DOE O 350.3 Chg 1 (MinChg), Labor Standards Compliance, Contractor Labor Relations, and Contractor Workforce Restructuring Programs
Functional areas: Labor Standards, Compliance, Contractor Labor Relations, Contractor Workforce Restructuring
To ensure that contractors pursue collective bargaining practices that promote efficiency and economy in contract operations, judicious expenditure of public funds, equitable resolution of disputes, and effective collective bargaining relationships; that contractor relations/human resources specialists achieve consultations with management and operating contractors; and that appropriate labor standards are included in DOE/NNSA contracts and subcontracts. Cancels Chapters I-III of DOE O 350.1 Chg 4. Supersedes DOE O 350.3.
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Earlier documents this one replaced.
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Text extracted from the attached file. Refer to the original document for the authoritative version.
Section 1
AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: INITIATED BY:
www.directives.doe.gov Office of General Counsel
U.S. Department of Energy ORDER
Washington, DC
Approved: 09-29-2014
Chg 1 (Min Chg): 9-10-2018
SUBJECT: LABOR STANDARDS COMPLIANCE, CONTRACTOR LABOR RELATIONS,
AND CONTRACTOR WORKFORCE RESTRUCTURING PROGRAMS
1. PURPOSE.
a. To ensure that Department of Energy (DOE) and National Nuclear Security
Administration (NNSA) management and operating contractors, other facility
management contractors, and security contractors pursue collective bargaining
practices that promote efficiency and economy in contract operations, judicious
expenditure of public funds, equitable resolution of disputes, and effective
collective bargaining relationships.
b. To ensure DOE/NNSA Contracting Officers (COs) and contractor industrial
relations/human resources specialists achieve full consultation with management
and operating contractors, facility management contractors, and security
contractors, prior to contractors’ negotiation of collective bargaining agreements
(CBA) and during the term of a CBA on matters that may have an impact on costs
under DOE/NNSA contracts, work rules that impact mission performance, or
exceptions to DOE/NNSA policy and past customs/practices.
c. To ensure that applicable labor standards are included in all DOE/NNSA contracts
and subcontracts.
d. To ensure DOE/NNSA cooperation with the Department of Labor (DOL), as
appropriate, to:
(1) obtain information,
(2) provide complete and timely reports, and
(3) exercise oversight enforcement responsibility to ensure contractor
compliance with applicable laws.
e. To ensure DOE/NNSA COs and contractor industrial relations/human resources
specialists consult with management and operating contractors, facility
management contractors, and security contractors, prior to the contractor
performing workforce restructuring to ensure such activities are undertaken in
compliance with DOE policy and practice and performed in a manner that
minimizes involuntary separations, retains critical skills, and minimizes the
impact on programmatic activities.
2. CANCELLATION. DOE O 350.3, Labor Standards Compliance, Contractor Labor
Relations, and Contractor Workforce Restructuring Programs, dated 9-29-2014.
DOE O 350.3
http://www.directives.doe.gov/
2 DOE O 350.3
09-29-14
Cancellation of a directive does not, by itself, modify or otherwise affect any contractual
or regulatory obligation to comply with the directive. Contractor Requirements
Documents (CRDs) that have been incorporated into a contract remain in effect
throughout the term of the contract unless and until the contract or regulatory
commitment is modified to either eliminate requirements that are no longer applicable or
substitute a new set of requirements.
3. APPLICABILITY.
a. Departmental Applicability. This Order applies to all Departmental elements as
set forth in Chapters I through III of this Order.
The Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) will
assure that NNSA employees comply with their respective responsibilities under
this directive. Nothing in this Order will be construed to interfere with the NNSA
Administrator’s authority under section 3212(d) of Public Law (P.L.) 106-65 to
establish Administration-specific policies, unless disapproved by the Secretary.
b. Contractors. This Order does not directly impose any requirements upon
contractors.
Section 2
c. Equivalencies/Exemptions for DOE O 350.3. Seeking equivalencies and
exemptions to this Order must be processed in accordance with DOE O 251.1D,
Departmental Directives Program.
In accordance with the responsibilities and authorities assigned by Executive
Order 12344, codified at 50 U.S.C. sections 2406 and 2511 and to ensure
consistency through the joint Navy/DOE Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, the
Deputy Administrator for Naval Reactors (Director) will implement and oversee
requirements and practices pertaining to this directive for activities under the
Director’s cognizance, as deemed appropriate.
4. REQUIREMENTS. Requirements are set forth in Chapters I through III of this Order.
5. RESPONSIBILITIES. Assignments of Responsibilities are set forth in Chapters I through
III of this Order.
6. REFERENCES. Applicable References are listed in Chapters I through III of this Order.
BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY:
DAN BROUILLETTE
Deputy Secretary
DOE O 350.3 I-1
09-29-14
CHAPTER I.
CONTRACTOR LABOR RELATIONS
1. PURPOSE.
a. To ensure that Department of Energy (DOE) and National Nuclear Security
Administration (NNSA) management and operating contractors, other facility
management contractors, and security contractors pursue collective bargaining
practices that promote efficiency and economy in contract operations, judicious
expenditure of public funds, equitable resolution of disputes, and effective
collective bargaining relationships.
b. To ensure DOE/NNSA Contracting Officers (COs) and contractor industrial
relations/human resources specialists achieve full consultation with
management and operating contractors, facility management contractors, and
security contractors, prior to contractors’ negotiation of collective bargaining
agreements (CBA) and during the term of a CBA on matters that may have an
impact on costs under DOE/NNSA contracts, work rules that impact mission
performance, or exceptions to DOE/NNSA policy and past customs/practices.
2. APPLICABILITY.
Pursuant to the Applicability provisions set forth at the beginning of this Order, this
chapter is applicable to all Departmental elements responsible for the management of cost
reimbursable contracts that include provisions for DOE reimbursement of contractor
human resources costs.
