The much-anticipated so-called federal contractor “blacklisting” rules and guidance (“Final Rule” and “Guidance”) were published in the federal register on August 25, 2016. The Final Rule becomes effective on October 25, 2016 and imposes four new legal obligations on covered federal contractors, which will be phased in over the next year (starting as early as October 25, 2016).
It is important to also note that this is being phased in via Federal Acquisition Regulation (“FAR”) solicitation and contract provisions. This means that the Final Rule “becomes effective” by beginning to appear in new solicitations issued on or after October 25, 2016. This should not dampen a company’s concern and speed of progressing through the steps below and determining and pursuing compliance, but it is critical to understand and follow the specific path of obligation.
- First, federal contractors will have to disclose “labor law decisions” both before and after contract award. The federal government will use these disclosures in making their “responsibility” determinations – the determination of whether the contractor is a responsible source to whom a contract may be awarded.
- Second, contractors must give a wage statement to employees containing for each workweek the number of hours worked, the number of overtime hours, rate of pay, and additions to and from gross pay, and total gross pay.
- Third, contractors must provide written notice to independent contractors informing them that they are independent contractors and not employees.
- Fourth, contractors can no longer enter into agreements with employees or independent contractors that require arbitration of claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (includes discrimination and retaliation claims based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin) or sexual harassment claims.
Federal contractors will need to become quick studies of the Final Rule and Guidance in order to begin developing procedures to ensure compliance as these requirements phase in over the next year.
Keep reading this article at: http://www.directemployers.org/2016/09/20/five-steps-compliance-fair-pay-safe-workplaces-final-rule/
