Policy
Federal agencies and contractors must actively cooperate with labor enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with a broad range of labor laws in federal contracts.
Overview
FAR 22.102-1 establishes the policy that federal agencies must cooperate with, and encourage their contractors to cooperate with, federal and state agencies responsible for enforcing a range of labor requirements. These requirements include safety, health and sanitation, wage and hour laws, equal employment opportunity, restrictions on child and convict labor, protections against age discrimination, employment of disabled and Vietnam veterans, employment of workers with disabilities, and compliance with U.S. immigration employment eligibility laws. The policy aims to ensure that all parties involved in federal contracting uphold labor standards and legal obligations throughout contract performance.
Key Rules
- Cooperation with Enforcement Agencies
- Agencies and contractors must work with federal and state agencies that enforce labor laws.
- Coverage of Multiple Labor Requirements
- The policy covers safety, health, wages, equal opportunity, child/convict labor, age discrimination, veteran and disability employment, and immigration employment eligibility.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must ensure agency cooperation with labor enforcement agencies and encourage contractor compliance.
- Contractors: Must cooperate with relevant federal and state labor enforcement agencies and comply with all applicable labor laws.
- Agencies: Oversee and promote compliance with labor standards and coordinate with enforcement bodies.
Practical Implications
- This policy ensures that labor standards are maintained in federal contracts, protecting workers and reducing legal risk for agencies and contractors.
- Contractors must be aware of and comply with a broad range of labor laws, and failure to cooperate can result in enforcement actions or contract issues.
- Common pitfalls include neglecting to address all covered labor areas or failing to respond to enforcement agency requests.