The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) has announced new rules regarding affirmative action programs, particularly with respect to federal contractors’ obligations regarding veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Contractors’ obligations under the new rules include:
- Establishment of annual hiring benchmarks for veterans;
- Inviting applicants to self-identify as veterans or as disabled;
- Inviting employees to self-identify as disabled every five years;
- The use of specific, mandated language in subcontracts;
- Application of a 7% utilization goal for disabled individuals; and
- Quantitative measures and comparisons for veterans and disabled individuals
The new rules are effective March 24, 2014, though contractors with existing affirmative action programs can wait until the start of their next AAP cycle to implement the changes. Still, contractors should take immediate steps to begin collecting additional data necessary to comply with the new requirements.
Skoler Abbott attorney Kimberly Klimczuk will be presenting a breakfast briefing on these changes on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 from 9-10:30 a.m. in conjunction with the Central Massachusetts Employers Association at the Worcester Country Club.