III FFC | Indiana, Illinois, Iowa Foundation for Fair Contracting

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 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.