53.222
Application of labor laws to Government acquisitions (SF’s 308, 1413, 1444, 1445, 1446, WH-347)
FAR 53.222 mandates the use of specific standard forms to ensure compliance with labor laws in government acquisitions, making accurate and timely submission essential for both contractors and contracting officers.
Overview
FAR 53.222 prescribes the use of specific standard forms (SFs) and Department of Labor (DOL) forms in connection with the application of labor laws to government acquisitions. These forms are essential for ensuring compliance with labor standards, wage determinations, subcontractor acknowledgments, classification requests, labor interviews, investigation summaries, and payroll reporting. The section references related FAR provisions that detail when and how each form should be used, making it a key resource for both contracting officers and contractors to meet labor law requirements in federal contracts.
Key Rules
- SF 308 – Request for Wage Determination
- Used to request and respond to wage determinations from the Department of Labor (see FAR 22.404-3).
- SF 1413 – Statement and Acknowledgment
- Used to document contractor acknowledgment of required labor law clauses in subcontracts (see FAR 22.406-5).
- SF 1444 – Request for Authorization of Additional Classification and Rate
- Used to request approval for additional labor classifications and wage rates (see FAR 22.406-3 and 22.1019).
- SF 1445 – Labor Standards Interview
- Used to document interviews with workers regarding labor standards compliance (see FAR 22.406-7).
- SF 1446 – Labor Standards Investigation Summary Sheet
- Used to summarize findings from labor standards investigations (see FAR 22.406-8).
- WH-347 – Payroll (Optional Use)
- Optional form for contractors to report payroll information (see FAR 22.406-6).
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must ensure the correct forms are used and submitted as required by the referenced FAR sections.
- Contractors: Must complete and submit the prescribed forms accurately and timely, especially for wage determinations, subcontractor acknowledgments, and payroll reporting.
- Agencies: Oversee compliance with labor laws and proper use of forms, and may conduct interviews or investigations using these forms.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures standardized documentation and compliance with labor laws in federal contracting.
- Proper use of these forms is critical to avoid labor law violations, wage disputes, or contract delays.
- Common pitfalls include failing to submit required forms, incomplete documentation, or misunderstanding when each form is needed.