Bill Overview
Title: End Human Trafficking in Government Contracts Act of 2022
Description: This bill requires the implementation of certain contracting provisions related to human trafficking. Specifically, the bill requires, upon receipt of an office of inspector general report substantiating an allegation that the recipient of a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement (or any subgrantee, subcontractor, or agent of the recipient) engaged in human trafficking, that the agency refer the matter to the agency suspension and debarment office (current law requires that the agency consider remedial actions that include such referral). The Office of Management and Budget must report to Congress on implementation of provisions to end human trafficking in government contracting.
Sponsors: Sen. Lankford, James [R-OK]
Target Audience
Population: People affected globally by government contracting regulations to prevent human trafficking
Estimated Size: 5000000
- Human trafficking is a global issue affecting millions worldwide. With government contracts being a significant part of many economies, regulating them affects a large sector.
- Victims of human trafficking will directly benefit from reduced trafficking through stricter regulations, improving their well-being.
- Government employees and contractors involved in international government contracts need to adapt to new regulations, indirectly impacting their work and processes.
- Given the global nature of US government contracts, especially in defense and international aid, this legislation potentially influences international industries and sectors.
- Any subcontractors and agents involved in government contracts will also be affected by these changes, requiring compliance and adjustments to their operations.
Reasoning
- The target population is estimated to be around 5 million Americans who are connected to government contracts and human trafficking intersections, either directly as potential victims, contractors, or federal employees involved in compliance.
- The budget of $15 million in year 1 and $150 million over 10 years allows for substantial investment in compliance and enforcement systems within government agencies.
- Implementation will involve significant change and adaptation for contractors and federal employees, which may initially lower wellbeing due to increased stress and workload but should improve wellbeing as systems stabilize and trafficking is reduced.
- We include a range of perspectives from those directly involved in contracting and compliance to those indirectly affected to assess varied impacts.
Simulated Interviews
Federal contract manager (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's a necessary change, but it will add a lot of work to my already full plate.
- I am hopeful that these changes will make a real difference. Right now, there's a lot of uncertainty.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
CEO of a subcontracting firm (Seattle, WA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy will increase our costs, but it's vital to address these issues.
- I'm supportive of the goals but worried about the impact on our small business.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Non-profit legal advisor (Austin, TX)
Age: 32 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Finally! This is the kind of regulation we've been advocating for.
- I'm optimistic that this will lead to a reduction in human trafficking cases.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
State Department official (New York, NY)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Enforcing these regulations will be challenging but crucial.
- I've seen firsthand the consequences of contract neglect; this can prevent abuses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Policy analyst (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this is a step in the right direction for both ethics and compliance.
- The challenge will be maintaining the balance between cost and enforcement.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Human trafficking survivor (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful this will protect more people like me.
- It's about time the government took this seriously in their contracts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Retired government contractor (Denver, CO)
Age: 56 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's a good move, albeit a bit late.
- The enforcement of ethical practices should have always been prioritized.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Employment lawyer (Houston, TX)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It will require adjusting to new compliance landscapes, but it's necessary.
- Overall, a positive step for human rights.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
NGO worker focusing on human rights (Miami, FL)
Age: 30 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This will help curb exploitation by holding contractors accountable.
- It's only part of a broader effort needed to end trafficking.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Government compliance officer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It adds complexity to my job, but it's worth it for the potential benefits.
- We'll need more resources to effectively implement and monitor.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 2: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 3: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 5: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 10: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 100: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Key Considerations
- Training and compliance measures required for federal agencies and contractors will incur initial setup costs but could stabilize over time.
- The effectiveness of the policy in reducing human trafficking depends significantly on enforcement and compliance monitoring.
- Suspension and debarment processes might delay certain contracts, impacting project timelines and costs.
- Positive public perception of government contracts being free from trafficking could enhance America's global image and economic relationships.