22.406-12
Cooperation with the Department of Labor
Contracting agencies and officers must fully cooperate with Department of Labor investigations on construction projects and promptly share relevant information and violation notifications.
Overview
FAR 22.406-12 outlines the responsibilities of contracting agencies and officers to cooperate fully with the Department of Labor (DOL) during investigations related to labor standards on construction contracts. The regulation requires agencies to facilitate DOL access to records, workers, and information about contractors and contracts, and to promptly share relevant data when requested. Contracting officers must also stay informed about the scope of any DOL investigation and request immediate notification of any violations found under key labor statutes, including the Construction Wage Rate Requirements, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards, and the Copeland Act.
Key Rules
- Agency Cooperation with DOL
- Agencies must allow DOL representatives to inspect records, interview workers, and conduct investigations, and must provide requested information about contractors and contracts.
- Contracting Officer Responsibilities During Investigations
- Contracting officers must determine the scope of DOL investigations at construction sites and request immediate notification of any labor law violations discovered.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must cooperate with DOL, provide requested information, inquire about investigation scope, and request prompt notification of violations.
- Contractors: Must maintain accurate records and comply with labor standards, as their records and workers may be subject to DOL inspection.
- Agencies: Must support DOL investigations and ensure timely information sharing.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures transparency and accountability in labor standards enforcement on federal construction projects.
- Agencies and contractors must be prepared for DOL investigations and maintain proper documentation.
- Failure to cooperate or provide timely information can result in compliance issues or enforcement actions.