It is now more important than ever for US federal contractors to take the necessary steps to ensure compliance with new regulatory changes—this, according to Berkshire Associates.
Its white paper, OFCCP’s VEVRAA and Section 503 Enforcement: What Federal Contractors Need to Know, outlines the changes to hallmark Affirmative Action legislation, the US Rehabilitation Act and the US Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), and what steps contractors must take to guarantee compliance.
Brought into force on 24 March 2014, the new regulations brought in by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) introduce measures to ensure stronger accountability and to nurture a better record-keeping culture. Berkshire Associates encourages federal contractors and subcontracts to take “a proactive approach” to implementing the changes sooner rather than later.
Amongst the changes being introduced, they include:
- Establishment of a 7% utilisation goal for qualified Individuals with Disabilities (IWD)
- New record-keeping requirements
- Hiring benchmark in the Protected Veterans (PV) affirmative action plan (AAP)
- Job posting language requirements
- EEO tagline
- Requirement of contractors to invite applicants to voluntarily self-identify
Speaking about how the OFCCP will audit this, Kelly Romanoski, HR Consultant, Berkshire Associates Inc. commented, “When it comes to OFCCP audits, auditors are requesting more detailed information regarding applicant processes and compensation practices. Often after initial submission, there will be multiple requests for more data, detailed explanations surrounding practices and policies, and more follow-up regarding applicant tracking procedures."
She added, "There are also multiple requests surrounding Good Faith Efforts and other outreach efforts in terms of where contractors are posting jobs, and proof those jobs have actually been posted. Audits today have become more detailed as auditors really want to understand an organisation’s practices and personnel processes.”
Click here to see the full report.
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
