The OFCCP Week in Review (WIR) is a simple, fast and direct summary of relevant happenings in the OFCCP regulatory environment, authored by experts John C. Fox, Candee Chambers and Jennifer Polcer.
Thursday, July 26, 2018: OFCCP Director Harris Filled Us In
We were excited to have him present at DEAM18; a “breathe of fresh air!” exclaimed one DirectEmployers Member. Since his arrival at the OFCCP last December, we have watched and listened for the transformation both Director Harris and now Deputy Director (formerly Senior Advisor), Craig Leen, have in store for the Agency. Mr. Leen will become OFCCP’s Acting Director on Thursday, August 2, 2018, following Director Harris’ departure this Wednesday, August 1, 2018.
In light of Director Ondray Harris’ announced departure from OFCCP later this week, we review below some of the highlights of his tenure and the legacy he leaves:
More transparency:
- Directive for Pre-Determination Letter
- Demystifying the Scheduling Letters
More collaboration:
The recent release of initiatives outlines the steps and goals in place to work more efficiently and effectively with covered federal contractors. Education, guidance, and kindness are all on the horizon.
So when we caught news of his departure, we reached out to Director Harris for comment. “I had the great opportunity to meet and speak with many members of the Federal Contractor Community during my time here. I listened, the OFCCP listened. We put an action plan in place. I look forward to hearing about continued collaboration with the Federal Contractor Community to achieve our mutual goals to break down potential barriers to employment and to diversify our workforce. In particular, I hope to see ALL employers embrace and build upon the excitement and opportunities surrounding apprenticeships. As Marcus Aurelius said: ‘Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.’”
So what’s next for Director Harris? Those plans have not been shared with anyone yet. We at DirectEmployers wish him well on his future endeavors and thank him for his time and efforts at the Agency.
Director Harris was slotted to speak at the Industry Liaison Group National Conference on Wednesday, August 1st. Deputy Director Craig Leen will take Director Harris’ place on Wednesday at the NILG meeting. DirectEmployers will be in attendance, and we look forward to reporting on what Deputy Director Leen has to share on the eve of becoming the Acting OFCCP Director.
THIS COLUMN IS MEANT TO ASSIST IN A GENERAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE CURRENT LAW AND PRACTICE RELATING TO OFCCP. IT IS NOT TO BE REGARDED AS LEGAL ADVICE. COMPANIES OR INDIVIDUALS WITH PARTICULAR QUESTIONS SHOULD SEEK ADVICE OF COUNSEL.
Reminder: If you have specific OFCCP compliance questions and/or concerns or wish to offer suggestions about future topics for the OFCCP Week In Review, please contact your membership representative at (866) 268-6206 (for DirectEmployers Association Members), or email Jennifer at jpolcer@directemployers.org with your ideas.
