[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 119 (Wednesday, June 22, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 36262-36266]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-12220]



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Part III





Department of Labor





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Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs



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41 CFR Parts 60-1, 60-250 and 60-741



Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination Obligations of Contractors and 
Subcontractors; Compliance Evaluations in All OFCCP Programs; Final 
Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 119 / Wednesday, June 22, 2005 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 36262]]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs

41 CFR Parts 60-1, 60-250 and 60-741

RIN 1215-AB28, 1215-AB27, 1215-AB23


Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination Obligations of 
Contractors and Subcontractors; Compliance Evaluations in All OFCCP 
Programs

AGENCY: Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Employment 
Standards Administration, Labor.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This final rule revises the regulations implementing Section 
503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Section 503), to 
give the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) 
authority to use additional investigative procedures to determine a 
contractor's compliance with Section 503. In this regard, this rule 
adopts the ``compliance evaluation approach'' that is incorporated in 
the regulations implementing Executive Order 11246, as amended, and the 
affirmative action provisions of the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment 
Assistance Act, as amended (VEVRAA), respectively.
    In addition, this final rule revises the compliance check procedure 
found in the current Executive Order 11246 and VEVRAA implementing 
regulations. The compliance check is one of the four investigative 
procedures currently used by OFCCP to determine a contractor's 
compliance with Executive Order 11246 and the affirmative action 
provisions of VEVRAA. This final rule makes a few other minor and non-
substantive revisions to the regulations in 41 CFR Parts 60-1, 60-250, 
and 60-741.

DATES: Effective Date: These regulations are effective: July 22, 2005.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joseph J. DuBray, Jr., Director, 
Division of Policy, Planning and Program Development, OFCCP, Room C-
3325, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210. Telephone 
(202) 693-0102 (voice), (202) 693-1337 (TTY). Copies of this rule, 
including copies in alternative formats, may be obtained by calling 
(202) 693-0102 (voice), or (202) 693-1337 (TTY). The alternate formats 
available are large print, electronic file on computer disk, and 
audiotape. The rule also is available on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov/esa/ofccp/index.html.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Current Regulations and Rulemaking History

    Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 29 
U.S.C. 793 (Section 503 of the Act), requires parties holding a 
nonexempt Government contract or subcontract in excess of $10,000 to 
take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified 
individuals with disabilities. The Department of Labor's Office of 
Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) administers Section 503 
and has published implementing regulations at 41 CFR part 60-741, 61 FR 
19336 (May 1, 1996).
    The compliance review is used to evaluate contractor compliance 
under all the laws administered and enforced by OFCCP. The compliance 
review had been the primary method of evaluating compliance under 
Executive Order 11246 and the affirmative action provisions of VEVRAA 
until OFCCP, through amendments to both sets of regulations, introduced 
additional procedures for evaluating contractors' compliance with their 
nondiscrimination and affirmative action obligations. Prior to the 
amendments, both the scope and content of compliance reviews were 
prescribed in the Executive Order regulations. Compliance reviews were 
to be a comprehensive evaluation of a contractor's employment practices 
and were to consist of a desk audit, an on-site review and, if 
necessary, an off-site analysis. The amendments made to the Executive 
Order and VEVRAA regulations give OFCCP greater flexibility in the 
manner in which it assesses a contractor's compliance.
    The term ``compliance evaluation'' has been adopted in the 
regulations implementing Executive 11246 and the affirmative action 
provisions of VEVRAA. ``Compliance evaluation'' refers to any one of 
the four investigative methods OFCCP may utilize to determine a 
contractor's compliance with its nondiscrimination and affirmative 
action obligations. In addition to the comprehensive compliance review, 
three abbreviated methods for evaluating a contractor's compliance are 
authorized under the regulations implementing Executive Order 11246 and 
the affirmative action provisions of VEVRAA: Off-site review of 
records, compliance check, and focused review. OFCCP has found that the 
compliance evaluation approach for determining compliance has resulted 
in improved efficiency and better targeting of agency resources.
    Under the current regulations implementing Section 503 the 
compliance review is still the primary method used to determine whether 
a contractor maintains nondiscriminatory employment practices and is 
taking affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified 
individuals with disabilities. The current regulation at 41 CFR 60-
741.60 provides that the compliance review shall consist of a 
comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the contractor's employment 
practices. However, unlike the prior Executive Order regulations, the 
current regulations do not prescribe the content of the compliance 
review under Section 503. Thus, under the current Section 503 
regulations, if OFCCP can make a determination about compliance based 
upon a review and analysis of the documentation submitted in response 
to the scheduling letter, the agency may complete the Section 503 
compliance review without making an on-site visit to the contractor's 
establishment.
    On October 12, 2000, OFCCP issued a notice of proposed rulemaking 
(NPRM), 65 FR 60816, to revise certain regulations implementing Section 
503. The NPRM proposed to formally adopt the compliance evaluation 
approach and expressly authorize off-site reviews of records, 
compliance checks, and focused reviews under Section 503. In addition, 
the NPRM proposed to revise the compliance check procedure found in the 
regulations implementing Executive Order 11246 and the affirmative 
action provisions of VEVRAA by removing the requirement that OFCCP 
visit a contractor's establishment during a compliance check. The NPRM 
proposed other minor and non-substantive revisions to the regulations 
in 41 CFR parts 60-250 and 60-741. The comment period closed on 
December 11, 2000. Comments were received from two organizations: One 
representing Government contractors and the other representing human 
resource professionals. Both sets of comments were considered in the 
development of this final rule.

