The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs released an updated version of its Federal Contract Compliance Manual. This is the first update to the Manual since 2014, and the revisions mostly reflect changes in regulations and policy.

The OFCCP provides a summary of the changes by chapter. Many of the updates are substantive, such as adding sexual orientation and gender identity to the list of protected characteristics and the pay transparency requirements. The Manual also references new guidance relating to institutions of higher education and the various directives issued during this administration. 

Although the Manual is not legal or binding authority, it does reflect the OFCCP’s position on enforcement and provides guidance on how compliance officers are expected to conduct compliance evaluations. When contractors have substantive or procedural questions or are facing a compliance evaluation, the Manual is an essential resource for understanding the agency’s expectations and interpretations. Consider bookmarking it for easy retrieval!