Equal Benefits Ordinance Disclosure and Certification of Compliance

This is an Equal Benefits Ordinance (EBO) disclosure and certification document issued by the City of Long Beach applicable to contractors and vendors awarded contracts with the city. The EBO requires selected contractors and vendors to comply with nondiscrimination provisions in the provision of employee benefits during contract performance. The ordinance applies to for-profit employers holding contracts with the City for the purchase of goods, services, public works, or improvements and other construction projects valued at $100,000 or more, as well as for-profit entities generating $350,000 or more in annual gross receipts from leasing City property under written agreements exceeding 29 days in any calendar year. Contractors subject to the EBO must certify compliance before contract execution by completing the EBO Certification Form or obtaining a City waiver. The City retains the right to access contractor records to verify compliance.

The document establishes compliance requirements mandating that contractors provide equal benefits to employees with spouses and domestic partners, including health benefits, bereavement leave, family medical leave, membership discounts, moving expenses, retirement benefits, and travel benefits. Contractors may delay EBO implementation under three circumstances: by the first effective date after the first open enrollment process following contract start, not exceeding two years if the contractor submits evidence of reasonable compliance measures; when administrative steps can be taken to incorporate nondiscrimination in benefits infrastructure within three months; or upon expiration of current collective bargaining agreements. The document includes a certification form requiring contractor information, compliance question responses addressing applicability and benefit provision to spouses and domestic partners, provisional compliance timelines, and documentation requirements. Material breach of EBO obligations may result in contract cancellation, termination, suspension, disqualification from future City contracts for three years, liquidated damages, or other remedies available under law or equity.