Article originally published in The Journal Record - December 1, 2011.

Think you’re not a federal contractor? Think twice. Affirmative action requirements apply not only to federal contractors, but also subcontractors of federal contractors. Supply and service subcontractors are bound to the same requirements as federal contractors if they have a contract worth $50,000 or more and at least 50 employees. You may not have the contract to sell military vehicles to the Department of Defense, but if you sell steel or office furniture or provide janitorial services to the vehicle maker, you must comply with affirmative action requirements....

Article Authored by McAfee & Taft Attorney: Kathy Neal.

The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs is an agency in the Department of Labor with audit and enforcement authority for Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974. The executive order and laws prohibit discrimination in employment and also require federal contractors and subcontractors to take affirmative action to address and eradicate any impediments to equal employment opportunity.