OFCCP Opens Contractor Portal and New Veteran Hiring Benchmark
The United States Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) has launched the Contractor Portal for federal contractors. This portal enables contractors to certify their compliance with affirmative action requirements mandated by law.
All eligible federal contractors must log in and complete this certification by July 1, 2024. The portal opened on April 1 and will remain accessible until July 1, 2024.
If you're uncertain about whether your business falls under the requirement to complete this certification, call us.
Generally, supply and service contractors with at least 50 employees and a contract valued at $50,000 or more annually with a federal agency or department are obligated to prepare an Affirmative Action Plan (AAP) and certify their compliance through the portal.
FAQs for accessing the portal and completing the certification can be found on the DOL’s website.
Completing the certification on time is crucial. Failure to do so may increase the likelihood of being selected for a compliance evaluation.
New Benchmark for Veteran Hiring
The purpose of this benchmark is to help contractors assess the effectiveness of their recruitment efforts for veterans. Contractors can choose to use this updated benchmark provided by the OFCCP, or they can establish their own benchmark using the five-factor method, which considers factors such as the number of veterans in the labor force within the state where the contractor operates.
The OFCCP has also updated the hiring benchmark for veterans under the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA). This benchmark, effective as of March 31, 2024, has been adjusted to 5.2%, down from the previous benchmark of 5.4%.
Examples of both the national benchmark and the individualized benchmark are available on the OFCCP's website. Contractors should carefully evaluate which benchmark aligns best with their Affirmative Action Plan and hiring practices.