Elevating Equality and Partnership:
The National Industry Liaison Group’s (NILG) Journey

Julie O’Hara-Harvey CHAIR

               Julie O’Hara-Harvey CHAIR

The National Industry Liaison Group (NILG) stands as a pioneering consortium, uniting federal contractors, subcontractors, and regulatory bodies in a shared mission to foster equal employment opportunities for everyone. Our journey began with a clear vision to create linkages between federal contractors and regulatory agencies to promote a multi- disciplinary approach to affirmative action and equal employment opportunity policies and regulations that are both effective and beneficial. This vision has been the cornerstone of the NILG’s evolution into a partnership-driven entity.

In the 1980s, the NILG initiated a collaborative working group with employers and representatives from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP),that we have consistently expanded to include the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), Veterans’ Employment & Training Service (VETS). The NILG further broadened its scope through partnerships with Key stakeholders including Disability:IN and the National Organization on Disability (NOD). These partnerships underscore the NILG’s dedication to the ever evolving and thriving employment landscape marked by new challenges, legal developments, analytical tools, and approaches to compliance. The NILG’s integrated approach to its compliance focused mission enriches our network and ensures that we remain at the forefront of promoting affirmative action and equal employment opportunity initiatives.

In line with this, we recognize the importance of including the broader AA/EEO community in our compliance discussions. As a result, our community has further expanded to include not only our federal agency partners and outreach organizations, but vendors of AA/EEO products and services, subject matter experts (such as those in the Advisory Council), and other stakeholders. This multi-disciplinary approach to promoting compliance reflects the diverse ecosystem within which we operate and highlights our commitment to being a comprehensive resource and advocate in the AA/EEO field.

Our annual conference highlights these unique partnerships and the level of engagement that our partners bring to AA/EEO compliance field. Our multi-disciplinary approach to compliance and the depth of our partnerships with various stakeholders differentiates the NILG from other organizations in the EEO space and reinforces our role as a catalyst for change and innovation within the EEO community. The NILG’s annual conference is the perfect example of the breadth and depth of the NILG’s and its agency and community partners’ commitment to providing federal contractors with the tools and knowledge necessary to ensure compliance in the workplace.

As the industry and regulatory landscape evolves, the NILG will continue to support its members, disseminate information, and advocate on their behalf. Recognizing the dynamic nature of the current environment, the NILG remains committed to bridging the gap between federal contractors and agencies to ensure equal employment opportunities for all.

We are grateful for your visit and hope that our website serves as a valuable tool in your journey.

At the heart of the National Industry Liaison Group is a steadfast commitment to: Working Together Towards Equality in the Workplace!

About the NILG

The National Industry Liaison Group (NILG) is a non-profit organization formed in 1992 for the main purposes of improving communications between the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) and Industry Liaison Groups (ILGs); and, enhancing the quality and overall effectiveness of Industry Liaison Groups. The NILG Board supports approximately 61 Industry Liaison Groups (ILGs), which are comprised of small, mid-size and large federal contractors and subcontractors across the country. Local ILGs are in every Department of Labor (DOL) region. No other employer association has a broader base of constituents focused on EO/AA matters. Since its beginning, the National Industry Liaison Group has continued to improve and enhance its structure, purpose, and membership; and has evolved to address new challenges and opportunities.

Our Vision:

To be the premier association of federal contractors supporting affirmative action and equal opportunity in the workplace through collaboration with ILGs and liaisons with the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and other government agencies and organizations connected to federal contracting EEO and AA requirements.

Our Mission

  • Support individual Industry Liaison Groups
  • Coordinate the annual ILG National Conference
  • Provide comments and feedback to regulators
  • Liaise with OFCCP, ODEP, VETS, EEOC and related stakeholders

We accomplish this mission by carrying out the activities outlined in our bylaws and by achieving targeted objectives. The NILG is proud of the voluntary and unique partnership of public and private sector cooperation it has been able to foster as an effective approach in dealing with important legal and regulatory issues regarding affirmative action and equal employment opportunity. The National Industry Liaison Group is committed to. . . Working Together Towards Equality In The Workplace!