Federal and State Contractor EEO Compliance

Companies doing business with federal and state governments are faced with unique compliance requirements. Now more than ever, the complexity of the contractor landscape requires strategic guidance to operate within a multilayered ecosystem with often competing stakeholders, priorities, and requirements. From responding to heightened scrutiny, adapting to the rollback of “affirmative action” requirements, or proactively refining policies and practices to ensure compliant, non-discriminatory Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs are in place, we help clients develop defensible and compliant solutions that stand up to regulatory review while promoting equal employment. Seyfarth plays a crucial role in guiding federal and state contractors across a broad spectrum of industries through the evolving landscape of EEO contractor compliance with the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) and other federal or state reviewing and auditing agencies.

HOW WE HELP

Navigating the complex landscape of EEO compliance can be challenging, especially with the evolving regulatory environment. Seyfarth's national reach and extensive experience make us the ideal partner for businesses seeking to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.

Our team has guided clients spanning all industries from Fortune 100 companies to small employers managing federal, state, and local compliance requirements. Seyfarth's multi-disciplinary team combines years of experience and knowledge to provide top-tier compliance solutions and services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. We bring together some of the nation's most accomplished attorneys, including former government officials with deep experience along with highly skilled EEO compliance professionals, labor economists, and analysts to help clients leverage talent to create highly effective inclusive workplaces. We leverage the power of data, workforce analytics, and change management through the lens of their strategic people objectives. To meet their compliance requirements, our team delivers EEO Compliance plans of the highest quality, managing a fully integrated approach that includes identifying trends and implementing strategies designed to manage risk, drive operational initiatives and prevent litigation.

Our capabilities include:

Federal, State and Contractor Compliance and Audit Support

• Guidance on compliance with Executive Order 14173, including adapting to the rescission of Executive Order 11246 and related remaining affirmative action requirements.​
• Assistance in developing workforce strategies that comply with current federal directives while promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within legal parameters.​
• Preparation and support for OFCCP and state contracting compliance audits under the existing and changing regulatory frameworks.
• Navigating the contours of contractor certification requirements, including navigating the implications of False Claims Act claims.
• Guidance on doing business with state or local governments through the state and local compliance framework.

Equal Employment Opportunity Compliance Plans (EOP) Development & Compliance

• We work with clients to develop compliant Equal Employment Opportunity Compliance Plans (EOPs) tailored to each client’s workforce, ensuring alignment with federal contractor obligations under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, and VEVRAA.
• We also coordinate with clients to develop compliant reports necessary to meet state and local contractor obligations.

Contractor Defense

• We work with employers to evaluate their status as a federal or state government contractor including assessments involving the dynamics of cross-entity contractor obligations within the organization’s corporate family.
• Using advanced data modeling, we provide workforce analytics that allow clients to understand informed, legally sound HR decisions while maintaining compliance with Equal Employment guidelines.

Federal and State & Reporting Compliance

• Our team ensures accurate and timely submission of EEO-1 and VETS-4212 reports, reducing risk of penalties.
• We assist in data validation and workforce categorization to ensure reports accurately reflect organizational demographics while mitigating potential red flags for regulatory agencies.
• We provide legal advice and guidance related to, and development of, required state reports including California Pay Data Reports and Illinois Equal Pay Registration Certification.

Proactive EEO Risk Management

• We conduct self-audits and risk assessments to help clients identify and mitigate potential workforce issues before they escalate.
• Our team provides ongoing monitoring and advisory services, ensuring companies stay ahead of regulatory changes and enforcement trends affecting contractors and private employers.

THE SEYFARTH EXPERIENCE

Partnering with Seyfarth means gaining access to a wealth of expertise and a commitment to reducing liability, managing risk, and achieving compliance. Our strategic approach ensures that your business is well-prepared to meet regulatory requirements while optimizing the confidentiality of sensitive analyses through attorney-client privilege.