The OMB held a conference call on 9/15/2021for Contractor Reps regarding the Executive Order signed on 9/9/2021 that will mandate vaccination for federal contractors. I attended the conference and captured the following notes that I wanted to share with you to help you prepare.
First, additional OMB Guidance will be forthcoming by 9/24/2021. Look for it at their website: https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/. The guidance will provide:
- Additional guidance and definitions
- The timeline for implementation
- What the acceptable vaccination documentation is that will substantiate proof of vaccination
- Definitions of Covered Worksite and Employees
- Will clarify whether remote workers working from home are covered.
The Executive Order will become operational effective 10/15/2021 for contractors and will apply to all contractors (small and large alike) who have a contract awarded, extended, or option exercised after 10/15/2021, AND where the contract is:
- More than $250,000 in value
- NOT performed overseas
- NOT for product purchases only
The Executive order applies to all prime contractor and subcontractor covered employees working on, or in connection with, a government contract (except for subcontractors that purely provide products).
Federal Contractor responsibilities will include three things:
- All covered employees must be fully vaccinated
- All covered employees must comply with social distancing and masking guidelines
- The Contractor must designate a person to be responsible for ensuring compliance
Note that Federal Contractors will need to maintain proof of their compliance or risk paying a penalty of $14,000 per incidence.
That’s the gist of the Executive Order for now. Make sure to go to https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/ for the most current information.
Jack is CEO of Coley & Associates, Inc., Coley GCS, LLC, and founder of FedMap™– the government contractor accelerator. He is a results-driven executive, and successful entrepreneur who has a deep understanding of the super competitive government contracts marketplace. He has used his understanding, along with his more than 25 years of experience, to help small businesses win more than $20 Billion in new contracts. Jack has advised more than 1,000 small and large businesses, spoke at conferences, sat on expert panels, and been quoted in numerous articles. His experience spans a broad range of government agencies and functional areas. He is an Air Force Veteran, received his MBA with Honors from Webster University, and a Bachelor’s with distinction from Wayland Baptist University.