Overview of the Final Rule

    The final rule, for the most part, adopts the revisions that were 
proposed in the NPRM. The final rule revises the regulation at 41 CFR 
60-741.60 to authorize the use of additional investigative procedures 
for evaluating compliance under Section 503. In addition, the final 
rule revises the compliance check provisions contained in 41 CFR 60-
1.20 and 41 CFR 60-250.60 by eliminating the on-site visit requirement. 
The final rule replaces the term ``compliance review'' with 
``compliance evaluation,'' as

[[Page 36263]]

appropriate, in certain sections of the regulations. Further, the rule 
corrects a drafting oversight by including the term ``compliance 
evaluation'' in the definition section of the VEVRAA regulations at 41 
CFR 60-250.2.
    The final rule also makes substantive revisions to the compliance 
evaluation regulations in response to the public comments. In 
particular, the final rule revises the compliance check provisions by 
conforming the scope of the procedure to OFCCP's current and historical 
use of the compliance check, i.e., a determination of whether the 
contractor maintains records, consistent with the record retention 
regulations. In addition, in response to the commenters, the final rule 
revises the confidentiality provision in the 41 CFR 60-1.20(g). These 
changes are explained in more detail in the Analysis of the Comments 
and Revisions.
    Further, the final rule makes a ``housekeeping'' revision to the 
regulations in 41 CFR Parts 60-1, 60-250, and 60-741 that was not 
proposed in the NPRM. The final rule removes from the regulations all 
references to the ``Letter of Commitment.'' In August 1998, OFCCP 
discontinued the use of the Letter of Commitment as a resolution 
document. (Transmittal Number 226, ADM Notice, ``Discontinuing the Use 
of the Letter of Commitment,'' August 5, 1998). The minor technical 
violations formerly incorporated into the Letter of Commitment are now 
summarized in the closure letter. Since OFCCP no longer uses the Letter 
of Commitment, the final rule removes the references to the term found 
in the following regulations: 41 CFR 60-1.33, 60-1.34, 60-250.62, 60-
250.63, 60-741.62 and 60-741.63.
    OFCCP has determined that the amendments to remove references to 
the Letter of Commitment need not be published in an NPRM for public 
comment, as generally required by the Administrative Procedure Act 
(APA), 5 U.S.C. 553. These amendments are technical and non-
substantive, and do not affect any rights or interests of parties. 
Further, removing references to the Letter of Commitment from the 
regulations will ensure that the public has updated information about 
the agency's enforcement procedures. Accordingly, there is good cause 
for finding that the notice and public comment procedure is unnecessary 
and contrary to the public interest, pursuant to section 553(b)(B) of 
the APA.
    The discussion below identifies the comments received in response 
to the NPRM and provides OFCCP's response to those comments. For an 
explanation of provisions adopted unchanged from the proposed rule and 
on which no comments were made, see the NPRM preamble.

