Just in time for its next round of audits, OFCCP has released its annual review of the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (“VEVRAA”) benchmark.  And for the fifth consecutive year, the benchmark has been reduced benchmark.  It is now at 5.9%.  The new benchmark will be effective for affirmative action plans updated after March 31, 2019.

At its inception in March 2014, the benchmark was set at 7.2% and has been subsequently reduced each year since then based on  the annual national percentage of veterans in the civilian labor force.

The benchmark is the percentage of veteran hires contractors should aspire to make each year as required by the 2013 revisions to the VEVRAA Regulations.

In its announcement releasing the revised benchmark, OFCCP reminded contractors that it plans to add VEVRAA Focused Reviews to its slate of compliance evaluations next year.  This is the first year OFCCP will undertake Section 503 Focused Reviews.

Tags: OFCCP, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Section 503 Focused Reviews, Veteran Benchmark, VEVRAA, Vietnam Era Veteran Readjustmet Assistance Act
Print:
Email this postTweet this postLike this postShare this post on LinkedIn
Photo of Laura A. Mitchell Laura A. Mitchell

As co-leader of the firm’s ESG group, Laura Mitchell partners with her clients to evaluate, set, achieve and monitor their organizational culture and human capital goals. She focuses her practice on data analytics, including pay equity and other employee analytics, working side-by-side with…

As co-leader of the firm’s ESG group, Laura Mitchell partners with her clients to evaluate, set, achieve and monitor their organizational culture and human capital goals. She focuses her practice on data analytics, including pay equity and other employee analytics, working side-by-side with employers to build programs that benefit employees and create a stable, high-functioning workplace. Understanding that an inclusive, values-based culture provides a crucial competitive advantage in the modern workplace, Laura enjoys counseling companies on the development of proactive and equitable pay and diversity practices.

In Laura’s version of the reimagined workplace, attention to human capital issues, especially DEI and pay equity, would be the rule rather than the exception nationwide and she works with companies across all industries—both new and well-established multi-national organizations of all sizes—to realize this vision for her clients’ ongoing success. She helps clients understand all issues across the spectrum of their journey, helping to establish regular analyses as well as counseling organizations on implementation and compliance obligations, where applicable. Committed to putting her clients’ organizational goals first and foremost, Laura views herself as an extension of her clients’ team, responsible for providing proactive guidance and engaging in transparent, ongoing communication.

Laura also represents companies in OFCCP matters, preparing for and defending OFCCP audits, and counseling employers on issues stemming from OFCCP regulations. She personally oversees the development of hundreds of Affirmative Action Plans for clients each year and is intimately involved in the defense of OFCCP audits. Her approach to compliance is one of facilitation and conciliation while simultaneously advocating in the best interests of her clients.

Read more about Laura A. Mitchell
Show more Show less