The Davis-Bacon Act requires that all contractors and subcontractors performing construction, alteration and repair (including painting and decorating) work under federal or District of Columbia contracts in excess of $2,000 pay their laborers and mechanics not less than the prevailing wage and fringe benefits for the geographic location. Davis-Bacon requirements may be extended to federal financial assistance programs by the terms of other statutes (collectively referred to as Davis-Bacon and Related Acts). This law has been in effect for almost one century. It was also modified in 2023 and 2024 by the DOL and Federal Courts. Compliance, however, can be complicated. As a Public Works General Contractor, it is up to you to make sure your company and all subcontractors are in compliance or face severe consequences such as disbarment. You should understand what makes a public works contract. Know where to find prevailing wages in your area. Properly classify the types of workers who are covered, and those that are not. The main report required to submit to DOL on a weekly basis is the WH-237. It reports the contractor information about employees – their description, wages, fringe benefits and deductions. But knowing how to complete this form is only a start. You must know other detailed information which should be kept in your database and/or files. You also need to know other obligations such as interviews, spotchecks, posters and overtime provisions.