Analysis of the Comments and Revisions

Section 60-741.60 Compliance Evaluations

    Proposed 41 CFR 60-741.60 authorizes OFCCP to use compliance 
evaluations to determine if a contractor is complying with its 
obligations under Section 503 and its implementing regulations. 
Consistent with the regulations implementing Executive Order 11246 and 
the affirmative action provisions of VEVRAA, proposed Sec.  60-
741.60(a) specified that the compliance evaluation methods available to 
OFCCP include a compliance review, an off-site review of records, a 
compliance check, and a focused review. Proposed Sec.  60-741.60(a) 
also contained descriptions of the activities contemplated under each 
of the four compliance evaluation methods.
    OFCCP explained in the preamble discussion that the revisions to 
the Section 503 regulations are necessary to harmonize the procedures 
used when enforcing Section 503, the Executive Order, and VEVRAA. The 
revisions would ensure that the agency could use parallel procedures to 
simultaneously evaluate contractor compliance under all three laws. At 
the same time, the revisions would give OFCCP leeway to develop and 
pursue enforcement initiatives that focus only on contractor compliance 
with Section 503 and its implementing regulations.
    Both commenters favored the proposal to adopt the compliance 
evaluation approach under Section 503. The commenters acknowledged that 
conforming the compliance evaluation regulations under Section 503 to 
those under the regulations implementing Executive Order 11246 and the 
affirmative action provisions of VEVRAA would make for a consistent 
regulatory enforcement structure. Aside from the statements in support, 
there were no other specific comments on this aspect of the proposal. 
Accordingly, Sec.  60-741.60 is adopted in the final rule as proposed.

Section 60-1.20 and 60-250.60 Compliance Evaluations

    The current regulations at 41 CFR 60-1.20(a)(3) and 60-250.60(a)(3) 
describe a compliance check as a ``visit to the [contractor's] 
establishment'' to ascertain whether data and other information 
previously submitted are accurate and complete; whether the contractor 
has maintained records consistent with the record retention 
requirements in Sec.  60-1.12 and Sec.  60-250.80; and whether the 
contractor has developed affirmative action programs consistent with 
the regulations. OFCCP proposed to revise the regulations at 41 CFR 60-
1.20(a)(3) and 60-250(a)(3) by eliminating the requirement that OFCCP 
visit a contractor's establishment when the compliance check procedure 
is used to assess compliance. OFCCP has found that, in many instances, 
the assessments made with a compliance check procedure can be made 
without making an on-site visit.
    OFCCP stated in the NPRM that the proposed change would allow the 
agency greater flexibility when using the compliance check method to 
assess a contractor's compliance status. The NPRM explained that, with 
the elimination of the on-site requirement, the contractor still would 
be required to provide OFCCP access to the requested documents, but at 
the contractor's option the documents may be provided either on-site or 
off-site. One commenter believed that other statements in the preamble 
implied that OFCCP, rather than the contractor, would decide how the 
requirements of the compliance check would be satisfied. The commenter 
stated that the final rule should unequivocally state that the 
contractor could elect whether to provide documents on-site at the 
establishment being evaluated or submit them to an OFCCP office. To 
that end, the commenter recommended that the ``contractor's option'' be 
added to the text of the compliance check regulation.
    OFCCP wishes to clarify that contractors will have the option of 
either providing requested documents on-site or submitting them to an 
OFCCP office or other designated location when the compliance check is 
the method used to investigate compliance. Accordingly, the final rule 
adds the ``contractor's option'' language to the text of the compliance 
check regulation.
    The NPRM also explained that eliminating the on-site visit 
requirement would not expand the scope of the examination contemplated 
under the compliance check procedure. Under OFCCP's current procedure, 
the compliance check involves a perfunctory assessment of whether the 
contractor maintains certain records as required under the Executive 
Order regulations. Procedures for conducting the ``Compliance Check to 
Ensure Maintenance of Records Consistent with 41 CFR 60-1.12'' are set 
forth in OFCCP's Federal Contract Compliance Manual (FCCM), which is 
available on our Internet Web site at http://

