On Feb. 13, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs announced a new policy directive to establish a voluntary compliance program for high-performing federal contractors. The Voluntary Enterprise-wide Review Program provides contractors with an alternative to OFCCP’s establishment-based compliance evaluations and instead focuses on recognizing contractors that demonstrate comprehensive corporate-wide compliance and model diversity and inclusion programs.

In a press release, OFCCP Director Craig Leen explained that the VERP program provides meaningful incentives for federal contractor participants and recognizes those that excel in their corporate-wide compliance with OFCCP’s requirements. Additionally, the program will provide a path for companies who are close to excellence but want individualized compliance assistance from OFCCP to reach the top level.

The press release also stated that the OFCCP expects to begin accepting VERP applications in the fall.

ABC will continue to provide updates on the VERP program in Newsline as more information becomes available. For the latest on the OFCCP, visit its website.