Which 1936 U.S. law required federal contractors to pay prevailing wages and maintain labor standards?

The Walsh–Healey Public Contracts Act of 1936 required many federal contractors to meet prevailing-wage and labor standards.

The law applies to certain contracts for the manufacture or furnishing of materials, supplies, articles, or equipment for the U.S. government. Covered contractors must comply with requirements involving minimum wages, maximum hours, child labor, convict labor, and safe working conditions. The act was part of New Deal labor legislation designed to establish standards in federal procurement.

It differs from the Davis–Bacon Act, which principally covers federally funded construction projects. Walsh–Healey focuses on federal supply and manufacturing contracts, so the two laws can be confused when discussing prevailing wages. The U.S. Department of Labor administers important aspects of the statute, including wage determinations for covered industries.