Final Rulemakings on E-Verify and Ethics Expected Shortly

AGC recently attended a meeting with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Council, where members of the Council reported that two proposed rules critical to contractors who perform federal work are under final review and could publish in the Federal Register in the next 45 days and no later than January 12, 2009.  The first rule would require contractors to verify the immigration status of their employees using the “E-Verify” system; the second rule would mandate additional ethics and compliance program requirements for Federal contractors. It is widely speculated in the acquisition community that the Council and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) are under pressure to approve the rule sooner rather than later.  AGC submitted comments on both proposed rulemakings and will continue to closely monitor their progress in order to keep AGC members informed.