CHAPTER 1 OVERVIEW OF THE OFCCP Introduction The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) is charged with the responsibility for administering three major programs: Executive Order 11246, as amended; Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and Section 402 of the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974. Executive Order 11246, as amended, prohibits discrimination in employment because of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, and requires Government contractors to take affirmative action to insure that equal opportunity is provided in all aspects of their employment. Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (hereafter Section 503), requires that Federal contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action in the employment and advancement in employment of qualified handicapped individuals. Section 402 of the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (hereafter Section 402) re affirmative action in the employment and advancement in employment of Vietnam era veterans and disabled veterans. Historical Background The contract compliance program has evolved slowly during the past four decades. Presidents' committees paved the way for the present Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs. In June 1941, President Roosevelt assembled a fivemember committee on fair employment practices in the Office of Production Management to enforce nondiscrimination policy in all defense contracts. The Committee was established by Executive Order 8802 and amended by Executive Order 8823. In May 1943, President Roosevelt established a sevenmember committee on Fair Employment Practice. This organization focused on preventing discrimination in war industries. The Committee's authority expired in 1946. President Truman created the President's Committee on Government Contract Compliance in December 1951, with Executive Order 10308. This Committee was composed of 10 persons, 6 representing the general public and 4 representing the principal procurement agencies of the Government. In 1953, President Eisenhower created the President's |