Redstone Government Consulting Blog | Human Resources

Are you interested in learning how to set up and manage labor categories in Unanet to improve project management, timekeeping, and labor cost compliance for government contractors? Labor categories are critical for organizing and tracking work performed on contracts, especially on Time & Materials (“T&M”) contracts. While cost type and fixed price billing may not require a labor category for billing purposes, they can still play an important role in project management and budgeting at the contract level. In accounting systems like Unanet, these categories classify time into roles such as Project Manager or Senior Software Developer that are tied to billing rates, simplifying T&M billing. Unanet also provides flexibility in how labor categories are derived, allowing setup at the admin/master level, project level, person level, or person-to-project assignment level. This adaptability ensures alignment with contract requirements regardless of how your business is structured.

Topics: Compliant Accounting Infrastructure, Proposal Cost Volume Development & Pricing, Small Business Compliance, Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, Human Resources, Unanet

Successful Human Resources Information System (HRIS) implementation isn’t just about choosing the right system; it’s about aligning that system with your internal business processes and formalizing documented policies and procedures. In this article, we explore how clearly defined workflows, roles, and written policies are essential to getting the full value from platforms like UKG Ready, especially for government contractors where compliance is non-negotiable.

Topics: DCAA Audit Support, Human Resources, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Service Contract Act, UKG Ready HR Software Consulting

Labor relations is not just an HR function; it truly is a core leadership responsibility. Suppose your team is a current union organization or considering unionization. In that case, your frontline managers have to be trained to interact with unions not just legally, but also strategically and respectfully. Having untrained managers can quickly escalate potential issues without realizing it. Here is a comprehensive guide to train managers on effective union interactions.

Topics: Human Resources, Government Regulations, Organizational Change Management Consulting, Manufacturing Operations Consulting, Employers & Unions

While selecting the right HRIS system is a major process in itself, configuring it is a whole other piece of the puzzle. From the recruitment-to-hire process to timekeeping and payroll, it’s essential to set up the system optimally from the start to support compliance and ensure the most success as your business grows. When you add in the government contract compliance piece, the “puzzle” is even further complicated.

Topics: DCAA Audit Support, Human Resources, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Service Contract Act, UKG Ready HR Software Consulting

Accurate timekeeping is important to most businesses, but for federal government contractors, it is crucial to compliance and continued success. While timekeeping may seem like a straightforward and simple task, it can be daunting for those responsible for developing and implementing appropriate processes, systems, and audit trails. Improper procedures can quickly lead to reporting inaccuracies and audit nightmares! A well-designed process, accompanied by an accurately designed system and a well-documented and communicated policy, is critical.

Topics: DCAA Audit Support, Human Resources, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Service Contract Act, UKG Ready HR Software Consulting

What is collective bargaining? Collective bargaining is a collaborative process between employers and employees, where both sides work together to negotiate terms for a fair agreement that benefits both parties. Employees typically are represented by a union, and the goal is to ensure fairness and negotiate in good faith.

Topics: Human Resources, Government Regulations, Employers & Unions

In May of 2023, Ms. Jamie Brabston, Director and Legal Counsel at Redstone GCI, wrote an article addressing the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) requirements expected of contractors receiving contracts for supplies and services from the federal government. These requirements are implemented through FAR 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct, which is included in contracts and subcontracts expected to exceed $6M, and the period of performance is 120 days or longer.

Topics: Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, Government Compliance Training, DFARS Business Systems, Human Resources, Government Regulations, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Grants & Cooperative Agreements (2 CFR 200), Organizational Change Management Consulting

Late yesterday, President Trump signed another Executive Order related to employment laws. This Executive Order (“Restoring Equality of Opportunity and Meritocracy”) takes aim at the use of “disparate impact liability,” which, the EO proclaims, “undermines our national values [and] also runs contrary to equal protection under the law and, therefore, violates our Constitution.”

Topics: Litigation Consulting Support, Human Resources, Government Regulations, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Service Contract Act

Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity, has left many unsure as to what you can, cannot, should, or should not do. You are not alone! There are many unanswered questions, so we do not and could not claim to have all the answers, but we do have some thoughts and suggestions to consider at this stage.

Topics: Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, Human Resources, Government Regulations, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)

Managing HR functions while ensuring compliance can be challenging, especially during busy times of the year. Between tracking accruals, managing time records, verifying new hire documentation, and ensuring HR systems function correctly, small inefficiencies can quickly add up. Addressing these issues early allows organizations to maintain accurate records, generate reliable reports, and streamline compliance processes, reducing stress during critical reporting periods.

Topics: DCAA Audit Support, Human Resources, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Service Contract Act, UKG Ready HR Software Consulting