The Safer Federal Workforce Task Force has issued new guidance on workplace safety protocols that should be implemented by federal contractors and subcontractors to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The protocols include the COVID-19 vaccination of covered contractor personnel and compliance with masking and physical distancing measures at covered contractor workplaces, the White House said Friday.
Contractor personnel must be fully vaccinated no later than Dec. 8 and contractors should designate individuals to coordinate compliance with workplace safety protocols.
“These workplace safety protocols will apply to all covered contractor employees, including contractor or subcontractor employees in covered contractor workplaces who are not working on a Federal Government contract or contract-like instrument,” the White House notice reads.
The Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council will release guidance by Oct. 8 to facilitate the inclusion of a clause related to workplace safety protocols in contracts and solicitations. Effective Oct. 15, agencies should ensure that contracts and contract-like instruments contain the clause.
The task force’s guidance is in compliance with a Sept. 9 executive order that requires federal contractors to provide COVID-19 safeguards for their workforce.