Revitalizing Domestic Manufacturing by Developing the Next Generation of America’s Shipbuilders through International Partnerships | FOA ILAB 25 45

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is this funding opportunity?

This is a U.S. Department of Labor opportunity from the Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) to fund a multi-year technical assistance project focused on strengthening the long-term future of U.S. shipbuilding by expanding workforce skills and improving shipbuilding training capacity in the United States.

2. What is the funding mechanism (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?

The award is expected to be made as a cooperative agreement. This typically means there will be substantial federal involvement in project direction, coordination, or oversight compared with a standard grant.

3. How much funding is available?

The opportunity offers a single cooperative agreement of up to $8,000,000, dependent on the availability of federal funds.

4. How many awards will be made?

Only one award is anticipated.

5. What is the main goal of the project?

The central goal is to help revitalize domestic manufacturing capacity in U.S. shipbuilding by focusing on people, skills, and training systems: expanding the number of skilled U.S. workers and increasing the number and capability of U.S. training institutions that can reliably teach shipbuilding trades.

6. Is this funding intended for building or expanding shipyards?

No. The opportunity is not focused on physical shipyard expansion. It is focused on workforce development, training pathways, and building durable training systems and curricula.

7. What types of activities does the project expect to fund?

The project is expected to support an international shipbuilding fellowship and training development program, including structured pathways for U.S. workers to train in allied countries with advanced shipbuilding methods, plus development of specialized, internationally recognized trade curricula that can be delivered repeatedly in the United States.

8. What is meant by an international shipbuilding fellowship?

Based on the description, the fellowship concept is a structured pathway that enables U.S. workers to receive training in allied countries with strong shipbuilding training pipelines and proven methods, so that expertise can be brought back into the U.S. workforce and training ecosystem.

9. What is meant by "training development" in this project?

Training development refers to building curricula and instructional content aligned with high-performing international standards, so U.S. schools and training centers can scale shipbuilding instruction during and after the grant period.

10. Why is curriculum development a major emphasis?

The curriculum element is intended to outlast the fellowship itself. The goal is to formalize what is learned abroad into specialized, internationally recognized trade curricula that can be delivered repeatedly inside the United States, helping domestic institutions sustain and expand training capacity beyond the grant period.

11. What kind of partnerships are expected?

Applicants are expected to build durable international partnerships connecting U.S.-based partners (such as career and technical education programs, community colleges, and training centers and, where feasible, shipyards) with counterpart institutions abroad.

12. Which international partner countries are specifically targeted?

The targeted partner countries include Canada, Finland, Italy, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. The opportunity also indicates flexibility to involve other countries as appropriate.

13. Can applicants include partner countries beyond the listed targets?

Yes. The opportunity identifies a set of targeted countries (Canada, Finland, Italy, Japan, and the Republic of Korea) and also notes flexibility to involve other countries as appropriate.

14. Who are examples of U.S.-based partners mentioned in the opportunity?

The opportunity specifically references career and technical education (CTE) programs, community colleges, and training centers, and notes that shipyards may be included where feasible.

15. What is the overall approach the project is aiming for?

The opportunity describes a "train the workforce and train the trainers" approach, using international collaboration to upgrade hands-on worker skills and strengthen domestic instructional capacity through modern curricula, methods, and institutional linkages.

16. What is the expected project length?

The project is designed as a 4-year (48-month) effort, with a default performance period of 48 months from the award date.

17. Can an applicant propose a shorter period of performance?

Yes. Applicants are allowed to propose a shorter period of performance if it fits their strategy, indicating ILAB is open to different implementation approaches as long as they credibly achieve the fellowship, partnership, and curriculum goals.

18. Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad. ILAB indicates that commercial organizations, international organizations, educational entities, and nonprofit organizations may apply. This includes community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, and public international organizations (PIOs).

19. Are faith-based organizations allowed to apply?

Yes. Faith-based organizations are explicitly encouraged to apply.

20. Does ILAB consider an organization's religious character in selection or administration?

ILAB states the Department will not discriminate in selection or administration based on an organization's religious character or affiliation, or on religious exercise (or lack thereof), consistent with federal nondiscrimination principles for these programs.

21. What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this opportunity?

The assistance listing is CFDA 17.401.

22. What is the funding activity category?

The funding activity category is labeled "Other."

23. What is the opportunity number?

The opportunity number is FOA ILAB 25 45.

24. When was the opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on August 27, 2025.

25. What is the application closing date?

The original closing date is September 26, 2025.

26. What outcomes is the project expected to deliver?

The selected recipient is expected to deliver measurable outcomes tied to workforce expansion and training capacity, consistent with the focus on increasing the number of skilled U.S. workers and increasing the number and capability of U.S. training institutions to teach shipbuilding trades.

27. What role will the selected recipient likely play?

Because only one award is anticipated, the recipient will likely serve as the lead coordinator responsible for managing partner relationships, designing and running the fellowship model, overseeing curriculum development, and ensuring the project delivers measurable workforce and training-capacity outcomes.

28. Is the funding mandatory or discretionary?

This funding opportunity is categorized as discretionary.

29. Is the $8,000,000 amount guaranteed?

No. The award ceiling is up to $8,000,000 and is dependent on the availability of federal funds.

30. What is the long-term intent beyond the grant period?

The opportunity emphasizes durability: building international partnerships and developing specialized, internationally recognized trade curricula so U.S. training institutions can continue delivering and scaling shipbuilding instruction after the grant ends.