Certified Payroll Reporting: Real-World Fixes for Busy Teams
Certified Payroll Reporting: Real-World Fixes for Busy Teams Certified payroll reporting is the first item on the compliance checklist when managing federal construction projects. Teams working on federally funded construction projects worth more than $2,000 need to submit certified payroll reports to the U.S. Department of Labor every week. This requirement applies even during temporary […]
The Truth About Prevailing Wage Laws That Most Employers Get Wrong
Prevailing wage laws changed dramatically on January 1, 2022, when New York expanded project requirements for higher pay rates. Most employers don’t realize that privately owned projects receiving 30% or more construction costs from public funds (exceeding $5 million total) now require prevailing wage compliance. This expansion catches construction companies unprepared for new compliance requirements. […]
DOL Apprenticeship Programs: Your Complete Guide to Paid Training in 2025
DOL apprenticeships deliver something most training programs can’t: you earn while you learn. Traditional college leaves students with debt and no guarantee of employment. Apprentices receive pay from day one while developing skills that employers actually need. The numbers tell the real story. Apprentices receive progressive wage increases throughout their training and work directly with […]
WH-347 Form: A Simple Guide to Payroll Reporting
You need to understand the WH-347 form if you’re working on federal construction projects. This standard document helps you submit weekly certified payroll reports, ensuring your projects remain compliant and protecting your business from costly penalties. The U.S. Department of Labor updated the form in January 2025, making it easier to complete correctly. Here’s what […]
Why Prevailing Wage Rates Matter: A Simple Guide for Employers [2025]
Government contracts require you to pay prevailing wage rates – and getting this wrong can cost your company thousands in penalties, fines, and back wages. Workers on public works projects must receive no less than the locally prevailing rate for their specific trade. This legal requirement affects construction companies nationwide. What exactly is prevailing […]
Davis-Bacon Act Explained: What Employers Must Know in 2025
The Davis-Bacon Act applies to every federal construction contract exceeding $2,000. This law requires contractors and subcontractors to pay wages that match the local rates for that geographic location. Your business must comply with this legislation when handling federally funded construction, alteration, or repair work. Projects worth over $100,000 face extra requirements under the Contract […]
How to Get Prevailing Wage Determination Right: Expert Guide for Employers [2025]
Getting prevailing wage determination right protects your business from costly compliance failures when hiring foreign workers in the United States. The Immigration and Nationality Act requires that hiring foreign workers will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers in comparable positions. Your compliance status and bottom line depend on an accurate […]
State vs. Federal Prevailing Wage: What Contractors Need to Know
Understanding prevailing wage laws can be one of the most challenging aspects of managing a construction project effectively. These laws set the minimum wages for workers on construction projects. They become more complex for federally funded projects or those with state funding. Understanding the nuanced differences between state and federal prevailing wage requirements is critical […]
Certified Payroll: Guide for Contractors
You’ve landed a federal project. The numbers look promising, the crew is ready, and the deadline feels achievable. However, the paperwork is the part that can quietly derail profitability and jeopardize your reputation, and then comes into play. For contractors and project leaders, certified payroll isn’t just another compliance box to check. It’s the difference […]
Davis-Bacon Act Explained: What Every Contractor Needs to Know in 2025
The Davis-Bacon Act is a federal law that can result in significant penalties and back wages for your construction company if you’re not compliant. Many contractors working on federal projects find that these prevailing wage requirements create serious financial risks that can derail project profitability. The Davis-Bacon Act requires straightforward compliance: workers on federal construction […]