Equal Opportunity for Veterans
FAR Subpart 22.13 requires federal contractors to provide equal employment opportunities and affirmative action for veterans, with strict compliance, reporting, and clause inclusion obligations.
Overview
FAR Subpart 22.13, "Equal Opportunity for Veterans," establishes the requirements for federal contractors and subcontractors to provide equal employment opportunities to veterans. This subpart implements the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and related Department of Labor regulations. It covers definitions, policy statements, applicability criteria, required procedures, waiver processes, Department of Labor notices and reporting, collective bargaining agreement considerations, complaint procedures, actions for noncompliance, and required solicitation provisions and contract clauses. The subpart ensures that veterans, including disabled veterans and other protected categories, are not discriminated against in employment and are provided affirmative action opportunities in federal contracting.
Key Rules
- Scope and Definitions
- Outlines which contracts and veterans are covered, and provides key definitions for compliance.
- Policy and Applicability
- Mandates nondiscrimination and affirmative action for veterans in applicable federal contracts and subcontracts.
- Procedures and Waivers
- Details steps for compliance, including possible waivers under specific circumstances.
- Notices, Reports, and Clauses
- Requires posting Department of Labor notices, submitting reports, and including specific clauses in solicitations and contracts.
- Complaint and Enforcement
- Establishes procedures for handling complaints and outlines actions for noncompliance.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure inclusion of required clauses, monitor compliance, and address complaints or noncompliance.
- Contractors: Implement affirmative action, maintain records, submit required reports, and comply with all notice and posting requirements.
- Agencies: Oversee contractor compliance and coordinate with the Department of Labor as needed.
Practical Implications
- This subpart exists to promote equal employment opportunities for veterans in federal contracting.
- Contractors must be proactive in compliance, as failure can result in contract termination or debarment.
- Common issues include incomplete reporting, failure to post required notices, or not including the correct contract clauses.