Overview
This section establishes the requirement for federal agencies and contractors to cooperate with Federal and State authorities in enforcing labor standards and utilizing Department of Labor resources for staffing and recruitment. It outlines the broad spectrum of labor laws applicable to government contracts, ranging from safety and wage standards to employment eligibility and non-discrimination.
Key Rules
- Mandatory Cooperation: Agencies must cooperate—and ensure contractors cooperate—with authorities enforcing laws related to safety, health, minimum wages, equal employment opportunity, child/convict labor, and immigration.
- Staffing Resources: Contractors are encouraged to use the DOL Employment and Training Administration (DOLETA) and local State employment offices to fulfill labor requirements and recruitment needs.
- Enforcement Jurisdiction: The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is designated as the primary administrator and enforcer of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and various wage and hour statutes.
- Specific Statutory Coverage: The regulation highlights the administration of several critical acts, including the Construction Wage Rate Requirements (formerly Davis-Bacon), Service Contract Labor Standards, and the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act.
- Contracting Officer Coordination: Contracting officers are directed to engage with the DOL Wage and Hour Division’s regional offices for the administration of these labor statutes.
Practical Implications
- Contractors should view state employment offices and DOLETA not just as regulatory bodies, but as recruitment resources for staffing new or expanding facilities.
- Because the FAR mandates cooperation with multiple state and federal entities, contractors must maintain robust records regarding safety, wages, and eligibility to satisfy potential inquiries from different enforcement agencies.