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      How to Submit a Custom DOL Wage Determination

      When requesting a custom wage determination (also called an additional classification and wage rate or conformance) from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) prevailing wage requirements—because a job classification isn't included in the applicable wage determination—there are specific instructions you must follow. The process is governed by the Davis-Bacon Act procedures, which apply to IRA-covered projects.

      When to Submit a Conformance Request

      You should submit a request only after:

      • You’ve selected the applicable Davis-Bacon wage determination(s) for the project.

      • You’ve reviewed all classifications and found no existing classification that matches the duties of a needed worker.

      How to Submit a Custom Wage Determination Request

      The process is outlined in the DOL’s regulations at 29 CFR § 5.5(a)(1)(ii)(A) and further detailed in the Wage and Hour Division’s (WHD) All Agency Memorandum (AAM) No. 213.

      Required Elements of a Request (submitted via the conformance process)

      Standard Form (SF) 1444

      Use the form titled Request for Authorization of Additional Classification and Rate:
      👉 Download SF-1444 (PDF)
      or see the DOL’s construction forms page.

      Information Required on the Form:

      • Project name and location

      • Contractor name

      • Contract number (if applicable)

      • Name and description of the job classification needed

      • Proposed wage rate and fringe benefits (this section must be completed; if there are no fringe benefits provided, list $0.00 per hour)

      • The duties performed by workers in the proposed classification

      • Explanation of why no current classification in the WD matches these duties

      • Agreement or disagreement of the contracting officer and contractor with the proposed rate

      Tip: Always fill in the fringe benefits section — leaving it blank can delay DOL approval.

      Submission Process

      For IRA tax credit projects, submit the completed SF-1444 directly to the DOL via email:
      📧 IRAprevailingwage@dol.gov

      For general guidance, see DOL’s Conformance Process overview.

      Timing

      • The SF-1444 should be submitted as soon as practicable, which is when any contractor or subcontractor identifies that their wage classification is not listed on the wage determination.

      • In the event that a wage classification is not approved and the contractor owes restitution, the contractor will have 30 days to effectuate payment without incurring penalties or interest.

      Best Practices

      • Be thorough in describing job duties and justifying why no listed classification applies.

      • Include industry-standard references if available (e.g., job descriptions from BLS or union agreements).

      • Ensure that the proposed rate is reasonable and aligned with comparable listed jobs.

      • Double-check that the fringe benefits section is completed, even if $0.00/hour, to avoid processing delays.

      References