3. REQUIREMENTS.
a. DOE/NNSA shall ensure contractor economic bargaining parameters are
reasonable, allowable, and consistent with applicable DOE policies and labor
laws.
b. DOE/NNSA retains absolute authority on all questions of security, security
rules, and their administration. However, to the fullest extent feasible, DOE
shall consult with labor representatives and contractor management in
formulating security rules and regulations that affect the collective bargaining
process.
c. DOE/NNSA shall not take a public position concerning the merits of a labor
dispute between a contractor and its employees or organizations representing
those employees.
d. For NNSA, the requirements of this Chapter shall apply to the extent the
requirements are consistent with NNSA Business Operating Procedure,
BOP-03.03, Acquisition Coordination and Approval Processes, or any revisions
thereto. In addition, the requirements of this Chapter that are explicitly made
I-2 DOE O 350.3
09-29-14
applicable only to DOE shall also apply to NNSA to the extent those
requirements do not conflict with the NNSA BOP and set forth additional areas
of responsibility not specifically addressed in NNSA BOP-03.03.
Section 3
4. RESPONSIBILITIES.
a. Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Contractor Human Resources for
DOE and the NNSA Office of the General Counsel for NNSA (NNSA-GC).
(1) Establishes and oversees the implementation of labor relations policy in
consultation with the Director of the Contractor Human Resources
Policy Division for DOE and the Manager, NNSA Contractor Human
Resources Division (NNSA-CHRD) for NNSA, as applicable.
Oversight shall also be conducted in consultation with the appropriate
Heads of Departmental elements at Headquarters (HQ) and in the Field.
This includes:
(a) representing HQ on all matters involving contractor labor
relations issues,
(b) informing senior management of significant labor relations
developments,
(c) acting as a liaison to other government agencies and to
international unions and their representatives,
(d) serving as a clearing-house for labor relations information,
(e) attending meetings and conferences initiated by Departmental
elements where union representation will be present,
(f) during the procurement process, analyzing and commenting on
proposed contract clauses and provisions related to DOE/NNSA
reimbursement of contractor human resource costs,
(g) approving all policy affecting contractor labor relations, and
(h) providing guidance as to the implementation and conformance
with applicable Executive Orders, such as those related to
Project Labor Agreements.
(2) Works with Departmental elements that originate or change
qualification standards, testing requirements, or any other protocol that
may affect conditions of employment for contractor employees to
ensure they are developed and implemented consistent with
DOE/NNSA policies and labor law.
DOE O 350.3 I-3
09-29-14
(3) Prior to the commencement of negotiations, the Office of the Assistant
General Counsel for Contractor Human Resources will review
contractor economic bargaining parameters. For NNSA-GC, see BOP.
(4) Reviews, upon request of the Heads of Contracting Activities (HCAs),
changes to contractor proposals during the term of collective
bargaining.
(5) In consultation with COs/Designees, review the Contractor Labor
Relations Reports of Settlement uploaded by Contractors into iBenefits
on a quarterly basis.
(6) The Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Contractor Human
Resources will consult regularly with DOE COs, DOE HCAs, the
Director of DOE’s Contractor Human Resources Policy Division, and
their designees, on issues pertaining to contractor labor relations. For
NNSA-GC, see BOP.
b. Director, Contractor Human Resources Policy Division for DOE.
(1) Prior to the commencement of negotiations, review any contractor
economic bargaining parameters which are an exception to DOE/NNSA
policy (e.g., reimbursement of enhanced benefits in the context of
workforce restructuring), could involve other items of special interest to
the Government (e.g., changes to any pension or other benefit plan), or
otherwise upon request of the HCA.
(2) While negotiations for a new CBA are ongoing, review, upon request of
the HCAs, changes to contractor proposals.
c. DOE Heads of Contracting Activities (HCAs).
(1) For cost reimbursement purposes, review and approve the contractor’s
proposed economic bargaining parameters, including those for pension
and medical benefit costs, prior to the Contractor entering into the
collective bargaining process.
Section 4
(2) Prior to the commencement of negotiations, provide the Office of the
Assistant General Counsel for Contractor Human Resources and the
Director of the Contractor Human Resources Policy Division proposed
contractor economic bargaining parameters.
(3) Consult, as necessary, with the Director of the Contractor Human
Resources Policy Division and the Office of the Assistant General
Counsel for Contractor Human Resources on information received from
COs during collective bargaining negotiations regarding any proposal
that increases reimbursable costs above those previously approved in
I-4 DOE O 350.3
09-29-14
the economic bargaining parameters, prior to the contractor submitting
to or agreeing to any such proposal with the labor organization
representing its employees.
(4) Consult regularly with COs during the term of collective bargaining
agreements to stay abreast of information related to contractor labor
relations, such as Reports of Settlement uploaded to iBenefits on a
quarterly basis, as well as other matters of interest and concern to DOE.
(5) Provide timely information to the Office of the Assistant General
Counsel for Contractor Human Resources, and other cognizant
Departmental elements at HQ, concerning any other contractor labor
issues.
d. DOE Contracting Officers (COs)/Designees.
(1) Receive and review contractors’ proposed economic bargaining
parameters.
(2) Submit to the HCA for approval, along with written documentation
setting forth the recommendation of the CO, the contractor’s proposed
economic bargaining parameters.
(3) Consult with the HCA on information received from the contractor
during collective bargaining negotiations regarding any proposal, which
increases reimbursable costs above those previously approved in the
economic bargaining parameters, prior to the contractor submitting to or
agreeing to any such proposal with the labor organization representing
its employees.
(4) Consult regularly with the HCA and the Office of the Assistant General
Counsel for Contractor Human Resources during the term of collective
bargaining agreements to keep the HCA and the Office of the Assistant
General Counsel for Contractor Human Resources abreast of
information related to contractor labor relations, such as Reports of
Settlement uploaded to iBenefits on a quarterly basis, as well as other
matters of interest and concern to DOE.
