As of October 1, 2025, the jurisdictional thresholds for two key regulations impacting federal contractors—the Rehabilitation Act (Section 503) and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA)—have increased. These changes stem from an inflationary adjustment statute that authorizes the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council to review and update acquisition-related thresholds in statutes governing federal procurement.
veterans
OFCCP Updates Annual Veteran Hiring Benchmark
Though delayed, OFCCP has released the updated the annual Veteran Hiring Benchmark. The benchmark is set at 5.1% effective July 30, 2025.
The current 5.1% benchmark, is slightly lower than the previous mark of 5.2% set in March 2024 and continues the steady downward trend for this annual hiring benchmark.
Though there remains uncertainty around…
OFCCP To Close All Prior Section 503 and VEVRAA Compliance Reviews Following Secretary of Labor Order Reviving Enforcement Activities
In conjunction with the recent proposed rule changes to the Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 503) and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA) regulations, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced OFCCP has the authority to resume its enforcement activities related to veterans and individuals with disabilities.
On…
OFCCP Proposes Changes to Veterans and Disability Regulations
OFCCP has published proposed modifications to the VEVRAA and Section 503 regulations which govern federal contractor affirmative action obligations for veterans and individuals with disabilities.
The proposed changes to the veterans’ regulations are largely procedural – removing references to Executive Order 11246 and its implementing regulations – resulting in the veterans’ regulations being wholly self-contained…
OFCCP Extends Enforcement Moratorium for VAHBP Providers Until 2027
In a move the Agency reported is designed to maintain healthcare access for active and retired service members and their families, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) has announced a two-year extension to the enforcement moratorium for Veterans Affairs Health Benefits Program (VAHBP) providers. This extension, effective June 11, 2025, will now run…
Department of Labor Proposed Budget Seeks To Completely Dismantle OFCCP
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) fiscal year 2026 proposed budget, the Department is set to fully eliminate the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) next fiscal year, which begins October 1, 2025. The budget proposal aligns with the current administration’s broader efforts to shut down the OFCCP and its authority…
Michael Schloss Appointed OFCCP Deputy Director for Policy, to Act in Acting Director Role
OFCCP’s website reflects Michael Schloss has been appointed to the Deputy Director for Policy Role within the Agency. Michele Hodge, former Acting Director is listed as Deputy Director while the Director role remains vacant. The Deputy Director for Policy would traditionally act in an Acting Director role in this type of situation. As such, the…
OFCCP Releases Updated Annual Veteran Hiring Benchmark
Effective March 31, 2024, the VEVRAA hiring benchmark will be 5.2%. The new benchmark is 0.2% lower than the previous benchmark of 5.4% and continues the Agency’s trend of reducing the benchmark each year. Since it’s inception in 2014, the benchmark has steadily declined, never once being increased by the Agency.
OFCCP has released additional…
OFCCP Director Leen Announces VEVRAA Focused Reviews to Begin Soon
During the opening remarks of the 2020 NILG Annual Conference – this year being held virtually as the NILG 2020 Webinar Series – OFCCP Director Craig Leen announced the Agency will initiate VEVRAA Focused Reviews in as little as two weeks. Prefacing that the Agency will be giving consideration for the COVID-19 pandemic, Director Leen…
Department of Labor to Recognize Employers Who Recruit, Employ Veterans
Coming out of the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act (HIRE Vets Act), signed by President Trump on May 5, the U.S Department of Labor has created the HIRE Vets Medallion Program. The program will award employers who “recruit, retain, and employ veterans, and who offer charitable services in support…