[[Page 36264]]

www2.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/ofccp/fccm/fccmanul.htm. The 
Compliance Manual explains that the Compliance Officer is only 
inspecting records to ensure compliance with 41 CFR 60-1.12 during the 
compliance check, and identifies three categories of records to be 
inspected during the compliance check: A report of results under the 
prior Affirmative Action Program (AAP); examples of job advertisements, 
including listings with state employment services; and examples of 
accommodations made for persons with disabilities. See FCCM, Section 
2T00. In contrast to OFCCP's historical and current procedures, the 
regulations provide that the compliance check may be used to ascertain: 
(1) Whether data and other information previously submitted by the 
contractor are complete and accurate; (2) whether the contractor has 
maintained records consistent with the regulations; and (3) whether the 
contractor has developed AAPs consistent with the regulations.
    Both commenters wanted to conform the scope of the compliance check 
to what is and has been OFCCP's practices, as reflected in the 
Compliance Manual. One commenter asked that OFCCP incorporate in the 
final regulation the language from the Compliance Manual that states 
that the compliance check is a limited inspection of certain records. 
The other commenter requested assurances that OFCCP would maintain the 
practice of requesting only the records that are currently specified in 
the Compliance Manual.
    As was stated in the NPRM, OFCCP has no intention of expanding the 
scope of the examination contemplated under the compliance check 
procedure. Accordingly, OFCCP has decided to adopt the recommendation 
that the final rule state that the compliance check will be used to 
determine whether the contractor is maintaining records, as required 
under the regulations. However, OFCCP declines to adopt the 
recommendation that the final rule limit the records inspected during 
the compliance check to the three categories of records currently 
specified in the Compliance Manual. OFCCP announced in the Compliance 
Manual that the future procedures might focus on the review of other 
records the contractor is required to retain. One of the records 
currently identified in the Compliance Manual has been eliminated under 
the new regulations in Part 60-2. Obviously, this regulatory change in 
Part 60-2 will necessitate a change in the records currently identified 
in the Compliance Manual. OFCCP would seek authorization under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act prior to implementing any changes in the 
records inspected during the compliance check. During the Paperwork 
Reduction Act authorization, OFCCP would provide notice to the public 
and an opportunity to comment on any change in the records to be 
inspected during the compliance check.
    Further, one commenter asked that OFCCP include in the compliance 
check regulation a confidentiality provision similar to the one found 
in the Part 60-2 regulations. The commenter presumably is referring to 
the confidentiality provision included in the Equal Opportunity Survey 
regulation at 41 CFR 60-2.18(d). The current compliance evaluation 
regulation at 41 CFR 60-1.20(g) includes a confidentiality provision. 
The language in Sec.  60-1.20(g) differs from the language in Sec.  60-
2.18(d), but OFCCP follows the same set of procedures when responding 
to all requests to disclose information submitted by contractors. OFCCP 
believes the language in Sec.  60-2.18(d) is preferable because it 
clearly describes the agency's policy and practice regarding the 
release of information provided by the contractor. Accordingly, the 
final rule conforms the confidentiality provision in 41 CFR 60-1.20(g) 
to the confidentiality provision in 41 CFR 60-2.18(d).
    The additional changes made to the compliance evaluation regulation 
today do not alter existing agency practice, nor do they affect the 
substantive obligations of contractors under the laws OFCCP 
administers.

Regulatory Procedures

Executive Order 12866

    The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has reviewed this rule 
under Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review. OMB has 
determined that this rule is a ``significant regulatory action'' as 
defined in section 3(f) of the Order. However, this rule is not an 
economically significant regulatory action under the Order, and 
therefore, no regulatory impact analysis has been prepared.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This rule does not substantively change existing obligations for 
Federal contractors; it will only specify the procedures the agency may 
use to evaluate a Federal contractor's compliance with existing 
requirements. Accordingly, the Department certifies that the rule will 
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
business entities. The Secretary has certified to the Chief Counsel for 
Advocacy of the Small Business Administration to this effect. 
Therefore, a regulatory flexibility analysis under the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act is not required.

