22.1304
Procedures
Contracting officers must verify a contractor's VETS-4212 Report submission using the Department of Labor's database or customer support before awarding a contract.
Overview
FAR 22.1304 outlines the procedures contracting officers should follow to verify whether a proposed contractor has complied with the requirement to submit the VETS-4212 Report, which is mandated for federal contractors and subcontractors. The section provides two main methods for verification: checking the Department of Labor’s VETS-4212 online database and contacting customer support if the contractor claims compliance but is not listed. This ensures that only contractors who meet veteran employment reporting requirements are considered for federal contracts.
Key Rules
- Online Verification
- Contracting officers should use the Department of Labor’s VETS-4212 Database to check if a contractor has submitted the required report.
- Customer Support Confirmation
- If a contractor claims to have submitted the report but is not found in the database, contracting officers should contact VETS-4212 customer support for further confirmation.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must verify VETS-4212 compliance before awarding contracts, using the specified procedures.
- Contractors: Must ensure timely and accurate submission of the VETS-4212 Report and be prepared to provide evidence of compliance if requested.
- Agencies: Should ensure oversight of compliance verification as part of the contract award process.
Practical Implications
- This section exists to enforce compliance with veteran employment reporting requirements, supporting equal opportunity for veterans.
- It impacts daily contracting by requiring verification steps before contract award, helping avoid awards to non-compliant contractors.
- Common pitfalls include failing to verify compliance or accepting unsubstantiated claims from contractors.