DOL and FAR Council Propose Guidance, Rule to Implement Fair Pay Order
A 60-day public comment period will follow publication
The Department of Labor has issued proposed guidance to assist contracting agencies and the greater contracting community in applying the requirements of the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Executive Order, which President Obama signed in July 2014. The guidance includes evaluating the severity of labor violations; the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council has issued regulations at the same time. Both will be followed by a 60-day public comment period.
The proposed changes ensure that federal contractors will attest that they comply with laws providing basic workplace protections. Designated Labor Compliance Advisors will coordinate with the relevant enforcement agency experts to help those that report violations come into compliance.
"The opportunity to contract with the federal government is a privilege, not an entitlement. Taxpayer dollars should not reward corporations that break the law, and contractors who meet their responsibilities should not have to compete against those who do not," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez. "The guidance issued today to implement the Fair Pay and Safe Workplace Executive Order will promote better informed procurement decisions. It will provide contracting officers with the necessary information to ensure accurate, efficient, and consistent compliance with labor laws and provide a means to help contractors meet their responsibilities. We welcome public feedback in order to make this process as effective as possible."