AFFIRMATIVE ACTION & EEO NEWS
OFCCP Releases Updated Disability Self-ID Form
Update Required to OFCCP Disability Self-Identification Form (CC-305) The OFCCP has updated the Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability Form (CC-305), which includes new language and additional examples of disabilities. The existing form expires May 31, 2023. Federal contractors and subcontractors must integrate the revised form into their applicant and employee [...]
OFCCP Announces 2023 Contractor Portal Deadline Details
OFCCP Contractor Portal Certification: March 31 – June 29, 2023 The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) Contractor Portal Certification is an annual requirement for federal contractors and subcontractors who are subject to nondiscrimination requirements and responsible for developing written affirmative action plans. The certification process requires [...]
California Pay Data Reporting Updates
California Pay Data Report Filing Requirements for 2023 California has taken significant steps towards promoting pay equity by requiring certain employers to submit annual pay data reports. The California Pay Data Reporting law (SB 973) aims to identify and rectify pay disparities by collecting and analyzing pay data from [...]
2023 Mega Construction Designees
OFCCP Releases Fiscal Year 2023 Mega Construction Program Designees The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) has recently renewed its focus on construction contractor audits, signaling an increased commitment to enforcing equal employment opportunity and affirmative action regulations within the industry. Contractors working on federally-funded construction projects [...]
Don’t Miss the Deadline: Federal Contractors Must Certify AAP Compliance by June 29, 2023
OFCCP Contractor Portal Opens March 31 Through June 29, 2023 The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) is opening the Contractor Portal on March 31, 2023. You must certify compliance no later than June 29, 2023. Don't miss the deadline—certification is crucial to avoid potential complications, including [...]
OFCCP Megaproject
A better understanding of the program's goal The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) has launched its Mega Construction Project (Megaproject) Program. The program is an initiative within the agency’s broader construction enforcement and outreach program to promote equitable hiring and fair workplaces [...]
Ensuring Online Job Postings are Compliant and Accessible to Individuals With Disabilities
Creating Accessible Online Job Postings for Individuals with Disabilities There are several steps that employers can take to ensure their online job postings are compliant and accessible to individuals with disabilities: Provide alternative formats: Offer alternative formats such as large print, audio recordings, or Braille for individuals with [...]
Kairos Celebrates Women’s History Month
In Honor of Women's History Month March 1st marks the start of Women's History Month! This is a time to honor and celebrate the contributions and achievements of women throughout history. All the trailblazers of the past and today breaking barriers in their fields, women have played a [...]
Veteran Inclusion and Increasing Veteran Self-Identification
Practices for Veteran Inclusion and Increasing Veteran Self-Identification One of the best ways to increase veteran inclusion in your company is to actively seek out qualified veteran candidates for open positions. This can be done through partnerships with organizations that focus on helping veterans transition into the civilian [...]
Auditing Your Applicant Screening Process
Reasons Employers Should Audit Their Applicant Screening Process Federal contractors should audit their applicant screening process to ensure that it is in compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Non-compliance with these laws and regulations can result in significant legal and financial consequences for employers. An applicant screening process [...]
OFCCP Compensation Analyses
Background The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) is responsible for enforcing the regulations and guidelines that ensure that federal contractors and subcontractors do not discriminate against any protected groups in their employment practices. One of the key areas that the OFCCP focuses on [...]
HR Compliance Training
The Importance of HR Compliance Training HR compliance training is important because it helps to ensure that HR professionals and other employees have the knowledge and skills they need to comply with relevant laws and regulations. Non-compliance with these laws and regulations can result in significant legal and [...]
Affirmative Action Reduces Risk for Your Company
5 Ways Affirmative Action Reduces Risk for Your Company Affirmative action can help reduce risk for your company in several ways. First, by implementing an affirmative action plan, your company is taking proactive steps to ensure that your workforce is representative of the diverse population [...]
Kairos Celebrates Black History Month
In Honor of Black History Month Kairos is proud to celebrate and pay tribute to the invaluable contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history. From the civil rights movement to the ongoing fight for equality, this month provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made and [...]
Administrative Closures Being Issued for Companies Who Certified in the Contractor Portal
Contractors Who Certified in OFCCP Contractor Portal by 12/1/22 Eligible for Administrative Closures Kairos has confirmed that the OFCCP will remove certified establishments from the Corporate Scheduling Announcement List (CSAL) who certified their establishment(s) in the Contractor Portal as of December 1, 2022. OFCCP indicated in their CSAL [...]