Unfunded Mandates Reform

    For purposes of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, as well 
as Executive Order 12875, the rule does not include any Federal 
mandates that may result in increased expenditures by state, local, and 
tribal governments, or increased expenditures by the private sector, of 
$100,000,000 or more in any one year.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    Today's rule will have a negligible impact, if any, on the 
information collection requirements currently approved by the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 
U.S.C. 3501, et seq.). Information collection requirements for 
compliance evaluations are currently approved under OMB control number 
1215-0072. The currently approved inventory includes a burden estimate 
for compliance checks, which is based on the assumption that it takes 
the average contractor approximately four-tenths of an hour to find and 
make available the documents requested during a compliance check. OFCCP 
intends to perform 2,500 compliance checks per year. OFCCP queried its 
field staff and estimates that a contractor will take approximately .5 
hours to find and make available the necessary material. The reporting 
burden is 2,500 x .5 hours = 1,250 hours. The rule to revise the 
compliance check procedure by removing the on-site visit requirement 
will mean that, during some compliance checks, contractors will submit 
documents to an OFCCP office rather than make them available for an 
OFCCP compliance officer to review on-site. OFCCP estimates that the 
revision to the compliance check procedure will not result in a net 
change in the burden hours associated with compliance checks. OFCCP 
will submit for approval to OMB the information collection provisions 
of this rule as necessary.

Executive Order 13132 (Federalism)

    OFCCP has reviewed this rule in accordance with Executive Order 
13132 regarding federalism, and has determined that it does not have 
``federalism implications.'' The rule does not ``have substantial 
direct effects on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government.''

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List of Subjects

41 CFR Part 60-1

    Administrative practice and procedure, Equal employment 
opportunity, Government contracts, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

41 CFR Part 60-250

    Administrative practice and procedure, Equal employment 
opportunity, Government contracts, Veterans, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

41 CFR Part 60-741

    Administrative practice and procedure, Equal employment 
opportunity, Government contracts, Individuals with disabilities, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    Signed at Washington, DC, this 15th day of June 2005.
Victoria A. Lipnic,
Assistant Secretary for Employment Standards.
Charles E. James, Sr.
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Federal Contract Compliance

0
Accordingly, for the reasons set forth in the Preamble, this rule 
amends Title 41 of the Code of Federal Regulations, chapter 60, Parts 
60-1, 60-250 and 60-741, under authorities cited as set forth below:

PART 60-1--OBLIGATIONS OF CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS

0
1. The authority citation for part 60-1 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Sec. 201, E.O. 11246 (30 FR 12319), as amended by 
E.O. 11375 (32 FR 14303) and E.O. 12086 (43 FR 46501).


0
2. In Sec.  60-1.20 paragraph (a)(3) and paragraph (g) are revised to 
read as follows:


Sec.  60-1.20  Compliance evaluations.

    (a) * * *
    (3) Compliance check. A determination of whether the contractor has 
maintained records consistent with Sec.  60-1.12; at the contractor's 
option the documents may be provided either on-site or off-site; or
* * * * *
    (g) Public Access to Information. OFCCP will treat information 
obtained in the compliance evaluation as confidential to the maximum 
extent the information is exempt from public disclosure under the 
Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552. It is the practice of OFCCP 
not to release data where the contractor is still in business, and the 
contractor indicates, and through the Department of Labor review 
process it is determined, that the data are confidential and sensitive 
and that the release of data would subject the contractor to commercial 
harm.


Sec.  60-1.33  [Amended]


0
3. Section 60-1.33 is amended by removing paragraph (b), and by 
removing the designation ``(a)'' from the first paragraph.


0
4. Section 60-1.34 is amended by removing paragraph (b), removing the 
paragraph (a) designation, redesignating paragraphs (a)(1) through 
(a)(4) as paragraphs (a) through (d) respectively, and revising the 
section heading to read as follows:


Sec.  60-1.34  Violation of a Conciliation Agreement.

* * * * *

PART 60-250--AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND NONDISCRIMINATION OBLIGATIONS 
OF CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS REGARDING SPECIAL DISABLED 
VETERANS AND VETERANS OF THE VIETNAM ERA

0
5. The authority citation for part 60-250 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 29 U.S.C. 793: 38 U.S.C. 4211 and 4212; E.O. 11758 (3 
CFR, 1971-1975 Comp., p. 841.)


