The Department of Labor has issued its final rule implementing Executive Order 13658 (E.O.), which establishes a minimum wage of $10.10 per hour for federal construction and service contractor employees.  Generally, the new minimum wage obligations apply to new contracts and replacements for expiring contracts with the federal government that result from solicitations issued on or after January 1, 2015 or to contracts that are awarded outside the solicitation process on or after January 1, 2015. As discussed in a DOL fact sheet, the final rule defines key terms listed in the E.O., provides guidance for contractors on their new obligations, and establishes an enforcement process. 

A detailed discussion of this new rule and its impact on contractors will be published shortly. In the interim, more information about this new rule, including a set of frequently asked questions, can be found on the DOL's website.

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