OFCCP Issues Contract Requirement Exemptions for Alaskan Earthquake and California Wildfires

The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFFCP) has issued additional temporary contracting requirement exemptions for new contracts following the aftermath of the Alaskan Earthquake and California Wildfires.

The exemptions state that new federal contractors and subcontractors will be exempt from having to develop written affirmative action programs under Executive Order 11246; The Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act; and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation act of 1973.Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act

For the Alaskan Earthquake, the exemption and waiver period applies to both construction and supply and service contractors who entered a contract agreement with the government between the period of December 3, 2018 and March 3, 2019.

The exemption and waiver period for the California Wildfires applies only to supply and service contractors who entered a contract agreement with the government between the period of November 19, 2018 and February 19, 2019.

Both exemption periods are subject to extension “should special circumstances in the national interest so require.”

Similar relief exemptions were issued in late 2018 for Hurricanes Michael and Florence

Despite the government shutdown, the DOL is still fully operational and has already received full funding for 2019. Contractors should note that the OFCCP remains open for business despite the shutdown. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission however, is currently closed.

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