(5) As soon as possible after becoming aware of them, notify the HCA and
the Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Contractor Human
Resources of any of the following, and provide any documents relevant
to such proceedings to the Assistant General Counsel for Contractor
Human Resources:
(a) National Labor Relations Board charges;
(b) A semi-annual report on all third-step grievances or other
grievances for which further judicial or administrative
DOE O 350.3 I-5
09-29-14
proceedings are anticipated. Generally documents relevant to the
third step grievance do not have to be included in the report;
however, the report should provide the following information:
1 List of all third step grievances filed during the previous
six-month period and dates the third step grievances were
filed;
2 A brief description of issues regarding the grievance (a few
sentences to no more than a paragraph);
3 If settled, the date of settlement, and terms of the
settlement. If a denial is made at the third step and the
period for requesting arbitration passes, report the matter as
closed.
Section 5
4 If not settled during the six-month reporting period, carry
over the item to subsequent six-month reporting periods
until settlement, request for arbitration, closure, or other
proceeding occurs.
(c) Arbitrations, including copies of all decisions issued by an
Arbitrator;
(d) Legal or judicial proceedings; and
(e) Other significant labor relations issues.
(6) Provide timely information to the HCA and the Assistant General
Counsel for Contractor Human Resources concerning any other
contractor labor issues.
(7) Consult with the Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Contractor
Human Resources on issues pertaining to contractor labor relations.
5. REFERENCES.
a. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Subpart 22.1, BASIC LABOR
POLICIES, which sets forth agency requirements for COs on labor relations
matters.
b. Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation (DEAR), Subpart 970.22,
APPLICATION OF LABOR POLICIES, which prescribes DOE labor policies
pertaining to the award and administration of management and operating
contracts and other contracts as determined by the CO.
c. DEAR 970.3102-05-6, which addresses allowability of compensation costs.
I-6 DOE O 350.3
09-29-14
6. CONTACT. Site lead attorney from the Office of the Assistant General Counsel for
Contractor Human Resources, at (202) 586-7532 or NNSA Office of General Counsel,
(202) 586-2647. For a list of site lead contacts in the Office of the Assistant General
Counsel for Contractor Human Resources, please visit
http://energy.gov/gc/leadership/contact-us/contacts-assistant-general-counsel-labor-and-
pension-law.
http://energy.gov/gc/leadership/contact-us/contacts-assistant-general-counsel-labor-and-pension-law
http://energy.gov/gc/leadership/contact-us/contacts-assistant-general-counsel-labor-and-pension-law
DOE O 350.3 II-1
09-29-14
CHAPTER II.
LABOR STANDARDS
1. PURPOSE.
a. To ensure that applicable labor standards are included in all Department of
Energy (DOE) and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
contracts and subcontracts.
b. To ensure DOE/NNSA cooperation with the Department of Labor (DOL), as
appropriate, to:
(1) obtain information,
(2) provide complete and timely reports, and
(3) exercise oversight enforcement responsibility to ensure contractor
compliance with applicable laws.
2. APPLICABILITY.
Pursuant to the Applicability provisions set forth at the beginning of this Order, this
Chapter is applicable to all Departmental elements responsible for the management of
contracts and financial assistance agreements that require payment of prevailing
wages.
3. REQUIREMENTS.
a. Labor Standards matters shall be processed as set forth in this Chapter.
b. Proposed acquisition and designated contractor work packages shall be
reviewed to determine the applicability of the Davis-Bacon Act (DBA) and/or
the Service Contract Act (SCA); work shall be accomplished in accordance
with such determinations.
c. Forward all disputed determinations that cannot be resolved at the field level to
the Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Contractor Human Resources or
the NNSA Office of General Counsel (NNSA-GC), as appropriate, for review.
d. DOE/NNSA shall furnish enforcement reports to the Administrator, Wage and
Hour Division, Department of Labor (DOL) (the Administrator) within 60 days
after completion of an investigation, where the DBA underpayments by a
contractor or any sub-tier subcontractor totals $1,000 or more, where there is
reason to believe the violations are willful, or where a contractor does not agree
with the findings and refuses to make restitution.
Section 6
II-2 DOE O 350.3
09-29-14
e. DOE/NNSA must prepare and submit the DBA Semi-Annual Enforcement
Report to the Administrator of Wage and Hour, DOL, by April 30 and October
31 of each calendar year.
f. DOE/NNSA must ensure bidders and contractors are provided with applicable
labor standards information and that, where necessary, conferences and
contract orientation meetings are held for solicitations or contracts (see the
References section below for a listing of relevant Labor Standards regulations).
g. For all contracts, submit SF-279, Federal Procurement Data System Individual
Contract Action Report, or its equivalent, to the Federal Procurement Data
System (FPDS).
h. For NNSA, the requirements of this Chapter shall apply to the extent the
requirements are consistent with NNSA Business Operating Procedure (BOP),
BOP 03.03, Acquisition Coordination and Approval Processes.
4. RESPONSIBILITIES.
a. Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Contractor Human Resources.
(1) In consultation with NNSA-GC, serve as the labor advisors for
DOE/NNSA and the primary point of contact with DOL.
(2) For DOE and NNSA, in consultation with NNSA-GC, coordinate
comments on proposed revisions to DOL regulations and provide
interpretations of final revisions to Departmental elements (both at
Headquarters (HQ) and in the field).
(3) For DOE and NNSA, in consultation with NNSA-GC, furnish an
enforcement report to the Administrator, Wage and Hour Division,
DOL (the Administrator) within 60 days after completion of an
investigation, where the DBA underpayments by a contractor or any
sub-tier subcontractor totals $1,000 or more, where there is reason to
believe the violations are willful, or where the contractor does not agree
with the findings and refuses to make restitution.
(4) For DOE and NNSA, in consultation with NNSA-GC, submit a factual
summary report detailing any violations including any data on the
amount of restitution paid, the number of workers who received
restitution, liquidated damages assessed under the Contract Work Hours
and Safety Standards Act, and any other information necessary for an
appropriate review when the DOL has requested an investigation.
(5) For DOE and NNSA, prepare and submit the DBA Semi-Annual
Enforcement Report to the DOL by April 30 and October 31.
