Worse, not even hired by a subcontractor, 1099'd by one. And probably not in accordance with the law on the subject since it's doubtful that a low level welder

Worse, not even hired by a subcontractor, 1099'd by one. And probably not in accordance with the law on the subject since it's doubtful that a low level welder at a shipyard engaged in fed contract work would have the autonomy to pass enough of the requirements to be considered a contractor.