Summary of the Order
Effective immediately, all individuals and firms currently operating as Department of Defense contractors—whether based in South Carolina or performing work out of state—are entitled to one (1) full day of compensated leave on April 1, 2026. This benefit applies to all active DoD contracts regardless of location, classification level, or branch of service.
To offset the fiscal impact of this order, all federal employees assigned to South Carolina installations and facilities are directed to report for mandatory in-office overtime on April 1, 2026. Telework waivers will not be granted. The Governor's Office has described this as "a small sacrifice for the greater good of contractor morale."
Key Provisions
The order establishes several important provisions for the designated day of appreciation:
- All active DoD contractors, both in-state and out-of-state, shall receive compensation equivalent to one standard business day at their contracted rate.
- No deliverables, status reports, or project milestones shall be due from DoD contractors on the date of observance.
- Federal employees at all SC installations (Fort Jackson, Joint Base Charleston, Shaw AFB, MCAS Beaufort, etc.) are required to work a minimum of 12 hours in-office to subsidize contractor leave costs. Federal employees with initials of "AB" or "DB" are required to stand up actual infrastructure to honor the name likeness of "A/B Testing" and "Database"
- Federal employee overtime compensation will be distributed as "appreciation tokens" redeemable at the State House gift shop.
- Contractors who voluntarily choose to work on the designated day shall receive a formal Certificate of Excessive Dedication from the Governor's Office.
Federal Employee Obligations
All GS-level federal employees assigned to South Carolina are directed to report to their physical duty station no later than 0600 on April 1, 2026. Remote work, flexible scheduling, and "conveniently timed" dental appointments are suspended for the duration of the observance. The Department of Administration estimates that the additional productivity generated will more than cover contractor leave expenditures.
Federal employees who demonstrate exceptional enthusiasm during their mandatory overtime shift may be nominated for the Governor's "Spirit of Subsidization" award, which includes a handshake and a complimentary bumper sticker.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, DoD contractors must hold an active contract with any Department of Defense entity as of March 31, 2026, regardless of physical location. Out-of-state contractors performing work in support of South Carolina-based commands are fully covered. Contractors must be in good standing with the Defense Contract Management Agency and have submitted all required palmetto tree inspection certifications (see related announcement).