Legal Definitions - OFCCP

The OFCCP, which stands for the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, is an agency within the U.S. Department of Labor. Its primary mission is to ensure that employers who do business with the federal government—known as federal contractors and subcontractors—comply with laws prohibiting discrimination and requiring affirmative action. This includes ensuring equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. The OFCCP achieves this through compliance evaluations, investigations of complaints, and by seeking remedies for violations.

• Example 1: A large manufacturing company secures a multi-year contract to produce specialized equipment for the Department of Defense. As part of its obligations, the company must develop and maintain an affirmative action program to ensure it is actively working to recruit and promote qualified individuals from various demographic groups, including women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities. The OFCCP might conduct a compliance evaluation to audit the company's hiring data, promotion practices, and compensation structures to verify adherence to these non-discrimination and affirmative action requirements.

  This example illustrates how the OFCCP proactively monitors federal contractors to ensure their employment practices align with federal equal opportunity laws, rather than waiting for a complaint.

• Example 2: A construction firm working on a federally funded highway project faces a complaint from a former employee who alleges they were terminated because of their status as a protected veteran. The employee claims the company showed preference for non-veteran applicants despite their qualifications. The OFCCP would investigate this complaint to determine if the construction firm violated the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), which prohibits discrimination against protected veterans by federal contractors.

  This example demonstrates the OFCCP's role in investigating specific complaints of discrimination against protected groups by federal contractors.

• Example 3: A major university receives substantial federal grants for scientific research projects. As a recipient of federal funds, the university is considered a federal contractor. The OFCCP could review the university's employment policies and practices, particularly regarding faculty recruitment, tenure decisions, and compensation equity, to ensure there is no discrimination based on factors like race or gender. For instance, they might examine if female professors are paid equitably compared to male professors with similar experience and qualifications.

  This example highlights that the OFCCP's jurisdiction extends beyond traditional service or manufacturing contracts to include institutions receiving federal grants, ensuring broad compliance with equal employment opportunity laws.