Subpart 22.6
Contracts for Materials, Supplies, Articles, and Equipment
FAR Subpart 22.6 mandates strict labor standards and contract clauses for federal supply contracts, requiring both contracting officers and contractors to ensure compliance with the Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act.
Overview
FAR Subpart 22.6 establishes the requirements and procedures for government contracts involving the manufacture or furnishing of materials, supplies, articles, and equipment. It implements statutory labor standards, primarily the Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act, to ensure fair labor practices, minimum wages, and safe working conditions for workers on qualifying federal supply contracts. The subpart outlines statutory requirements, applicability thresholds, exemptions, procedures for compliance, and the mandatory inclusion of specific contract clauses. It also addresses how to obtain official rulings and interpretations of the statute.
Key Rules
- Statutory Requirements
- Contracts must comply with labor standards set by the Walsh-Healey Act, including minimum wage, overtime, and safety provisions.
- Applicability
- The subpart applies to contracts above a certain dollar threshold for materials, supplies, articles, and equipment, with specific exemptions detailed.
- Exemptions
- Certain contracts or contractors may be exempt from these requirements based on statutory or regulatory criteria.
- Rulings and Interpretations
- Procedures are provided for obtaining official guidance on ambiguous or complex compliance issues.
- Procedures
- Steps for ensuring compliance, handling violations, and processing related documentation are specified.
- Contract Clause
- A specific clause must be included in applicable contracts to enforce these labor standards.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure inclusion of required clauses, determine applicability, process exemptions, and monitor compliance.
- Contractors: Comply with labor standards, maintain required records, and adhere to contract clauses.
- Agencies: Oversee enforcement, provide guidance, and process requests for rulings or exemptions.
Practical Implications
- This subpart ensures federal supply contracts uphold fair labor standards and safe working conditions.
- Contractors must be vigilant about compliance to avoid penalties or contract termination.
- Common issues include misapplying exemptions, failing to include required clauses, or inadequate recordkeeping.