On February 6 President Obama issued an Executive Order that repeals a previously enacted Executive Order that bans Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) on federal projects (Executive Order 13202 of February 17, 2001), even going so far as to encourage (but not mandate)  agencies to use PLAs in federal construction projects with a total cost of $25 million or more.

While the Order is effective immediately, the FAR Council has been given 120 days (until June 6, 2009) to take "whatever action is required" to implement this order.  President Obama also instructs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor and other appropriate officials, to evaluate whether broader use of such PLAs would help promote the economical, efficient and timely completion of such projects. 

"Today's executive order has the unfortunate potential to limit contractors' ability to compete for projects at a time when the government is reporting that over one million construction workers have lost their jobs.  Given that federal agencies have no demonstrated expertise in writing contracts that cover contractors and their employees, we strongly encourage officials to exercise the discretion this order provides and avoid government-mandated labor agreements, " said Stephen Sandherr, chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America.

AGC will communicate its concerns over this Executive Order with our partners in the federal agencies and urge them to avoid PLAs.

Registration has now been activated for AGC’s Federal Contractors Conference, and can be accessed through the new website – www.agc.org/fedcon.

The Federal Contractors Conference is the only national event where AGC contractors and Federal agency personnel can meet and review procurement and contracting issues from around the United States. This year will include meetings with USACE, NAVFAC, USAF, GSA, and OBO, the AGC Federal Owners Advisory Council, as well as a day of visits to Capitol Hill to discuss increased infrastructure investment and ensuring fair federal contracting opportunities, among other issues.

Sponsorships are also still available and function as a great way to increase your company’s brand awareness, create positive public relations, and gain recognition as a key player in federal contracting and procurement. 

For more information on sponsorships, contact Marco Giamberardino at (703) 837-5325 or giamberm@agc.org.