0
6. In Sec.  60-250.2 paragraph (v) is added to read as follows:


Sec.  60-250.2  Definitions.

* * * * *
    (v) Compliance evaluation means any one or combination of actions 
OFCCP may take to examine a Federal contractor or subcontractor's 
compliance with one or more of the requirements of the Vietnam Era 
Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act.

0
7. In Sec.  60-250.60 paragraph (a)(3) is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  60-250.60  Compliance evaluations.

    (a) * * *
    (3) Compliance check. A determination of whether the contractor has 
maintained records consistent with Sec.  60-250.80; at the contractor's 
option the documents may be provided either on-site or off-site; or
* * * * *

0
8. Section 60-250.62 is amended by removing paragraph (b) and paragraph 
(a) designation, and by revising the section heading and the first 
sentence of former paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  60-250.62  Conciliation Agreements.

    If a compliance evaluation, complaint investigation or other review 
by OFCCP finds a material violation of the Act or this part, and if the 
contractor is willing to correct the violations and/or deficiencies, 
and if OFCCP determines that settlement on that basis (rather than 
referral for consideration of formal enforcement) is appropriate, a 
written conciliation agreement shall be required. * * *

0
9. Section Sec.  60-250.63 is amended by removing paragraph (d), and by 
revising the section heading to read as follows:


Sec.  60-250.63  Violations of Conciliation Agreements.

* * * * *

PART 60-741--AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND NONDISCRIMINATION OBLIGATIONS 
OF CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS REGARDING INDIVIDUALS WITH 
DISABILITIES

0
10. The authority citation for part 60-741 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 29 U.S.C. 706 and 793; and E.O. 11758 (3 CFR 1971-
1975 Comp., p. 841.)

0
11. Section 60-741.2 is amended by adding a new paragraph (z) to read 
as follows:


Sec.  60-74l.2  Definitions.

* * * * *
    (z) Compliance evaluation means any one or combination of actions 
OFCCP may take to examine a Federal contractor's or subcontractor's 
compliance with one or more of the requirements of Section 503 of the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

0
12. In Sec.  60-741.44 paragraph (a)(2) is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  60-741.44  Required contents of affirmative action programs.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
0
(2) Assisting or participating in an investigation, compliance 
evaluation, hearing, or any other activity related to the 
administration of Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as 
amended (Section 503) or any other Federal, State or local law 
requiring equal opportunity for disabled persons;
* * * * *

0
13. In Sec.  60-741.60 the section heading and paragraph (a) are 
revised to read as follows:


Sec.  60-74l.60  Compliance evaluations.

    (a) OFCCP may conduct compliance evaluations to determine if the 
contractor maintains nondiscriminatory hiring and employment practices 
and is

[[Page 36266]]

taking affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed and 
that employees are placed, trained, upgraded, promoted, and otherwise 
treated in accordance with this part during employment. A compliance 
evaluation may consist of any one or any combination of the following 
investigative procedures:
    (1) Compliance review. A comprehensive analysis and evaluation of 
the hiring and employment practices of the contractor, the written 
affirmative action program, and the results of the affirmative action 
efforts undertaken by the contractor. A compliance review may proceed 
in three stages:
    (i) A desk audit of the written affirmative action program and 
supporting documentation to determine whether all elements required by 
the regulations in this part are included, whether the affirmative 
action program meets agency standards of reasonableness, and whether 
the affirmative action program and supporting documentation satisfy 
agency standards of acceptability. The desk audit is conducted at OFCCP 
offices;
    (ii) An on-site review, conducted at the contractor's establishment 
to investigate unresolved problem areas identified in the affirmative 
action program and supporting documentation during the desk audit, to 
verify that the contractor has implemented the affirmative action 
program and has complied with those regulatory obligations not required 
to be included in the affirmative action program, and to examine 
potential instances or issues of discrimination. An on-site review 
normally will involve an examination of the contractor's personnel and 
employment policies, inspection and copying of documents related to 
employment actions, and interviews with employees, supervisors, 
managers, hiring officials; and
    (iii) Where necessary, an off-site analysis of information supplied 
by the contractor or otherwise gathered during or pursuant to the on-
site review;
    (2) Off-site review of records. An analysis and evaluation of the 
affirmative action program (or any part thereof) and supporting 
documentation, and other documents related to the contractor's 
personnel policies and employment actions that may be relevant to a 
determination of whether the contractor has complied with the 
requirements of Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and 
regulations;
    (3) Compliance check. A determination of whether the contractor has 
maintained records consistent with Sec.  60-741.80; at the contractor's 
option the documents may be provided either on-site or off-site; or
    (4) Focused review. An on-site review restricted to one or more 
components of the contractor's organization or one or more aspects of 
the contractor's employment practices.
* * * * *

