Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors

Is there a higher hourly rate required for workers employed by federal contractors? It’s not entirely clear. A DOL notice posted on February 9, 2026, states the hourly rate is $13.65, effective May 10, 2026. The rate that had applied in 2025 pursuant to Executive Order 13658 was $17.75. But the notice says that this higher rate doesn’t apply to contracts awarded, renewed, or extended after January 29, 2022 (the date when EO 14026 became effective). What’s the official rate between January 30, 2022, and May 10th? #IdeaoftheDay