A source of insights, news and strategy on affirmative action and EEO compliance matters
In the third of three new Directives (Directive (DIR) 2020-04), OFCCP has formalized and clarified the role of the Ombudsman in facilitating resolution of conflict between contractors and OFCCP.
The Ombuds Service Protocol, among other important clarifications to Directive (DIR) 2018–09, states:
The mission of the Ombuds Service is to offer
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In the second of the three most recent OFCCP Directives, OFCCP has formalized a pre-referral mediation program “to provide the best opportunity for resolving matters before significant time and resources are spent in the enforcement process,” and prior to referring the case for enforcement to the Office of the Solicitor (SOL).
Under 41 CFR 60-300.45, OFCCP must publish the “national percentage of veterans in the civilian labor force” for contractors to use as a “hiring benchmark.” OFCCP’s initial veteran hiring benchmark (in 2014) was 7.2% . Every year since, this percentage of available veterans has decreased. This year, the veteran hiring benchmark…
In case any of you have been wondering, OFCCP is not slowing down amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. While the Agency has been thoughtful and reasonable in extending response times for audits and even granting a National Interest Exemption for new contractors helping respond to the pandemic, OFCCP continues to schedule new audits, now with newly…
As we previously reported, OFCCP finally received approval of its new scheduling letters – and as a result federal contractors and subcontractors will be required to submit some additional information when selected for a Department of Labor compliance review. So, what’s new? As it turns out, not much. Most of the most significant changes…
At long last, OMB has finally approved OFCCP’s request to modify its scheduling letters, as well as approve a scheduling letter for VEVRAA Focused Reviews.
At first glance it appears the scheduling letters and itemized listings more resemble OFCCP’s current scheduling letters and not the Agency’s initial requested modifications.
Notably, the question…
When federal contractors share sensitive data – including pay data – with the OFCCP, data security is always a concern. Is your data any less secure during the COVID-19 pandemic as more compliance officers than usual work from home?
Last week, OFCCP addressed this concern with a bulletin entitled, “OFCCP is Committed to Keeping Your…
Consistent with its efforts to encourage federal contractors to consider functional affirmative action plans (FAAPs) as an alternative to establishment AAPs, OFCCP last week issued a bulletin stating it is open for FAAP business. Because FAAPs require OFCCP approval and updating, OFCCP does not want current circumstances to deter contractors from FAAPs.
In an…
The National Industry Liaison Group has worked with OFCCP leadership to clarify contractor obligations and OFCCP expectations for compliance reviews that are moving forward during this unprecedented time. The below are in addition to the National Interest Exemption recently announced by the Agency.
By e-mail, NILG shared OFCCP has informed it of the following protocols…
In a Memorandum issued yesterday, OFCCP has granted a three-month, national interest exemption and waiver from AAP obligations for new federal contracts “entered into specifically to provide Coronavirus relief.”
In summary, the “exemption and waiver extends to all affirmative action obligations of supply and service and construction contracts, and other obligations as specified in” FAR…
