The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Program (OFCCP) has announced that a new regulation under the Vietnam Era Veteran’s Rehabilitation Assistance Act (VEVRAA) went into effect on March 24, 2014. The new policy applies to any federal contractor with at least one contract valued at $100,000 or more. It mandates that at least 7.2% of new federal contractor hires must be from the four recognized categories of “protected veterans” and qualified National Guard members. This percentage goal will be updated annually by OFCCP.
American Jobs for America’s Heroes (AJAH), a non-profit veterans hiring campaign, has published a free summary suide that distills 60 pages of the confusing regulation into an easy-to-follow guide for meeting VEVRAA requirements, to include the four categories of “protected” veterans. Summary can be downloaded at http://centerforamerica.org/ofccp.html.
AJAH has also initiated a campaign that enables employers to post jobs (at no cost) that are provided directly to military employment counselors in the National Guard and other service branches. These military counselors are working one-on-one with military candidates in transition to match them with postings. All services are free. Log on to http://www.centerforamerica.org to register.
U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), who authored the forward to the AJAH Guide, stated that “Businesses that capitalize on the employment of veterans are investing in long-term stability and proven reputations. They are investing in a network of extraordinary individuals with the training, experience and values every business is searching for. Let’s invest in the future of our nation by connecting businesses with veterans.”