What's Happening?
The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) has announced a fifteen-day extension to the comment period for proposed changes to Section 503 and VEVRAA regulations, as well as the rescission of regulations under Executive Order 11246. The extension, published in the Federal Register on September 4, 2025, allows stakeholders to submit comments until September 17, 2025. The proposed changes to Section 503 involve rescinding requirements for contractors to invite applicants and employees to self-identify their disability status and analyze progress toward a 7 percent utilization goal for individuals with disabilities. The VEVRAA proposal seeks to remove references to Executive Order 11246 and add administrative enforcement provisions directly to the VEVRAA regulations.
Why It's Important?
The extension of the comment period is significant as it provides stakeholders additional time to voice their opinions on the proposed regulatory changes, which could impact compliance requirements for federal contractors. The changes to Section 503 and VEVRAA regulations could alter how contractors manage affirmative action programs and disability data collection, potentially affecting employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and veterans. The rescission of EO 11246 regulations may also influence the enforcement of equal opportunity requirements in federal contracting.
What's Next?
Stakeholders are encouraged to submit their comments by the new deadline of September 17, 2025, as no further extensions will be granted. The OFCCP will review the submitted comments and finalize the proposed regulatory updates, which may occur after the start of the new fiscal year. Existing compliance requirements remain unchanged until the finalization of any proposals.
