PSC Urges Congress to Extend 3610 Authority

 
Arlington, Va. (Feb. 25, 2021) The Professional Services Council (PSC) calls for Congress to extend Section 3610, a critical federal contractor personnel retention effort, before it expires on March 31, 2021. 

In a February 16, 2021, letter to Congressional Leaders, PSC urged Congress to extend Section 3610, noting that it will allow government agencies to continue to retain tens of thousands of critical workers who support agency mission needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
“It is crucial that the Congress act to extend this vital provision without a lapse to ensure that federal agencies have the flexibility to retain the contractor workforce necessary to meet their mission needs,” said David Berteau, PSC President and CEO. “The expiration date is fast approaching, and now is not the time to let up on COVID-19 protections while there is still much uncertainty around safe access to workplaces.”

Congress initially extended Section 3610 in the “Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act” (P.L. 116-159) and then again in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260). Originally enacted as part of the CARES Act (P. L. 116-136), Section 3610 authorizes federal agencies to reimburse certain company expenses for keeping skilled and trusted personnel in a ready state when they are unable to perform work either on site or remotely, due to closures or other government-imposed restrictions. 

“The contracting community would face significant disruption if 3610 expires,” said PSC’s Executive Vice President for Government Relations, David Broome. “Adding an extension of the Section 3610 authority to the appropriate legislative vehicle is the right thing to do and would not require additional funding. We stand ready to support Congress in making this happen.” 

###
Media Contact:
Pheniece Jones
Director, Media Relations 
703.875.8974
media@pscouncil.org