Why is HII-Ingalls mandating vaccines now? On September 9, 2021, President Biden issued an Executive Order requiring that federal contractors comply with vaccination guidelines developed by the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force (“Task Force”). HII is implementing a vaccine mandate to comply with the Task Force requirements.
Why is HII-Ingalls sending communication to all active suppliers? President Biden’s Executive Order and the Task Force’s guidelines apply to HII, and therefore, employees of suppliers that wish to come on-site to Ingalls will be required to provide proof of vaccination.
When is the deadline to be vaccinated? The Task Force deadline to be fully vaccinated is December 8, 2021. “Fully vaccinated” is defined as having two weeks pass since your final dose.
Will there be any alternatives to vaccination, such as periodic testing? No. There is no testing option under the vaccination guidelines defined by the Task Force.
What if I contracted COVID-19, recovered from the disease, and I have an antigen test proving I have natural immunity? Am I exempted from the vaccine mandate? No, the Task Force provides that “a covered contractor cannot accept a recent antibody test from a covered contractor employee to prove vaccination status” and that “covered contractor employees who have had a prior COVID-19 infection are required to be vaccinated.”
Will suppliers need to provide proof of vaccination? Yes. HII-Ingalls is required to review suppliers’ documentation to prove vaccination status when the supplier is coming on-site. Suppliers’ employees will be required to show a digital or hard copy of their vaccination record. Submission of false vaccination information is considered falsification of documents and could result in termination of your subcontract.
How do suppliers submit proof of vaccination when visiting Ingalls? There will be a designated time for suppliers to submit proof of vaccination in support of on-site visits. More details will follow.
Are unbadged delivery drivers exempt? Yes, however, delivery drivers must wear masks and maintain social distancing.
Is this mandate for entrance into the shipyard only? No, this requirement is for entry into any HII-Ingalls owned or leased facility.
Does this mandate apply to temporary escort-required issued badges at Ingalls? Ingalls will require proof of vaccination for a temporary badge to be issued to anyone requesting access to the shipyard.
What should I do if my employee lost his/her vaccination card? If your employee lost his/her vaccination card, contact the vaccination provider site where the vaccine was received. The provider should be able to supply a new card or documentation.
What is the process for seeking a request for reasonable accommodation for a medical exemption/disability or religious exemption? Suppliers are responsible for receiving and processing requests for exemptions and accommodations from its employees. Ingalls will require proof of vaccination for any supplier employee that must access Ingalls facilities.
After everyone is vaccinated on-site, will masks still be required? Ingalls’ mask requirements are driven by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Currently Ingalls encourages vaccinated employees to wear a face covering while at work when they are unable to maintain social distance.
Do the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines also fulfill the mandate, even though those are not fully approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)? Yes. Both vaccines have been granted emergency authorization by the FDA, and millions of people have received vaccines from these two manufacturers. The Pfizer vaccine has been given full FDA approval and is now marketed under the name “Comirnaty.”
Will my company need to implement the vaccine mandate as a subcontractor of an HII-Ingalls? The Executive Order requires the flow down in most cases of its requirements pursuant to a Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) or similar federal agency clause. More information will be communicated following Ingalls’ receipt of the FAR or other federal agency clause.