DOE O 350.3 II-3
09-29-14
b. Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Contractor Human Resources for
DOE and the NNSA Office of General Counsel (NNSA-GC) for NNSA.
(1) Work with the Heads of Contracting Activities (HCA) and Contracting
Officers (COs) to determine classes of work for which
applicability/non-applicability of the DBA is clear, and for which the
HCA/CO will require no further DOE determination on coverage in
advance of the work.
(2) Coordinate responses to Congress and DOL on labor standards
complaints or other labor standards inquiries.
(3) Review contested labor standards determinations before the
determinations become final.
(4) Determine applicability of the DBA, the SCA, and other labor standards
statutes and provide analysis and comments for HQ procurements and,
when requested, for other contracts that require payment of prevailing
wages.
c. Heads of Contracting Activities (HCA).
(1) Establish Labor Standards Committees, where appropriate, to advise
COs on the applicability of the various labor standards statutes to work
performed under the contracts.
Section 7
(2) Determine whether to delegate to COs the HCA authority under DEAR
970.2204-1-1(b)(3), to prescribe classes of work for which
applicability/non-applicability of the DBA is clear.
(3) Approve “non-covered” determinations made by COs per DEAR
970.2204-1-1(a)(2).
(4) Consult regularly with COs during the contract life cycle (from
procurement to close-out) to stay abreast of issues related to labor
standards.
d. Contracting Officers (COs)/Designees.
(1) Consult regularly with the HCA during the contract life cycle (from
procurement to close-out) to keep the HCA informed of issues related to
labor standards.
(2) Review the e98, Notice of Intention to Make a Service Contract and
Response Notice, to ensure that the contemplated work is appropriately
covered by the SCA and that forms are prepared properly. Forward such
forms to DOL prior to the solicitation of an SCA covered contract when
II-4 DOE O 350.3
09-29-14
a general area wage determination is not available at
http://www.wdol.gov/.
(3) Notify the Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Contractor
Human Resources or NNSA-GC, as appropriate, of complaints by
contractor employees, significant labor standards violations (i.e., all
violations of $1,000 or more), disputed labor standards determinations
that cannot be resolved at the field level, DOL investigations, and all
labor standards complaints, arbitrations, or legal or judicial proceedings
generated by contractor employees and others, and any other significant
labor standards issues as soon as possible after becoming aware of
them.
(4) Ensure that all contracts contain the appropriate labor standards
provisions.
(5) Ensure that bidders and contractors are provided with applicable labor
standards information and, where necessary, hold conferences and
contract orientation meetings for solicitations or contracts.
(6) Assist the DOL, in coordination with the Office of the Assistant General
Counsel for Contractor Human Resources or NNSA-GC, as appropriate,
in preparing for a hearing on and/or investigating any alleged violations
or disputes on alleged violations.
(7) For all contracts, furnish SF-279, Federal Procurement Data System
Individual Contract Action Report, or its equivalent, to the Federal
Procurement Data System (FPDS).
(8) Request DBA project wage determinations from the DOL on the SF-
308, Request for Determination and Response to Request, for instances
in which general area decisions are not available or are not appropriate
to the DOE site or job. When appropriate, the general area wage
determination may be found on the DOL website at
http://www.wdol.gov/.
(9) Ensure payroll and job-site audits are conducted as necessary to
determine compliance with the DBA.
(10) Investigate complaints under the DBA to determine compliance and
proceed as follows:
(a) If no violation is discovered, advise the complainant of the
reasons for the conclusion.
(b) If a violation is discovered:
http://www.wdol.gov/
DOE O 350.3 II-5
09-29-14
1 determine the amount of back wages, fringe benefits, and
overtime pay due each employee, and request the
contractor to make restitution;
2 determine the amount of liquidated damages due, if any,
and request the contractor to pay the amount;
3 withhold sufficient funds to compensate employees and
to cover any liquidated damages that may be due when
the contractor does not cooperate or does not agree with
the findings, and refuses to make restitution;
Section 8
4 notify the Office of the Assistant General Counsel for
Contractor Human Resources and NNSA-GC, as
appropriate, of DBA compliance findings; and
5 ensure that funds withheld to compensate employees for
back wages are forwarded to the Department of Labor
for disbursement, if restitution has not been made.
(11) Prepare and submit the DBA Semi-Annual Enforcement Report to the
Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Contractor Human
Resources by April 21 and October 21 of each year.
5. REFERENCES.
a. Department of Labor Regulations at 29 C.F.R. Parts 1, 3, 4 and 5, which
provide labor standards for federal service contracts, and labor standards
provisions applicable to contracts covering federally financed and assisted
construction.
b. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Subpart 5.4, RELEASE OF
INFORMATION.
c. FAR, Subpart 22.4, LABOR STANDARDS FOR CONTRACTS INVOLVING
CONSTRUCTION, which explains the applicability of the DBA.
d. FAR, Subpart 22.10, SERVICE CONTRACT ACT OF 1965, AS AMENDED,
which explains the applicability of the Service Contract Act.
e. Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation (DEAR) 970.2204-1-1,
ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS AND CRITERIA FOR APPLICATION OF
THE DAVIS-BACON ACT IN OPERATIONAL OR MAINTENANCE
ACTIVITIES.
f. DEAR Subpart 970.52, SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT
CLAUSES FOR MANAGEMENT AND OPERATING CONTRACTS.
II-6 DOE O 350.3
09-29-14
g. DOE Acquisition Guide, Chapter 22.1, Labor Standards for Construction and
Services.
6. CONTACT. Site lead attorney from the Office of the Assistant General Counsel for
Contractor Human Resources, at (202) 586-7532 or the NNSA Office of General
Counsel at (202) 586-2647. For a list of site lead contacts in the Office of the Assistant
General Counsel for Contractor Human Resources, please visit
http://energy.gov/gc/leadership/contact-us/contacts-assistant-general-counsel-labor-
and-pension-law.
http://energy.gov/gc/leadership/contact-us/contacts-assistant-general-counsel-labor-and-pension-law
http://energy.gov/gc/leadership/contact-us/contacts-assistant-general-counsel-labor-and-pension-law
DOE O 350.3 III-1
09-29-14
CHAPTER III.
