Overview
This section mandates the inclusion of a specific standard clause in federal solicitations and contracts for supplies to ensure compliance with the "Contracts for Materials, Supplies, Articles, and Equipment" statute (formerly known as the Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act).
Key Rules
- Mandatory Inclusion: The Contracting Officer is required to insert FAR clause 52.222-20 in all qualifying solicitations and contracts.
- Scope of Application: The requirement applies to contracts for the manufacture or furnishing of materials, supplies, articles, and equipment.
- Applicability References: The decision to include the clause is governed by the criteria established in:
- 22.603: General applicability (typically contracts exceeding $15,000).
- 22.604: Statutory exemptions.
- 22.605: Regulatory exemptions.
Practical Implications
- Compliance Oversight: Contracting Officers must verify both the contract value and the nature of the items being procured to ensure that federal labor standards—such as minimum wage, maximum hours, and child labor restrictions—are legally binding on the manufacturer or supplier.
- Contractor Obligation: For vendors, the presence of this clause signifies that they must adhere to specific Department of Labor regulations regarding the treatment of workers involved in the production of the goods being sold to the government.