Responsibilities
FAR 22.803 defines the roles and responsibilities for enforcing E.O. 11246, ensuring agencies and contractors understand who oversees equal employment opportunity compliance in federal contracts.
Overview
FAR 22.803 outlines the specific responsibilities of various parties in administering and enforcing the requirements of Executive Order (E.O.) 11246, which mandates equal employment opportunity in federal contracting. The section clarifies the roles of the Secretary of Labor, the Deputy Assistant Secretary, agency heads, and contracting officers in ensuring compliance with E.O. 11246 and its implementing regulations.
Key Rules
- Secretary of Labor's Role
- Administers and enforces E.O. 11246, including adopting necessary rules and issuing orders.
- Delegation to Deputy Assistant Secretary
- Most responsibilities are delegated to the Deputy Assistant Secretary, except for issuing general rules and regulations.
- Agency Head Responsibilities
- Agency heads must ensure compliance within their agencies and cooperate with the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP).
- Contracting Officer's Duty
- If there is any question about the applicability of E.O. 11246, the contracting officer must refer the matter up the chain to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for resolution.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must refer questions about E.O. 11246 applicability to the Deputy Assistant Secretary via agency channels.
- Contractors: Must comply with E.O. 11246 requirements as enforced by the Department of Labor and agency heads.
- Agencies: Must ensure compliance and assist the OFCCP in enforcement efforts.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures clear lines of authority and responsibility for enforcing equal employment opportunity requirements in federal contracts.
- Contractors should be aware that agency heads and the Department of Labor have oversight and enforcement authority.
- Contracting officers play a key role in resolving questions about the applicability of E.O. 11246, helping to prevent compliance disputes.