In keeping with the theme of recognition that Acting Director Craig Leen shared earlier in August at the 2018 National Industry Liaison Group (NILG) conference, on August 24, 2018, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) issued Directive 2018-06, “Contractor Recognition Program.” This directive is an apparent nod to the contractor community, which has voiced a desire for the return of the OFCCP recognition awards that were rescinded during the Obama administration, and is an acknowledgment by the agency that positive recognition programs can encourage more comprehensive and proactive compliance efforts.

It appears OFCCP will offer recognition programs for contactors that are determined to have implemented best or model practices, established a mentoring program to assist peers improving compliance, and created other initiatives to encourage collaboration.  

OFCCP did not provide any timeline on the development of the initiative or many details on how it plans to implement it.