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Federal contractors are waiting for more clarity on how to implement vaccine mandates and the consequences of failing to do so.
Like the vaccine mandate for employees, federal contractors must also show proof of vaccination to their employer. The Biden administration's vaccine policies also apply to federal contractors working from home, as well as employees working for a covered contractor but not directly on specific government project.
For contractors and feds alike, the waiting for final COVID rules and protocols is as bad as what the rules might be.
The Biden administration's vaccine mandate for federal employees applies to those who are teleworking, the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force said Thursday. The task force's latest guidance also appears to allow agencies to require vaccines for contractors earlier than a recent executive order described.
Testing requirements will stay in place for most unvaccinated onsite contractors until agencies can sort through the contractual paperwork, the Biden administration said Monday.
More details are trickling out from the Biden administration about its vaccine and testing policy for federal employees and contractors.
Unvaccinated employees and federal contractors who are teleworking are not subject to regular COVID-19 testing, the Biden administration said Wednesday. In addition, agencies can't require telework for unvaccinated employees solely based on their inoculation status.
Agencies are being told to collect certifications about employees' and on-site contractors' vaccination status on a new standardized form. Those who decline to answer will be treated as though they're unvaccinated; those who lie could face penalties.
The new vaccine requirements apply to all federal employees and onsite contractors, the Biden administration said Thursday.
Some organizations are tentatively eyeing fall agency reentry dates for their employees, but they face pressure from some members of Congress, who want to see the workforce back in-person sooner.
The Biden administration on Thursday lifted the cap on the number of federal employees who can work in the office, but agencies must first submit and finalize reentry plans, update COVID-19 safety protocols, meet union obligations and give the workforce enough advanced notice.
Agencies must finalize reentry plans and post-pandemic workforce policies by July 19, the Biden administration said Tuesday. The Social Security Administration is the latest agency to reassess its telework program.
Agencies are lifting mask requirements, and some in Congress are calling for federal employees to return to their offices soon. How agencies handle it all could sway those nearing retirement.
According to new guidance from the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force, the Biden administration will continue to discourage official travel for fully vaccinated employees.