Service Contract Act (SCA) Wage Determinations
The Service Contract Act requires federal service contractors to pay workers at least the prevailing wages and fringe benefits for the locality. Browse SCA determinations by state.
SCA vs. Davis-Bacon: Which Applies?
The Davis-Bacon Act covers federal construction contracts — building, heavy, highway, and residential work. The Service Contract Act covers federal service contracts — contracts for services performed by service employees such as janitors, office workers, security guards, IT technicians, and maintenance workers.
If your federal contract is primarily for services (not construction), the SCA applies. Construction contracts use Davis-Bacon. Many large federal contractors are subject to both laws on different parts of their work.
SCA wage determinations are locality-based — they specify minimum wages for specific occupational titles in a given area. Unlike Davis-Bacon (which is organized by trade and construction type), SCA determinations list job titles with defined duties and pay requirements.