The Davis Bacon Act (DBA) requires the payment of appropriate prevailing wage rates for all Federal construction projects in excess of $2,000. The Department of Labor (DOL) determines the prevailing wage and a copy of the wage decision is included in each bid package. The goal of the Davis-Bacon Act is to protect the statutory rights of construction workers by ensuring they are being paid the prevailing wage rate on HUD or HUD "Related Acts" construction projects.

Failure to comply with Davis-Bacon regulation could lead to a breach of contract and debarment from further participation in HUD programs.

Davis-Bacon Reporting Requirements for Contractors/ Subcontractors

1. Weekly certified payrolls (WH-347) must be submitted to Contract Compliance following the first week of work on the contract/purchase order and every week thereafter.
2. Payrolls are to be numbered sequentially starting with the first week of work. The first payroll must include the contractors Federal Employment Identification Number (FEIN) on the top of the first page.
3. Certified payrolls need to be filled out completely including correct withholding and work classifications.
4. Certified payrolls will not be accepted unless they have an original signature (blue ink is recommended).
5. Contractors need to indicate how fringe benefits are paid.
6. Contractors should indicate on the payrolls, and provide documentation of, anyone participating in an apprentice program. Section 3 workers should also be indicated for Policy Monitoring staff.
7. Contractors should clearly indicate "Final" on the last weekly payroll so that Contract Monitoring staff will know when this is the last payroll for this contract/purchase order.

*All Contractors should keep a copy of their certified payrolls for their records.

For a copy of the "Contractors Guide to Davis-Bacon" visit the U.S. Department of Housing Urban Development Internet web page at: http://www.hud.gov/olr/olrwrcp.html