Davis-Bacon

Federal Davis-Bacon and Related Acts

Overview

The Davis-Bacon and Related Acts, apply to contractors and subcontractors performing on federally funded or assisted contracts in excess of $2,000 for the construction, alteration, or repair (including painting and decorating) of public buildings or public works. Davis-Bacon Act and Related Act contractors and subcontractors must pay their laborers and mechanics employed under the contract no less than the locally prevailing wages and fringe benefits for corresponding work on similar projects in the area. The Davis-Bacon Act directs the Department of Labor to determine such locally prevailing wage rates. The Davis-Bacon Act applies to contractors and subcontractors performing work on federal or District of Columbia contracts. The Davis-Bacon Act prevailing wage provisions apply to the “Related Acts,” under which federal agencies assist construction projects through grants, loans, loan guarantees, and insurance.

For prime contracts in excess of $100,000, contractors and subcontractors must also, under the provisions of the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act, as amended, pay laborers and mechanics, including guards and watchmen, at least one and one-half times their regular rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. The overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act may also apply to DBA-covered contracts.

Reporting

Each covered contractor and subcontractor must, on a weekly basis, provide the federal agency a copy of all payrolls providing the information listed above under “Recordkeeping” for the preceding weekly payroll period. Each payroll submitted must be accompanied by a “Statement of Compliance.” The contractor, subcontractor or the authorized officer or employee of the contractor or subcontractor who supervises the payment of wages must sign the weekly statement. Statements of Compliance are to be made on the form WH-347 "Payroll (For Contractors Optional Use)" or on any form with identical wording. This must be completed within seven days after the regular pay date for the pay period.

Contractors may also be asked to submit, via survey, wage data that may be used by the Wage and Hour Division to determine the locally prevailing wage rates that will apply to workers on Davis-Bacon and DBRA-covered projects. The submission of wage data is encouraged, but voluntary. Contractors and others may use the WD-10 Form, Report of Construction Contractor’s Wage Rates.

Penalties/Sanctions

Contractors or subcontractors found to have disregarded their obligations to employees, or to have committed aggravated or willful violations while performing work on Davis-Bacon covered projects, may be subject to contract termination and debarment from future contracts for up to three years. In addition, contract payments may be withheld in sufficient amounts to satisfy liabilities for unpaid wages and liquidated damages that result from overtime violations of the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (CWHSSA).

Contractors and subcontractors may challenge determinations of violations and debarment before an Administrative Law Judge. Contractors and subcontractors may appeal decisions by Administrative Law Judge's with the Department's Administrative Review Board. Final Board determinations on violations may be appealed to and are enforceable through the federal courts.

Falsification of certified payroll records or the required kickback of wages may subject a contractor or subcontractor to civil or criminal prosecution, the penalty for which may be fines and/or imprisonment.

Labor Compliance Monitoring

Your agency from time to time may receive capital or construction grant funding from any one of the many Federal programs available including: Commerce, Defense, Education, EPA, FAA, HUD, Interior, Transportation or USDA, all of which require Davis Bacon labor compliance.

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