restrictions.
Increase worker awareness of labor rights.
Strengthen international cooperation.

The programme seeks to improve the ability of the United States and partner countries to prevent goods made through forced labor from entering markets.

Purpose of the DRL Transshipment Supply Chain Tracing Program

The main objective of this funding opportunity is to strengthen systems that detect and disrupt supply chain practices used to conceal the origin of goods produced with forced labor.

The programme aims to:

Improve supply chain tracing capabilities.
Identify trade routes used to evade forced labor restrictions.
Support companies in developing responsible sourcing practices.
Provide evidence-based analysis for government decision-making.
Empower workers to understand and protect their labor rights.

Background: Forced Labor and Supply Chain Transshipment

Forced labor remains a global challenge affecting workers across multiple industries and regions.

Some companies and traders may use transshipment practices to move goods through third countries or complex trade networks in order to hide their original source.

These practices can make it difficult for authorities and businesses to identify whether products were produced using exploitative labor conditions.

The programme supports efforts to improve transparency and accountability across international supply chains.

Key Objectives of the Program

Identifying High-Risk Supply Chains and Routes

The programme supports research and analysis to identify:

Supply chains linked to forced labor risks.
Trade routes used for transshipment.
Methods used to conceal product origins.
Industries vulnerable to labor exploitation.

This information will help governments and businesses take preventive action.

Supporting Private Sector Supply Chain Monitoring

The initiative encourages companies to develop stronger systems for identifying and responding to forced labor risks.

Supported activities may include:

Supply chain monitoring protocols.
Risk assessment tools.
Due diligence approaches.
Response strategies.
Prevention mechanisms.

The goal is to help businesses create more transparent and responsible supply chains.

Providing Policy Analysis to Government Stakeholders

Selected organizations may provide research and analysis to support:

The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL).
Other U.S. Government agencies.
International partners.

Analysis may inform:

Trade policies.
Forced labor prevention strategies.
Enforcement approaches.

Increasing Worker Awareness and Protection

The programme supports activities that improve workers’ understanding of their rights.

Awareness activities may focus on:

Labor rights.
Freedom of association.
Collective action.
Grievance mechanisms.
Access to remediation processes.

These efforts help workers identify and respond to exploitative labor practices.

What Does the Program Support?

The DRL Transshipment Supply Chain Tracing Program supports projects that strengthen global capacity to prevent forced labor-related trade violations.

Potential activities may include:

Supply Chain Research

Projects may conduct:

Market research.
Supply chain mapping.
Risk assessments.
Trade route analysis.

Data Collection and Analysis

Activities may involve:

Collecting supply chain information.
Identifying risk indicators.
Developing analytical tools.

Development of Monitoring Protocols

Organizations may support:

Corporate due diligence systems.
Industry standards.
Monitoring frameworks.

Stakeholder Training

Projects may provide training for:

Businesses.
Workers.
Civil society organizations.
Government partners.

Worker Rights Awareness

Activities may strengthen knowledge about:

Labor protections.
Reporting mechanisms.
Worker support systems.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The opportunity is open to a wide range of organizations with the capacity to implement supply chain tracing and forced labor prevention initiatives.

Eligible applicants include:

U.S.-Based Nonprofit Organizations

Eligible organizations include:

Nonprofit organizations.
NGOs with or without 501(c)(3) status.

Higher Education Institutions

Eligible applicants include:

Private institutions of higher education.
Public institutions of higher education.
State institutions of higher education.

For-Profit Organizations and Businesses

Companies and commercial organizations may apply if they meet programme requirements.

Foreign-Based Organizations

Eligible applicants include:

Foreign nonprofit organizations.
International NGOs.

Funding Information

The programme provides substantial financial support for selected projects.

Award Amount

Applicants may request:

Up to USD 1,973,359

Award Ceiling and Floor

The funding range is:

Minimum award: USD 1,973,359
Maximum award: USD 1,973,359

Applicants should design proposals that match the available funding level and programme objectives.

