Which U.S. law governs labor standards for many federal supply contracts?

The Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act governs labor standards for many U.S. federal supply contracts.

Congress passed the act in 1936 during the New Deal. It applies to certain contracts for the manufacture or furnishing of materials, supplies, articles, or equipment to the federal government when the contract exceeds the statutory threshold.

Covered contractors must comply with requirements concerning minimum wages, maximum hours, child labor, and safe working conditions. The act is distinct from the Davis–Bacon Act, which focuses mainly on construction, and the Service Contract Act, which focuses mainly on federal service work.

The law was named for its congressional sponsors, Senator David I. Walsh and Representative David J. Lewis. Its enforcement authority rests with the U.S. Department of Labor, which can investigate violations and impose contract-related remedies.