80_FR_19573 80 FR 19504 - Federal Acquisition Regulation; Further Amendments to Equal Employment Opportunity

80 FR 19504 - Federal Acquisition Regulation; Further Amendments to Equal Employment Opportunity

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 69 (April 10, 2015)

Page Range19504-19508
FR Document2015-08309

DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing an interim rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement Executive Order (E.O.) 13672, ``Further Amendments to Executive Order 11478, Equal Employment Opportunity in the Federal Government, and Executive Order 11246, Equal Employment Opportunity,'' and a final rule issued by the Department of Labor (DOL).

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 69 (Friday, April 10, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 69 (Friday, April 10, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19504-19508]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-08309]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

48 CFR Parts 1, 22, and 52

[FAC 2005-81; FAR Case 2015-013; Item I; Docket No. 2015-0013, Sequence 
No. 1]
RIN 9000-AN01


Federal Acquisition Regulation; Further Amendments to Equal 
Employment Opportunity

AGENCY: Department of Defense (DoD), General Services Administration 
(GSA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

ACTION: Interim rule.

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SUMMARY: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing an interim rule amending the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement Executive Order 
(E.O.) 13672, ``Further Amendments to Executive Order 11478, Equal 
Employment Opportunity in the Federal Government, and Executive Order 
11246, Equal Employment Opportunity,'' and a final rule issued by the 
Department of Labor (DOL).

DATES: Effective: April 10, 2015.
    Applicability: This rule applies to solicitations and modifications 
to contracts, if the contract does not already contain clauses as 
amended by the rule, issued on or after April 10, 2015.
    Comment Date: Interested parties should submit written comments to 
the Regulatory Secretariat on or before June 9, 2015 to be considered 
in the formation of the final rule.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments identified by FAC 2005-81, FAR Case 2015-
013, by any of the following methods:
     Regulations.gov: http://www.regulations.gov. Submit 
comments via the Federal eRulemaking portal by searching for ``FAR Case 
2015-013''. Select the link ``Comment Now'' that corresponds with ``FAR 
Case 2015-013''. Follow the instructions provided at the ``Comment 
Now'' screen. Please include your name, company name (if any), and 
``FAR Case 2015-013'' on your attached document.

[[Page 19505]]

     Fax: 202-501-4067.
     Mail: General Services Administration, Regulatory 
Secretariat (MVCB), ATTN: Ms. Flowers, 1800 F Street NW., 2nd Floor, 
Washington, DC 20405.
    Instructions: Please submit comments only and cite FAC 2005-81, FAR 
Case 2015-013, in all correspondence related to this case. All comments 
received will be posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov, 
including any personal and/or business confidential information 
provided.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Edward Loeb, Procurement Analyst, 
at 202-501-0650 for clarification of content. For information 
pertaining to status or publication schedules, contact the Regulatory 
Secretariat at 202-501-4755. Please cite FAC 2005-81, FAR Case 2015-
013.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing an interim rule amending the FAR to 
implement Executive Order (E.O.) 13672, entitled ``Further Amendments 
to Executive Order 11478, Equal Employment Opportunity in the Federal 
Government, and Executive Order 11246, Equal Employment Opportunity.'' 
The E.O. was signed July 21, 2014, and was published in the Federal 
Register at 79 FR 42971 on July 23, 2014. This interim rule is also 
implementing a final rule issued by the Office of Federal Contract 
Compliance Programs (OFCCP) of the Department of Labor (DOL), which was 
published in the Federal Register at 79 FR 72985 on December 9, 2014, 
``Implementation of Executive Order 13672 Prohibiting Discrimination 
Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity by Contractors and 
Subcontractors.'' The DOL rule revises 41 CFR parts 60-1, 60-2, 60-4, 
and 60-50.
    E.O. 11246, dated September 24, 1965, established requirements for 
non-discriminatory practices in hiring and employment for Federal 
contractors and subcontractors. The bases of discrimination prohibited 
by E.O. 11246 are race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. E.O. 
13672 seeks to provide for a uniform policy for the Federal Government 
to prohibit discrimination and take further steps to promote economy 
and efficiency in Federal Government procurement by adding sexual 
orientation and gender identity to the prohibited bases of 
discrimination established by E.O. 11246. E.O. 13672 is applicable on 
or after the effective date of the rules promulgated by DOL. The 
effective date of the DOL final rule is April 8, 2015.

II. Discussion and Analysis

    A. The DOL regulation implements E.O. 13672 by substituting the 
phrase ``sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin'' 
for ``sex or national origin'' wherever ``sex or national origin'' 
appears in the DOL regulations implementing E.O. 11246. The DOL 
regulation did not provide definitions for the terms ``gender 
identity'' or ``sexual orientation''; however, the OFCCP has developed 
materials to assist the contractor community, which include definitions 
of these terms. DoD, GSA, and NASA consider that the contracting 
community, contracting agency acquisition professionals as well as 
contractors and subcontractors, need these definitions in order to 
understand and comply with the requirements of the rule. Therefore, 
this interim rule relies on the OFCCP developed definitions and 
provides a link to the DOL's OFCCP Web site where the definitions are 
found at www.dol.gov/ofccp/LGBT/LGBT_FAQs.html.
    B. The FAR implements E.O. 11246 in FAR subpart 22.8, Equal 
Employment Opportunity, FAR clause 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity, and 
related clauses as described below. This interim rule provides 
definitions and inserts ``sexual orientation, gender identity'' between 
``sex'' and ``or national origin'' wherever they appear within FAR 
subpart 22.8 and the clauses that are prescribed in FAR subpart 22.8 as 
follows--
    1. FAR 22.801, Definitions. The terms ``gender identity'' and 
``sexual orientation'' are included in the list of defined terms.
    2. FAR 22.802, General. Inserts the required language in paragraph 
(a)(2), which sets out the general requirement of E.O. 11246 to promote 
equal employment opportunity.
    3. FAR 22.807, Exemptions. Inserts the required language in 
paragraph (a)(4), which discusses an exemption to E.O. 11246 for work 
on or near Indian Reservations, but reaffirms that if the contractor 
extends a preference in employment to Indians living on or near an 
Indian reservation, it shall not discriminate among Indians.
    4. FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to 
Implement Statutes or Executive Orders--Commercial Items. Updates the 
currency of clause dates.
    5. FAR 52.213-4, Terms and Conditions--Simplified Acquisitions 
(Other Than Commercial Items). Updates the currency of clause dates.
    6. FAR 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities. Revises 
paragraph (a) to include the definitions of ``gender identity'' and 
``sexual orientation'' and updates the definition of ``segregated 
facilities.''
    7. FAR 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity. Inserts definitions for the 
terms ``gender identity'' and ``sexual orientation'' and revises 
paragraphs (c)(1), (2), and (4), which set out basic requirements for 
prohibition of discrimination and action required to ensure equal 
treatment of employees during employment.
    8. FAR 52.222-27, Affirmative Action Compliance Requirements for 
Construction. Inserts definitions for the terms ``gender identity'' and 
``sexual orientation'', and revises paragraph (j), which affirms that 
employment goals or affirmative action standards shall not be used to 
discriminate against any person.
    9. FAR 52.222-29, Notification of Visa Denial. Inserts definitions 
for the terms ``gender identity'' and ``sexual orientation'' and 
revises the clause to affirm the requirement for nondiscrimination when 
it is not compatible with the policies of a country where or for whom 
work is to be performed.
    C. This interim rule updates the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) Control Numbers in FAR 1.106, OMB approval under the Paperwork 
Reduction Act. The information collections imposed by E.O. 11246 as 
amended are managed by DOL and are cited in the FAR.
    D. This interim rule corrects previous inadvertent errors of 
omission by including FAR clause 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated 
Facilities in paragraph (e)(1) and Alternate II paragraph (e)(1) of the 
FAR clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to 
Implement Statutes or Executive Orders--Commercial Items. Similarly, 
two clauses inadvertently omitted from FAR clause 52.244-6, 
Subcontracts for Commercial Items, are included in the list at 
paragraph (c)(1)--
    1. FAR 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities, which is 
prescribed for all contracts containing FAR 52.222-26, Equal 
Opportunity; and
    2. FAR 52.222-55, which implements E.O. 13673, Minimum Wages for 
Contractors.
    E. This interim rule makes an administrative change to the listed 
provisions and FAR clauses at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions 
Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders--Commercial Items, 
and 52.213-4, Terms and Conditions--Simplified Acquisitions (Other Than 
Commercial Items) to list them in numerical order. This change is being 
made so that the lists follow the logical sequence of FAR parts, 
reducing the

[[Page 19506]]

likelihood that a reader could inadvertently overlook requirements.
    F. The DOL rule preamble (79 FR at page 72987) emphasized that 
nothing in E.O. 13672, the DOL implementing regulations, or this 
interim rule diminishes the pre-existing coverage of discrimination on 
the basis of gender identity or discrimination on the basis of 
transgender status as a form of sex discrimination. See Price 
Waterhouse v. Hopkins, 490 U.S. 228 (1989); Macy v. Holder, EEOC Appeal 
No. 0120120821 (April 20, 2012). See also OFCCP Directive 2014-02, 
``Gender Identity and Sex Discrimination,'' effective August 19, 2014, 
which can be obtained at www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/directives/dir2014_02.html.

III. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563

    Executive Orders (E.O.s) 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess 
all costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public 
health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). E.O. 
13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, 
of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility. 
This is a significant regulatory action and, therefore, was subject to 
review under Section 6(b) of E.O. 12866, Regulatory Planning and 
Review, dated September 30, 1993. This rule is not a major rule under 5 
U.S.C. 804.

IV. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The change may have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities within the meaning of the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. The Initial Regulatory 
Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) is summarized as follows:

    1. Reasons for the action.
    This rule is necessary to implement Executive Order 13672, 
Further Amendments to Executive Order 11478, Equal Employment 
Opportunity in the Federal Government, and Executive Order 11246, 
Equal Employment Opportunity, and a final rule issued by the 
Department of Labor at 41 CFR part 60 (79 FR 72985, December 09, 
2014).
    2. Objectives of, and legal basis for, the rule.
    The objective of this rule is to provide for a uniform policy 
for the Federal Government to prohibit discrimination in Federal 
Government procurement by adding sexual orientation and gender 
identity to the prohibited bases of discrimination established by 
E.O. 11246.
    3. Description of and estimate of the number of small entities 
to which the rule will apply.
    The rule will apply to all contracts and subcontracts subject to 
the Equal Opportunity FAR clause 52.222-26, which is prescribed for 
all contracts over $10,000 that are not completely exempted. Using 
Fiscal Year 2013 Federal Procurement Data System and Federal 
Subcontract Reporting System data, it is estimated that awards were 
made to 168,758 unique small businesses and that subcontracts were 
awarded to 61,816 unique small businesses. It is noted that there is 
likely a good measure of overlap between the unique small businesses 
that receive Federal awards and those that receive subcontract 
awards resulting in a likely overestimated total of 230,574 impacted 
small businesses.
    4. Description of projected reporting, recordkeeping, and other 
compliance requirements of the rule. Include an estimate of the 
classes of small entities which will be subject to the requirement 
and the type of professional skills necessary for preparation of the 
report or record.
    Recordkeeping and reporting requirements of the rule involve 
regulatory familiarization and administrative costs associated with 
incorporating revised language into policies, instructions, notices 
to employees, and subcontracts. Other changes made by the rule, such 
as the prohibition of segregation of facilities are expected to have 
only minimal cost impacts as they do not require modification or 
construction of additional facilities, but rather the provision of 
equal access to existing facilities. An analysis of estimated costs 
of the regulatory changes was performed in the DOL final rule that 
was published in the Federal Register at 79 FR 72985 on December 9, 
2014.
    5. Relevant Federal rules which may duplicate, overlap, or 
conflict with the rule.
    The rule does not duplicate, overlap, or conflict with any other 
Federal rules.
    6. Description of any significant alternatives to the rule which 
accomplish the stated objectives of applicable statutes and which 
minimize any significant economic impact of the rule on small 
entities.
    DoD, GSA, and NASA are not aware of any significant alternatives 
to the rule that would accomplish the stated objectives of the E.O. 
and the DOL implementing regulations.
    It is necessary for the rule to apply to small entities, because 
E.O. 11246, as amended, applies to all contracts above $10,000 that 
are not completely exempted. Every effort has been made to minimize 
the burdens imposed.

    The Regulatory Secretariat has submitted a copy of the IRFA to the 
Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration. A copy 
of the IRFA may be obtained from the Regulatory Secretariat. DoD, GSA, 
and NASA invite comments from small business concerns and other 
interested parties on the expected impact of this rule on small 
entities.
    DoD, GSA, and NASA will also consider comments from small entities 
concerning the existing regulations in subparts affected by the rule in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 610. Interested parties must submit such 
comments separately and should cite 5 U.S.C. 610 (FAR Case 2015-013), 
in correspondence.

V. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C chapter 35) does apply; 
however, the information collection authorization is under the DOL 
regulations and is assigned OMB Control Number 1250-0009, titled 
Prohibiting Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender 
identity by Contractors and Subcontractors. This information collection 
was authorized to address the E.O. 13672 changes and its expiration 
date is September 30, 2015.

VI. Determination To Issue an Interim Rule

    A determination has been made under the authority of the Secretary 
of Defense (DoD), the Administrator of General Services (GSA), and the 
Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
(NASA) that urgent and compelling reasons exist to promulgate this 
interim rule without prior opportunity for public comment. This action 
is necessary because E.O. 13672 stipulates that the effective date of 
the E.O., is the effective date of the DOL regulations, which is April 
08, 2015.
    However, pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 1707 and FAR 1.501-3(b), DoD, GSA, 
and NASA will consider public comments received in response to this 
interim rule in the formation of the final rule.

List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 1, 22, and 52

    Government procurement.

    Dated: April 7, 2015.
William Clark,
Director, Office of Government-wide Acquisition Policy, Office of 
Acquisition Policy, Office of Government-wide Policy.

    Therefore, DoD, GSA, and NASA amend 48 CFR parts 1, 22, and 52 as 
set forth below:

0
1. The authority citation for 48 CFR parts 1, 22, and 52 continues to 
read as follows:

    Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. chapter 137; and 51 
U.S.C. 20113.

PART 1--FEDERAL ACQUSITION REGULATION SYSTEM


1.106  [Amended]

0
2. Amend section 1.106, in the table following the introductory text, 
by--
0
a. Removing the FAR Segment ``22.8'' and its corresponding OMB control 
numbers ``1215-0072'' and adding ``22.8'' and its corresponding OMB 
control number ``1250-0003'' in its place; and

[[Page 19507]]

0
b. Removing the FAR Segments ``52.222-21'', ``52.222-22'', ``52.222-
23'', ``52.222-25'', ``52.222-26'', and ``52.222-27'' and their 
corresponding OMB control number ``1215-0072'' and adding ``52.222-
21'', ``52.222-22'', ``52.222-23'', ``52.222-25'', ``52.222-26'', and 
``52.222-27'' and their corresponding OMB control number ``1250-0003'' 
in their places.

PART 22--APPLICATION OF LABOR LAWS TO GOVERNMENT ACQUISITIONS

0
3. Amend section 22.801 by adding, in alphabetical order, the 
definitions ``Gender identity'' and ``Sexual orientation'' to read as 
follows:


22.801  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Gender identity has the meaning given by the Department of Labor's 
Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, and is found at 
www.dol.gov/ofccp/LGBT/LGBT_FAQs.html.
* * * * *
    Sexual orientation has the meaning given by the Department of 
Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, and is found at 
www.dol.gov/ofccp/LGBT/LGBT_FAQs.html.
* * * * *


22.802  [Amended]

0
4. Amend section 22.802 by removing from paragraph (a)(2) ``sex, or'' 
and adding ``sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or'' in its 
place.


22.807  [Amended]

0
5. Amend section 22.807 by removing from paragraph (b)(4) ``sex, or'' 
and adding ``sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or'' in its 
place.

