A Practice Note outlining the federal affirmative action laws pertaining to federal contractors and subcontractors: Executive Order No. 11246; Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA). These three laws ensure that federal contractors and subcontractors recruit and advance in employment qualified minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. This Note does not address relevant state or local law. State and local statutes and regulations may impose additional requirements on employers that contract with, or receive funding from, states and local governments. However, the information contained in this resource will be useful and relevant to employers in every state.