XL EagleDOL (U.S. Department of Labor)
DOL stands for U.S. Department of Labor. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) enforces federal labor laws, including minimum wage, overtime, and workplace safety through OSHA. Since 2025 it has also taken on management of some former Education Department programs.
For contractors, DOL's Wage and Hour Division matters most. It issues wage determinations under the Service Contract Act and Davis-Bacon Act, which set minimum pay and fringe benefits for workers on many federal contracts.
Why it matters to a small contractor
If you bid janitorial, grounds, security, or construction work, the wage determination attached to the solicitation sets your minimum labor cost. Price from it, pay it, and keep payroll records. Underpaying can lead to back wages and debarment.
Example
A janitorial company prices a federal cleaning contract using the Service Contract Act wage determination for its county, including the required health and welfare fringe.
DOL: common questions
Where do I find federal wage determinations?
Wage determinations for the Service Contract Act and Davis-Bacon Act are published on SAM.gov. The correct one is usually attached to the solicitation.
Does DOL award contracts?
DOL buys for its own needs, like Job Corps centers, but its bigger impact on contractors is setting and enforcing wage rules.
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