Overview
This section outlines the specific responsibilities of the contracting officer to ensure that service employees are informed of their mandatory minimum wages and fringe benefits under the Service Contract Labor Standards (SCLS) statute.
Key Rules
- Contractor Briefing: The contracting officer must inform the contractor of their labor standards responsibilities and SCLS requirements as soon as possible after contract award.
- Mandatory Posting: The contracting officer must provide the contractor with Department of Labor Publication WH-1313 ("Notice to Employees Working on Government Contracts").
- Worksite Requirements: The contractor is required to post Publication WH-1313 in a prominent and accessible location at the worksite before performance begins.
- Wage Determination Attachment: Any applicable wage determinations must be physically attached to the WH-1313 poster to provide specific pay rate transparency to employees.
- Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to these steps satisfies the formal notice requirements established in FAR clause 52.222-41(g).
Practical Implications
- To remain compliant during Department of Labor (DOL) audits, contractors must ensure that the specific wage determination—not just a general notice—is clearly visible to all service employees at the performance site.
- Contracting officers use the post-award period to mitigate the risk of labor violations by verifying that the contractor understands their payroll and fringe benefit obligations.