On January 31, 2018, AGC attended an intimate stakeholder meeting and roundtable with Ondray T. Harris, the recently appointed Director of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) at the U.S Department of Labor. AGC took the opportunity to discuss the unique challenges construction contractors face interacting with the OFCCP and complying with its requirements. AGC strongly advocated the need for clarity, communication, and understanding of the industry it regulates from the OFCCP. Director Harris spent much of his time introducing himself and his vision for the OFCCP before settling in for a very interactive and receptive conversation. It remains to be seen the true direction of the OFCCP in the coming months to years, but Director Harris and his staff appear to be interested in working more in partnership with industry to ensure the continued investment in diversity initiatives, the development of American workers, and ultimately the country’s workforce. In line with the Trump administration’s focus on apprenticeships, the Director and staff also discussed how apprenticeship programs can assist in diversity efforts and Affirmative Action requirements for contractors.
In 2013, OFCCP updated its regulations on the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA) and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 503). The VEVRAA rule prohibits discrimination and requires contractors to take affirmative action in all personnel practices regarding covered veterans. The Section 503 rule prohibits discrimination and requires contractors to take affirmative action in all personnel practices for qualified individuals with disabilities.
AGC regularly attends these types of meetings to connect the federal agencies with the construction industry they are required to regulate. These are unique opportunities for AGC to help educate the federal officials on how their rulemakings translate at the practical level and identify additional opportunities for partnership. AGC looks forward to continuing to work with the OFCCP and other federal agencies on behalf of its membership.
For more information, contact Claiborne Guy at claiborne.guy@agc.org or 703-837-5382.