Employers have the responsibility to treat all qualified job applicants and workers equally and fairly, regardless of disability.  Many federal contractors also have the responsibility to take proactive steps to recruit, hire, retain, and advance qualified people with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.  The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (“OFCCP”) and the Office of Disability Employment Policy (“ODEP”) have partnered to create the Excellence in Disability Inclusion (“EDI”) Award to recognize federal contractors who excel in meeting their responsibilities under Section 503 and exemplify the spirit of disability inclusion.

The EDI Award program will recognize up to two large and two small federal contractor establishments with the Excellence in Disability Inclusion Gold Award.  Recipients of the Gold Award will receive a three-year moratorium on OFCCP compliance evaluations.  Up to 20 additional federal contractors will be recognized as Pacesetters (honorable mentions).

Interested federal contractors can get more information and start the application process by clicking here.  Applications are due by August 31.  Questions about the award or nomination process may be sent to OFCCP-EDIaward@dol.gov.