GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS
Establishing a Minimum Wage for Contractors, Notice of Rate Change In Effect as of January 1, 2016
The Department of Labor (DOL) issued a notice to announce the applicable minimum wage rate to be paid to workers performing work on, or in connection with, Federal contracts covered by Executive Order 13658, beginning January 1, 2016, 80 Fed. Reg. 55646. Executive Order 13658, Establishing a Minimum Wage for Contractors (the Executive Order or the Order), was signed by President Obama on February 12, 2014, and raised the hourly minimum wage paid by contractors to workers performing work on covered Federal contracts to $10.10 per hour, beginning January 1, 2015; and beginning January 1, 2016, and annually thereafter, an amount determined by the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) in accordance with the methodology set forth in the Order. See 79 FR 9851.
The Secretary's determination of the Executive Order minimum wage rate also affects the minimum hourly cash wage that must be paid to tipped employees performing work on, or in connection with, covered contracts beginning January 1, 2016. See 79 FR 9851-52. The Secretary is required to provide notice to the public of the new minimum wage rate at least 90 days before such rate is to take effect. See 79 FR 9851.
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) issued a final rule to change the regulations governing the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) program, 80 Fed. Reg. 55019. The changes are to implement section 825 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2015. Specifically, the final rule implements the authority set forth in section 825 of the 2015 NDAA allowing sole source awards to WOSBs or Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Businesses (EDWOSBs) in appropriate circumstances. The final rule is effective October 14, 2015.
NOTICES
Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled
The Following Notices Were Issued:
80 Fed. Reg. 54768, September 11, 2015, proposing to add a service (Janitorial Service, U.S. Geological Survey, 4611 Research Park Circle, Suites D and E, Las Cruces, NM) to the Procurement List. Comments on the proposed addition are due October 12, 2015.
80 Fed. Reg. 54768, September 11, 2015, adding products (Badge Reel, ID, Retractable, Bulldog Clip, Black; Flight Line Lanyard, Cord Style, Breakaway, with Holder, Black, 36'' x .25''; Holder, Badge, Vinyl, Re-Sealable, Clear, 3-3/4'' x 2-5/8''; Lockout Tags, 25-pack; Kit, Lockout, Electrical/Valve with AC Sensor; Lockout/Tagout Station; AC Sensor, 50V-1000V; Medium Electrical Lockout Kit with Breaker Lockouts; Large Electrical Lockout Kit; Large Electrical/Valve Lockout Kit; Small Standard Lockout Kit; Extra Small Personal Electrical Lockout Kit; Small Electrical Lockout Kit; Small Electrical Lockout Kit with Plug Lockouts; Small Electrical Valve Lockout Kit) to the Procurement List. The additions will become effective October 12, 2015.