EEO-1 and California Pay Report Updates
EEO-1 Report The EEOC issued an update on the 2022 EEO-1 report. The online portal will open mid-July 2023. Additional updates will be posted to www.eeocdata.org/eeo1 as they become available. California Pay Data Reporting The deadline for filing the 2022 California Pay Data Report is [...]
Audit Proofing Your Compensation System
Summary of the Issue Federal contractors are required to maintain certain records related to compensation decisions in order to comply with relevant laws and regulations. These records can include information such as the applicant's qualifications and the reasons for any compensation decisions, as well as [...]
OFCCP Publishes New Corporate Scheduling Announcement List
OFCCP just released the Corporate Scheduling Announcement List (CSAL) in the OFCCP Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Library found at this link. CSAL notifies establishments that they will undergo a compliance audit, likely in the current scheduling cycle. Five hundred (500) companies were included in [...]
Inclusive Job Postings
Kairos regularly receives requests for best practices related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The following best practices and diversity language examples are meant to provide you easy to follow guidance to assist with job postings, career sites, and social media. Best Practices [...]
A New Year –> A New AAP
What are some best practices I should undertake at the start of every year for my affirmative action program? There are several best practices that you can follow at the start of every year to ensure the effectiveness and compliance of your affirmative action program. [...]
Happy New Year!
As the new year approaches, we wanted to take a moment to thank you for your business and to wish you a happy and prosperous new year. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve you and look forward to continuing to support you in the [...]
Merry Christmas
Twas the end of another AAP year And HR had outsourced it having no fear. Now they were planning the holiday party with all their might knowing full well their AAP would be all right. But then Ms. CEO rushed in and there arose such a chatter! HR sprung from their [...]
Kairos Wishes You and Your Family a Happy Thanksgiving
We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, surrounded by loved ones and with plenty of delicious food to enjoy. Remember to take a moment to reflect on all the things you are grateful for and to show appreciation to those around you. Wishing you and your [...]
Veterans Day is a Day to Remember
As we celebrate Veterans Day, we want to take a moment to recognize and honor the brave men and women who have served our country in the military. These individuals have sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms and keep us safe, and we are [...]
OFCCP Clarifies Contractor Portal Issues and Questions
The OFCCP Contractor Portal Now that the Contractor Portal registration deadline has passed, what do I need to know? In a press release today the OFCCP clarified some points that have been misunderstood by some federal contractors and compliance professionals across the country. [...]
OFCCP Provides New Guidance
The OFCCP Contractor Portal Time Sensitive Update: OFCCP Provides New Guidance on Reporting Headcounts in Contractor Portal If you are a company with only one establishment – you may happily ignore this news post! If you have two or more establishments, please keep [...]
EEOC “Failure to File”
Failure to File Did you receive a "Failure to File" notice? Kairos has become aware that the EEOC mailed "Failure to File" notices to companies that have successfully submitted and certified their 2021 EEO-1 reports prior to the May 17, 2022, deadline. The [...]
EEOC To Permit Short Window of Additional Time for Late EEO-1 Report Submissions
Additional Time for Late EEO-1 Report Submissions What happens once the Tuesday, May 17, 2022 deadline passes? Will I still be permitted to submit my 2021 EEO-1 Component 1 Report(s) if I have been unable to do so by the May 17, 2022 published deadline? [...]
3 Techniques for Hiring and Retaining Military Veterans
You may know you want the expertise of a veteran, but you may not know how to get it. Here are three techniques for hiring and retaining military veterans.
2022 EEO-1 Portal
The 2022 EEO-1 Reporting Portal is Open for Business How do I access the EEO-1 reporting system and what is the deadline for filing? EEO-1 Report The EEOC emailed details regarding filing to companies that have previously filed EEO-1 reports. The emails were [...]
OFCCP Compliance Audit Directive 2022-02
OFCCP Issues Directive 2022-02 - Effective Compliance Evaluations and Enforcement The OFCCP has clarified their enforcement initiatives with the issuance of Directive 2022-02, which explicitly rescinds the following directives established under the Trump administration: DIR 2018-06, Contractor Recognition Program (Aug. 24, 2018) - recognizing contractors [...]
The Benefits of Outsourcing OFCCP Compliance
That time of year may be creeping up on you again—your AAP’s expiration. Here are the benefits of outsourcing OFCCP compliance.