REDUCTIONS IN CONTRACTOR EMPLOYMENT
1. PURPOSE.
a. To ensure contractors perform workforce planning that provides for continued
availability of critical knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the
Department's mission.
b. To ensure contractor workforce restructuring actions are conducted in a manner
that minimizes the impact on programmatic activities.
c. To ensure contractors provide reasonable notice to employees, their
representatives, public officials, and other stakeholders of necessary reductions
in contractor employment, and to consult with them in planning for work force
restructuring.
d. To the extent practicable, to minimize involuntary separations at DOE defense
nuclear facilities and other facilities through retraining, attrition, and other
measures, as practicable.
2. APPLICABILITY.
Pursuant to the Applicability provisions set forth at the beginning of this Order, this
chapter is applicable to all Departmental elements responsible for the management of
cost reimbursable contracts that include provisions for DOE reimbursement of
contractor human resource costs.
3. REQUIREMENTS.
Section 9
a. Manage workforce restructuring actions in accordance with this chapter and
Departmental policies, as revised from time to time. Accountability will be
with the Under Secretaries unless otherwise delegated. Collaboration is
expected with the DOE and NNSA Offices of General Counsel, Management,
Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Public Affairs. It remains
critical to ensure complete legal reviews of all workforce restructuring actions
as specified in this Chapter.
b. DOE/NNSA will review contractor specific workforce restructuring plans
(Specific Plans) for use of recruitment, retention, and best practices to ensure
continued availability of the critical workforce knowledge, skills, and abilities
required for the Department’s missions.
c. DOE/NNSA will only require notification (not approval) of
laboratory/contractor Self-Select Voluntary Separation Programs if consistent
with the following parameters: 1) in accordance with approved laboratory and
contractor policies and contract requirements; 2) no enhanced benefits
III-2 DOE O 350.3
09-29-14
(severance or pension); 3) no backfilling1 or re-employment of employees for a
one-year period after severance is paid; 4) business case submitted 5 days in
advance of notification date that includes maximum number of voluntary
separations, maximum dollars, positions/skills impacted; reasons separations
are needed, including how conducting a SSVSP will better position the
contractor to conduct the mission work; copies of the self-select application
(see 7(c)(5)) and any employee waivers or releases of claims, and a
communication plan; and 5) voluntary separations offered to employees in a
non-discriminatory and legally compliant manner. The contractor is
responsible and accountable for conducting and defending all voluntary
separation actions in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and the
contract terms and conditions.
d. DOE/NNSA will not approve contractor requests for enhanced benefits other
than severance, i.e., benefits in excess of those provided for under the parties’
contract, including benefits in excess of those provided for under any benefit
plans approved by the Department, unless otherwise approved by the Secretary
or Deputy Secretary.
e. DOE/NNSA will not approve contractor requests for enhanced severance
benefits (benefits that are not consistent with the approved laboratory and
contractor policies and contract requirements), unless otherwise approved by
the Under Secretary. Questions regarding what constitutes “enhanced”
severance in particular circumstances should be directed to GC-63 or, for
NNSA elements, NNSA OGC.
f. DOE/NNSA will not approve contractor requests to provide involuntary
separating contractor employees pay in lieu of notice in excess of two weeks,
unless otherwise approved by the Secretary or Deputy Secretary.
g. Absent Secretarial approval, DOE/NNSA will not approve contractor requests
for reimbursement of early retirement incentives funded through contractor
pension plans.
h. For NNSA, the requirements of this Chapter shall apply to the extent the
requirements are consistent with NNSA Business Operating Procedure (BOP),
BOP 03.03, Acquisition Coordination and Approval Processes.
1 There is no backfilling within the meaning of this Order where a separating employee is replaced by an internal candidate so
long as:
• The separating employee is leaving voluntarily;
• The internal replacement is a regular, permanent employee on the contractor’s payroll, not a temporary hire, staff
Section 10
augmentee, or someone serving under a post-doctoral program, etc.;
• The replacement results in a net reduction in headcount and costs of regular employees; and
• The replacement is accomplished in an otherwise legally compliant manner, including no unlawful intent to discriminate
based upon age.
DOE O 350.3 III-3
09-29-14
4. REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE ONLY TO DOE/NNSA DEFENSE NUCLEAR
FACILITIES.
a. Upon a determination that a change in the work force at a DOE defense nuclear
facility is necessary, the Department is obligated under section 3161 of the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993, Public Law 102-484
(Section 3161), codified at 50 U.S.C. 2704, to prepare a workforce restructuring
plan (General Plan) for submission to Congress. A list of Defense Nuclear
Facilities is available online at http://energy.gov/gc/services/technology-transfer-
and-procurement/office-assistant-general-counsel-labor-and-pension.
b. The General Plan shall be submitted to the Secretary, who will approve or
disapprove it for delivery to Congress.
c. The General Plan shall lay out how contractor workforce restructuring will be
conducted at the site in a manner that meets the objectives of this Chapter. The
Department has developed a template for General Plans to ensure consistency and
accurate application of Section 3161 and Departmental policy, as well as to
expedite Departmental review. The template for the General Plan and the
accompanying notice of intent to develop a plan for workforce restructuring is
available online at http://energy.gov/gc/services/technology-transfer-and-
procurement/office-assistant-general-counsel-labor-and-pension.
d. In order to ensure appropriate consultation with affected stakeholders in the
development of a General Plan, Section 3161 provides that changes in the work
force at a Department of Energy defense nuclear facility should be made only
after notice of the anticipated change is provided to the Department, affected
employees, and the local communities. Section 3161 requires such notice at least
120 days before the anticipated change to permit the development of a General
Plan by the Department, where no General Plan is in place.
e. The Department has interpreted Section 3161 to trigger the requirement to
develop a General Plan only where the change anticipated will affect at least 100
employees within a 12-month period.
