Who must submit an affirmative action plan?

Prime contractors and subcontractors subject to affirmative action clauses in the solicitation must submit the documentation specified in the contract.

Where do I find the required form?

Required forms are listed in the solicitation or on the city procurement and supplier diversity pages; if not listed, follow the documentation requests in the contract.

How do I appeal a compliance finding?

Appeal procedures are provided by the procuring agency or in the municipal procurement rules; contact the procurement officer for the specific timeline.

City Contract Affirmative Action Steps - New Orleans

Civil Rights and Equity Louisiana 3 Minutes Read · published February 09, 2026

New Orleans, Louisiana requires city contractors to follow affirmative action and equal opportunity practices when bidding for and performing municipal contracts. This guide explains who must comply, the typical obligations in contract clauses, and practical steps to prepare an affirmative action plan for city contracting. It summarizes enforcement pathways, common violations, required submissions where published, and how to appeal or report noncompliance.

Scope and who must comply

City contracts commonly include affirmative action or equal opportunity clauses that apply to prime contractors and subcontractors working on City of New Orleans projects. Specific applicability and thresholds are set by the municipal code and procurement rules; contractors should review the city's contracting rules and ordinance language to confirm obligations Municipal Code: New Orleans^[1].

Read contract-specific clauses before submitting a bid.

Penalties & Enforcement

Monetary fines and non-monetary sanctions for failing to comply with affirmative action or equal opportunity contract requirements are enforced by City procurement and human-resources authorities or their designated compliance units. The municipal code and procurement rules describe enforcement authority, but specific fine amounts and escalation schedules are not specified on the cited pages below; contractors must consult contracting documents and compliance staff for case-specific figures Office of Supplier Diversity^[2].

Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; see contract clause or contact procurement.
Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing violations - ranges not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, required corrective plans, withholding of payments, contract suspension or termination, and referral to civil court.
Enforcer and complaints: procurement compliance, Office of Supplier Diversity, and Human Resources Equal Employment Opportunity units handle inspections and complaints; contact information is published by the city Human Resources - EEO/AA^[3].
Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits are defined in procurement rules or the municipal code; if not in the contract, the procuring agency provides appeal procedures - specific time limits are not specified on the cited pages.

If a contract includes contradictory language, raise the discrepancy before award.

Applications & Forms

Some contracts require an affirmative action narrative, workforce data, or certification of nondiscrimination. The city posts supplier diversity and procurement forms for contractors; where a specific affirmative action form is required it will be listed with the solicitation or procurement packet. If no form is published, contractors must submit the documentation requested in the contract or solicitation.

Named forms: not specified on the cited pages; check the solicitation packet or the procurement portal.
Submission method: usually via the city procurement portal or as directed in the solicitation.
Fees: none typically required to file compliance documents unless stated in the solicitation.

Keep affirmative action records for the duration specified in the contract.

Common violations and typical outcomes

Failure to submit required workforce data — may trigger corrective action or withholding payments.
Failing to follow an approved corrective plan — may lead to contract suspension or termination.
False or misleading compliance certifications — possible termination and legal action.

Action steps for contractors

Review solicitation documents for affirmative action clauses and required forms.
Prepare workforce data, nondiscrimination policies, and a corrective action template if needed.
Contact the procurement officer, Office of Supplier Diversity, or HR EEO office before bid submission to clarify requirements.

FAQ

Who must submit an affirmative action plan?: Prime contractors and subcontractors subject to affirmative action clauses in the solicitation must submit the documentation specified in the contract.
Where do I find the required form?: Required forms are listed in the solicitation or on the city procurement and supplier diversity pages; if not listed, follow the documentation requests in the contract.
How do I appeal a compliance finding?: Appeal procedures are provided by the procuring agency or in the municipal procurement rules; contact the procurement officer for the specific timeline.

How-To

Read the solicitation and identify any affirmative action or EEO clauses that apply.
Collect workforce and subcontractor data required by the contract and prepare a written plan or narrative.
Submit required forms and documentation via the procurement portal or as directed in the solicitation before the bid deadline.
If cited for noncompliance, request the enforcement notice in writing and follow the appeal steps provided by the agency.

Key Takeaways

Check each solicitation for affirmative action requirements before bidding.
Maintain accurate workforce records and submit them as required.
Contact procurement or HR EEO units early to resolve questions.