Publications

The Jobs for Veterans Act, which was signed by President Bush in November, 2002, will bring some significant changes to federal contractors’ affirmative action obligations towards veterans. Specifically, for those contracts or subcontracts entered into after December 1, 2003, the threshold amount for coverage under the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act will increase from $25,000 to $100,000. This means that there may be some federal contractors who will have affirmative action obligations towards women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities but who will no longer have obligations towards veterans. Additionally, this Act has modified the definition of “covered veterans” to include: (i) Disabled veterans; (ii) Veterans who served on active duty in the Armed Forces during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized; (iii) Veterans who, while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order no. 12985 (61 Fed. Reg. 1209); and (iv) Recently separated veterans.” The definition of “recently separated veterans” changed from one year to three years from the date of discharge.