Administration Officials Significantly Underestimated Cost of New Hiring Quotas for Federal Construction Contractors

Administration officials significantly underestimated the cost to construction employers of proposed new hiring quotas for federal contractors according to a new analysis released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. According to the analysis, a proposed new hiring quota for the disabled would cost employers 30 times more than officials predict while a new hiring quota for veterans would cost employers 20 times more than originally estimated. “The administration has grossly underestimated the financial and administrative burdens that these new rules would impose, particularly on small businesses,” said Brian Turmail, the association’s spokesperson. “If the proposed rules take effect, many small construction firms may no longer be able to afford to work on federal projects.” Read the full press release here. The news was covered by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.