Starting March 24, 2014, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) will begin enforcing two regulations that amend the obligations of federal contractors to employees and applicants who are protected veterans or individuals with disabilities. The regulations cover Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 503) and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 as amended by the Jobs for Veterans Act of 2002 (VEVRAA).

What Changed? -

The most significant change is the implementation of aspirational goals or benchmarks in the hiring and employment of disabled persons and protected veterans. How the rules will define “disability” and related terms is another notable change. Finally, the regulations have modified or created certain contractor obligations including electronic posting requirements, invitation to self-identify and data collection. The following provides a general overview of both regulations and the new developments.