As we previously reported, OFCCP has already informed contractors that it “remains fully operational during the COVID-19 pandemic” and provided the contractor community with information regarding modifications to its operations consistent with current public health guidelines.  The agency also stated that it will coordinate with contractors who are experiencing challenges related to COVID-19 and provide reasonable extensions as needed.

OFCCP is continuing its operations despite the fact its personnel are teleworking from their homes.  This raised concerns about protections afforded to sensitive contractor data submitted during compliance evaluations.  To address these concerns, OFCCP has announced that it “remains committed to safeguarding any nonpublic, confidential, and sensitive data it receives from contractors.”  OFCCP suggests that contractors should not fear compliance officers accessing contractor information from their homes as, according to the agency, its policy “requires compliance officers to store information received from contractors on the agency’s secure network.  The network is only accessible using government-issued computers through the agency’s secure VPN. In addition, all compliance officers are required to complete annual training from DOL and OFCCP on safeguarding data.”  The agency further provides that contractors that are concerned about the safety of their data “also have the option of sending their date to OFCCP via their company’s secure data or email portals.”

OFCCP also announced that, while working remotely, the agency’s Functional Affirmative Action Program (“FAAP”) team is continuing to process FAAP requests and certifications.  FAAP contractors and contractors interested in entering into FAAP agreements can meet with the FAAP team via phone, WebEx and Skype.  This announcement further underscores OFCCP’s recent change from discouraging FAAPs, to actively encouraging contractors to enter into such agreements.

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Proskauer’s cross-disciplinary, cross-jurisdictional Coronavirus Response Team is focused on supporting and addressing client concerns. Visit our Coronavirus Resource Center for guidance on risk management measures, practical steps businesses can take and resources to help manage ongoing operations.

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Photo of Guy Brenner Guy Brenner

Guy Brenner is a partner in the Labor & Employment Law Department and leads the Firm’s Washington, D.C. Labor & Employment practice. He is head of the Government Contractor Compliance Group, co-head of the Counseling, Training & Pay Equity Group and a member…

Guy Brenner is a partner in the Labor & Employment Law Department and leads the Firm’s Washington, D.C. Labor & Employment practice. He is head of the Government Contractor Compliance Group, co-head of the Counseling, Training & Pay Equity Group and a member of the Restrictive Covenants, Trade Secrets & Unfair Competition Group. He has extensive experience representing employers in both single-plaintiff and class action matters, as well as in arbitration proceedings. He also regularly assists federal government contractors with the many special employment-related compliance challenges they face.

Guy represents employers in all aspects of employment and labor litigation and counseling, with an emphasis on non-compete and trade secrets issues, medical and disability leave matters, employee/independent contractor classification issues, and the investigation and litigation of whistleblower claims. He assists employers in negotiating and drafting executive agreements and employee mobility agreements, including non-competition, non-solicit and non-disclosure agreements, and also conducts and supervises internal investigations. He also regularly advises clients on pay equity matters, including privileged pay equity analyses.

Guy advises federal government contractors and subcontractors all aspects of Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) regulations and requirements, including preparing affirmative action plans, responding to desk audits, and managing on-site audits.

Guy is a former clerk to Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly of the US District Court of the District of Columbia.