Specific wage and hour regulations apply to federally funded projects

by Stibbs & Co., P.C. on December 12, 2012

Contracting with the federal government can provide much-needed revenues for a business. Especially given the sluggish state of the U.S. economy over the past few years, many firms may have been reluctant to turn down any offer of work.

However, companies must exercise caution when entering into federal contracts or participating in projects that receive government funding, as these opportunities often come with strings attached. Specifically, accepting federal funding can cause an employer to become subject to strict wage and hour regulations.

Under the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts, companies are required to pay "prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits" to workers who participate in federally funded construction work. The Service Contract Act sets similar standards for service providers, while the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act sets overtime requirements for almost all construction, service and supply contracts worth over $100,000. Other employment regulations also apply in many situations.

Failure to abide by the rules laid down in these laws can have serious repercussions for a company. In November, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced enforcement actions related to two cases. In one incident, an Arizona-based firm that provided janitorial services at U.S. military bases was forced to pay a total of $840,225 in overdue fringe benefits.

In another instance, a group of five companies that worked on a federally funded construction project in Tennessee were targeted by investigators from DOL's Wage and Hour Division. The contractors were ultimately forced to pay out more than $787,000 in back wages. These cases underscore the government's commitment to enforcing wage and hour laws on projects that receive federal funding.

Houston business attorneys can help local companies maintain compliance with pertinent employment laws and capitalize on market opportunities, while minimizing the risk of a regulatory intervention. Enterprises that are currently facing legal challenges should consult a Houston law firm with experience providing employer representation.

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PMC Project Manager - On & offshore projects

The client, a leading Engineering & Management contractor, due to a new five year PMC project award now need a highly experienced PMC Project Manager to head up the team in Abu Dhabi. The client operator intends to embark on various projects to maintain existing facilities and enhance oil/gas production from its main reservoir incorporating, producing, water injection, observation, gas injection and gas lift wells. The overall mission of the Program Management Consultant will be: -To manage feasibility/concept stages -To manage FEED stages -To manage the EPC contract -To manage any other contracts or associated activities for the project including but not limited to Value Engineering, HSE studies, Integrity studies, benchmarking Third Party Design Certification as necessary. Suitable candidates will be Degree qualified in an engineering discipline with a minimum twenty years post graduate experience in the oil & gas industry including ten years of Project Management experience on major oil and gas projects. At least five years must have been served in a Consultants organisation with Middle East experience being essential.Western candidates preferred.

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Instrument / Electrical Projects Manager

Role: Instrument / Electrical Projects Manager
Location: Grangemouth
Type: Contract
Duration: 12 Months +
Rate: £negotiable

Job Purpose:
My Client is committed to significant Capital Expenditure projects over the next few years and they now require an Instrument/ Electrical Projects Manager to play a key role in the delivery and support of a number of projects.

Background:
The Instrument / Electrical Projects Manager works as part of the Projects Team. The Projects Team develops and delivers engineering projects to the highest standards, meeting demanding HSE, schedule, cost and technical performance targets. The Projects team is enhance based on demand with highly professional and experienced Contract Personnel who working together with the Client's own employees , providing a seamless face to our customers.

You:
Ideally you'll be educated to a degree or HND level within a relevant discipline or you'll have the equivalent relevant experience. You'll have project management experience gained in large manufacturing environments or in the Petrochemical industry and a proven track record in the delivery of major projects.

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PMC Project Manager - On & offshore projects

The client, a leading Engineering & Management contractor, due to a new five year PMC project award now need a highly experienced PMC Project Manager to head up the team in Abu Dhabi. The client operator intends to embark on various projects to maintain existing facilities and enhance oil/gas production from its main reservoir incorporating, producing, water injection, observation, gas injection and gas lift wells. The overall mission of the Program Management Consultant will be: -To manage feasibility/concept stages -To manage FEED stages -To manage the EPC contract -To manage any other contracts or associated activities for the project including but not limited to Value Engineering, HSE studies, Integrity studies, benchmarking Third Party Design Certification as necessary. Suitable candidates will be Degree qualified in an engineering discipline with a minimum twenty years post graduate experience in the oil & gas industry including ten years of Project Management experience on major oil and gas projects. At least five years must have been served in a Consultants organisation with Middle East experience being essential.Western candidates preferred.

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Deputy Projects Field Manager

Deputy Projects Site Manager - (Middle East)

An excellent opportunity for a qualified expatriate Deputy Projects Site Manager. The position will also work very close with Projects Construction Coordinators, Operations Engineers, Field Supervisors and Managers to ensure the successful execution of all Constructions Projects.

To support and grow the production base, my client maintains a very active exploration and development drilling program along with associated facilities and construction work. The expatriate position is a 28/28 day rotation based in the field.

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