III FFC Assembles Monitors
combining 300 Years of Investigating Experience.
Not all contractors play by
the rules. Some go to extraordinary and sometimes
illegal lengths to gain an unfair competitive advantage.
When this happens, the construction industry in particular
and the local economy in general suffer.
The
III FFC has assembled a group of fifteen
monitors, many hired from the ranks of law enforcement,
to monitor and investigate prevailing wage projects
in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa.
By its activities, the III FFC enhances opportunities in support of fair bidding for responsible contractors, ensures the fair payment of wages & fringe benefits, & protects taxpayer dollars.
The III FFC has five basic activities.
Tracking
The III FFC reviews project-tracking
materials, i.e. Dodge,TCR, and CMD reports, wage
settings and other sources, to determine which
contractors are bidding on projects. When a questionable
contract or contractor is found, a "bid letter" is
sent to the contractor and public body indicating
that the III FFC may monitor the project
to ensure complete compliance with all Local,
State and Federal laws.
Education
III FFC is a repository for information about
projects and users of contractor services. Information is also provided about Common Construction Wage, Prevailing Wage and Davis-Bacon requirements to help insure
projects are appropriately bid and awarded. Additionally,
III FFC informs public bodies and contracting
agencies about unfair contractors.
III FFC also educates workers and contractors on public
works projects so that they know and apply the
appropriate wages and fringe benefits.
Monitoring
Trained monitors investigate public construction projects to
determine whether violations, ranging from misclassification
of workers to wage violations, are occurring. Monitors look for things such as the number of workers
on a job, the classifications in which they are working,
the hours and overtime, and safety concerns. If possible violations are noted,
action will be taken to report or correct the shortcomings.
Monitors use tools such as detailed reporting
forms, pictures, and videos to document cases.
Complaints
Complaints filed with the III FFC
may include referrals from contractors, affected
workers or other sources. This information is turned
over to the appropriate regulatory agency such as State & Federal
Departments of Labor, BAT, OSHA, Public Health, IRS,
Employment Security, EEOC, etc. Detailed information
from monitors will
aid these agencies in investigating and prosecuting
violators.
Follow-up
III FFC keeps in regular
contact with the appropriate agencies to see that
all cases are handled in a timely manner and that
an appropriate resolution is reached. The III FFC will continue dialogue with the complaining party,
the user agency, or the public body for any results
of the agency action. The III FFC will also follow
up with outside information agencies to assure
that the public is made aware of any issues of
taxpayer mistrust.
By these activities, the III FFC will enhance
the job market for responsible contractors and
ensure the fair payment of wages to employees,
keeping a level playing field available to all.
For more information, please contact the III FFC at 815.254.3332. 