How the DRL Transshipment Supply Chain Tracing Program Works

The programme follows a project-based funding approach.

Step 1: Identify Supply Chain Challenges

Applicants should identify:

Forced labor risks.
Vulnerable industries.
Transshipment challenges.
Information gaps.

Step 2: Develop a Project Strategy

Proposals should explain:

Research methods.
Implementation activities.
Stakeholder engagement.
Expected outcomes.

Step 3: Conduct Research and Capacity Building

Selected organizations may implement activities such as:

Supply chain investigations.
Training programmes.
Data analysis.
Private sector engagement.

Step 4: Share Findings and Recommendations

Projects should provide:

Evidence-based reports.
Policy recommendations.
Practical tools.

Step 5: Strengthen Long-Term Prevention Systems

The programme aims to create sustainable systems that help prevent forced labor goods from entering global markets.

Why This Program Matters

Forced labor in global supply chains affects workers, businesses, and international trade systems.

The DRL Transshipment Supply Chain Tracing Program helps address these challenges by:

Increasing supply chain transparency.
Improving enforcement capabilities.
Supporting responsible business practices.
Protecting workers’ rights.
Strengthening international cooperation.

The programme contributes to global efforts to eliminate forced labor and promote ethical trade.

Application Requirements

Applicants should prepare proposals demonstrating:

Strong Understanding of the Issue

Applications should explain:

Forced labor risks.
Supply chain challenges.
Transshipment concerns.

Technical Approach

Applicants should describe:

Research methodology.
Data collection strategies.
Implementation methods.

Organizational Capacity

Applicants should demonstrate:

Relevant experience.
Qualified personnel.
Ability to manage large-scale projects.

Partnership Approach

Strong proposals may include collaboration with:

Businesses.
Worker organizations.
Civil society groups.
Government partners.

Monitoring and Evaluation Plan

Applicants should include:

Project indicators.
Expected outcomes.
Measurement methods.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying

Limited Supply Chain Analysis

Applicants should provide detailed understanding of transshipment risks.

Weak Worker Protection Components

Projects should include activities that strengthen worker awareness and rights.

Lack of Private Sector Engagement

Applications should explain how businesses will participate in prevention efforts.

Unclear Project Outcomes

Applicants should define measurable results and impact.

Insufficient Organizational Capacity

Applicants should demonstrate experience managing complex international programmes.

Benefits of Participating in the Programme

Selected organizations can:

Support global forced labor prevention efforts.
Strengthen supply chain transparency.
Influence responsible trade practices.
Collaborate with international stakeholders.
Improve worker protection systems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the DRL Transshipment Supply Chain Tracing Program?

It is a U.S. Department of State funding programme that supports efforts to identify and prevent goods produced with forced labor from entering markets through hidden or complex supply chain routes.

What does the programme focus on?

The programme focuses on supply chain tracing, transshipment analysis, private sector monitoring, government policy support, and worker rights awareness.

Who can apply for this funding opportunity?

Eligible applicants include U.S. nonprofits, NGOs, universities, businesses, and foreign nonprofit organizations.

How much funding is available?

Applicants may request up to USD 1,973,359.

What types of projects are supported?

The programme supports projects involving supply chain research, risk analysis, monitoring systems, worker awareness, and policy recommendations.

Why is supply chain tracing important?

Supply chain tracing helps identify whether goods are linked to forced labor and supports enforcement of labor protection laws.

How does the programme support workers?

It increases awareness of labor rights, freedom of association, grievance systems, and remediation options.

Conclusion

The DRL Transshipment Supply Chain Tracing Program provides a major opportunity for organizations working to strengthen ethical trade, protect workers, and improve global supply chain transparency.

By supporting research, monitoring systems, private sector engagement, and worker empowerment, the programme helps governments and businesses detect and prevent forced labor-related trade practices while promoting stronger human rights protections worldwide.