Local Hiring Preferences (relative to geographic and economic hiring preferences)
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), commonly referred to as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) allows local public agencies (LPAs) to implement geographic or economic hiring preference (including local hiring preferences) relating to the use of labor on federal-aid construction projects. LPAs may now include local hiring preference specifications in federal-aid contracts. The LPA must ensure the establishment and implementation of a hiring preference complies with all federal, State, and local laws, policies, and procedures. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) review and approval is not required. Note: Local hiring preferences should not be confused with project labor agreements (PLAs). Local hiring preferences may be implemented through contract specifications, without the use of a PLA. While local hiring preferences may be added to a PLA, doing so will trigger FHWA review and approval. This will add up to four to six months to the process. For details, please refer to the link at: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/02/11/2022-02974/enhancing-highway-workforce-development-opportunities-contracting-initiative. If you have any questions concerning the technical information, please contact: Mr. Daniel Hawk, LPA Program Manager, California Division Office, FHWA daniel.hawk@dot.gov.