National Interest Exemptions

The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) sometimes has National Interest Exemptions (NIEs) that apply to both supply and service and construction contracts. An NIE provides qualifying contractors with a temporary exemption from complying with OFCCP's affirmative action and administrative obligations under Executive Order 11246; the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act, as amended (VEVRAA); and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Section 503). Some of the exempted contractor obligations include the preparation and maintenance of affirmative action programs, solicitation/advertisement requirements, the mandatory job listing requirement under VEVRAA, complying with the 16 affirmative action specifications (construction), and other recordkeeping and reporting requirements.

The agency designed its NIE program specifically to allow contractors to participate in emergency recovery efforts on an expedited basis. Please note that contractors qualifying for NIEs must still continue to abide by the nondiscrimination and non-retaliation obligations under OFCCP's laws. The agency will continue to accept and investigate complaints of discrimination and/or retaliation against contractors covered under a NIE. Contractors being investigated for discrimination and/or retaliation complaints must allow OFCCP access to its premises and records to investigate and determine compliance with the law.

Historical

The contents of this document do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. This document is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.

Last updated on March 23, 2023