Department of Labor, OFCCP Checklist for Compliance with Section 503

This checklist should not be used as a substitute for contractors reviewing their regulatory requirements and other guidance provided by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), which enforces Section 503. Further, using this checklist does not guarantee or equate to compliance with the regulations.

The following Section 503 Subpart C, Affirmative Action Program Checklist is organized to assist federal contractors with 50 or more employees and a contract of $50,000 or more to benchmark their current activities against Section 503, Subpart C Affirmative Action Program requirements. By comparing their current activities against the regulatory requirements, federal contractors can develop an Affirmative Action Program that ensures equal employment opportunity and fosters employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

The checklist is organized by the Subpart C, Affirmative Action Program section numbers. The questions are derived from the associated regulatory language. Please note, this checklist should not be used as a substitute for contractors reviewing their regulatory requirements and other guidance provided by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), which enforces Section 503. Further, using this checklist does not guarantee or equate to compliance with the regulations.

Purpose of Section 503:

The Section 503 regulations set forth the standards for compliance with section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 793), which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and requires Government contractors and subcontractors to take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities. [60.741.1]

Definition of Disability from Section 503:

The term disability means, with respect to an individual:

(i) A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual;

(ii) A record of such an impairment; or

(iii) Being regarded as having such an impairment.