VB CGC Practice Group

VB CGC Practice Group
Vandeventer Black's Construction and Government Contracts Practice Group focuses on serving our business clients in the construction industry. We currently have offices in Norfolk and Richmond, VA, the OBX and Raleigh, NC, and Hamburg, Germany. For more information about Vandeventer Black, clink on the VB logo.

Thursday, July 2, 2015

New Minimum Wage Requirements under FAR 52.222-55

Below is a summary of the new minimum wage requirements of FAR Part 52.222-55 prepared by my law partner, Mike Sterling. The new requirements apply to all prime contractors and subcontractors working on new federal contracts after January 1, 2015.
 
 
Minimum Wages Under Executive Order 13658

You need to be aware of the new minimum wage requirements of FAR 52.222-55. This clause applies when it is included in a contract or modification by the agency as directed by FAR 22.1906. If the agency fails to include it there is a provision for retroactive application of the clause. FAR 22.1905(d)(4).

FAR 52.222-55 applies to almost all prime contractors and subcontractors working under “new” federal contracts after 1/1/15. The minimum wage is generally not retroactive to “old” contracts. However, it appears that the government views a bilateral modification extending a contract more than 6 months to be a new contact. Likewise, the government may also apply the clause to IDIQ contracts with more than 6 months of task or delivery orders remaining.

If you believe that the agency improperly included the clause you may ask the agency to remove it, but if included you must comply with it.  

If FAR 52.222-55 is included you must flow it down to subcontractors at every tier, and if added after award by modification you should take steps to obtain an equitable adjustment for you and your subcontractors. You should not sign a modification that waives your right to an adjustment.

The minimum wage applies to all contractor employees that spend more than 20% of their weekly hours working in “connection” with a federal contract, and regardless of the contractual relationship. Therefore, it may apply to someone in general administration or a 1099 independent contractor.

The minimum wage takes precedence over lower rates in wage determinations, collective bargaining agreements or apprentice programs. You cannot make up short wages with fringe or other benefits.

You must notify all workers of the requirements of the clause.