OFCCP is responsible for ensuring that employers doing business with the federal government comply with the laws and regulations requiring nondiscrimination.

This mission is based on the underlying principle that employment opportunities generated by Federal dollars should be available to all Americans on an equitable and fair basis.

Together, these laws make it illegal for contractors and subcontractors doing business with the federal government to discriminate in employment because of disability or status as a protected veteran.

That order prohibited contractors and subcontractors doing business with the federal government from discriminating in employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

In addition, the order made it illegal for contractors and subcontractors to discriminate against applicants or employees because they inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or that of others, subject to certain limitations.

The origins of the agency trace back to President Franklin D. Roosevelt and World War II when he signed Executive Order 8802, preventing discrimination based on race by government contractors.

This called for people to take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are hired and employees are treated during employment without regard to race, creed, color or national origin.

[10] Contrary to federal law, critics alleged that the agency gave out its annual reviews based on a bell curve, wherein actual performance did not matter.