22.001
Definitions
FAR 22.001 sets the baseline definitions that determine when service contract labor rules apply, who is covered, and how contracting officers obtain the correct wage determinations.
Overview
- FAR 22.001 provides core definitions used throughout FAR Part 22, which governs the application of labor laws to Government acquisitions.
- Its purpose is to establish consistent meaning for key labor-related terms that affect wage determinations, service contract coverage, and agency labor compliance processes.
Key Rules
- Administrator / Administrator, Wage and Hour Division
- Refers to the Administrator of the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division, or an authorized representative, who is the responsible labor authority for matters covered in this part.
- Agency labor advisor and e98
- An agency labor advisor advises contracting officials on Federal contract labor matters. The e98 is the approved electronic application in SAM.gov used by contracting officers to request Service Contract Labor Standards wage determinations from the Department of Labor.
- Service contract and service employee
- A service contract is a Government contract or subcontract principally for furnishing services in the United States through service employees, unless exempt. A service employee is generally any worker performing on such a contract, except bona fide executive, administrative, or professional employees as defined in 29 CFR part 541.
- Wage Determinations at SAM.gov
- This is the Government website where contracting professionals access wage determinations under both the Construction Wage Rate Requirements and Service Contract Labor Standards statutes.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Use the correct definitions to determine labor statute coverage and request wage determinations through SAM.gov when required.
- Contractors: Properly classify covered workers and understand when service employees are subject to labor standards.
- Agencies: Rely on labor advisors and Department of Labor guidance to ensure consistent application of labor laws.
Practical Implications
- These definitions matter because they determine whether labor standards apply, which workers are covered, and how wage determinations are obtained.
- Misclassifying a contract as non-service or workers as exempt can create wage liability, contract noncompliance, and disputes.
- Contractors and contracting officers should use these terms early in acquisition planning and contract administration.