On August 29, 2011, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published its final rule implementing Executive Order 13495.  This Executive Order, which was issued more than two year ago, generally requires contractors (including subcontractors) providing services under a federal government contract that succeeds a contract for performance of the same or similar services at the same location offer the predecessor contractor’s employees a right of first refusal of employment under the contract.  The final rule will take effect after the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council (FAR Council) issues regulations.  A detailed analysis of the rule and its impact, including potential obligations to recognize and bargain with any union representing the predecessor’s employees, written by Jackson Lewis partner Leslie Stout-Tabackman is available here.