OFCCP Construction Basics Workshop Series

This monthly educational workshop series is designed to guide federal construction contractors through their obligations, help workers understand their rights, and provide practical advice on health and safety, including discussions on personal protective equipment (PPE) and preventing death from suicide in construction.

OFCCP Construction Basics Series

If you have questions about the series or wish to request accommodations, please contact us.

About the Workshop Series

Held on the third Monday of each month from June through October 2024, the series kicks off on June 17th with a high-level briefing on the OFCCP Overview, aimed at all audiences interested in the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) and the laws it enforces.

Each session promises a wealth of resources and guidance, ensuring participants are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the construction industry while upholding the highest standards of equality, safety, and professionalism.

Workshop 1: OFCCP Overview

Welcome to the first of our DOL Construction Basics training videos featuring Johnny Lou, a compliance investigator from the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP). In this informative session, Johnny provides an in-depth overview of the OFCCP, its jurisdiction, and responsibilities. Whether you're familiar with the OFCCP or new to its role, this video offers valuable insights into the agency's functions and the laws it enforces.

In this video, you'll learn about:

  • The mission and jurisdiction of the OFCCP

  • Key laws enforced by the OFCCP, including Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA)

  • How compliance evaluations and investigations are conducted

  • The importance of affirmative action and non-discriminatory practices in federal contracting

  • What to do if you believe you or someone you know has experienced employment discrimination

Workshop 2: Mega Construction Project Overview

In this informative session, hosted by the Washington State Construction Center of Excellence in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), we delve deep into the essentials of the Mega Construction Project Program.

Join Christina Rupp, Director of the Construction Center of Excellence, as she introduces Ed Cunningham, OFCCP’s Regional Outreach Technical Advisor. Ed guides us through the intricacies of OFCCP’s role in ensuring equal employment opportunities on federally funded construction projects.

👷‍♂️ What’s Covered?

  • Overview of OFCCP’s mission and responsibilities.

  • Key requirements and benefits of the Mega Construction Project Program.

  • Detailed discussion on federal contractors’ obligations under Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, and VEVRAA.

  • Insights into the structure and purpose of Equal Opportunity (EO) Committees.

  • Real-world examples of successful mega projects.

This video is an invaluable resource for contractors, project managers, and stakeholders involved in large-scale construction projects funded by the federal government. Learn how to navigate compliance, promote diversity, and build strong community partnerships.

📑 Key Links & Resources:

  • Learn more about the Washington State Construction Center of Excellence: www.constructioncoe.com

  • Explore OFCCP resources and toolkits: dol.gov/ofccp

Workshop 3: Federal & State Tribal Apprenticeships

Welcome to the Washington State Construction Center of Excellence's Construction Basics series! In collaboration with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) and the Office of Apprenticeship, this episode dives into workforce development initiatives in the construction trades, with a special focus on registered apprenticeships and tribal engagement.

Hosted by Christina Rupp, Director of the Washington State Construction Center of Excellence (CCE), this session features expert insights from:

  • Jennifer Fritzel, Regional Outreach Coordinator, OFCCP

  • Abigail Allen, Apprenticeship & Training Program Specialist, U.S. Department of Labor

  • Christina Riley, Principal at Christina Riley Consulting and Chair of the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council’s Tribal Subcommittee

This video explores the critical role of registered apprenticeships in building a skilled and diverse workforce. You'll learn about:

The benefits of apprenticeships in various industries

The importance of tribal engagement in workforce development

Pathways to expand apprenticeship programs and pre-apprenticeships

Resources for suicide prevention and workplace safety in the construction industry

Don't miss this informative session, designed to uplift the construction trades and empower communities through skill development and inclusion.

Workshop 4: Preventing Suicide in Construction

In this crucial discussion hosted by the Washington State Construction Center of Excellence (CCE) and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), we address a growing and tragic issue within the construction industry: suicide. Alarming statistics from the CDC reveal that construction workers face significantly higher suicide rates compared to the general population, with an estimated 6,000 construction workers lost to suicide in 2022 alone.

This webinar explores the reasons behind these staggering figures and highlights the unique pressures that contribute to the mental health struggles within the construction workforce. Our panelists discuss actionable strategies to reduce stigma, foster mental health support, and share resources to assist workers in crisis.

Featured speakers include:

  • Christina Rupp, Director of the Washington State Construction Center of Excellence

  • Jennifer Fritzel, Regional Outreach Coordinator, OFCCP

  • Hana Patterson, Compliance Specialist, OSHA

📑 Key Links & Resources:

Workshop 5: Pay Secrecy & Understanding Prevailing Wage

In this informative session, hosted by the Washington State Construction Center of Excellence (CCE) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), we explore key topics impacting the construction industry.

Featuring expert insights from Edward Cunningham, OFCCP Compliance Specialist, and Stephen Yim, Community Outreach and Resource Planning Specialist from the Wage and Hour Division, this video covers important regulations for federal contractors and subcontractors.

Key topics include:

  • Prohibiting pay secrecy policies under Executive Order 13665.

  • Insights into the Davis-Bacon Act and its prevailing wage requirements for federally funded projects.

  • The importance of protecting workers from pay discrimination based on race, gender, or other protected classes.

This video serves as an essential resource for construction contractors, workers, and industry professionals looking to better understand compliance obligations and their rights under federal labor laws.

Click to download the resources from this session.

For more resources, visit:

OFCCP Website: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp

Construction Center of Excellence Website: https://www.constructioncoe.com