Directive 2022-01: Pay Equity Audits
OFCCP Pay Equity Audit Directive Released Today The OFCCP reiterated its commitment to enforcing pay equity compliance today with the release of Directive 2022-01: Pay Equity Audits. This directive emphasized that the OFCCP will request evidence that companies have conducted their required compensation analyses in desk [...]
OFCCP Contractor Portal Registration Has Started
UPDATE - OFCCP Contractor Portal Registration Per our previous communications, the OFCCP officially opened registration for the Contractor Portal today. At this time federal contractors can create a Login.gov account and register their company on the OFCCP Contractor portal, verifying and/or updating whether their information is correct. If [...]
OFCCP Contractor Portal Certification Question
The OFCCP Contractor Portal What happens if I certify but I am not fully compliant (not conducting the self-audit, compensation analysis, etc.)? Maintaining an AAP means more than checking off the box once a year– there are requirements, such as those described above, which [...]
OFCCP Contractor Portal and Affirmative Action Plan Certification: Updated Questions and Answers
What is the OFCCP Contractor Portal and AAP certification? Federal Regulations at 41 CFR § 60-1 give the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) the ability to require covered contractors to annually certify that they are meeting their affirmative action obligations under Executive Order 11246. The OFCCP Contractor [...]
Which Businesses Need To Have an Affirmative Action Plan?
Required by the US Department of Labor, certain businesses must abide by affirmative action, but which businesses need to have an affirmative action plan?
The OFCCP Contractor Portal and AAP Certification – Questions & Answers
What is the OFCCP Contractor Portal and AAP certification? Federal Regulations at 41 CFR § 60-1 give the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) the ability to require covered contractors to annually certify that they are meeting their affirmative action obligations under Executive Order 11246. The OFCCP Contractor Portal has [...]
California Pay Data Report Filing Requirements
On December 13, 2021 the State of California Department of Fair Employment & Housing (DFEH) mailed letters to companies which they deem having met the filing requirement for the annual California Pay Data Report.This year companies will be required to register and create a profile prior to submitting the [...]
OFCCP’s Contractor Portal Opening and Deadline to Certify AAPs Announced
Today, OFCCP released deadlines and FAQs about its Contractor Portal (previously known as Affirmative Action Program Verification Interface). Contractors will be required to register and annually certify whether they have an AAP for their establishment(s) subject to OFCCP’s jurisdictional thresholds. The Portal will also be used by contractors to [...]
Happy Thanksgiving
A special greeting to express our sincere appreciation for your business, your confidence and loyalty. We are deeply blessed by our relationship with you and extend our best wishes for a happy and healthy Thanksgiving Day.
Workshop Announcement
"How Little Things Lead to Big Problems: Microaggressions in the Workplace" When: Tuesday, November 2, 2021, from 10:00 am-11:15 a.m. CST Where: Webex Workshop: "How Little Things Lead to Big Problems: Microaggressions in the Workplace" One day someone interrupts Jane in a meeting, and she [...]
COVID-19 Vaccine Clause and Compliance Requirements – What You Need to Know
The new vaccine requirement for federal employees and contractors has sparked a lot of interest (and controversy) during the past week. There is a lot of information to digest in “Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors” (EO 14042), part of the President’s “Path out of the [...]
AAP Verification and Other Compliance Updates
EEO-1 Component 2 Data Under the direction of OFCCP Director Jennifer Yang, the agency ‘reversed course’ last week on their position regarding the utility of the EEO-1 Component 2 Data collected during the 2017 and 2018 reporting cycles. Previous statements made by OFCCP in 2019 [...]
The EEO-1 Deadline Has Moved Again
UPDATE EEO-1 ReportThe EEOC has issued an additional extension on filing the 2019 and 2020 EEO-1 reports. The online portal will now remain open until October 25, 2021.You can find the online filing system at: EEOCdata.org/eeo1.Companies that experienced a merger/acquisition/spinoff during 2019 or 2020 no longer have [...]
OFCCP Best Practices for Hiring Temporary Workers
As we all know - OFCCP requires companies to offer self-identification forms to applicants (for gender, race/ethnicity, disability, and veteran status).1 Companies commonly overlook that the use of temporary/staffing agencies does not relieve the company of its requirements to attempt to collect this information from its [...]
Mandatory Training
Have you conducted your annual Affirmative Action/EEO training for managers and others involved in the selection process? It is a regulatory requirement that if left undone often leads to problems in OFCCP compliance audits and complaint investigations. Kairos has an easy button for you! Simply upload [...]
