The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1989 prevents individuals and institutions from receiving federal funding unless they abide by or have a drug-free workplace policy, respectively.

This federal certification requirement applies to all federal grants and (with rare exceptions) to federal contracts for $25,000 or more. It applies to controlled substances as defined in 21 CFR 1308 but not alcohol. Middlebury must do the following:

  • Notify employees that controlled substances are prohibited in the workplace and specify the penalties for infraction.
  • Establish a drug-free awareness program.
  • Inform employees on federally funded projects that they must follow Middlebury’s policy.
  • Notify Middlebury within five days about any drug infraction that occurs at the workplace or about any conviction that occurs as a result of workplace behavior.
  • Notify the funding agency within ten days of learning of a drug conviction.
  • Punish convicted employees and require them to attend drug-abuse assistance or rehabilitation.

Individuals must certify that they comply with Middlebury’s policy during the proposal endorsement process.

Violations may result in termination of the grant or suspension or debarment of the institution or individual.

See Middlebury’s policy on Drug Free Schools and Communities.