PART 52--SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

0
6. Amend section 52.212-5 by--
0
a. Revising the date of the clause;
0
b. Revising paragraphs (b)(27) and (28);
0
c. Removing paragraph (c)(10);
0
d. Redesignating paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(9) as paragraphs (c)(2) 
through (10), respectively;
0
e. Adding a new paragraph (c)(1);
0
f. Revising the newly designated paragraph (c)(8);
0
g. Removing paragraph (e)(1)(xvii);
0
h. Redesignating paragraphs (e)(1)(iv) through (e)(1)(xvi) as 
paragraphs (e)(1)(v) through (xvii), respectively;
0
i. Adding a new paragraph (e)(1)(iv);
0
j. Further redesignating newly designated paragraphs (e)(1)(xv) through 
(e)(1)(xvii) as paragraphs (e)(1)(xvi) through (xviii), respectively;
0
k. Adding a new paragraph (e)(1)(xv); and
0
l. Amending Alternate II by--
0
1. Revising the date of the Alternate;
0
2. Removing paragraph (e)(1)(ii)(O);
0
3. Redesignating paragraphs (e)(1)(ii)(D) through (e)(1)(ii)(N) as 
paragraphs (e)(1)(ii)(E) through (O), respectively;
0
4. Adding a new paragraph (e)(1)(ii)(D);
0
5. Further redesignating newly designated paragraphs (e)(1)(ii)(N) and 
(O) as paragraphs (e)(1)(ii)(O) and (P), respectively; and
0
6. Adding new paragraph (e)(1)(ii)(N).
    The revised and added text reads as follows:


52.212-5  Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes 
or Executive Orders--Commercial Items.

* * * * *

Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or 
Executive Orders--Commercial Items (Apr 2015)

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    ___ (27) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Apr 
2015).
    ___ (28) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Apr 2015) (E.O. 11246).
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    ___ (1) 52.222-17, Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers (May 2014) 
(E.O. 13495).
* * * * *
    ___ (8) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages Under Executive Order 13658 (Dec 
2014) (E.O. 13658).
* * * * *
    (e)(1) * * *
    (iv) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015).
* * * * *
    (xv) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages Under Executive Order 13658 (Dec 
2014) (E.O. 13658).
* * * * *
    Alternate II (Apr 2015). * * *
* * * * *
    (e)(1) * * *
    (ii) * * *
    (D) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (APR 2015).
* * * * *
    (N) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages Under Executive Order 13658 (Dec 2014) 
(E.O. 13658).
* * * * *

0
7. Amend section 52.213-4 by--
0
a. Revising the date of the clause;
0
b. Revising paragraphs (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii);
0
c. Adding paragraph (a)(1)(vii);
0
d. Removing paragraph (b)(1)(xv);
0
e. Redesignating paragraphs (b)(1)(ix) through (b)(1)(xiv) as 
paragraphs (b)(1)(x) through (xv), respectively; and
0
f. Adding a new paragraph (b)(1)(ix).
    The revised and added text reads as follows:


52.213-4  Terms and Conditions--Simplified Acquisitions (Other Than 
Commercial Items).

* * * * *

Terms and Conditions--Simplified Acquisitions (Other Than Commercial 
Items) (Apr 2015)

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (ii) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015).
    (iii) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Apr 2015) (E.O. 11246).
* * * * *
    (vii) 52.222-6, Subcontracts for Commercial Items (Apr 2015).
* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (ix) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages Under Executive Order 13658 (Dec 
2014) (E.O. 13658).
* * * * *

0
8. Amend section 52.222-21 by revising the date of clause and paragraph 
(a) to read as follows:


52.222-21  Prohibition of segregated facilities.

* * * * *

Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015)

    (a) Definitions. As used in this clause--
    Gender identity has the meaning given by the Department of 
Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, and is found 
at www.dol.gov/ofccp/LGBT/LGBT_FAQs.html.
    Segregated facilities means any waiting rooms, work areas, rest 
rooms and wash rooms, restaurants and other eating areas, time 
clocks, locker rooms and other storage or dressing areas, parking 
lots, drinking fountains, recreation or entertainment areas, 
transportation, and housing facilities provided for employees, that 
are segregated by explicit directive or are in fact segregated on 
the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender 
identity, or national origin because of written or oral policies or 
employee custom. The term does not include separate or single-user 
rest rooms or necessary dressing or sleeping areas provided to 
assure privacy between the sexes.
    Sexual orientation has the meaning given by the Department of 
Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, and

[[Page 19508]]

is found at www.dol.gov/ofccp/LGBT/LGBT_FAQs.html.

* * * * *

0
9. Amend section 52.222-26 by--
0
a. Revising the date of the clause;
0
b. Revising paragraph (a);
0
c. Revising the first sentence of paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2); and
0
d. Revising paragraph (c)(4) to read as follows:


52.222-26  Equal Opportunity.

* * * * *

Equal Opportunity (Apr 2015)

    (a) Definitions. As used in this clause--
    Gender identity has the meaning given by the Department of 
Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, and is found 
at www.dol.gov/ofccp/LGBT/LGBT_FAQs.html.
    Sexual orientation has the meaning given by the Department of 
Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, and is found 
at www.dol.gov/ofccp/LGBT/LGBT_FAQs.html.
    United States means the 50 States, the District of Columbia, 
Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the 
U.S. Virgin Islands, and Wake Island.
* * * * *
    (c)(1) The Contractor shall not discriminate against any 
employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, 
religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national 
origin. * * *
    (2) The Contractor shall take affirmative action to ensure that 
applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during 
employment, without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, 
sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. * * *
* * * * *
    (4) The Contractor shall, in all solicitations or advertisements 
for employees placed by or on behalf of the Contractor, state that 
all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment 
without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, 
gender identity, or national origin.

* * * * *

0
10. Amend section 52.222-27 by--
0
a. Revising the date of the clause;
0
b. Revising the introductory text of paragraph (a) and the definitions 
``Covered area'', ``Deputy Assistant Secretary'', ``Employer 
identification number'', and the introductory text of the definition 
``Minority'';
0
c. Adding to paragraph (a), in alphabetical order, the definitions 
``Gender identity'' and ``Sexual orientation''; and
0
d. Revising paragraph (j) to read as follows:


52.222-27  Affirmative Action Compliance Requirements for Construction.

* * * * *

Affirmative Action Compliance Requirements for Construction (Apr 2015)

    (a) Definitions. As used in this clause--
    Covered area means the geographical area described in the 
solicitation for this contract.
    Deputy Assistant Secretary means the Deputy Assistant Secretary 
for the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, U.S. 
Department of Labor, or a designee.
    Employer identification number means the Federal Social Security 
number used on the employer's quarterly Federal tax return, U.S. 
Treasury Department Form 941.
    Gender identity has the meaning given by the Department of 
Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, and is found 
at www.dol.gov/ofccp/LGBT/LGBT_FAQs.html.
    Minority means-- * * *
    Sexual orientation has the meaning given by the Department of 
Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, and is found 
at www.dol.gov/ofccp/LGBT/LGBT_FAQs.html.
* * * * *
    (j) The Contractor shall not use goals or affirmative action 
standards to discriminate against any person because of race, color, 
religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national 
origin.

* * * * *

0
11. Revise section 52.222-29 to read as follows:


52.222-29  Notification of visa denial.

    As prescribed in 22.810(g), insert the following clause:

Notification of Visa Denial (Apr 2015)

    (a) Definitions. As used in this clause--
    Gender identity has the meaning given by the Department of 
Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, and is found 
at www.dol.gov/ofccp/LGBT/LGBT_FAQs.html.
    Sexual orientation has the meaning given by the Department of 
Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, and is found 
at www.dol.gov/ofccp/LGBT/LGBT_FAQs.html.
    (b) Requirement to notify. (1) It is a violation of Executive 
Order 11246 for a Contractor to refuse to employ any applicant or 
not to assign any person hired in the United States, Puerto Rico, 
the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin 
Islands, or Wake Island, on the basis that the individual's race, 
color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or 
national origin is not compatible with the policies of the country 
where or for whom the work will be performed (41 CFR 60-1.10).
    (2) The Contractor shall notify the U.S. Department of State, 
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM), 2201 
C Street NW., Room 6212, Washington, DC 20520, and the U.S. 
Department of Labor, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Federal Contract 
Compliance, when it has knowledge of any employee or potential 
employee being denied an entry visa to a country where this contract 
will be performed, and it believes the denial is attributable to the 
race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or 
national origin of the employee or potential employee.

