CIRT joined a large cross-section of construction organizations, businesses, and related groups to file a unified comment in opposition to the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council’s (FAR) proposed rule implementing President Biden’s Executive Order (E.O.) 14063.  The rule would establish in the regulations the controversial government-mandated PLAs for large scale construction projects over $35 million in total value. CIRT does not oppose PLAs, but rather the imposition/mandating of them on projects; thus reducing potential competition, impacting cost, and possibly undercutting quality. There are no compelling reasons or rationales in terms of economy and efficiency to make PLAs required or even preferred on federal projects. Those twin goals are best left to open and fair competition across the board – whether union or non-union shops/workforces.

CIRT member firms are encouraged to offer their own comments by the deadline October 18, 2022 on the rulemaking: Docket No. FAR-2022-0003; Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2022-003, Use of Project Labor Agreements for Federal Construction Projects [RIN: 9000-AO40]

[For details see, Coalition Letter]