The US’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) has announced the final procedures for identifying and remedying discrimination in federal contracting, also known as the PDN rule, according to a recent report by Jackson Lewis P.C. The announcement was previewed by OFCCP Interim Director Michelle Hodge during her keynote remarks at the NILG 2023 National Conference.
The PDN rule stands for the Pre-Enforcement Notice and Conciliation Procedures rule. This will be officially published in the federal register on August 4, 2023, and will take effect from September 5, 2023.
The PDN rule is a significant part of the efforts to promote equality and curb discrimination in federal contracts, particularly those involving large corporations and federal agencies. It will provide clear guidance on the process of identifying instances of discrimination during the contract awarding or execution phase, as well as procedures for rectifying such issues through conciliation.
As part of the legal community, especially those involved in federal contracting, it will be essential to understand the PDN rule’s implications and stipulations. The announcement of the final PDN rule comes as a crucial part of enforcing and maintaining the principles of equality and justice in federal contracting.