    (End of clause)

0
12. Amend section 52.244-6 by--
0
a. Revising the date of the clause;
0
b. Redesignating paragraphs (c)(1)(iv) through (xii) as paragraphs 
(c)(1)(v) through (xiii), respectively;
0
c. Adding a new paragraph (c)(1)(iv);
0
d. Revising newly designated paragraph (c)(1)(v);
0
e. Further redesignating newly designated paragraphs (c)(1)(xi) through 
(xiii) as paragraphs (c)(1)(xii) through (xiv); and
0
f. Adding a new paragraph (c)(1)(xi) to read as follows:


52.244-6  Subcontracts for Commercial Items.

* * * * *

Subcontracts for Commercial Items (Apr 2015)

* * * * *
    (c)(1) * * *
    (iv) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015).
    (v) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Apr 2015) (E.O. 11246).
* * * * *
    (xi) 52.222-55, Establishing a Minimum Wage for Contractors (E.O. 
13658) (Dec 2014).
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2015-08309 Filed 4-8-15; 11:15 am]
 BILLING CODE 6820-EP-P



                                                 19504                Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 69 / Friday, April 10, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                                 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE                                   I—Further Amendments to Equal                         Acting Assistant Administrator for
                                                                                                         Employment Opportunity (FAR Case                      Procurement, National Aeronautics and
                                                 GENERAL SERVICES                                        2015–013)                                             Space Administration.
                                                 ADMINISTRATION                                                                                                [FR Doc. 2015–08281 Filed 4–8–15; 11:15 am]
                                                                                                           DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing an                   BILLING CODE 6820–EP–P
                                                 NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND                                interim rule amending the Federal
                                                 SPACE ADMINISTRATION                                    Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to
                                                                                                         implement Executive Order (E.O.)                      DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
                                                                                                         13672, entitled ‘‘Further Amendments
                                                 48 CFR Chapter 1                                                                                              GENERAL SERVICES
                                                                                                         to Executive Order 11478, Equal
                                                                                                         Employment Opportunity in the Federal                 ADMINISTRATION
                                                 [Docket No. FAR 2015–0051, Sequence 1]                  Government, and Executive Order
                                                                                                         11246, Equal Employment                               NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND
                                                 Federal Acquisition Regulation;                         Opportunity’’. E.O. 13672 was signed                  SPACE ADMINISTRATION
                                                 Federal Acquisition Circular 2005–81;                   July 21, 2014. This interim rule is also
                                                 Introduction                                            implementing a final rule issued by the               48 CFR Parts 1, 22, and 52
                                                                                                         Office of Federal Contract Compliance                 [FAC 2005–81; FAR Case 2015–013; Item
                                                 AGENCIES: Department of Defense (DoD),                  Programs of the Department of Labor,                  I; Docket No. 2015–0013, Sequence No. 1]
                                                 General Services Administration (GSA),                  which was published in the Federal
                                                 and National Aeronautics and Space                      Register at 79 FR 72985 on December 9,                RIN 9000–AN01
                                                 Administration (NASA).                                  2014, Implementation of Executive
                                                                                                         Order 13672 Prohibiting Discrimination                Federal Acquisition Regulation;
                                                 ACTION: Summary presentation of an                                                                            Further Amendments to Equal
                                                                                                         Based on Sexual Orientation and
                                                 interim rule.                                                                                                 Employment Opportunity
                                                                                                         Gender Identity by Contractors and
                                                                                                         Subcontractors.                                       AGENCY:  Department of Defense (DoD),
                                                 SUMMARY:   This document summarizes
                                                                                                           Executive Order 11246, dated                        General Services Administration (GSA),
                                                 the Federal Acquisition Regulation
                                                                                                         September 24, 1965, established                       and National Aeronautics and Space
                                                 (FAR) rule agreed to by the Civilian                                                                          Administration (NASA).
                                                 Agency Acquisition Council and the                      requirements for non-discriminatory
                                                                                                         practices in hiring and employment for                ACTION: Interim rule.
                                                 Defense Acquisition Regulations
                                                                                                         Federal contractors and subcontractors.
                                                 Council (Councils) in this Federal                                                                            SUMMARY:    DoD, GSA, and NASA are
                                                                                                         The bases of discrimination prohibited
                                                 Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005–81. A                                                                         issuing an interim rule amending the
                                                                                                         by E.O. 11246 are race, color, religion,
                                                 companion document, the Small Entity                                                                          Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to
                                                                                                         sex, and national origin. E.O. 13672
                                                 Compliance Guide (SECG), follows this                   adds sexual orientation and gender                    implement Executive Order (E.O.)
                                                 FAC. The FAC, including the SECG, is                    identity to the prohibited bases of                   13672, ‘‘Further Amendments to
                                                 available via the Internet at http://                   discrimination established by Executive               Executive Order 11478, Equal
                                                 www.regulations.gov.                                    Order 11246. There is no significant                  Employment Opportunity in the Federal
                                                                                                         impact on small entities imposed by the               Government, and Executive Order
                                                 DATES:  For effective dates and comment                                                                       11246, Equal Employment
                                                 dates see separate documents, which                     FAR rule.
                                                                                                                                                               Opportunity,’’ and a final rule issued by
                                                 follow.                                                   Dated: April 7, 2015.
                                                                                                                                                               the Department of Labor (DOL).
                                                                                                         William Clark,
                                                 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:    The                                                                       DATES: Effective: April 10, 2015.
                                                                                                         Director, Office of Government-wide                      Applicability: This rule applies to
                                                 analyst whose name appears in the table                 Acquisition Policy, Office of Acquisition
                                                 below in relation to the FAR case.                      Policy, Office of Governmentwide Policy.
                                                                                                                                                               solicitations and modifications to
                                                 Please cite FAC 2005–81 and the                                                                               contracts, if the contract does not
                                                                                                           Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC)                  already contain clauses as amended by
                                                 specific FAR case number. For
                                                                                                         2005–81 is issued under the authority of              the rule, issued on or after April 10,
                                                 information pertaining to status or
                                                                                                         the Secretary of Defense, the                         2015.
                                                 publication schedules, contact the
                                                                                                         Administrator of General Services, and                   Comment Date: Interested parties
                                                 Regulatory Secretariat at 202–501–4755.                 the Administrator for the National                    should submit written comments to the
                                                 Rule Listed in FAC 2005–81                              Aeronautics and Space Administration.                 Regulatory Secretariat on or before June
                                                                                                           Unless otherwise specified, all                     9, 2015 to be considered in the
                                                        Subject            FAR Case         Analyst      Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)                  formation of the final rule.
                                                                                                         and other directive material contained                ADDRESSES: Submit comments
                                                 Further Amend-            2015–013        Loeb.         in FAC 2005–81 is effective April 10,                 identified by FAC 2005–81, FAR Case
                                                   ments to Equal
                                                   Employment Op-
                                                                                                         2015.                                                 2015–013, by any of the following
                                                   portunity (Interim).                                  Dated: April 6, 2015.                                 methods:
                                                                                                         RADM Althea H. Coetzee,
                                                                                                                                                                  • Regulations.gov: http://
                                                                                                                                                               www.regulations.gov. Submit comments
                                                                                                         Acting Director of Defense Procurement and
                                                                                                                                                               via the Federal eRulemaking portal by
                                                 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:     Summary                  Acquisition Policy.
                                                                                                                                                               searching for ‘‘FAR Case 2015–013’’.
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                                                 for the FAR rule follows. For the actual                Dated: April 6, 2015.                                 Select the link ‘‘Comment Now’’ that
                                                 revisions and/or amendments made by                     Jeffrey A. Koses,                                     corresponds with ‘‘FAR Case 2015–
                                                 this FAR case, refer to the specific item               Senior Procurement Executive/Deputy CAO,              013’’. Follow the instructions provided
                                                 number and subject set forth in the                     Office of Acquisition Policy, U.S. General            at the ‘‘Comment Now’’ screen. Please
                                                 document following this item summary.                   Services Administration.                              include your name, company name (if
                                                 FAC 2005–81 amends the FAR as                           Dated: April 6, 2015.                                 any), and ‘‘FAR Case 2015–013’’ on your
                                                 specified below:                                        Monica Y. Manning,                                    attached document.


