Responding to recommendations from a 2016 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report and input gathered from succeeding Compliance Assistance Town Halls and stakeholder meetings, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) has released its “Town Hall Action Plan” addressing “three general areas of focus: training, communication and trust.” Specifically, the Plan focuses on three initiatives that contractors should expect to see in the near future:
- Review and Enhance Contractor Compliance Assistance Materials
- Assess and Improve the Quality of Contractor and Compliance Officer Training and Education
- Increase Transparency and Communication with Contractor Stakeholders
Each of these initiatives will have specific deliverables (a non-exhaustive list of proposed deliverables can be found at the bottom of the Plan) and OFCCP promises to continue addressing GAO recommendations and “build a more collaborative partnership with the contractor community.” OFCCP also encourages the use of apprenticeship programs by contractors as a way to create a pipeline of diverse and qualified talent.
In 2013, OFCCP updated its regulations on the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA) and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 503). The VEVRAA rule prohibits discrimination and requires contractors to take affirmative action in all personnel practices regarding covered veterans. The Section 503 rule prohibits discrimination and requires contractors to take affirmative action in all personnel practices for qualified individuals with disabilities.
For more information, contact Claiborne Guy at claiborne.guy@agc.org or 703-837-5382.