FAR 22.1002-6—Executive Order 13706.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 22.1002-6 is a cross-reference provision that points readers to Executive Order 13706, which requires paid sick leave for employees of certain Federal contractors. In practical terms, this section does not itself set out the full sick leave rules; instead, it identifies the governing authority and directs users to subpart 22.21 and the contract clause at 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706. The topic covers which contractor employees are covered, the obligation to provide paid sick leave, and the implementation requirements that flow into solicitations and contracts when the Executive Order applies. Its purpose is to ensure agencies and contractors know that paid sick leave is a mandatory labor requirement for covered Federal service and construction contracts, not an optional benefit. For contracting officers, this means they must recognize when the Executive Order applies and include the proper clause and administration requirements. For contractors, it means they must understand that compliance is driven by the clause and the implementing subpart, including accrual, use, recordkeeping, and flowdown obligations where applicable.
Key Rules
Executive Order governs paid sick leave
This section identifies Executive Order 13706 as the source of the paid sick leave requirement for certain Federal contractor employees. The actual compliance details are found in subpart 22.21 and the contract clause at 52.222-62.
Applies only to certain contractors
The requirement is not universal; it applies only to covered Federal contracts and the employees covered by the Executive Order and implementing regulations. Users must look to the subpart and clause to determine coverage.
Clause controls contract implementation
The operative contract requirement is implemented through the clause at 52.222-62, which must be used when the Executive Order applies. That clause is what binds the contractor to provide paid sick leave and follow the associated rules.
Subpart 22.21 provides details
Subpart 22.21 contains the substantive and administrative rules for paid sick leave under Executive Order 13706. This includes the mechanics of accrual, use, and other compliance obligations that are not spelled out in this short cross-reference.
Agency must ensure proper inclusion
When the Executive Order applies, the contracting activity must ensure the solicitation and contract include the required clause and related labor terms. Failure to do so can create compliance and administration problems later.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Determine whether Executive Order 13706 applies to the acquisition, include the required clause at 52.222-62 when applicable, and administer the contract consistently with subpart 22.21 and the clause.
Contractor
Provide paid sick leave to covered employees as required by the Executive Order and clause, and comply with the implementing rules in subpart 22.21, including any recordkeeping, notice, and usage requirements.
Agency
Ensure acquisition planning and contract administration processes identify covered contracts and support proper implementation of the paid sick leave requirement across the agency.
Covered Employees
Use paid sick leave in accordance with the terms established by the clause and implementing regulations, and follow any employer procedures for requesting or documenting leave.
Practical Implications
This section is a trigger point: it tells you to look to the implementing subpart and clause, not to treat the cross-reference as the full rule.
A common pitfall is forgetting to include 52.222-62 in a covered solicitation or contract, which can lead to post-award compliance issues.
Contractors should not assume all employees are covered; coverage depends on the contract type and the employee’s work under the implementing rules.
Contracting officers should verify labor clause applicability early in acquisition planning so paid sick leave obligations are priced, administered, and flowed down correctly.
Because the section is brief, users must read it together with subpart 22.21 to understand the actual operational requirements, including accrual and use of leave.
Official Regulatory Text
Executive Order 13706 establishes paid sick leave for employees of certain Federal contractors. See subpart 22.21 and the clause at 52.222-62 , Paid Sick Leave under Executive Order 13706.