f. General Plans developed in accordance with Section 3161 provide a framework
for workforce restructuring actions at a particular DOE or NNSA site; these plans
are not limited to a specific workforce restructuring action. Departmental policy
on matters such as use of incentives and employee waivers has changed over time,
and, accordingly, it is crucial to periodically review and update the General Plans
for each site. The Department has developed a template for a Notice to advise
stakeholders that a new draft General Plan for the site is, or will become, available
for comment. The notice is available online at
http://energy.gov/gc/services/technology-transfer-and-procurement/office-
assistant-general-counsel-labor-and-pension.
http://energy.gov/gc/services/technology-transfer-and-procurement/office-assistant-general-counsel-labor-and-pension
http://energy.gov/gc/services/technology-transfer-and-procurement/office-assistant-general-counsel-labor-and-pension
http://energy.gov/gc/services/technology-transfer-and-procurement/office-assistant-general-counsel-labor-and-pension
http://energy.gov/gc/services/technology-transfer-and-procurement/office-assistant-general-counsel-labor-and-pension
http://energy.gov/gc/services/technology-transfer-and-procurement/office-assistant-general-counsel-labor-and-pension
http://energy.gov/gc/services/technology-transfer-and-procurement/office-assistant-general-counsel-labor-and-pension
Section 11
III-4 DOE O 350.3
09-29-14
g. Certain employees involuntarily terminated during an approved workforce
restructuring at a defense nuclear facility should receive preference in filling
vacancies in the work force of the DOE/NNSA contractors and subcontractors.
The Department has determined that employees must be identified as having
helped maintain the Nation’s nuclear deterrent in order to qualify for this
preference. Preference eligible employees are those employees who were
employed at a defense nuclear facility on or before September 27, 1991, and have
worked at a DOE defense nuclear facility since that date. Complete eligibility
criteria for the preference are available online at
http://energy.gov/gc/services/technology-transfer-and-procurement/office-
assistant-general-counsel-labor-and-pension. Section 3161 requires all prime
contractors and subcontractors whose contracts with the Department equal or
exceed $500,000 in value to honor the preference.
5. REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO BOTH DOE/NNSA DEFENSE NUCLEAR
FACILITIES AND NON-DEFENSE FACILITIES.
a. The appropriate Under Secretary is charged with responsibility for approving
workforce restructuring actions by its contractors as set forth herein. This
approval authority may be delegated as determined by the Under Secretary. All
such delegations must be in writing. If, by the terms of the contractor's contract, it
must obtain Contracting Officer approval to expend funds associated with a
workforce restructuring action, this requirement shall in no way be construed to
abrogate the contracting officer's authority.
b. Each contractor is obligated by DOE contractor workforce restructuring policy to
prepare a Specific Plan if the contractor intends to reduce its workforce by 100 or
more employees through an involuntary separation action within a rolling 12-
month period.
c. In order to provide substantive and helpful comments and to work with the
contractors on approaches to reduce risk, Under Secretaries/designees, in
consultation with appropriate staff offices, will review and approve any Specific
Plan, within 10 business days after submission of a complete package by the
contractor unless the contractor is notified of issues necessitating an extension of
time and the contractor responds to requests for additional information from DOE
within 3 business days.
d. The Specific Plan shall lay out how the contractor will conduct its workforce
restructuring action at the site in a manner that meets the objectives of this
Chapter. The Department has developed a template for Specific Plans to ensure
consistency and accurate application of Section 3161 and Departmental policy, as
well as to expedite Departmental review. The templates for the contractor
Involuntary Separation Plan, as well as the General Release and Waiver Form are
available online at http://energy.gov/gc/services/technology-transfer-and-
procurement/office-assistant-general-counsel-labor-and-pension.
http://energy.gov/gc/services/technology-transfer-and-procurement/office-assistant-general-counsel-labor-and-pension
http://energy.gov/gc/services/technology-transfer-and-procurement/office-assistant-general-counsel-labor-and-pension
http://energy.gov/gc/services/technology-transfer-and-procurement/office-assistant-general-counsel-labor-and-pension
http://energy.gov/gc/services/technology-transfer-and-procurement/office-assistant-general-counsel-labor-and-pension
DOE O 350.3 III-5
09-29-14
Section 12
e. DOE/NNSA notifications to Congress of upcoming workforce restructuring
actions will occur within 48 hours (two business days) of approval of the Specific
Plan, or contractors will receive an estimate for completing notification, to allow
appropriate planning to occur. This notification to Congress must occur prior to
any public announcement by DOE, NNSA, or the contractor.
f. For non-defense DOE facilities, the delivery of a General Plan to Congress is at
the discretion of the Secretary.
g. Government contractors are prohibited by law from engaging in discrimination
in the workplace. Consistent with the contract clauses set forth in Section H,
Special Contract Requirements, the contractor must perform an adverse impact
analysis (also known as a diversity analysis) when the involuntary separation
action affects 100 or more contractor employees within a rolling 12-month
period. A copy of the analysis shall be provided to the DOE/NNSA site counsel
(to protect Attorney-Client privilege) to assist in determinations regarding cost
allowability. In analyzing contractor requests for reimbursement of costs
associated with settlement of employment discrimination litigation,
DOE/NNSA will take into account the results of any Office of the Assistant
General Counsel for Contractor Human Resources review of the contractor's
adverse impact analysis. Information on adverse impact analyses, a template,
and an example can be found online at
http://energy.gov/gc/services/technology-transfer-and-procurement/office-
assistant-general-counsel-labor-and-pension. An adverse impact analysis is
used to assist the contractor in ensuring compliance with Executive Order
11246, implemented through FAR clause 52.222.26. The contractor is
responsible and accountable for conducting and defending all involuntary
separation actions in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and contract
terms and conditions.
h. Contractors are encouraged to consider the use of employee waivers and releases.
