Berkeley Lab’s Commitment to Combating Trafficking in Persons
Berkeley Lab is opposed to human trafficking and forced labor in all forms. Human trafficking violates Berkeley Lab’s Ethics and Conduct policy and its commitment to equity and inclusion, in addition to being illegal under California and U.S. law.
The United States Government has a zero-tolerance policy regarding Contractors and Contractor employees that engage in or support trafficking in persons, procurement of commercial sex acts, or use of forced labor. Berkeley Lab complies with all applicable regulations regarding Combating Trafficking in Persons, including FAR 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons.
During the performance of our contract, Berkeley Lab will ensure that its employees do not violate this policy. This policy applies to employee conduct in the United States and in host nations where employees perform work. Violations of this policy may lead to disciplinary action up to and including termination.
What is Trafficking Persons?
Trafficking Persons is the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, debt bondage, or slavery and sex trafficking.
What are the core requirements of complying with FAR 52.222-50?
To comply with FAR 52.222-50, Contractors:
- Must notify all employees and subcontractors of the U.S. Government’s zero tolerance policy regarding trafficking in persons and the actions that will be taken against its employees for violation of this policy.
- Take appropriate action, up to and including termination, against employees or subcontractors that violate the policy.
- Immediately report to the Contracting Officer any information from any source that alleges an employee or subcontractor has violated this policy.
What measures is Berkeley Lab taking to comply with FAR 52.222-50?
- Human Resources will notify all new employees of the U.S. Government’s policy in the required New Employee Briefing
- Procurement will notify any vendors of the U.S. Government’s policy by including the FAR 52.222-50 clause in solicitations and awards as needed.
Reporting Violations
Berkeley Lab employees are expected to report any credible information regarding human trafficking incidents by submitting questions or concerns to the Berkeley Lab’s Employee Concerns Program or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
Resources
Further information regarding state and federal laws and policies, including how to recognize the potential signs of human trafficking, can be found at the following:
- State of California Department of Justice Human Trafficking
- State of California Department of Justice Resources on Human Trafficking
- State of California Human Trafficking Legislation
- FAR 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons
- 2 CFR Part 175: Award Terms for Trafficking in Persons
- 22 USC Chapter 78: Trafficking Victims Protection
- Executive Order 13627: Strengthening Protections against Trafficking In Persons In Federal Contracts
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Human Trafficking Training Program