Sample Affirmative Action Programs

The following sample Affirmative Action Programs (AAPs) are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only styles and formats that meet regulatory requirements. While these sample AAPs have been constructed around a company with less than 150 employees, thereby allowing the AAP job groups to be formulated using the EEO-1 categories as authorized by 41 CFR 60-2.12(e), they can be used as a guide for larger employers.

When preparing AAPs, they should be customized to reflect an employer's organizational structure, policies, practices, programs, and data. Usually separate AAPs are required for each establishment. In appropriate circumstances, an establishment may include several facilities located at two or more sites if the facilities are in the same labor market or recruiting area.

In addition to the records an employer is required to compile and maintain to support the AAPs (41 CFR 60-1.12, 41 CFR 60-2.17(d), 41 CFR 60-300.80, and 41 CFR 60-741.80), the employer should also keep materials evidencing its affirmative action efforts. This can include items such as:

• Copies of collective bargaining agreements and other documents that indicate employment policies and practices;
• Copies of letters sent to suppliers and vendors stating the EEO/affirmative action policy;
• Copies of letters sent to recruitment sources and community organizations; and
• Copies of contract language incorporating the regulatory equal opportunity clauses (41 CFR 60-1.4, 41 CFR 60-300.5, and 41 CFR 60-741.5).

Executive Order 11246

Section 503