Overview: The Office of Federal Contract Compliances Programs (OFCCP) issued revised final Pre-Enforcement Notice and Conciliation Procedures on August 4, 2023, which substantially altered the standards by which those contractors’ efforts will be evaluated in compliance reviews. The revised regulation culminates a process to rescind the existing rule that began a mere 15 months after the prior regulation was promulgated. The new rule becomes effective on Sept. 5, 2023.

Agencies have delayed permits until changes are final

AGC of America has released a new state-by-state guide on wage theft laws. The comprehensive resource features information on wage theft laws from across the country in a user-friendly format not widely available from any other source. AGC members can access the Wage Theft Guide for free on AGC’s website.

U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently announced their massive final rule “Updating the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts Regulations.” The expected effective date is October 23, 2023.

Construction Material Prices Remain Mostly Flat in the Month of July; Buy America Rules Remain an Ongoing Challenge for Firms as They Try to Find Materials that Comply

On August 1, the proposed rule on Sustainable Procurement was issued that will, among other things, require all federal agencies to prioritize the procurement of sustainable products and services “to the maximum extent practicable.” While the proposed rule largely consolidates existing requirements for federal agencies and federal contractors, the proposed rule allows for greater enforcement by contracting officers. Currently, federal agencies are required to ensure that 95 percent of new contracts use products or services that are energy-efficient, water-efficient, biobased, environmentally preferable, non-ozone depleting, or made with recovered materials. Additionally, the proposed rule directs federal agencies to follow EPA’s Recommendations of Specifications, Standards, and Ecolabels for Federal Purchasing. Public comments are due October 2, 2023.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) just announced a massive final rule “Updating the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts Regulations.” The final rule extensively updates regulations issued under the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts that set forth rules for the administration and enforcement of the Davis-Bacon labor standards that apply to Federal and federally assisted construction projects.

Department of Labor Issues Final Rule on the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts Which Covers Labor Standards That Apply to Federal and Federally Assisted Construction Projects