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                                                                      Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 69 / Friday, April 10, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                        19505

                                                   • Fax: 202–501–4067.                                  II. Discussion and Analysis                           identity’’ and ‘‘sexual orientation’’ and
                                                   • Mail: General Services                                 A. The DOL regulation implements                   updates the definition of ‘‘segregated
                                                 Administration, Regulatory Secretariat                                                                        facilities.’’
                                                                                                         E.O. 13672 by substituting the phrase
                                                 (MVCB), ATTN: Ms. Flowers, 1800 F                                                                                7. FAR 52.222–26, Equal Opportunity.
                                                                                                         ‘‘sex, sexual orientation, gender
                                                 Street NW., 2nd Floor, Washington, DC                                                                         Inserts definitions for the terms ‘‘gender
                                                                                                         identity, or national origin’’ for ‘‘sex or
                                                 20405.                                                                                                        identity’’ and ‘‘sexual orientation’’ and
                                                   Instructions: Please submit comments                  national origin’’ wherever ‘‘sex or
                                                                                                                                                               revises paragraphs (c)(1), (2), and (4),
                                                 only and cite FAC 2005–81, FAR Case                     national origin’’ appears in the DOL
                                                                                                                                                               which set out basic requirements for
                                                 2015–013, in all correspondence related                 regulations implementing E.O. 11246.
                                                                                                                                                               prohibition of discrimination and action
                                                 to this case. All comments received will                The DOL regulation did not provide
                                                                                                                                                               required to ensure equal treatment of
                                                 be posted without change to http://                     definitions for the terms ‘‘gender
                                                                                                                                                               employees during employment.
                                                 www.regulations.gov, including any                      identity’’ or ‘‘sexual orientation’’;                    8. FAR 52.222–27, Affirmative Action
                                                 personal and/or business confidential                   however, the OFCCP has developed                      Compliance Requirements for
                                                 information provided.                                   materials to assist the contractor                    Construction. Inserts definitions for the
                                                                                                         community, which include definitions                  terms ‘‘gender identity’’ and ‘‘sexual
                                                 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr.
                                                                                                         of these terms. DoD, GSA, and NASA                    orientation’’, and revises paragraph (j),
                                                 Edward Loeb, Procurement Analyst, at
                                                                                                         consider that the contracting                         which affirms that employment goals or
                                                 202–501–0650 for clarification of
                                                                                                         community, contracting agency                         affirmative action standards shall not be
                                                 content. For information pertaining to
                                                 status or publication schedules, contact                acquisition professionals as well as                  used to discriminate against any person.
                                                 the Regulatory Secretariat at 202–501–                  contractors and subcontractors, need                     9. FAR 52.222–29, Notification of Visa
                                                 4755. Please cite FAC 2005–81, FAR                      these definitions in order to understand              Denial. Inserts definitions for the terms
                                                 Case 2015–013.                                          and comply with the requirements of                   ‘‘gender identity’’ and ‘‘sexual
                                                                                                         the rule. Therefore, this interim rule                orientation’’ and revises the clause to
                                                 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                                                                         relies on the OFCCP developed                         affirm the requirement for
                                                 I. Background                                           definitions and provides a link to the                nondiscrimination when it is not
                                                    DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing an                    DOL’s OFCCP Web site where the                        compatible with the policies of a
                                                 interim rule amending the FAR to                        definitions are found at www.dol.gov/                 country where or for whom work is to
                                                 implement Executive Order (E.O.)                        ofccp/LGBT/LGBT_FAQs.html.                            be performed.
                                                 13672, entitled ‘‘Further Amendments                       B. The FAR implements E.O. 11246 in                   C. This interim rule updates the
                                                 to Executive Order 11478, Equal                         FAR subpart 22.8, Equal Employment                    Office of Management and Budget
                                                 Employment Opportunity in the Federal                   Opportunity, FAR clause 52.222–26,                    (OMB) Control Numbers in FAR 1.106,
                                                 Government, and Executive Order                         Equal Opportunity, and related clauses                OMB approval under the Paperwork
                                                 11246, Equal Employment                                 as described below. This interim rule                 Reduction Act. The information
                                                 Opportunity.’’ The E.O. was signed July                 provides definitions and inserts ‘‘sexual             collections imposed by E.O. 11246 as
                                                 21, 2014, and was published in the                      orientation, gender identity’’ between                amended are managed by DOL and are
                                                 Federal Register at 79 FR 42971 on July                 ‘‘sex’’ and ‘‘or national origin’’ wherever           cited in the FAR.
                                                 23, 2014. This interim rule is also                     they appear within FAR subpart 22.8                      D. This interim rule corrects previous
                                                 implementing a final rule issued by the                 and the clauses that are prescribed in                inadvertent errors of omission by
                                                 Office of Federal Contract Compliance                   FAR subpart 22.8 as follows—                          including FAR clause 52.222–21,
                                                 Programs (OFCCP) of the Department of                      1. FAR 22.801, Definitions. The terms              Prohibition of Segregated Facilities in
                                                 Labor (DOL), which was published in                     ‘‘gender identity’’ and ‘‘sexual                      paragraph (e)(1) and Alternate II
                                                 the Federal Register at 79 FR 72985 on                  orientation’’ are included in the list of             paragraph (e)(1) of the FAR clause at
                                                 December 9, 2014, ‘‘Implementation of                   defined terms.                                        52.212–5, Contract Terms and
                                                 Executive Order 13672 Prohibiting                          2. FAR 22.802, General. Inserts the                Conditions Required to Implement
                                                 Discrimination Based on Sexual                          required language in paragraph (a)(2),                Statutes or Executive Orders—
                                                 Orientation and Gender Identity by                      which sets out the general requirement                Commercial Items. Similarly, two
                                                 Contractors and Subcontractors.’’ The                   of E.O. 11246 to promote equal                        clauses inadvertently omitted from FAR
                                                 DOL rule revises 41 CFR parts 60–1, 60–                 employment opportunity.                               clause 52.244–6, Subcontracts for
                                                 2, 60–4, and 60–50.                                        3. FAR 22.807, Exemptions. Inserts                 Commercial Items, are included in the
                                                    E.O. 11246, dated September 24,                      the required language in paragraph                    list at paragraph (c)(1)—
                                                 1965, established requirements for non-                 (a)(4), which discusses an exemption to                  1. FAR 52.222–21, Prohibition of
                                                 discriminatory practices in hiring and                  E.O. 11246 for work on or near Indian                 Segregated Facilities, which is
                                                 employment for Federal contractors and                  Reservations, but reaffirms that if the               prescribed for all contracts containing
                                                 subcontractors. The bases of                            contractor extends a preference in                    FAR 52.222–26, Equal Opportunity; and
                                                 discrimination prohibited by E.O. 11246                 employment to Indians living on or near                  2. FAR 52.222–55, which implements
                                                 are race, color, religion, sex, and                     an Indian reservation, it shall not                   E.O. 13673, Minimum Wages for
                                                 national origin. E.O. 13672 seeks to                    discriminate among Indians.                           Contractors.
                                                 provide for a uniform policy for the                       4. FAR 52.212–5, Contract Terms and                   E. This interim rule makes an
                                                 Federal Government to prohibit                          Conditions Required to Implement                      administrative change to the listed
                                                 discrimination and take further steps to                Statutes or Executive Orders—                         provisions and FAR clauses at 52.212–
                                                 promote economy and efficiency in                       Commercial Items. Updates the                         5, Contract Terms and Conditions
                                                 Federal Government procurement by                       currency of clause dates.                             Required to Implement Statutes or
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                                                 adding sexual orientation and gender                       5. FAR 52.213–4, Terms and                         Executive Orders—Commercial Items,
                                                 identity to the prohibited bases of                     Conditions—Simplified Acquisitions                    and 52.213–4, Terms and Conditions—
                                                 discrimination established by E.O.                      (Other Than Commercial Items).                        Simplified Acquisitions (Other Than
                                                 11246. E.O. 13672 is applicable on or                   Updates the currency of clause dates.                 Commercial Items) to list them in
                                                 after the effective date of the rules                      6. FAR 52.222–21, Prohibition of                   numerical order. This change is being
                                                 promulgated by DOL. The effective date                  Segregated Facilities. Revises paragraph              made so that the lists follow the logical
                                                 of the DOL final rule is April 8, 2015.                 (a) to include the definitions of ‘‘gender            sequence of FAR parts, reducing the