The Department has developed a model waiver and release of claims. If a
contractor decides to use an employee waiver/release, the Office of the Assistant
General Counsel for Contractor Human Resources or NNSA-GC, as appropriate,
must approve any deviation from the Departmental model. The Departmental
model waiver and release of claims is available online at
http://energy.gov/gc/services/technology-transfer-and-procurement/office-
assistant-general-counsel-labor-and-pension.
i. The Department shall ensure contractors are not hiring or rehiring individuals,
who volunteered for termination during a Self-Select Voluntary Separation Plan
for a one-year period after the separation. If an employee is rehired prior to the
one year period, the employee may be required to pay back all or a pro-rata
amount of the severance received.
http://energy.gov/gc/services/technology-transfer-and-procurement/office-assistant-general-counsel-labor-and-pension
http://energy.gov/gc/services/technology-transfer-and-procurement/office-assistant-general-counsel-labor-and-pension
http://energy.gov/gc/services/technology-transfer-and-procurement/office-assistant-general-counsel-labor-and-pension
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III-6 DOE O 350.3
09-29-14
6. RESPONSIBILITIES.
a. The Secretary or Deputy Secretary, as appropriate.
(1) Approves and Submits General Plans to Congress.
Section 13
(2) Approve/disapprove contractor requests for enhanced benefits other than
severance, i.e., benefits in excess of those provided for under the parties’
contract, including benefits in excess of those provided for under any
benefit plans approved by the Department.
(3) Approve/disapprove contractor requests to provide involuntarily
separating contractor employees pay in lieu of notice in excess of two
weeks.
(4) Approve/disapprove contractor requests for reimbursement of early
retirement incentives funded through contractor pension plans.
b. Under Secretaries/Designees.
(1) Accountable for ensuring contractor workforce restructuring actions are
managed in accordance with Departmental policy.
(2) Collaborate as necessary with the Offices of General Counsel (either DOE
or NNSA, as appropriate), Management, Congressional and
Intergovernmental Affairs, and Public Affairs.
(3) Coordinate notifications to Congress with Heads of Departmental
elements in the field and with the Assistant Secretary for Congressional
and Intergovernmental Affairs or the NNSA Associate Administrator for
External Affairs.
(4) Approve workforce restructuring actions conducted by contractors in a
rolling 12-month period involving 100 or more employees through an
involuntary separation action at a single site.
(5) This approval authority may be delegated as determined by the Under
Secretary. All delegations must be in writing.
(6) Review for approval/disapproval any workforce restructuring action
within 10 business days after submission of a Specific Plan, in
consultation with applicable staff offices, as appropriate, unless the
contractor is notified of issues necessitating an extension of time, and the
contractor responds to requests for additional information from DOE
within 3 business days.
DOE O 350.3 III-7
09-29-14
(7) Approve/disapprove contractor requests to provide enhanced severance
benefits (benefits that are not consistent with the approved laboratory and
contractor policies and contract requirements).
(8) Approve/disapprove and submit, as appropriate, General Plans to the
Secretary for approval/disapproval and further submission to Congress.
(9) Ensure the Heads of Departmental elements in the field and COs are not
approving contractor requests for enhanced benefits, i.e., benefits in
excess of those provided for under the parties’ contract, including benefits
in excess of those provided for under any benefit plans approved by the
Department, unless approved by the Secretary or Deputy Secretary.
(10) Either disapprove or provide the Secretary or Deputy Secretary, as
appropriate, with a recommendation whether to approve contractor
requests to provide involuntary separating contractor employees pay in
lieu of notice in excess of two weeks.
(11) Absent Secretarial approval, ensure the Heads of Departmental elements
in the field and COs do not approve contractor requests for reimbursement
of early retirement incentives funded through contractor pension plans.
(12) In coordination with the HCA or the Heads of Departmental elements in
the field, as appropriate, ensure contractors are not hiring or rehiring
individuals, during the one-year prohibition period, who volunteered for
termination during a Self-Select Voluntary Separation Plan, unless the
rehired individual repays all or a pro-rata amount of the severance, or
obtains a waiver from the DOE Office having oversight for the contractor
who released the individual.
Section 14
(13) In coordination with the HCA or the Heads of Departmental elements in
the field, as appropriate, review Specific Plans for use of recruitment,
retention, and best practices to ensure continued availability of the critical
workforce knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the Department’s
missions.
c. Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Contractor Human Resources for
DOE and the NNSA Office of General Counsel (NNSA-GC) for NNSA.
(1) Work together to serve as the focal point for all information regarding
contractor workforce restructuring actions at DOE/NNSA facilities.
(2) Advise Departmental elements regarding legal requirements and
Departmental practices and policies concerning contractor workforce
restructuring.
III-8 DOE O 350.3
09-29-14
(3) Provide guidance in the development and implementation of workforce
restructuring plans (General and Specific).
(4) Review and make recommendations to the Under Secretaries/designees,
and concur on General Plans.
(5) Review and make recommendations on Specific Plans submitted to Under
Secretaries/designees.
(6) Upon request, review and make recommendations on contractor WARN
Act notices.
(7) Upon request of the contractor, review and provide feedback on contractor
adverse impact analyses. If the contractor seeks Departmental approval of
the adverse impact analysis, approve/disapprove. Notify field counsel and
COs/designees of the approval/disapproval.
d. Director, Contractor Human Resources Policy Division for DOE, and Manager,
NNSA Contractor Human Resources Division (NNSA-CHRD) for NNSA.
(1) Provide guidance to Departmental elements regarding Departmental
policies and practices concerning contractor benefits and compensation.
(2) Review and make recommendations to the Under Secretaries/designees on
General Plans.
(3) Review and make recommendations on Specific Plans submitted to Under
Secretaries/designees.
(4) Review annual data collection reported in iBenefits by each Field Office
on actual and planned contractor workforce restructuring actions through
an annual data call.
e. HCA or Heads of Departmental Elements in the Field, as appropriate.
(1) Oversee the management of contractor workforce changes consistent with
Section 3161 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
1993 and Department policy, as set forth herein and as amended from time
to time.
(2) Prepare General Plans and updates in accordance with this chapter.
(3) In coordination with the CO/designee, provide guidance to the contractor
with respect to the development and implementation of Specific Plans, in
accordance with this chapter.
