OFCCP to provide details on proposed regulatory changes

To Blog readers,

The OFCCP recently sent out an invitation to the public regarding a series of web-listening sessions that new OFCCP Director Patricia Shiu will be conducting. Ms. Shiu will be providing details regarding the OFCCP's proposals to update three government regulations. See details below on signing up for the sessions.

Note that Biddle Consulting Group will be listening in and providing insight in our blog.

OFCCP WEB LISTENING SERIES:

On Monday, December 7, 2009, the Department of Labor issued its Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, announcing the Department’s anticipated regulatory activities and priorities for the upcoming year. Included in the Department’s Agenda are three regulatory activities from the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP).

OFCCP’s mission is to enforce three equal employment opportunity laws: Executive Order 11246, as amended (EO); Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (503); and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as amended, 38 U.S.C. 4212 (VEVRAA). These laws prohibit federal contractors and subcontractors from discriminating on the bases of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and veteran status. They also require affirmative action in employment by federal contractors and subcontractors. OFCCP accomplishes its mission by conducting compliance evaluations, investigating complaints filed, and hosting compliance assistance events for federal contractors and subcontractors.

In late 2010 and early 2011, OFCCP plans to publish a series of proposals that will seek to enhance the agency’s existing regulations and improve compliance with the laws that OFCCP enforces. To help inform the development of these proposals, OFCCP is seeking input from stakeholders.

Please join OFCCP Director Patricia A. Shiu, as she hosts a series of one-hour Web Listening Sessions that:

• Highlight OFCCP’s anticipated regulatory activities;
• Offer a critical opportunity for stakeholders to provide suggestions and recommendations to OFCCP;
• Provide information on how stakeholders can participate in the official rulemaking process.

Register for the listening session you’re interested in by clicking the applicable date below. Register early, as space is limited!

Tue, Jan 12, 2010 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST - - Affirmative Action & Nondiscrimination Obligations of Contractors and Subcontractors; Evaluation of Recruitment and Placement Results under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. This regulation protects individuals with disabilities from employment discrimination by federal contractors and subcontractors. Projected Publication date for Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM): 12/2010

For the audio portion of this listening session, please call 800-369-1722, (outside United States call 517-308-9423). This passcode will be required to join the call: 6341500. (Restrictions may exist when using a mobile telephone.) To submit comments, suggestions, or feedback please email: OFCCP-Regulatory-Agenda-503@dol.gov


Thu, Jan 14, 2010 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST - - Affirmative Action & Nondiscrimination Obligations of Contractors and Subcontractors; Evaluation of Recruitment and Placement Results under the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA). Under VEVRAA, federal contractors and subcontractors are prohibited from discrimination on the basis of veteran status. Projected Publication date for Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM): 12/2010

For the audio portion of this listening session, please call 800-369-1722, (outside United States call 517-308-9423). This passcode will be required to join the call: 6341500. (Restrictions may exist when using a mobile telephone.) To submit comments, suggestions, or feedback please email: OFCCP-Regulatory-Agenda-VEVRAA@dol.gov


Wed, Jan 20, 2010 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST - - Construction Contractor Affirmative Action Requirements. OFCCP regulations at 41 CFR Part 60-4, require Federal and federally assisted construction contractors to provide equal opportunity in all construction trades. Projected Publication date for Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM): 1/2011

For the audio portion of this listening session, please call 800-369-1722, (outside United States call 517-308-9423). This passcode will be required to join the call: 6341500. (Restrictions may exist when using a mobile telephone.) To submit comments, suggestions, or feedback please email: OFCCP-Regulatory-Agenda-EO-Construction@dol.gov


OFCCP values stakeholders’ engagement in the rulemaking process and encourages all interested parties to provide suggestions and feedback on the current regulations. Please note however, that these sessions will take place prior to the publication of any official proposals, and will not be considered regulatory comments. For this reason, OFCCP will not be making a presentation with respect to the planned content of any of the forthcoming regulatory proposals and will be unable to answer specific questions regarding the planned content. These listening sessions are intended to be just one of many steps that OFCCP will take as it begins the process of developing the proposals. OFCCP has allotted 45 minutes for suggestions and feedback and each caller that wishes to make a statement will be provided with two minutes to present until the available time is exhausted.