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                                                 19506                Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 69 / Friday, April 10, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                                 likelihood that a reader could                             The rule will apply to all contracts and           (FAR Case 2015–013), in
                                                 inadvertently overlook requirements.                    subcontracts subject to the Equal                     correspondence.
                                                    F. The DOL rule preamble (79 FR at                   Opportunity FAR clause 52.222–26, which is
                                                 page 72987) emphasized that nothing in                  prescribed for all contracts over $10,000 that        V. Paperwork Reduction Act
                                                                                                         are not completely exempted. Using Fiscal
                                                 E.O. 13672, the DOL implementing                                                                                 The Paperwork Reduction Act (44
                                                                                                         Year 2013 Federal Procurement Data System
                                                 regulations, or this interim rule                       and Federal Subcontract Reporting System              U.S.C chapter 35) does apply; however,
                                                 diminishes the pre-existing coverage of                 data, it is estimated that awards were made           the information collection authorization
                                                 discrimination on the basis of gender                   to 168,758 unique small businesses and that           is under the DOL regulations and is
                                                 identity or discrimination on the basis                 subcontracts were awarded to 61,816 unique            assigned OMB Control Number 1250–
                                                 of transgender status as a form of sex                  small businesses. It is noted that there is           0009, titled Prohibiting Discrimination
                                                 discrimination. See Price Waterhouse v.                 likely a good measure of overlap between the          Based on Sexual Orientation and
                                                 Hopkins, 490 U.S. 228 (1989); Macy v.                   unique small businesses that receive Federal          Gender identity by Contractors and
                                                 Holder, EEOC Appeal No. 0120120821                      awards and those that receive subcontract
                                                                                                         awards resulting in a likely overestimated            Subcontractors. This information
                                                 (April 20, 2012). See also OFCCP                                                                              collection was authorized to address the
                                                                                                         total of 230,574 impacted small businesses.
                                                 Directive 2014–02, ‘‘Gender Identity and                   4. Description of projected reporting,             E.O. 13672 changes and its expiration
                                                 Sex Discrimination,’’ effective August                  recordkeeping, and other compliance                   date is September 30, 2015.
                                                 19, 2014, which can be obtained at                      requirements of the rule. Include an estimate
                                                 www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/                      of the classes of small entities which will be        VI. Determination To Issue an Interim
                                                 directives/dir2014_02.html.                             subject to the requirement and the type of            Rule
                                                                                                         professional skills necessary for preparation            A determination has been made under
                                                 III. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563                   of the report or record.                              the authority of the Secretary of Defense
                                                    Executive Orders (E.O.s) 12866 and                      Recordkeeping and reporting requirements
                                                                                                         of the rule involve regulatory familiarization
                                                                                                                                                               (DoD), the Administrator of General
                                                 13563 direct agencies to assess all costs                                                                     Services (GSA), and the Administrator
                                                 and benefits of available regulatory                    and administrative costs associated with
                                                                                                         incorporating revised language into policies,         of the National Aeronautics and Space
                                                 alternatives and, if regulation is                                                                            Administration (NASA) that urgent and
                                                                                                         instructions, notices to employees, and
                                                 necessary, to select regulatory                         subcontracts. Other changes made by the               compelling reasons exist to promulgate
                                                 approaches that maximize net benefits                   rule, such as the prohibition of segregation of       this interim rule without prior
                                                 (including potential economic,                          facilities are expected to have only minimal          opportunity for public comment. This
                                                 environmental, public health and safety                 cost impacts as they do not require                   action is necessary because E.O. 13672
                                                 effects, distributive impacts, and                      modification or construction of additional            stipulates that the effective date of the
                                                 equity). E.O. 13563 emphasizes the                      facilities, but rather the provision of equal
                                                                                                                                                               E.O., is the effective date of the DOL
                                                 importance of quantifying both costs                    access to existing facilities. An analysis of
                                                                                                         estimated costs of the regulatory changes was         regulations, which is April 08, 2015.
                                                 and benefits, of reducing costs, of
                                                                                                         performed in the DOL final rule that was                 However, pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 1707
                                                 harmonizing rules, and of promoting
                                                                                                         published in the Federal Register at 79 FR            and FAR 1.501–3(b), DoD, GSA, and
                                                 flexibility. This is a significant                      72985 on December 9, 2014.                            NASA will consider public comments
                                                 regulatory action and, therefore, was                      5. Relevant Federal rules which may                received in response to this interim rule
                                                 subject to review under Section 6(b) of                 duplicate, overlap, or conflict with the rule.        in the formation of the final rule.
                                                 E.O. 12866, Regulatory Planning and                        The rule does not duplicate, overlap, or
                                                 Review, dated September 30, 1993. This                  conflict with any other Federal rules.                List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 1, 22,
                                                 rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C.                    6. Description of any significant                  and 52
                                                 804.                                                    alternatives to the rule which accomplish the
                                                                                                         stated objectives of applicable statutes and              Government procurement.
                                                 IV. Regulatory Flexibility Act                          which minimize any significant economic                 Dated: April 7, 2015.
                                                   The change may have a significant                     impact of the rule on small entities.                 William Clark,
                                                 economic impact on a substantial                           DoD, GSA, and NASA are not aware of any
                                                                                                         significant alternatives to the rule that would       Director, Office of Government-wide
                                                 number of small entities within the                     accomplish the stated objectives of the E.O.          Acquisition Policy, Office of Acquisition
                                                 meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility                   and the DOL implementing regulations.                 Policy, Office of Government-wide Policy.
                                                 Act 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. The Initial                      It is necessary for the rule to apply to small       Therefore, DoD, GSA, and NASA
                                                 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) is               entities, because E.O. 11246, as amended,             amend 48 CFR parts 1, 22, and 52 as set
                                                 summarized as follows:                                  applies to all contracts above $10,000 that are
                                                                                                         not completely exempted. Every effort has
                                                                                                                                                               forth below:
                                                   1. Reasons for the action.
                                                                                                         been made to minimize the burdens imposed.            ■ 1. The authority citation for 48 CFR
                                                   This rule is necessary to implement
                                                 Executive Order 13672, Further Amendments                 The Regulatory Secretariat has                      parts 1, 22, and 52 continues to read as
                                                 to Executive Order 11478, Equal Employment              submitted a copy of the IRFA to the                   follows:
                                                 Opportunity in the Federal Government, and              Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small                 Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C.
                                                 Executive Order 11246, Equal Employment                 Business Administration. A copy of the                chapter 137; and 51 U.S.C. 20113.
                                                 Opportunity, and a final rule issued by the             IRFA may be obtained from the
                                                 Department of Labor at 41 CFR part 60 (79                                                                     PART 1—FEDERAL ACQUSITION
                                                 FR 72985, December 09, 2014).                           Regulatory Secretariat. DoD, GSA, and
                                                   2. Objectives of, and legal basis for, the            NASA invite comments from small                       REGULATION SYSTEM
                                                 rule.                                                   business concerns and other interested                1.106    [Amended]
                                                   The objective of this rule is to provide for          parties on the expected impact of this
                                                 a uniform policy for the Federal Government             rule on small entities.                               ■  2. Amend section 1.106, in the table
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                                                 to prohibit discrimination in Federal                     DoD, GSA, and NASA will also                        following the introductory text, by—
                                                 Government procurement by adding sexual                 consider comments from small entities                 ■ a. Removing the FAR Segment ‘‘22.8’’
                                                 orientation and gender identity to the                  concerning the existing regulations in                and its corresponding OMB control
                                                 prohibited bases of discrimination
                                                 established by E.O. 11246.                              subparts affected by the rule in                      numbers ‘‘1215–0072’’ and adding
                                                   3. Description of and estimate of the                 accordance with 5 U.S.C. 610. Interested              ‘‘22.8’’ and its corresponding OMB
                                                 number of small entities to which the rule              parties must submit such comments                     control number ‘‘1250–0003’’ in its
                                                 will apply.                                             separately and should cite 5 U.S.C. 610               place; and


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                                                                      Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 69 / Friday, April 10, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                            19507

