Melinda Capps
EEO/OJT Contract
Compliance Officer
360-705-7083
CappsM@wsdot.wa.gov
Equal Employment Opportunity Contract Compliance Program
The purpose of the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Contract Compliance Program is to monitor contractor's compliance with the EEO contract requirements. Contractors performing work on WSDOT federally funded projects are required to provide equal employment opportunity to women and minority individuals and must maintain a workplace free of discrimination and sexual harassment.
The primary functions of the unit include:
- Conducting EEO contract compliance reviews of prime and sub- contractors to determine their compliance with the EEO Special Provisions in their contract(s).
- Investigating allegations of contractor discrimination and sexual harassment with the assistance of the Regional EEO Officer.
- Developing EEO compliance policies, procedures, rules and new programs to comply with USDOT guidelines.
- Updating EEO Assurances annually for submittal to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
- Establishing program and contract plans/goals.
- Conducting training workshops for WSDOT Regional staff, contractors, community based organizations and local agencies.
- Coordinating community outreach efforts.
- Resolving EEO compliance disputes and complaints with Regional EEO Officer's assistance.
- In coordination with the Regional EEO Officers and Highways & Local Programs, ensuring the preparation and submittal of required EEO reports in coordination with the Regional EEO Officers and Highways and Local Programs.
- Providing program guidance to Regional EEO Officers and Highways & Local Programs.
- Interfacing with governmental agencies on EEO compliance issues.
- Assisting and working with tribal governments concerning Tribal Employment Rights Ordinances (TERO) requirements.
On-the-Job Training Contract Compliance Program
The On-The-Job Training (OJT) Program addresses the under-representation of minorities and women in the highway construction industry. To remedy the under-representation, WSDOT assigns training requirements to federally funded contracts. On-site interviews are conducted statewide to ensure participants are being treated fairly, receiving beneficial training, and that the workplace is free from discrimination and harassment. Functions of the OJT Program include:
- Setting training goals on federally funded contracts.
- Training Program approval.
- Reviewing Trainee Approval requests. Good Faith Effort documentation.
- On-site trainee interviews.
- Tracking apprentices and trainees through monthly construction reports.
- Monitoring contractor compliance with contract training goals.
- Addressing training deficiencies.
- Providing program guidance to Regional EEO Officers.
- Conducting statewide and one-on-one training to contractors and WSDOT regional and field personnel regarding training compliance.
- Attending pre-construction conferences.
- Establishing WSDOT & WSF Annual OJT Training Goals.
Training Program (form) (pdf 152 kb)
Apprentice/Trainee Approval Request (form) (pdf 72 kb)