(4) In coordination with the CO/designee, review and make recommendations
concerning contractor Specific Plans and obtain approvals from senior
DOE O 350.3 III-9
09-29-14
Departmental managers as set forth in this Chapter and Department
policies as revised from time-to-time.
(5) Submit the contractor’s final Specific Plan to the appropriate Under
Secretary/designee.
(6) In coordination with the CO/designee disapprove or obtain requisite
approvals for:
(a) Contractor requests for enhanced benefits, i.e., benefits in excess
of those provided for under the parties’ contract, including benefits
in excess of those provided for under any benefit plans approved
by the Department;
(b) Contractor requests to provide involuntary separating contractor
employees pay in lieu of notice in excess of two weeks; and
Section 15
(c) Contractor requests for reimbursement of early retirement
incentives funded through contractor pension plans.
(7) In coordination with the appropriate Under Secretary/designee, ensure
contractors are not hiring or rehiring individuals, during the one-year
prohibition period, who volunteered for termination during a Self-Select
Voluntary Separation Plan, unless the rehired individual repays all or a
pro-rata amount of the severance, or obtains a waiver from the DOE
Office having oversight for the contractor who released the individual.
(8) In coordination with the appropriate Under Secretary/designee review
Specific Plans for use of recruitment, retention, and best practices to
ensure continued availability of the critical workforce knowledge, skills,
and abilities required for the Department’s missions.
(9) In coordination with the CO/designee, submit for approval/disapproval to
the Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Contractor Human
Resources or NNSA-GC any contractor request to use any waiver of
claims other than the model waiver and release of claims developed by the
Department for use in an involuntary contractor workforce restructuring
action.
7. REFERENCES.
a. Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, Public Law 100-379
(August 4, 1988).
b. Section 3161 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993
(Public Law 102-484), as amended (50 U.S.C. 2704 (2017)).
III-10 DOE O 350.3
09-29-14
c. To access the below listed templates and forms, as well as other information
related to contractor workforce restructuring, please visit
http://energy.gov/gc/services/technology-transfer-and-procurement/office-
assistant-general-counsel-labor-and-pension.
(1) A listing of Defense Nuclear Facilities
(2) General Workforce Restructuring Plan Template
(3) Announcement of Draft Workforce Restructuring
(4) Section 3161 Rehiring Preference for Eligible Separated Employees
(5) Self-Select Application
(6) Involuntary Separation Plan Template
(7) Separation Programs Releases and Waivers
(8) Adverse Impact Analysis Guidance
(9) Involuntary Separation Program General Release and Waiver
8. CONTACT. For guidance on legal requirements and Departmental practices and policies
concerning contractor workforce restructuring, contact the appropriate site leads in the
Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Contractor Human Resources at 202-586-
7532 or the NNSA Office of General Counsel at (202) 586-2647. For a list of site lead
contacts in the Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Contractor Human Resources
please visit http://energy.gov/gc/leadership/contact-us/contacts-assistant-general-counsel-
labor-and-pension-law. For general information on Departmental policies and practices
regarding contractor benefits and compensation, contact the Contractor Human Resources
Policy Division within the Office of Acquisition Management at (202) 287-1330.
http://energy.gov/gc/services/technology-transfer-and-procurement/office-assistant-general-counsel-labor-and-pension
http://energy.gov/gc/services/technology-transfer-and-procurement/office-assistant-general-counsel-labor-and-pension
http://energy.gov/gc/leadership/contact-us/contacts-assistant-general-counsel-labor-and-pension-law
http://energy.gov/gc/leadership/contact-us/contacts-assistant-general-counsel-labor-and-pension-law
1. PURPOSE.
2. CANCELLATION. DOE O 350.3
3. APPLICABILITY.
a. Departmental Applicability
b. Contractors
c. Equivalencies/Exemptions for DOE O 350.3
Section 16
4. REQUIREMENTS
5. RESPONSIBILITIES
6. REFERENCES
CHAPTER I. CONTRACTOR LABOR RELATIONS
1. PURPOSE.
2. APPLICABILITY.
3. REQUIREMENTS.
4. RESPONSIBILITIES.
a. Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Contractor Human Resources for DOE and the NNSA Office of the General Counsel for NNSA (NNSA-GC).
b. Director, Contractor Human Resources Policy Division for DOE.
c. DOE Heads of Contracting Activities (HCAs).
d. DOE Contracting Officers (COs)/Designees.
5. REFERENCES.
6. CONTACT
CHAPTER II. LABOR STANDARDS
1. PURPOSE.
2. APPLICABILITY.
3. REQUIREMENTS.
4. RESPONSIBILITIES.
a. Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Contractor Human Resources.
b. Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Contractor Human Resources for DOE and the NNSA Office of General Counsel (NNSA-GC) for NNSA.
c. Heads of Contracting Activities (HCA).
d. Contracting Officers (COs)/Designees.
5. REFERENCES.
6. CONTACT. Site lead attorney from the Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Contractor Human Resources, at (202) 586-7532 or the NNSA Office of General Counsel at (202) 586-2647. For a list of site lead contacts in the Office of the Assistant ...
CHAPTER III.REDUCTIONS IN CONTRACTOR EMPLOYMENT
1. PURPOSE.
2. APPLICABILITY.
3. REQUIREMENTS.
4. REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE ONLY TO DOE/NNSA DEFENSE NUCLEAR FACILITIES.
5. REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO BOTH DOE/NNSA DEFENSE NUCLEAR FACILITIES AND NON-DEFENSE FACILITIES.
6. RESPONSIBILITIES.
a. The Secretary or Deputy Secretary, as appropriate.
b. Under Secretaries/Designees.
c. Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Contractor Human Resources for DOE and the NNSA Office of General Counsel (NNSA-GC) for NNSA.
d. Director, Contractor Human Resources Policy Division for DOE, and Manager, NNSA Contractor Human Resources Division (NNSA-CHRD) for NNSA.
e. HCA or Heads of Departmental Elements in the Field, as appropriate.
7. REFERENCES.
8. CONTACT