The Road to Responsible Contracting: Lessons from States and Cities for Ensuring That Federal Contracting Delivers Good Jobs and Quality Services

This report outlines the failures of the current federal contracting system, and highlights state and city governments that are implementing responsible contracting reforms. Reform recommendations include conducting rigorous responsibility reviews and background checks on potential contractors, contracting with employers who pay a living wage, providing health benefits and paid sick leave, and ensuring that contracts accurately classify workers.