In a report issued September 29, the Government Accountability Office provides eight recommendations that would restore key DOL Section 503 oversight tools and expand practical guidance for federal contractors.

GAO suggested that the Labor Department:

  1. Resume contractor disability AAP certifications;
  2. Resume Section 503 audits;
  3. Analyze why individual complaints are closed or referred elsewhere;
  4. Align OFCCP’s workforce with its current responsibilities and future needs;
  5. Provide contractors with regional and other disability-recruiting partners;
  6. Create a reasonable accommodation resource section on OFCCP’s website;
  7. Provide guidance for assessing outreach and recruitment; and
  8. Publish Section 503 compliance best practices.

In response, DOL said OFCCP has no plans to resume AAP certifications or audits. DOL largely agreed with the other recommendations.

For contractors, the report signals that most Section 503 disability AAP obligations remain in effect. GAO’s recommendations focus on both stronger oversight and the availability of clearer tools to help employers satisfy their remaining obligations.

Click here to read more from the Center for Workplace Compliance (CWC), our affiliated nonprofit membership association. Employers should consider registering for CWC’s upcoming virtual Workplace Compliance Conference, which will include a session on Section 503 compliance.