The US Department of Labor (DOL) and the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council (FAR Council) published in the Federal Register proposed guidance and regulations to implement the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Executive Order. Parties must submit written comments on or before July 27, 2015.
It was issuing proposed guidance to assist contracting agencies to apply requirements of the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Executive Order, including how to evaluate the severity of labor violations.
The FAR Council was issuing proposed regulations integrating into its existing procurement rules:
the requirements of the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Executive Order; and
the provisions of the DOL's guidance.
The proposed guidance and regulations build on the existing procurement system. Most federal contractors will only have to attest that they comply with laws providing basic workplace protections. Contractors that report violations will be designated Labor Compliance Advisors to coordinate with the relevant enforcement agency. To minimize the burden on contractors, portions of the regulations and guidance will be phased in, allowing contractors extra time to understand the requirements.
Comments on the DOL's proposed guidance should be identified by "ZRIN 1290-ZA02" and submitted either via the Federal eRulemaking portal (search for "guidance on fair pay and safe workplaces") or by mail. Comments on the FAR Council's proposed regulations should be should be identified by "FAR Case 2014-025" and submitted via the Federal eRulemaking portal (search for "FAR Case 2014-025") or by mail.
Update: The DOL has published Guidance extending the deadline for submitting comments by 15 days from July 27, 2015 to August 11, 2015, to provide additional time for interested parties to comment.