Prevailing Wage Seminar

Up to 4.0 CPE credits

Join BDO, ABC’s MA Chapter, the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General, Fair Labor Division, and the Massachusetts Division of Apprenticeship Training, for a one-day four-session prevailing wage seminar tailored for contractors, subcontractors, and compliance professionals. This seminar will provide practical guidance on complying with federal and Massachusetts prevailing wage laws, including determining proper wage rates, staying current with regulatory developments, and aligning with enforcement priorities. Through real-world examples and interactive discussion, participants will gain actionable tools to strengthen compliance.

Guest speakers include Regional Enforcement Coordinator of Government Contracts Ashley Swopes from the U.S. Department of Labor, Assistant Attorney General Alex Sugerman-Brozan from the Office of the Attorney General, Fair Labor Division, and Deputy Director Margie Gilligan from the Division of Apprenticeship Training.

Whether you’re new to prevailing wage requirements or seeking an advanced update, this session will equip you with the knowledge and resources needed to strengthen your compliance program and protect your organization’s bottom line. 

This seminar will provide essential guidance and the latest updates on: 

• Davis-Bacon and Related Acts, including key changes from the Department of Labor’s final rule  

• Massachusetts Prevailing Wage Laws and Apprenticeship Programs

• Prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements under the Inflation Reduction Act

• DBRA/Prevailing Wages Investigations

Agenda

9:30 AM to 10:00 AM | Registration and Light Breakfast  

10:00 AM to 10:20 AM | Welcome and Introductions

10:20 AM to 11:20 AM | Key Changes Based on DOL Final Rule and Deep Dive on Complex Issues

11:20 AM to 11:30 AM | Break

11:30 AM to 12:30 PM | Mass Prevailing Wage

12:30 PM to 1:00 PM | Complimentary Lunch 

1:00 PM to 2:00 PM | Inflation Reduction Act Enhanced Tax Credits PWA Requirements and Massachusetts Apprenticeship Rules

2:00 PM to 2:15 PM | Break

2:15 PM to 3:15 PM | Navigating DOL Wage Hour Division, OAG Investigations

3:15 PM to 4:00 PM | Q&A with the experts

4:00 PM to 5:30 PM | Networking reception

Session One: Key Changes Based on DOL Final Rule and Deep Dive on Complex Issues

10:20 AM to 11:20 AM ET

1.0 CPE credit in Business Law (BL)

This session provides a comprehensive overview of prevailing wage requirements with a focus on DOL’s recent Final Rule update to the DBA. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how prevailing wage law operate, who they cover, and the impact of the most significant regulatory changes in decades. We will review the three biggest changes under the Final Rule – the reinstated three step process for determining prevailing wage rates, the introduction of multi- county wage determinations, and the expanded scope of coverage and enforcement.

At the end of this session, participants should be able to:

• Understand the reinstated three-step process for determination prevailing wage rates.
• Recognize expanded coverage areas and strengthened enforcement provisions.
• Identify when and how multi-county wage determinations apply.

Session Two: Massachusetts Prevailing Wage Laws

11:30 AM to 12:30 PM ET

1.0 CPE credit in Specialized Knowledge (SK)

This session provides an overview of Mass. Prevailing Wage Laws and their application to public construction projects, as administered by the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards and enforced by the Office of the Attorney General, Fair Labor Division. This course will explain how contractors must properly assign worker classifications, apply the correct wage rates, and maintain compliance certified payroll records. The course will detail the OAG/FLD enforcement role, including conducting investigations, auditing payroll records, enforcing restitution of unpaid wages, issuing civil citations, overview of the False Claims Act, and pursuing debarment for serious violations. The training will also address apprenticeship compliance under the Massachusetts Division of Apprentice Standards and provide practical strategies to ensure full compliance and mitigate audit risk.

At the end of this session, participants should be able to:

• Interpret and apply prevailing wage determination issued by Mass DLS, including proper worker classifications and wage rate assignments.
• Evaluate enforcement risks by understanding how the OAG/FLD conducts investigations/audits, review of CPR’s and payroll records, and imposing penalties/debarment.
• Implement compliant apprenticeship practices.

Session Three: Inflation Reduction Act Enhanced Tax Credits PWA Requirements and Massachusetts Apprenticeship Rules

1:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET

1.0 CPE credit in Taxes (TX)

This session explains how prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements under the IRA impact eligibility for enhanced clean energy tax credits. It outlines federal compliance expectations, including Wage Determinations and apprentice labor hour thresholds, as guided by the IRS, aligned with the U.S. Department of Labor standards. The course also examines Massachusetts-specific apprenticeship rules administered by the Massachusetts Division of Apprentice Standards, including program registration and ratio requirements. Participants will learn how to align federal PWA obligations with stricter state standards and avoid common compliance pitfalls. This session will emphasize practical strategies to reduce audit risk, prevent penalties, and maintain eligibility for federal tax incentives.

At the end of this session, participants should be able to: 

• Interpret and apply IRA PWA requirements to project planning and execution.
• Align federal apprenticeship utilization standards with Mass DAS
• Develop defensible compliance strategies and documentation practices and identify/mitigate audit and enforcement risks across federal and state guidelines.

Session Four: Navigating DOL Wage and Hour Investigations, OAG Investigations

2:15 PM to 3:15 PM ET

1.0 CPE credit in Business Law (BL)

This session will guide participants step-by-step through the process of a DOL/WHD investigation, equipping participants with the knowledge and tools needed to respond effectively and protect their organization. We will cover what to expect when the DOL/WHD initiates contact, how to prepare required records, and the roles of interviews, site visits, and payroll audits in the investigations process. Participants will learn best practices for communicating with investigators, avoiding missteps, and addressing potential violations before they escalate.

At the end of this session, participants should be able to:

• Describe each stage of a Wage and Hour Investigation/OAG Investigation and what to expect.
• Describe best practices for preparing records and communicating with investigators.
• Formulate strategies to address findings and minimize compliance risks.

Co-Sponsor

Cost: There is no cost to attend this event.

Delivery: Group Live Event

CPE Program Level: Basic

Prerequisites: None

Advanced Prep: None

Information about CPE Eligibility: To receive CPE credit for participation in a BDO USA, P.C. Events live program you must check-in using the QR code or password provided at the beginning of each session and actively participate throughout the session. If you need to leave mid-session, please visit the registration desk prior to leaving. You will receive an email notification once the attendance record has been processed, including instructions on how to access your CPE certificate.

Please Note: Per BDO USA, P.C. Events’ CPE Compliance policy, CPE will not be issued for programs that fail to comply with the NASBA Standards, or to individuals who do not meet the attendance requirements. For questions regarding CPE credit, please contact [email protected]. 

For more information regarding administrative policies such as complaint or refund, please contact [email protected]. 

BDO USA, P.C. Events is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org