ILG National Conference
Kairos management team members Nick Paul and Will Waymel were selected as speakers for the 2021 National Industry Liaison Group (NILG) Conference to be held this August 1-4 in Nashville, TN. The NILG Conference is the ‘must attend’ annual conference for professionals in affirmative action, equal employment opportunity, and [...]
DE&I – Are your efforts well-done or half-baked?
While 75% of Americans support diversity and inclusion efforts in the workplace1 most diversity programs do little to increase diversity. Some initiatives, like mandatory training, tests, and grievance systems, have been shown to decrease retention of target groups2. The good news is, some initiatives have been [...]
EEO-1 Filing Extension
EEO-1 ReportThe EEOC has issued an extension on filing the 2019 and 2020 EEO-1 reports. The online portal will now remain open until August 23, 2021. You can find the online filing system at: EEOCdata.org/eeo1.Important NotesThe data upload method to file now includes a review period by the EEOC [...]
THE FIRST MEMORIAL DAY COMMEMORATION
One of the earliest recorded Memorial Day events occurred in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1865. Near the end of the American Civil War, Charleston was liberated by the famed 55th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, made up of all Black soldiers. Following liberation, freed slaves exhumed the bodies of [...]
EEO-1 Report Portal Opening
EEO-1 Report The EEOC mailed letters to companies that have previously filed EEO-1 reports. The letters were sent to the address used on the 2018 headquarters report. The letter contains the Company ID and Passcode necessary to log-in and file the 2019 and 2020 EEO-1 report. The online [...]
Annual VEVRAA Hiring Benchmark is 5.6 Percent
The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) just announced the National Annual Veteran Hiring Benchmark will be reduced, effective March 31, from 5.7% to 5.6%. Read more about the Benchmark at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/vevraa/hiring-benchmark.
In Honor of Equal Pay Day
Today, March 24, is Equal Pay Day. This date represents when the average pay for women catches up with the average pay for men from the prior year. Almost 3 months. The Equal Pay Act of 1963 and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 were designed [...]
Affirmative Action Plan Verification Interface Update
Federal contractors and subcontractors are one small step closer to OFCCP's AAP Verification Initiative becoming reality. OFCCP just updated the Affirmative Action Plan Verification Interface website with with a "Coming Soon" title. As previously reported, the interface is being designed to require federal (sub)contactors to annually certify compliance [...]
Census EEO Tabulation Update
On Thursday, March 4, the U.S. Census Bureau released updates to the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Tabulation that are now available for download. The updates include changes to the American Community Survey (ACS) from 2014-2018 data, used to calculate availability to compare against incumbency and set goals. Kairos [...]
CALIFORNIA PAY DATA REPORT DUE MARCH 31, 2021
"It is important to note that an employee declining to self-identify sex does not mean that they should automatically be reported in the non-binary category." The California Pay Data Report has rules that are different from EEO-1 and OFCCP related to gender identification. The California Department [...]
OFCCP Updates Supply & Service Scheduling List
OFCCP has amended the September 20, 2020 scheduling list by removing all establishments selected to receive focused reviews and compliance checks. The evaluations that will proceed include establishment-based compliance reviews, CMCE reviews, FAAP reviews and university compliance reviews. An amended Corporate Scheduling Announcement List (CSAL) and amended methodology [...]
OFCCP Compensation Discrimination – Renewed Focus & Broad Data Collection
Early indications point to renewed OFCCP focus on compensation discrimination audits. Kairos encourages you to begin analyzing your compensation data now. On February 2, 2021, Google agreed to pay $3.8 million to settle compensation and hiring claims stemming from an OFCCP audit ($2.6M for compensation and $1.2M for [...]
OFCCP in the Biden Administration
The Biden Administration introduced a number of changes last week with several Executive Orders and the appointment of a new OFCCP Director. Kairos will briefly discuss these changes and what to expect going forward. (4 minute read) OFCCP Enforcement Trends Historically, Republican administrations have focused on enforcing existing [...]
Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr Day
Today we celebrate the 92nd birthday of the late Dr King. He left behind a rich legacy as an activist and prominent leader of the nonviolent civil rights movement in the 50’s and 60’s. We honor Dr King today by sharing our favorite quotes… “There comes a time [...]
EEO-1 and California Pay Reports Update
EEO-1 Report On Tuesday, January 12, the EEOC issued news release on the status of the 2019 and 2020 EEO-1 reports. The online portal will open in April 2021. Companies should expect to file the 2019 reports at the same time they file their 2020 reports. [...]