                                                 ■  b. Removing the FAR Segments                         ■ k. Adding a new paragraph (e)(1)(xv);               ■ c. Adding paragraph (a)(1)(vii);
                                                 ‘‘52.222–21’’, ‘‘52.222–22’’, ‘‘52.222–                 and                                                   ■ d. Removing paragraph (b)(1)(xv);
                                                 23’’, ‘‘52.222–25’’, ‘‘52.222–26’’, and                 ■ l. Amending Alternate II by—                        ■ e. Redesignating paragraphs (b)(1)(ix)
                                                 ‘‘52.222–27’’ and their corresponding                   ■ 1. Revising the date of the Alternate;              through (b)(1)(xiv) as paragraphs
                                                 OMB control number ‘‘1215–0072’’ and                    ■ 2. Removing paragraph (e)(1)(ii)(O);                (b)(1)(x) through (xv), respectively; and
                                                 adding ‘‘52.222–21’’, ‘‘52.222–22’’,                    ■ 3. Redesignating paragraphs                         ■ f. Adding a new paragraph (b)(1)(ix).
                                                 ‘‘52.222–23’’, ‘‘52.222–25’’, ‘‘52.222–                 (e)(1)(ii)(D) through (e)(1)(ii)(N) as                  The revised and added text reads as
                                                 26’’, and ‘‘52.222–27’’ and their                       paragraphs (e)(1)(ii)(E) through (O),                 follows:
                                                 corresponding OMB control number                        respectively;
                                                 ‘‘1250–0003’’ in their places.                          ■ 4. Adding a new paragraph                           52.213–4 Terms and Conditions—
                                                                                                         (e)(1)(ii)(D);                                        Simplified Acquisitions (Other Than
                                                 PART 22—APPLICATION OF LABOR                            ■ 5. Further redesignating newly                      Commercial Items).
                                                 LAWS TO GOVERNMENT                                      designated paragraphs (e)(1)(ii)(N) and               *        *    *    *     *
                                                 ACQUISITIONS                                            (O) as paragraphs (e)(1)(ii)(O) and (P),              Terms and Conditions—Simplified
                                                                                                         respectively; and                                     Acquisitions (Other Than Commercial
                                                 ■  3. Amend section 22.801 by adding, in                ■ 6. Adding new paragraph (e)(1)(ii)(N).
                                                 alphabetical order, the definitions                                                                           Items) (Apr 2015)
                                                                                                            The revised and added text reads as
                                                 ‘‘Gender identity’’ and ‘‘Sexual                        follows:                                              *      *    *    *      *
                                                 orientation’’ to read as follows:                                                                               (a) * * *
                                                                                                         52.212–5 Contract Terms and Conditions                  (1) * * *
                                                 22.801   Definitions.                                   Required to Implement Statutes or
                                                 *     *    *     *    *                                 Executive Orders—Commercial Items.                      (ii) 52.222–21, Prohibition of
                                                   Gender identity has the meaning                                                                             Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015).
                                                                                                         *       *     *       *      *
                                                 given by the Department of Labor’s                                                                              (iii) 52.222–26, Equal Opportunity
                                                 Office of Federal Contract Compliance                   Contract Terms and Conditions                         (Apr 2015) (E.O. 11246).
                                                 Programs, and is found at www.dol.gov/                  Required to Implement Statutes or                     *      *    *    *      *
                                                 ofccp/LGBT/LGBT_FAQs.html.                              Executive Orders—Commercial Items                       (vii) 52.222–6, Subcontracts for
                                                 *     *    *     *    *                                 (Apr 2015)                                            Commercial Items (Apr 2015).
                                                   Sexual orientation has the meaning                    *       *    *    *    *                              *      *    *    *      *
                                                 given by the Department of Labor’s                         (b) * * *                                            (b) * * *
                                                 Office of Federal Contract Compliance                      lll (27) 52.222–21, Prohibition of                   (1) * * *
                                                 Programs, and is found at www.dol.gov/                  Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015).                       (ix) 52.222–55, Minimum Wages
                                                 ofccp/LGBT/LGBT_FAQs.html.                                 lll (28) 52.222–26, Equal                          Under Executive Order 13658 (Dec
                                                 *     *    *     *    *                                 Opportunity (Apr 2015) (E.O. 11246).                  2014) (E.O. 13658).
                                                                                                         *       *    *    *    *                              *      *    *    *      *
                                                 22.802   [Amended]
                                                                                                            (c) * * *
                                                                                                                                                               ■ 8. Amend section 52.222–21 by
                                                 ■ 4. Amend section 22.802 by removing                      lll (1) 52.222–17,
                                                 from paragraph (a)(2) ‘‘sex, or’’ and                                                                         revising the date of clause and
                                                                                                         Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers
                                                 adding ‘‘sex, sexual orientation, gender                                                                      paragraph (a) to read as follows:
                                                                                                         (May 2014) (E.O. 13495).
                                                 identity, or’’ in its place.                            *       *    *    *    *                              52.222–21     Prohibition of segregated
                                                 22.807   [Amended]                                         lll (8) 52.222–55, Minimum                         facilities.
                                                                                                         Wages Under Executive Order 13658                     *        *    *    *     *
                                                 ■ 5. Amend section 22.807 by removing                   (Dec 2014) (E.O. 13658).
                                                 from paragraph (b)(4) ‘‘sex, or’’ and                                                                         Prohibition of Segregated Facilities
                                                 adding ‘‘sex, sexual orientation, gender                *       *    *    *    *                              (Apr 2015)
                                                 identity, or’’ in its place.                               (e)(1) * * *
                                                                                                            (iv) 52.222–21, Prohibition of                        (a) Definitions. As used in this clause—
                                                                                                         Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015).                        Gender identity has the meaning given by
                                                 PART 52—SOLICITATION PROVISIONS                                                                               the Department of Labor’s Office of Federal
                                                 AND CONTRACT CLAUSES                                    *       *    *    *    *                              Contract Compliance Programs, and is found
                                                                                                            (xv) 52.222–55, Minimum Wages                      at www.dol.gov/ofccp/LGBT/LGBT_
                                                 ■ 6. Amend section 52.212–5 by—                         Under Executive Order 13658 (Dec                      FAQs.html.
                                                 ■ a. Revising the date of the clause;                   2014) (E.O. 13658).                                      Segregated facilities means any waiting
                                                 ■ b. Revising paragraphs (b)(27) and                                                                          rooms, work areas, rest rooms and wash
                                                 (28);                                                   *       *    *    *    *
                                                                                                                                                               rooms, restaurants and other eating areas,
                                                 ■ c. Removing paragraph (c)(10);                           Alternate II (Apr 2015). * * *                     time clocks, locker rooms and other storage
                                                 ■ d. Redesignating paragraphs (c)(1)                    *       *    *    *    *                              or dressing areas, parking lots, drinking
                                                 through (c)(9) as paragraphs (c)(2)                        (e)(1) * * *                                       fountains, recreation or entertainment areas,
                                                 through (10), respectively;                                (ii) * * *                                         transportation, and housing facilities
                                                 ■ e. Adding a new paragraph (c)(1);                        (D) 52.222–21, Prohibition of                      provided for employees, that are segregated
                                                 ■ f. Revising the newly designated                      Segregated Facilities (APR 2015).                     by explicit directive or are in fact segregated
                                                 paragraph (c)(8);                                                                                             on the basis of race, color, religion, sex,
                                                                                                         *       *    *    *    *                              sexual orientation, gender identity, or
                                                 ■ g. Removing paragraph (e)(1)(xvii);
                                                                                                            (N) 52.222–55, Minimum Wages                       national origin because of written or oral
                                                 ■ h. Redesignating paragraphs (e)(1)(iv)
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                                                                                                         Under Executive Order 13658 (Dec                      policies or employee custom. The term does
                                                 through (e)(1)(xvi) as paragraphs
                                                                                                         2014) (E.O. 13658).                                   not include separate or single-user rest rooms
                                                 (e)(1)(v) through (xvii), respectively;                                                                       or necessary dressing or sleeping areas
                                                 ■ i. Adding a new paragraph (e)(1)(iv);                 *       *    *    *    *
                                                                                                                                                               provided to assure privacy between the
                                                 ■ j. Further redesignating newly                        ■ 7. Amend section 52.213–4 by—                       sexes.
                                                 designated paragraphs (e)(1)(xv) through                ■ a. Revising the date of the clause;                    Sexual orientation has the meaning given
                                                 (e)(1)(xvii) as paragraphs (e)(1)(xvi)                  ■ b. Revising paragraphs (a)(1)(ii) and               by the Department of Labor’s Office of
                                                 through (xviii), respectively;                          (a)(1)(iii);                                          Federal Contract Compliance Programs, and



