OFCCP Rolls Out Updated Construction Contractor Technical Assistance Guide
Client Alert | 1 min read | 11.20.19
As part of its stated ongoing efforts to be more contractor friendly, on November 13, 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP or “the Agency”) released the latest of its updates to its Technical Assistance Guidance – an updated Technical Assistance Guide (TAG) for federal construction contractors and subcontractors. The Agency intends for the TAG to serve as a self-assessment tool that will help construction contractors understand and comply with existing legal obligations, implement the standard EEO construction contract clauses, develop and promote affirmative action programs (AAPs), and prepare for a potential OFCCP compliance evaluation.
This year’s TAG follows and updates a previous Technical Assistance Guide released in 2006. Although the two documents share similarities, the 2019 guidance includes several notable changes, including:
- A detailed, almost fifteen-page explanation of the requirements for written AAPs replete with best practices, examples, and additional resources.
- A user-friendly reorganization of the sixteen affirmative action steps with additional examples of best practices that demonstrate compliance.
- A more robust discussion of mandatory recordkeeping requirements, including the different requirements for traditional and internet applicants.
Accompanying the TAG, OFCCP also recently launched a dedicated construction-focused website with additional information and resources.
What Should Contractors Do?
Construction contractors should take the release of this updated TAG as an opportunity to perform a voluntary self-assessment to ensure compliance with their federal anti-discrimination and EEO requirements. As part of this internal audit, contractors should consider:
- Reviewing record retention policies and practices to ensure all employee records for on-site personnel are preserved in accordance with the requirements described in the TAG.
- Modifying existing affirmative action programs to incorporate the best practices highlighted by OFCCP, as appropriate.
- Updating written AAPs to reflect any changes and better document compliance.
Insights
Client Alert | 3 min read | 09.15.25
On August 19, 2025, the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance (“Senate Finance Committee”) sent Paul Atkins, Chairman, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) a letter calling on the SEC to investigate White River Energy Corp (“White River”). In the letter, the Senate Finance Committee confirmed a criminal investigation into White River related to the sale of so-called “tribal tax credits” that according to both Congress and the IRS, do not exist. The letter further states that White River allegedly earned millions of dollars selling these credits and has not been forthcoming with investors regarding the existence of the criminal investigation. According to the Senate Finance Committee, White River has failed to file financial disclosure documents with the SEC since March 15, 2024, missing six consecutive reporting periods. The letter instructs White River to disclose the existence of the DOJ criminal tax investigation, and calls on the SEC to take action if White River fails to do so.
Client Alert | 4 min read | 09.12.25
SBA’s OHA Further Defines Extraordinary Action in SDVOSB Appeal
Client Alert | 6 min read | 09.11.25
U.S. Department of Commerce Partially Relaxes Export Controls on Syria
Client Alert | 9 min read | 09.11.25