22.608
Procedures
Contracting officers must provide notice to contractors and promptly report any statutory violations to the Department of Labor for contracts covered by the Walsh-Healey Act.
Overview
FAR 22.608 outlines the procedural requirements for contracting officers when awarding contracts subject to the Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act. It mandates specific actions both at the time of contract award and in the event of a breach of statutory stipulations. The section ensures that contractors and their employees are properly informed of their rights and obligations, and establishes a process for reporting violations to the Department of Labor (DOL).
Key Rules
- Award Notification
- Upon awarding a contract covered by the statute, the contracting officer must provide the contractor with DOL publication WH-1313, which is a notice to employees working on government contracts.
- Reporting Breaches
- If a contractor violates any required stipulation under the statute, the contracting officer must notify the appropriate DOL Wage and Hour Division regional office and supply any relevant information, following agency procedures.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must distribute WH-1313 to contractors at award and report any violations to the DOL as required.
- Contractors: Must ensure employees are informed via the WH-1313 notice and comply with all statutory stipulations.
- Agencies: Must have procedures in place for notification and reporting to the DOL.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures transparency and compliance with labor standards for employees on government contracts.
- Failure to provide the required notice or report violations can result in compliance issues for both agencies and contractors.
- Contractors should be proactive in understanding their obligations and maintaining communication with contracting officers to avoid breaches.