FAR 22.608—Procedures.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 22.608 sets out the basic administrative procedures for enforcing the labor standards statute covered by this subpart. It addresses two specific topics: what the contracting officer must do at award by providing the contractor with DOL publication WH-1313, Notice to Employees Working on Government Contracts, and what the contracting officer must do if there is a violation of a required stipulation under the statute by notifying the appropriate Department of Labor (DOL) Wage and Hour Division regional office and supplying available information. The section ties these actions to Department of Labor regulations and instructions, as well as agency-specific procedures, so the exact mechanics may vary by agency but the core duties do not. In practice, this provision ensures employees receive the required notice and that suspected or actual breaches are promptly elevated to DOL for enforcement. For contractors and contracting officers, it is a reminder that labor standards compliance is not just a contract administration issue; it also triggers coordination with DOL when problems arise.
Key Rules
Provide WH-1313 at award
When a contract subject to the statute is awarded, the contracting officer must furnish the contractor with DOL publication WH-1313, Notice to Employees Working on Government Contracts. This must be done in accordance with DOL regulations or instructions and any applicable agency procedures.
Follow DOL and agency procedures
The contracting officer’s actions under this section are not discretionary and must be carried out under the procedures issued by the Secretary of Labor and the agency. This means the timing, method of delivery, and any related documentation should follow the controlling guidance.
Notify DOL of stipulation violations
If a stipulation required under the statute is violated, the contracting officer must notify the appropriate DOL Wage and Hour Division regional office. The notice must be made in accordance with agency procedures.
Provide available information
Along with the notification to DOL, the contracting officer must furnish any information available about the violation. This supports DOL’s review and enforcement actions and may include contract details, facts of the alleged breach, and relevant correspondence.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
At award, furnish the contractor with DOL publication WH-1313 in accordance with DOL and agency procedures. If a required stipulation is violated, notify the appropriate DOL Wage and Hour Division regional office and provide any available information about the matter.
Department of Labor (Wage and Hour Division)
Receive notifications of stipulation violations and use the information provided to carry out enforcement or compliance actions under the statute and implementing regulations.
Agency
Issue and follow internal procedures that implement the DOL requirements, including how WH-1313 is distributed and how violations are reported to DOL.
Contractor
Receive and use WH-1313 to inform employees working on the contract, and comply with the statutory stipulations incorporated into the contract to avoid triggering a violation report.
Practical Implications
Contracting officers should treat WH-1313 distribution as a required award-step, not an optional courtesy, and should document that it was provided.
If a labor standards stipulation is breached, the contracting officer should not try to resolve the matter informally without considering the required DOL notification process.
Agency procedures matter because they may specify who reports, what facts must be included, and how quickly the report must be made.
Contractors should expect that labor compliance issues can be escalated to DOL and should maintain records that help explain payroll, notice, and employee communication practices.
A common pitfall is overlooking the notice requirement at award or failing to send a complete report to DOL when a violation is suspected or confirmed.
Official Regulatory Text
(a) Award . When a contract subject to the statute is awarded, the contracting officer, in accordance with regulations or instructions issued by the Secretary of Labor and individual agency procedures, shall furnish to the contractor DOL publication WH-1313, Notice to Employees Working on Government Contracts. (b) Breach of stipulation . In the event of a violation of a stipulation required under the statute, the contracting officer shall, in accordance with agency procedures, notify the appropriate regional office of the DOL, Wage and Hour Division (see 29 CFR Part 1 , Appendix B), and furnish any information available.