0
14. Section 60-741.62 is amended by removing paragraph (b) and the 
paragraph (a) designation, and by revising the section heading and the 
first sentence of former paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  60-741.62  Conciliation agreements.

    If a compliance evaluation, complaint investigation or other review 
by OFCCP finds a material violation of the Act or this part, and if the 
contractor is willing to correct the violations and/or deficiencies, 
and if OFCCP determines that settlement on that basis (rather than 
referral for consideration of formal enforcement) is appropriate, a 
written conciliation agreement will be required. * * *

0
15. Section 60-741.63 is amended by removing paragraph (d), and by 
revising the section heading to read as follows:


Sec.  60-250.63  Violations of Conciliation Agreements.

* * * * *

0
16. In Sec.  60-741.65, the first sentence of paragraph (a)(1) is 
revised to read as follows:


Sec.  60-741.65  Enforcement proceedings.

    (a) General. (1) If a compliance evaluation, complaint 
investigation or other review by OFCCP finds a violation of the act or 
this part, and the violation has not been corrected in accordance with 
the conciliation procedures in this part, or OFCCP determines that 
referral for consideration of formal enforcement (rather than 
settlement) is appropriate, OFCCP may refer the matter to the Solicitor 
of Labor with a recommendation for the institution of enforcement 
proceedings to enjoin the violations, to seek appropriate relief, to 
impose appropriate sanctions, or any combination of these outcomes. * * 
*
* * * * *

0
17. In Sec.  60-741.68, the fourth sentence of paragraph (a) is revised 
to read as follows:


Sec.  60-741.68  Reinstatement of ineligible contractors.

    (a) * * * Before reaching a decision, the Deputy Assistant 
Secretary may conduct a compliance evaluation of the contractor and may 
require the contractor to supply additional information regarding the 
request for reinstatement. * * *

0
18. In Sec.  60-741.69, paragraph (a)(2) is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  60-741.69  Intimidation and interference.

    (a)* * *
    (2) Assisting or participating in any manner in an investigation, 
compliance evaluation, hearing, or any other activity related to the 
administration of the act or any other Federal, State or local law 
requiring equal opportunity for disabled persons;
* * * * *

0
19. In Sec.  60-741.80, the last two sentences of paragraph (a) are 
revised to read as follows:


Sec.  60-741.80  Recordkeeping.

    (a) * * * Where the contractor has received notice that a complaint 
of discrimination has been filed, that a compliance evaluation has been 
initiated, or that an enforcement action has been commenced, the 
contractor must preserve all personnel records relevant to the 
complaint, compliance evaluation or action until final disposition of 
the complaint, compliance evaluation or action. The term ``personnel 
records relevant to the complaint, compliance evaluation or action'' 
will include, for example, personnel or employment records relating to 
the aggrieved person and to all other employees holding positions 
similar to that held or sought by the aggrieved person and application 
forms or test papers completed by an unsuccessful applicant and by all 
other candidates for the same position as that for which the aggrieved 
person applied and was rejected.
* * * * *

0
20. In Sec.  60-741.81, the first sentence is revised to read as 
follows:


Sec.  60-741.81  Access to records.

    Each contractor must permit access during normal business hours to 
its places of business for the purpose of conducting on-site compliance 
evaluations and complaint investigations and inspecting and copying 
such books and accounts and records, including computerized records, 
and other material as may be relevant to the matter under investigation 
and pertinent to compliance with the act or this part. * * *
[FR Doc. 05-12220 Filed 6-21-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-CM-P