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                                                 19508                Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 69 / Friday, April 10, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                                 is found at www.dol.gov/ofccp/LGBT/LGBT_                Affirmative Action Compliance                         the denial is attributable to the race, color,
                                                 FAQs.html.                                              Requirements for Construction (Apr                    religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender
                                                                                                         2015)                                                 identity, or national origin of the employee
                                                 *     *     *    *       *                                                                                    or potential employee.
                                                 ■ 9. Amend section 52.222–26 by—                           (a) Definitions. As used in this clause—             (End of clause)
                                                 ■ a. Revising the date of the clause;                      Covered area means the geographical area
                                                 ■ b. Revising paragraph (a);                            described in the solicitation for this contract.      ■ 12. Amend section 52.244–6 by—
                                                 ■ c. Revising the first sentence of                        Deputy Assistant Secretary means the               ■ a. Revising the date of the clause;
                                                 paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2); and                       Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of          ■ b. Redesignating paragraphs (c)(1)(iv)
                                                                                                         Federal Contract Compliance Programs, U.S.            through (xii) as paragraphs (c)(1)(v)
                                                 ■ d. Revising paragraph (c)(4) to read as
                                                                                                         Department of Labor, or a designee.                   through (xiii), respectively;
                                                 follows:                                                   Employer identification number means the           ■ c. Adding a new paragraph (c)(1)(iv);
                                                 52.222–26    Equal Opportunity.                         Federal Social Security number used on the            ■ d. Revising newly designated
                                                                                                         employer’s quarterly Federal tax return, U.S.
                                                 *      *     *       *      *                           Treasury Department Form 941.                         paragraph (c)(1)(v);
                                                                                                            Gender identity has the meaning given by           ■ e. Further redesignating newly
                                                 Equal Opportunity (Apr 2015)                                                                                  designated paragraphs (c)(1)(xi) through
                                                                                                         the Department of Labor’s Office of Federal
                                                    (a) Definitions. As used in this clause—             Contract Compliance Programs, and is found            (xiii) as paragraphs (c)(1)(xii) through
                                                    Gender identity has the meaning given by             at www.dol.gov/ofccp/LGBT/LGBT_                       (xiv); and
                                                 the Department of Labor’s Office of Federal             FAQs.html.                                            ■ f. Adding a new paragraph (c)(1)(xi) to
                                                 Contract Compliance Programs, and is found                 Minority means— * * *                              read as follows:
                                                 at www.dol.gov/ofccp/LGBT/LGBT_                            Sexual orientation has the meaning given
                                                 FAQs.html.                                              by the Department of Labor’s Office of                52.244–6     Subcontracts for Commercial
                                                    Sexual orientation has the meaning given             Federal Contract Compliance Programs, and             Items.
                                                 by the Department of Labor’s Office of                  is found at www.dol.gov/ofccp/LGBT/LGBT_              *        *    *    *      *
                                                 Federal Contract Compliance Programs, and               FAQs.html.
                                                 is found at www.dol.gov/ofccp/LGBT/LGBT_                *       *     *       *      *                        Subcontracts for Commercial Items
                                                 FAQs.html.                                                 (j) The Contractor shall not use goals or          (Apr 2015)
                                                    United States means the 50 States, the               affirmative action standards to discriminate
                                                 District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the                                                                        *     *     *   *      *
                                                                                                         against any person because of race, color,
                                                 Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa,               religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender               (c)(1) * * *
                                                 Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Wake                 identity, or national origin.                           (iv) 52.222–21, Prohibition of
                                                 Island.                                                                                                       Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015).
                                                                                                         *     *     *    *     *                                (v) 52.222–26, Equal Opportunity
                                                 *      *     *       *      *
                                                   (c)(1) The Contractor shall not discriminate          ■ 11. Revise section 52.222–29 to read                (Apr 2015) (E.O. 11246).
                                                 against any employee or applicant for                   as follows:                                           *     *     *   *      *
                                                 employment because of race, color, religion,                                                                    (xi) 52.222–55, Establishing a
                                                                                                         52.222–29     Notification of visa denial.
                                                 sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or                                                                  Minimum Wage for Contractors (E.O.
                                                 national origin. * * *                                    As prescribed in 22.810(g), insert the
                                                                                                         following clause:                                     13658) (Dec 2014).
                                                   (2) The Contractor shall take affirmative
                                                 action to ensure that applicants are                                                                          *     *     *   *      *
                                                                                                         Notification of Visa Denial (Apr 2015)                [FR Doc. 2015–08309 Filed 4–8–15; 11:15 am]
                                                 employed, and that employees are treated
                                                 during employment, without regard to their                 (a) Definitions. As used in this clause—           BILLING CODE 6820–EP–P
                                                 race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation,            Gender identity has the meaning given by
                                                 gender identity, or national origin. * * *              the Department of Labor’s Office of Federal
                                                 *      *     *       *      *                           Contract Compliance Programs, and is found            DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
                                                   (4) The Contractor shall, in all solicitations        at www.dol.gov/ofccp/LGBT/LGBT_
                                                 or advertisements for employees placed by or            FAQs.html.                                            GENERAL SERVICES
                                                 on behalf of the Contractor, state that all                Sexual orientation has the meaning given           ADMINISTRATION
                                                 qualified applicants will receive                       by the Department of Labor’s Office of
                                                 consideration for employment without regard             Federal Contract Compliance Programs, and
                                                                                                         is found at www.dol.gov/ofccp/LGBT/LGBT_              NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND
                                                 to race, color, religion, sex, sexual                                                                         SPACE ADMINISTRATION
                                                 orientation, gender identity, or national               FAQs.html.
                                                 origin.                                                    (b) Requirement to notify. (1) It is a
                                                                                                         violation of Executive Order 11246 for a              48 CFR Chapter 1
                                                 *     *     *     *    *                                Contractor to refuse to employ any applicant
                                                                                                         or not to assign any person hired in the              [Docket No. FAR 2015–0051, Sequence 1]
                                                 ■ 10. Amend section 52.222–27 by—
                                                 ■ a. Revising the date of the clause;
                                                                                                         United States, Puerto Rico, the Northern
                                                                                                         Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the            Federal Acquisition Regulation;
                                                 ■ b. Revising the introductory text of                                                                        Federal Acquisition Circular 2005–81;
                                                                                                         U.S. Virgin Islands, or Wake Island, on the
                                                 paragraph (a) and the definitions                       basis that the individual’s race, color,              Small Entity Compliance Guide
                                                 ‘‘Covered area’’, ‘‘Deputy Assistant                    religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender
                                                 Secretary’’, ‘‘Employer identification                  identity, or national origin is not compatible        AGENCY:  Department of Defense (DoD),
                                                 number’’, and the introductory text of                  with the policies of the country where or for         General Services Administration (GSA),
                                                 the definition ‘‘Minority’’;                            whom the work will be performed (41 CFR               and National Aeronautics and Space
                                                 ■ c. Adding to paragraph (a), in                        60–1.10).                                             Administration (NASA).
                                                 alphabetical order, the definitions                        (2) The Contractor shall notify the U.S.           ACTION: Small Entity Compliance Guide.
                                                                                                         Department of State, Assistant Secretary,
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                                                 ‘‘Gender identity’’ and ‘‘Sexual                        Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM),
                                                 orientation’’; and                                                                                            SUMMARY:  This document is issued
                                                                                                         2201 C Street NW., Room 6212, Washington,             under the joint authority of DOD, GSA,
                                                 ■ d. Revising paragraph (j) to read as                  DC 20520, and the U.S. Department of Labor,
                                                 follows:                                                Deputy Assistant Secretary for Federal
                                                                                                                                                               and NASA. This Small Entity
                                                                                                         Contract Compliance, when it has knowledge            Compliance Guide has been prepared in
                                                 52.222–27 Affirmative Action Compliance                 of any employee or potential employee being           accordance with section 212 of the
                                                 Requirements for Construction.                          denied an entry visa to a country where this          Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
                                                 *      *     *       *      *                           contract will be performed, and it believes           Fairness Act of 1996. It consists of a


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Document Created: 2018-02-21 10:09:07
Document Modified: 2018-02-21 10:09:07
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionInterim rule.
DatesEffective: April 10, 2015.
ContactMr. Edward Loeb, Procurement Analyst, at 202-501-0650 for clarification of content. For information pertaining to status or publication schedules, contact the Regulatory Secretariat at 202-501-4755. Please cite FAC 2005-81, FAR Case 2015- 013.
FR Citation80 FR 19504 
RIN Number9000-AN01
CFR Citation48 CFR 1
48 CFR 22
48 CFR 52

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