The Davis Bacon Act established the requirement for paying the local prevailing wages on public works projects for laborers and mechanics. It applies to contractors and subcontractors performing on federally funded or assisted contracts in excess of $2,000 for the construction, alteration or repair (including painting and decorating) of public buildings or public works.
The Secretary of Labor will pay directly to laborers and mechanics from any accrued payments withheld under the terms of a contract any wages due to such laborers and mechanics. (40 U.S.C. s. 3144(a)(1))
If such accrued payments are insufficient to reimburse all such laborers and mechanics, they have the same right to bring a civil action against the contractor as is conferred by law on persons furnishing labor or materials. (40 U.S.C. s. 3144(a)(2))