Glossary /
 

Priority Veteran Referrals

by | Nov 1, 2024

Priority veteran referrals refer to the requirement under the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) for federal contractors and subcontractors to actively recruit and hire veterans who have been referred through the public workforce system with priority status. This program is part of the broader efforts to support veterans’ employment under federal contracts. Here’s how it relates to OFCCP compliance:

  1. Public Workforce System: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) operates the public workforce system, which includes American Job Centers (AJCs). Veterans who are eligible and registered with AJCs may receive priority status for job placement assistance.
  2. Affirmative Action Requirements: Federal contractors and subcontractors are required to develop and implement Affirmative Action Programs (AAPs) that include specific outreach and recruitment efforts targeted toward protected veterans. This includes utilizing resources such as priority veteran referrals to actively recruit and hire qualified veterans.
  3. Integration into AAPs: Contractors should incorporate into their AAPs strategies for engaging with AJCs and other workforce agencies that provide priority veteran referrals. This ensures that contractors are leveraging available resources to attract and hire veterans in compliance with OFCCP regulations.
  4. Documentation & Reporting: Contractors must maintain records documenting their efforts to recruit and hire protected veterans, including any use of priority veteran referrals. This documentation is crucial for demonstrating compliance during OFCCP audits and other compliance evaluations. DirectEmployers VetCentral reporting helps fulfill this requirement for Members of the Association.
  5. Supporting Diversity & Inclusion Goals: Integrating priority veteran referrals into recruitment strategies not only helps contractors meet OFCCP compliance requirements but also supports broader diversity and inclusion goals by providing employment opportunities to veterans who have served their country.

Overall, this program is a specific mechanism through which federal contractors can fulfill their legal obligations to promote equal employment opportunities and affirmative action for veterans. By actively engaging with AJCs and leveraging priority veteran referrals, contractors contribute to enhancing veteran employment outcomes and complying with OFCCP regulations.