For those who wished to attend the OFCCP’s webinar today and were not allowed in, there was not much to miss. The agency didn’t conduct a formal presentation, nor did they provide feedback during the call. They did, however, listen to the concerns the contracting community had regarding the file.
In this open format, contractors expressed these general concerns:
- The file format is rather large, and although available for free via FTP download, all components are cumbersome.
- Contractors will need to allocate significant resources towards restructuring the file into a usable format.
- Contractors are working with AAP vendors, and are reliant on their technology to create their affirmative action plans. At a minimum, the agency should not require usage of the file in affirmative action plans until mid year – and possibly not until 2014. Some suggest that given the state of the Census data, even requiring usage by 1/1/2014 would be too early.
- Consultants reiterate that the file format presents a challenge, and that plumbing their automated systems will be challenging.
We fully anticipate that the OFCCP will utilize the feedback garnered in this listening session to create a drop-dead date for using the file. As the contracting community waits for formal distinction about the file, federal contractors should continue to use the Census 2000 file. Biddle will continue to follow the OFCCP’s progress and provide updates as they become known.