Description
[Please see .pdf version of this Signed Memo with integrated URLs attached to this posting] MEMORANDUM SUBJECT : Interim Guidance on COVID-19 Vaccination Attestation and Testing Requirements for Entry into EPA Facilities for On-site Contractors and Visitors FROM : Kimberly Y. Patrick, Senior Procurement Executive and Director EPA Office of Acquisition Solutions TO : All EPA Contractors In Executive Order 13991, President Biden established the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force to oversee the development and implementation of agency COVID-19 workplace safety plans across the federal government. On September 13, 2021, the Task Force issued updated model safety principles (previously updated July 29, 2021) for federal agencies to incorporate into their existing COVID-19 workplace safety plans. The Task Force guidance is tailored to three categories of persons: (1) federal employees and contractors, (2) general visitors, and (3) members of the public obtaining and/or seeking a service or benefit. The Task Force has directed federal agencies to incorporate principles on vaccination attestation—and, in the case of federal contractors and visitors, testing status—into their workplace safety plans. To that end, the Federal Protective Service (FPS) recently provided guidance to standardize the implementation of these workplace safety efforts at FPS-protected federal facilities. Through this memo, EPA is extending this guidance to all facilities with controlled access. In accordance with the guidance, signage will be posted at each facility entry point to notify all occupants and the public that a completed Certification of Vaccination form is required for entry unless the individual is obtaining a public service or benefit. GSA has begun posting signs in GSA-owned facilities. Key Points: EPA federal contractors (prime contractors and subcontractors) and visitors seeking access to an EPA facility must print and bring with them a completed “Certificate of Vaccination” form (attached). Documentation of a negative COVID test taken within 3 days of arrival to the facility is required for anyone who is not fully vaccinated (click here for a definition of “fully vaccinated”). Local security personnel will verify with the individual requesting entry to the facility that they have read the posted signage, have the appropriate documentation and, upon affirmation, will allow the visitor, grantee, or contractor to enter the facility. Federal contractors and subcontractors may be asked to show (not submit) their required documentation to a federal employee who oversees their work. Visitors may be asked to show (not submit) their required documentation to the federal employee with whom they are visiting. If a contractor, subcontractor, or visitor discloses that they are not fully vaccinated or declines to complete the “Certification of Vaccination” form, those individuals will be treated as not fully vaccinated for purposes of implementing safety measures according to CDC guidance, which require mask wearing, physical distancing and proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated must wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth, and that is in accordance with current CDC guidance regardless of community transmission level. To the extent practicable, individuals who are not fully vaccinated should maintain a distance of at least six feet from others at all times, consistent with CDC guidelines, including in offices, conference rooms, and all other communal and workspaces. In areas of high or substantial transmission, fully vaccinated people must wear a mask in public indoor settings. Fully vaccinated individuals might choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission for a variety of reasons. The requirements related to the provision of information about vaccination and proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test do not apply to members of the public entering EPA space for the purpose of obtaining a public service or benefit. If those seeking service from EPA are not fully vaccinated, these visitors must comply with all relevant CDC guidance, including wearing a mask and physically distancing from other people. Examples of public services or benefits offered by the EPA include the following: EPA Docket Center and Reading Room Use of Library Facilities Use of Credit Union or Childcare facilities contained within EPA space and not accessible outside of the EPA facility. These procedures will be effective by October 15, 2021, or sooner, and are in place pending the full implementation of Executive Order 14042. Please note that EPA intends to fully implement the Task Force’s COVID-19 Workplace Safety: Guidance for Federal Contractors and Subcontractors resulting from the issuance of Executive Order 14042, including modifying its existing contracts above the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. Contractors should expect to receive a modification incorporating the attached clause within the coming weeks from their cognizant contracting officer. Thank you for your continued support as we navigate this process.