President Trump took aim at more than just DEI programs in Executive Order 14173 signed on January 21, 2025, "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity," in which he ordered the revocation of several executive actions, including EO 11246.
Impact on OFCCP and Affirmative Action
This EO also included a direct order to the Office of Federal Contractor Compliance Programs (OFCCP) to immediately cease promoting diversity, holding Federal contracts and subcontractors responsible for taking “affirmative action” and allowing or encouraging contractors to engage in workforce balancing based on race, color, sex, sexual preference, religion, or national origin.
Ongoing Obligations
Many of our clients are rejoicing, but not so fast! There is still much to learn and current executive actions make no changes to the requirements of Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act or Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and thus federal contractors should continue all efforts and obligations for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Staying Informed Amidst Changes
There are many unanswered questions, and we are diligently staying abreast of this as well as other incoming changes. Navigating the shifting landscape of executive orders and compliance requirements can be challenging for government contractors. Redstone GCI’s HR and compliance experts stay up to date on the latest changes impacting federal contractors, including OFCCP regulations and affirmative action obligations.
We can help you evaluate how this Executive Order affects your business, ensure your policies remain compliant, and provide guidance on adapting your HR policies and procedures. Contact us to stay ahead of regulatory changes and maintain compliance with confidence.
Sheri joined Redstone Government Consulting, Inc. in December 2012 as a Human Resources Consultant. She provides HR consulting services to our customers on a wide range of issues, from specific projects to an ongoing outsourced solution of the human resources function. Sheri has two decades of experience in providing a comprehensive assessment of all areas of HR, including establishing and implementing policies and practices, contract transition efforts/onboarding, and investigations. Sheri’s experience covers a broad spectrum of compensation planning and analysis for total compensation projects, reasonableness assessments including executive compensation, compensation philosophy development, total reward strategies, benefits analysis, market pay and pay equity evaluations. She regularly supports clients with the analysis and mapping of labor categories and the preparation and analysis of wage calculations and supports clients in pricing disputes with DCAA. Sheri has a wealth of experience in navigating the many compliance challenges associated with Service Contract Act and Davis Bacon Act. She has been a valuable resource to our clients in all these areas. She stays abreast of the various requirements of the Department of Labor and, of great importance to government contractors, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, as well as other federal and state regulations impacting human resources. Professional Experience Prior to joining Redstone Government Consulting, Inc., Sheri served in various roles in the Human Resources arena. While employed by a mid-size government contractor she assisted with database development, recruiting, affirmative action planning and contract proposals. Sheri later became an Employment Specialist with one of the largest employers in Huntsville, where she assisted and led managers in the interpretation and documentation of the progressive disciplinary process, conducted employee investigations and allegations of discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful discharge and employee disputes, conducted unemployment hearings and conducted new employee orientation. Sheri developed and presented management training, administered facility compensation plan, monitored staffing budgets and wrote job descriptions and handbook revisions.