How to Submit a VETS-4212 Form

If your organization holds federal contracts or subcontracts valued at $150,000 or more, submitting a VETS-4212 form is a federal regulation you must comply with. This report supports affirmative action efforts and ensures that veterans receive fair employment opportunities. Contractors must submit one each year to maintain eligibility to obtain and hold federal contracts. In this blog, we’ll break down what the form is, who is required to submit the form, and how to submit the form.

The What

The origin of the VETS-4212 form came from the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) of 1974. VEVRAA was enacted during a time when Vietnam-era veterans faced significant challenges reintegrating into civilian life, including employment discrimination, lack of job training, and limited access to federal job opportunities.

Initially, compliance with VEVRAA was monitored through the VETS-100 form, which required contractors to report annually on the number of protected veterans in their workforce. As legislation evolved, so did the reporting requirements. In 2008, the VETS-100A form was introduced to reflect changes under the Jobs for Veterans Act (JVA) of 2002, which broadened the definition of covered veterans and revised contract thresholds. It was ultimately streamlined with a simplified process into what we know today – VETS-4212. Now, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) and the Office of Federal Contractor Compliance Programs (OFCCP) oversee the program.

The Who

VETS-4212 must be filed by all federal contractors and subcontractors who have contracts of $150,000 or more with the federal government, as long as they have 1 veteran employee - this applies whether the company is a private sector employer or a nonprofit organization. However, this only applies to contractors who have an active contract at some point during the year. If the contractor has an expired contract that is not renewed in the reporting year, they do not need to complete the form. Finally, companies with contracts exclusively for personal services (like individual consultants) or where no employees are engaged in the performance of the contract are also exempt.

The How

The filing cycle for the report happens annually from August 1^st to September 30^th, for the 12 months preceding the report's submission. The latest cycle for 2024 began August 1^st, 2024, with the next cycle opening August 1^st, 2025. Any reports filed outside of the cycle will be treated as part of the next active filing cycle.

There’s a slew of information that’s required for the report, separated into several categories such as gender, job titles, number of new hires (including the number of protected veterans), and veteran status. Once this data is collected, the contractor has a choice about how to submit the report. While electronically is the recommended route (on the Department of Labor’s website), it can also be submitted via email or a hard copy. Regardless of the method to submit, they will issue a confirmation of receipt, which should be saved as proof of compliance. Make sure to maintain these records of your reports for at least three years in case of an audit or review.

As a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, JetCo Solutions are experts in not only VETS-4212 compliance but also other contracting requirements – we know what’s expected when working with the government. If you need help with your VETS-4212 form or anything similar, reach out today.