FAR 52.222-50 — Combating Trafficking in Persons
This clause prohibits trafficking-related conduct by contractors, employees, and subcontractors, and requires a compliance plan for larger overseas work. It applies to essentially every federal contract.
- Clause
- FAR 52.222-50
- Applies to
- All contracts
- Flows down to subs
- Yes
- Primary risk
- Termination and suspension exposure
Key takeaways
- Read the clause as incorporated in your contract — tailoring and alternates change obligations.
- Flowdown obligations are your responsibility; a noncompliant subcontractor is your problem.
- Document compliance contemporaneously; after-the-fact reconstruction rarely satisfies auditors.
- When a clause is unclear, ask the contracting officer in writing before award, not after.
What the clause requires
Prohibited conduct includes engaging in trafficking, procuring commercial sex acts, using forced labor, charging recruitment fees, destroying identity documents, and misleading recruitment practices. Contractors must notify the agency of credible information about violations and cooperate in investigations.
How to comply in practice
Publish an awareness policy, train staff, include the prohibitions in subcontracts, and maintain a reporting channel. For covered non-US work above the threshold, prepare a written compliance plan and certify annually.
Common mistakes
Small firms often assume the clause is irrelevant to domestic services and skip training and flowdown entirely. That assumption is the violation risk, because the obligation is contractual regardless of geography.
FAQ
Does it apply to domestic contracts?
Yes. The prohibitions apply to all contracts; the written compliance plan requirement is narrower.
What must I report?
Any credible information alleging a violation by employees or subcontractors, reported to the contracting officer and agency Inspector General.
Are recruitment fees prohibited?
Yes. Charging employees recruitment fees is prohibited.
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