Well, another ILG National Conference is in the books.  This year’s conference highlighted the continued return to a more collaborative relationship between contractors and OFCCP as well as the agency’s commitment to its four principles.

On the final day of the conference, attendees heard from practitioners as well as a panel of OFCCP Regional Directors, Office of the Solicitor , OFCCP leadership, and again from Director Leen who closed out the conference with a short Question & Answer session.

The Regional Directors and Solicitor panel shared information on OFCCP’s New Student Worker FAQ as well as the agency’s treatment of foreign nationals during audits.  They also discussed the available guidance on pre-employment testing and the status of current training being provided to Compliance Officers to get them prepared to undertake Focused Reviews.

The panel also credited contractors for improving the timeliness of submissions while also acknowledging that improvements can still be made in recordkeeping.  They also encouraged contractors to do more “cross training of employees.”

In his closing comments to the conference, Director Leen discussed his intent behind the ability to obtain an extension during an audit with the timely submission of a contractors affirmative action plan as well as the expectation contractors should be receiving, proactively, information from compliance officers as to any findings at the end of the desk audit.

In the area of “breaking news” Director Leen announced OFCCP’s has completed its search for an Ombudsperson, who will start the position on Monday, August 5, 2019.  And finally, he shared with conference-goers that he has instructed OFCCP staff to review parental leave policies for equity.  This is a good reminder for contractors to review OFCCP’s FAQs on the matter.

All-in-all this year’s conference seems to be a success.  There is a lot on the agenda for OFCCP and, if the conference is any indication, the relationship between the Agency and contractors seems to be headed back in the right direction.

We are already looking forward to seeing you in 2020 in National Harbor, Maryland for an election-year ILG National Conference!

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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.

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