Subpart 22.15
Prohibition of Acquisition of Products Produced by Forced or Indentured Child Labor
FAR Subpart 22.15 prohibits federal agencies from acquiring products made with forced or indentured child labor and requires contractors to certify compliance, especially for products on the Department of Labor’s list.
Overview
FAR Subpart 22.15 establishes the prohibition on acquiring products produced by forced or indentured child labor. It implements U.S. policy and legal requirements to ensure that federal contracts do not support exploitative labor practices, particularly those involving children. The subpart defines key terms, outlines the policy, details procedures for acquiring products on a designated list, describes remedies for violations, and prescribes the required solicitation provision and contract clause. This regulation is part of the government’s broader commitment to ethical sourcing and compliance with international labor standards.
Key Rules
- Scope and Definitions
- Applies to acquisitions of end products potentially produced by forced or indentured child labor, with definitions clarifying key terms.
- Policy
- Federal agencies must not acquire products produced by forced or indentured child labor, especially those on the Department of Labor’s published list.
- Procedures for Listed Products
- Contractors must certify that they have made a good faith effort to determine whether forced or indentured child labor was used for listed products.
- Violations and Remedies
- Outlines investigation procedures, potential remedies, and consequences for violations, including contract termination or suspension.
- Solicitation Provision and Contract Clause
- Requires inclusion of specific provisions and clauses in solicitations and contracts for applicable products.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure inclusion of required clauses, review certifications, and address violations.
- Contractors: Certify compliance, conduct due diligence, and avoid supplying prohibited products.
- Agencies: Oversee compliance, investigate violations, and enforce remedies.
Practical Implications
- This subpart exists to prevent federal procurement from supporting exploitative child labor practices.
- Contractors must be vigilant in their supply chains, especially for products on the Department of Labor’s list.
- Failure to comply can result in severe penalties, including contract termination and suspension from future contracts.