10/ 07/ 2005
A new U.S. Department of Labor online tool helps federal contractors and subcontractors understand basic coverage and compliance requirements for the equal employment opportunity laws administered by DOL's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs. The Federal Contractor Compliance Advisor takes employers through a series of simple questions, including number of employees, nature of industry and type and size of federal contract or subcontract. Then, based on the user's responses, the Advisor generates a customized list of OFCCP equal employment opportunity laws and regulations that apply to the business and provides links to relevant compliance assistance materials for each of them.
The Advisor can also help an employer determine whether they qualify as a federal contractor. For instance, you’re considered a federal contractor if you carry one federal contract in excess of $10,000, or if you perform contracts in excess of $10,000. In addition, if you hold government bills of lading, serve as a depository for government funds or work as an agent for issuing and paying government bonds, then you are considered a federal contractor. Anyone who falls into one or more of these categories is subject to the OFCCP laws and regulations. Once the Advisor determines what laws apply to the contractor, it will provide access to additional information about those laws.
This site is particularly for employers who are unsure of their duties and responsibilities as federal contractors. Employers must disclose in all contracts what percent of their employees must be minorities and women. Employers must retain all employee documents for one year if they have federal contracts of under $150,000. Contractors must keep all documents for two years if they have contracts of over $150,000, and discrimination is prohibited. If a contractor discharges an employee, the reasons for the dismissal must be well documented in writing.
Visit the Web sites below for a listing of all the rules and regulations that affect contractors:
