Equity Types

(1) Reduce barriers to citizenship and naturalization through continued evaluation of programs, policies, and outreach opportunities. There is a significant gap between the annual naturalization rate and the annual size of the population eligible to naturalize. Commonly cited barriers to naturalization include: a lack of understanding about the naturalization process; a real or perceived inability to meet the English language requirement that is part of the naturalization process; a lack of ability to pay application fees; and a lack of understanding about reduced fees and fee waiver options. To address these barriers, USCIS will strengthen efforts to promote naturalization through citizenship education and outreach, capacity building efforts, and more streamlined naturalization application services. (2) Promote equitable use of AI technology across the Department through the development and application of new guidance as well as intra - agency coordination. With increased use of AI in carrying out DHS's homeland security mission, members of underserved communities may face disproportionate or disparate impacts, such as additional scrutiny or denial of benefits based on the potential for algorithms to operate in a manner that exhibits inappropriate biases in violation of law and DHS policy. To address these barriers, DHS will implement Department - wide policy guidance regarding the equitable use and implementation of AI technology and leverage the ongoing work of the Artificial Intelligence Task Force (AITF) and other internal working groups to establish a framework for trustworthy and responsible AI. (3) Counter domestic violent extremism (DVE) and targeted violence through a public health - informed approach. As the Department continues to tackle DVE threats, members of certain underserved communities (e.g., AMEMSA, Jewish, LGBTQI + and Black communities) continue to have concerns about DVE threats that impact their communities. To address these barriers, DHS will build the capacity of prevention professionals, SO that they can better understand and use data - driven information on how underserved communities are often the targets and victims of domestic terrorists;

Naturalization applications and naturalizations have risen over time, but each year, only about 10 percent of eligible individuals naturalize. This trend has persisted for decades. Commonly cited barriers to naturalization include a lack of understanding about the naturalization process, a real or perceived inability to meet the English language requirement that is part of the naturalization process, a belief that the civics test is too difficult, a lack of time to prepare for the naturalization test and interview, a lack of ability to pay application fees, and a lack of understanding about reduced fees and fee waiver options. 3 About 3.5 percent of all Form N - 400s (Applications for Naturalization) are currently accompanied by at least one Form N - 648 (Medical Certification for Disability Exception). The public has commented on the limited list of medical professionals who are eligible to certify Form N - 648. Members of the public have recommended expanding the list to include nurse practitioners, thereby allowing for greater access for people living in rural areas, people with limited financial resources and time, and people who may otherwise have barriers with utilizing the current list of medical professionals. Form N - 648 continues to pose obstacles for people with disabilities based on its length and complexity, sometimes deterring eligible people from filing, deterring

Award and administer $ 25 million in grants to provide high - quality citizenship instruction classes and provide naturalization application services within the authorized practice of immigration law. Specifically, grantees will help LPRs understand the naturalization process, improve their English language skills, prepare for and study for the civics test, understand what to expect with the naturalization test and interview, and understand qualifications for reduced fees or a fee waiver. Evaluate Form N - 648 for burden reduction, assess the possibility of allowing additional medical professionals to certify N - 648s, and implement any appropriate changes. Consider efforts to redesign parts of the naturalization test. One of the goals of the proposed redesign is to reduce barriers to citizenship by creating a more fair and transparent speaking test.

In partnership with the White House Task Force on New Americans and the Interagency NWG, bring together professionals with equities in immigrant integration and citizenship education from the National Immigrant Integration & Citizenship Education Conference to provide access and inclusion. In FY 2024, expand the number of Citizenship Ambassadors, who help demystify the naturalization process and increase awareness of the life - changing impact of U.S. citizenship, and explore the possibility of hiring a private vendor to conduct various marketing activities to promote naturalization. Annually track the number and percentage of successful applicants from groups of LPRs who have historically been less likely to apply for naturalization to review factors that contributed to increased access to the naturalization process.

Increases in the rate of naturalization among different communities, including marginalized and underserved communities. Changes in the number and type of accommodations granted to persons with disabilities to determine success in naturalization proceedings. Increase in access to medical evaluations for naturalization applications.

To develop its outreach and engagement strategy, USCIS considered input from several recent engagements: On November 1, 2022, USCIS held a stakeholder engagement to provide an overview and gather stakeholder feedback on the new Form N - 648 and its corresponding policy. USCIS collected comments related to improvements that USCIS can legally make through a regulation or policy, and any form changes, regulatory provisions or USCIS policies related to the N - 648 that were a source

On January 11, 2023, USCIS hosted a national listening session on the Proposed Rule to Adjust Certain Immigration Fees. USCIS provided an overview of the proposed rule and reviewed how to submit formal comments. On May 16, 2023, USCIS participated in an engagement hosted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to educate USDA employees about " " Equity and Nutrition Security Among Eligible Immigrant Families. " " During the engagement USCIS educated USDA staff about the barriers and challenges facing immigrant families in accessing federal programs and highlighted the role USCIS plays through outreach and engagements to ensure stakeholders are well informed about the Final Public Charge Rule. USCIS held stakeholder engagements on January 12, March 3, April 28, and May 31, 2023, to address questions and gather feedback on the naturalization test redesign initiative. For FY 2023, USCIS scheduled and conducted in - person Adult Citizenship Education Training in areas where there are large numbers of LPRs who are eligible to naturalize and areas that are underserved. USCIS will continue to engage with the public, including members of underserved communities; relevant stakeholders; state and local government; and other federal agencies to seek input on ways to further advance equity in applying for naturalization. As part of this effort, USCIS will utilize its expanded cadre of citizenship ambassadors to share information about the naturalization process and how to access information and support. Further, CRCL, in collaboration with USCIS / NWG, will periodically disseminate messaging regarding citizenship and naturalization initiatives to CRCL's network of community stakeholders through the GovDelivery system and monthly CRCL newsletter with an audience of over 10,000 members of the public. Additionally, CRCL, in collaboration with USCIS / NWG, will host a series of Naturalization Test Redesign Information and Listening Sessions with CRCL's network of community stakeholders. (2) Promote equitable use of AI technology across the Department through the development and application of new guidance as well as intra - agency coordination.

During a June 2023 stakeholder listening session on AI and Equity at DHS, stakeholders raised concerns about transparency and disparate impact in DHS's use of AI. Stakeholders also recommended enhancing community engagement on the use and application of AI going forward to build greater trust with communities. Staff consultation with the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, policy development engagement dating back to the 2014 - 15 White House Big Data Papers, literature study, and interagency engagement with colleagues who have faced similar challenges and developed ethical codes and best practices in response, provide a basis for anticipating the challenges to ensuring compliance with applicable law and policy and in using AI to advance equity across all DHS missions. To encourage accountability and responsible use of AI in government programs and processes, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) developed an AI accountability framework ensuring AI is responsible, equitable, traceable, reliable, and governable. According to NIST, how accurately face recognition software tools identify people of varied sex, age, and racial backgrounds depends in part on the algorithm and data used. Results captured in the NIST report, Face Recognition Vendor Test (FRVT) Part 3: Demographic Effects (NISTIR 8280), found empirical evidence for the existence of demographic differentials across algorithms and developers, with the most accurate algorithms producing many fewer errors; NIST expects those algorithms to have smaller demographic differentials. A key goal of the Department's use of facial recognition technology is identifying and eliminating, to the extent it exists, any improper bias. The Final Report of the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence (2021) determined that " " unintended bias can be introduced during many stages of the machine learning (ML) process, which can lead to disparate impacts in American society, a problem that has been documented in law enforcement contexts. " " Commission recommendations include the establishment of " " a task force to assess the privacy and civil liberties implications of AI and emerging technologies " " and " " empower DHS Offices of Privacy and Civil Rights and Civil Liberties [ to ] play an integral role in the legal and approval processes for the procurement and use of Al - enabled systems. " "

which includes explicit privacy, civil rights, civil liberties, and equity guidelines (including nondiscrimination provisions). Issue application - specific policy, as appropriate, including a Department - wide policy on facial recognition and facial detection technologies, requiring and enabling the minimization of improper bias in operational use and safeguarding of individuals against disproportionate or disparate impacts based on protected characteristics. Build on the principles articulated in EO 13960, Promoting the Use of Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence in the Federal Government, and leverage the ongoing work of the DHS AI Task Force (AITF) and the DHS AI Policy Working Group by establishing a DHS - specific AI risk management framework, including a focus on trustworthy and responsible AI that protects privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties and advances equity. Where reliance on an algorithm is likely to have a substantial effect on individuals, DHS will enable effective oversight through disclosure of algorithms relied upon, where appropriate; reliance on explainable algorithms when feasible; and placing an emphasis in policy and oversight activities on accountability. Sponsor a CRCL - led Responsible Use Group within the DHS AITF, to establish close coordination between the DHS AITF, the Privacy Office, and the operational and technical staff charged with leading the innovative AI projects sponsored by the AITF. The Responsible Use Group will ensure projects receive timely, tailored compliance and equity - enhancing policy advice and oversight scrutiny. Additionally it will work with the Department's AI Policy Working Group to leverage the lessons learned from this grass roots implementation work to inform policy and practices guiding the AITF projects, and Department - level AI governance policy, respectively. Examine the use and value of AI in meeting language access needs in DHS programs and operations through a new initiative on AI and Language Access. CRCL will convene a symposium on AI and Language Access in Fiscal Year 2024 to explore how various technologies (e.g., large language models) could address DHS mission needs for quality translation and access services while mitigating any potential harm on underserved populations. Incorporate forthcoming OMB government - wide guidance on AI implementation, including review of affected DHS policies protecting the individual rights and safety of the public and our employees, and updating civil rights and general individual protective policies and processes to incorporate additional protections, where appropriate. Over the next five years, continue to engage with members of underserved communities and stakeholder groups to assess the extent to which they report progressively fewer concerns about privacy and disparate treatment and impacts from DHS's AI technology, and address any lingering or novel concerns through additional policy updates.

(4) Advance equity for persons who are limited English proficient by strengthening language access programs. In carrying out its varied homeland security mission, DHS encounters millions of members of the public every day, many of whom are limited English proficient (LEP) and may experience communication challenges or barriers in accessing DHS programs. Although DHS has language access policies in place, DHS has opportunities to strengthen language access across its programs and activities for persons who are LEP. Many individuals who are LEP are members of underserved communities, including racial and ethnic minority groups, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQI + persons, and others who face poverty or persecution. To address these barriers, DHS will apply customer experience principles and practices in advancing language access and implement the DHS Language Access Plan, updated in November 2023, and the DHS Indigenous Languages Plan to ensure that the Department's language access programs are effective. (5) Advance equity in DHS's screening activities through updates to training, policy, and procedures. Members of the public, including those from underserved communities (e.g., AMEMSA communities and individuals with disabilities) continue to report concerns regarding their experiences when undergoing screening, including allegations of racial and ethnic profiling and improper treatment of persons with disabilities. To address these barriers, DHS will develop training to enhance knowledge and cultural competency of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) frontline workforce, and expand and streamline the TSA Passenger Support Specialist program, which provides previously scheduled and on - the - spot assistance to travelers who need assistance; develop a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) directive to define the roles and responsibilities of CBP offices and personnel and provide religious accommodations for members of the public during CBP - conducted services, programs, and activities; and assess and propose updates to the Department's nondiscrimination policies for external activities. (6) Advance equity for the 574 federally recognized Tribal Nations and their citizens by ensuring appropriate Tribal consideration and representation in the Department's work. During consultations, Tribal Nations have reported equity concerns about inaccessibility and unfairness of grant and contract opportunities, screening and handling of sacred items, lack of DHS staff and other resources dedicated to fulfilling DHS responsibilities to the Tribal Nations, lack of representation on some

Within two - to - four years, ensure that the equitable AI policy and responsible AI framework are adopted. Ensure that all DHS employees who develop, manage, or use AI that is likely to affect individuals ' privacy, civil rights, civil liberties, or safety, are trained on responsible use policies, such that they can be implemented effectively.

DHS routinely engages with members of underserved communities regarding concerns related to targeted violence and domestic violent extremism. During these engagements, stakeholders have suggested strengthening and increasing DHS's communication about the public health - informed approach with communities that have expressed concern about prior prevention approaches. Existing literature proposes addressing violent extremism in a public health framework. This approach focuses on creating evidence - based prevention resources and helping prevention providers build protective factors at the individual, family, and community levels to decrease the risk of targeted violence, such as school or workplace violence, premeditated hate - fueled violence, and terrorism. The focus of a public health - informed approach is on the health, safety,

Build capacity of prevention professionals / providers by developing evidence - based trainings and technical packages, including data - driven information on how underserved communities are often the targets and victims of domestic terrorists. Enhance equity in the CP3 TVTP Grant Program by investing in the diversification of grant applications for the FY 2024 grant cycle through an intentional outreach campaign to underrepresented groups and communities. Strengthen the public health - informed approach to targeted violence and terrorism prevention and raise awareness of this approach through a public communications strategy. Prioritize and expand education programs regarding tools and resources available for combatting DVE threats to underserved communities.

Number of new TVTP grantees representing underserved community organizations. Number of training sessions on threat assessments and management capabilities for prevention professionals. Number of equity - focused and cultural competency training sessions conducted by community members for frontline practitioners and mental health specialists. Incorporation of public health focused frameworks in local law enforcement and mental health systems tracking DVE risk identification and mitigation to improve the capacity of community prevention professionals. Number of public education sessions regarding targeted violence prevention concerning diversity and equity related issues.

In carrying out its varied homeland security missions, DHS encounters millions of members of the public every day, many of whom are limited English proficient. While DHS has many language access policies in place, DHS still has opportunities to strengthen language access across its programs and activities for persons who are LEP. Many individuals who are LEP are members of racial minority groups, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQI + persons, and others who are facing persistent poverty or persecution and this intersectionality can create additional barriers. Stakeholders report concerns about the limited availability of legal access for detained noncitizens and language access resources to provide interpretation and translation services for Indigenous noncitizens who are LEP and who speak Indigenous languages. Indigenous language speakers may not understand processing by CBP officers and agents, including opportunities to pursue avenues of humanitarian protection, as a result of a language barrier. CBP officers and agents need an efficient mechanism to determine the primary language of an Indigenous language speaker prior to the processing of that individual.

Complaints to CRCL about language access in DHS programs and activities and recommendations to DHS agencies resulting from complaint investigations (over five to 10 years). According to the 2019 Center for American Progress Report Language Access Has Life - or - Death Consequences for Migrants, DHS comes into contact with the broadest range of foreign - language speakers of any federal agency. Following the deaths in Border Patrol custody of two children whose families spoke Indigenous languages, the report indicated DHS needs to be far more proactive in providing interpretation and translation services for Indigenous language speakers. According to the 2023 Center for American Progress Report Improving Language Access in the U.S. Asylum System, the languages that migrants and asylum - seekers speak have diversified in recent years. It is reported the lack of adequate interpretation and translation services for asylum - seekers who are not proficient in English impedes their ability to navigate the complex immigration system.

Implement the DHS Language Access Plan and the DHS Indigenous Languages Plan to ensure that the Department's language access programs are effective. The DHS Language Access Plan applies to all DHS employees and applicable contractors that interact with members of the public. Integrate language access considerations when assessing potential barriers that underserved communities may face in accessing and benefitting from the agency's programs and activities and developing strategies to address the identified barriers. Explore how limited English proficiency impacts access to DHS programs and activities for members of underserved communities, including but not limited to Black, Latino, Indigenous and Native American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander persons, Indigenous migrants of Latin America, and persons with disabilities, and seek to address barriers for individuals who are LEP and belong to multiple such communities. Identify staff member (s) within CRCL to carry out ombudsman - type functions, including regularly interacting with the public, promptly responding to concerns and questions about language access, and coordinating with DHS agencies and other federal agencies. Apply customer experience (CX) principles and practices in advancing language access, establish a schedule of CX initiatives that involve user research, usability testing, and other types of qualitative research. This includes examining touchpoints with the public, including those who are limited English proficient. Disseminate guidance and a framework for all DHS agencies on conducting in - language engagements with persons and communities that are limited English proficient from diverse communities and providing vital documents or materials in these languages to have more meaningful dialogue and effective information sharing for the LEP community. Improve language access for persons seeking humanitarian protection. Advance meaningful language access for Indigenous migrant communities through the following:

advisory councils and committees, and uncertainty that DHS would pursue modifications to unfair practices that might require legislative fixes. To address these barriers, DHS will conduct a review of contract opportunities and grant funding opportunity announcements prior to release to determine how equitable access for tribes can be furthered; examine policy and procedures to identify updates in furtherance of security and the appropriate handling of sacred, ceremonial, or cultural items and conduct training on the same; pursue adequate staffing and other resources where needed to ensure equitable service delivery; ensure Tribal representation in DHS advisory councils, committees, and other groups; and pursue modifications to service delivery, including where legislative fixes are needed. (7) Advance equity for persons seeking humanitarian protection during immigration processing by strengthening programs available to assist them. Stakeholders continue to report concerns about processing delays and access to resources. To address these barriers, USCIS will enhance processing efficiency by leveraging technology, increasing access, and seeking opportunities to reduce fees; and DHS will strengthen resources for non - detained noncitizens released on an alternative to detention program and create process efficiencies across the board. (8) Advance equity in the FEMA Individual Assistance (IA) program to increase participation of undeserved communities. In response to FEMA's 2021 Request for Information (RFI) on FEMA Programs, Regulations, and Policies and associated public meetings, members of the public suggested changes to the IA program. All relevant comments received in response to the RFI, including those received during the public meetings, have been posted to the public rulemaking docket on the Federal eRulemaking portal. To address barriers and suggested changes raised by stakeholders, FEMA will publish an Interim Final Rule (IFR) amending its regulations governing the IA program to increase equity by simplifying processes, removing barriers to entry, and increasing eligibility for certain types of assistance under the program. (9) Advance equity through Community Disaster Resilience Zones. FEMA's National Advisory Council has found that smaller, less affluent communities with fewer resources cannot access funding to appropriately prepare for a disaster, which leads to inadequate response and recovery and little opportunity for mitigation. To address this barrier, FEMA will enhance and expand Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Program technical assistance; implement Benefit - Cost Analysis (BCA) enhancements for all relevant mitigation programs, including incorporating equity weights into BCA; and develop a Recovery and Resilience Resource Portal, which provides ideas and information on available funding opportunities for state, local, Tribal, and territorial (SLTT) partners and community decision - makers.

Advance meaningful language access to ICE and CBP programs, activities, and operations for Indigenous noncitizens encountered by ICE and CBP who are LEP and who speak Indigenous languages. Collaborate with the ICE Personnel Security Division to explore and implement approaches in the ICE clearance process that could increase the pool of possible Indigenous - speaking candidates submitted by the language services vendor (s). Coordinate with language services vendor (s) to enhance recruitment efforts and capacity for Indigenous - speaking linguists and increase overall provision of language services. Conduct detention facility assessment (s) to determine gaps in the identification of Indigenous language speakers and provision of language services in detention. Facilitate development of Indigenous cultural awareness and competency education materials, such as training and / or job aids. Participate in listening sessions and other engagements with national and community - based Indigenous organizations and develop strategic partnerships where possible. Expand the number of Indigenous languages included in the myCBP mobile application, allowing CBP officers and agents to use their mobile devices to identify the Indigenous language spoken by the individual being processed and then engage the interpretation service as appropriate.

Number of engagements or meetings with individuals who are LEP, and the language services provided to support these engagement activities, with the goal to improve delivery of language access services across the Department. Improved response and resolution times for complaints about language access issues. Number of individuals who are LEP who interact with CRCL when ombudsman - type functions are executed to issue spot and review complaint trends. Patterns and trends of language access barriers alleged in complaints or raised during engagements with communities, including the unavailability of language access in DHS programs, services, and activities. Survey and conduct focus groups of NGOs representing the concerns of LEP communities and LEP persons themselves, for recommendations on the effectiveness of public campaigns or messaging in languages other than English (e.g., Blue Campaign materials educating the public on indicators of human trafficking and how to get help). Number of ICE detention facility Indigenous language access assessment (s) conducted. Number of uses of the expanded set of languages in the myCBP mobile application.

Number and types of complaints concerning language access that are filed with DHS and the resolution of these complaints. Recommendations implemented from language access complaints and issues raised during community engagements. Track the increase in language services vendors ' Indigenous language request fulfillment rates. Track improvements in the identification of Indigenous speakers and provision of language services in ICE detention. Track the reduction in language access - related complaint activity specific to encountered Indigenous languages and / or communications. Assess CBP officers ' and agents ' feedback on the effectiveness of the myCBP Indigenous Language Identification feature. Number of CBP Information Center complaints relating to religious accommodations concerns to determine whether complaints decrease on a year - to - year basis.

In the summer and fall 2022, representatives from CRCL's Community Engagement Section, along with several DHS agencies, conducted in - person and virtual engagements with Indigenous migrant community leaders, continuing its trend of convening these roundtables with experts on Indigenous cultures and language, in order to strengthen the provision of Indigenous language services in DHS programs, services, and operations. On March 29, 2023, CRCL held a national listening session to receive feedback on its updates to the DHS Language Access Plan, and for other suggestions on strengthening language access across DHS. Over 200 individuals participated in the listening session, including representatives from local governmental organizations, community - based and nongovernmental organizations, and language industry professionals. Representatives from across DHS agencies and offices were also in attendance. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) participated in several listening sessions held with national and community - based Indigenous organizations. ICE ERO has continued to consult one of these organizations on materials and initiatives. CBP will work with CRCL's Community Engagement Section to participate and speak at future events.

Assess and propose updates to the Department's nondiscrimination policies for external activities, ensuring application of the requirements of the 2023 DOJ Guidance to all covered DHS law enforcement activities, as well as ensuring consistent standards and requirements for law enforcement activities excluded from, or not governed, by the 2023 DOJ Guidance, and other DHS activities as appropriate. Train and ensure DHS law enforcement personnel comply and adhere to the 2023 DOJ Guidance, DHS Policy Statement 500 - 02, and any subsequent policy reaffirming nondiscrimination and prohibiting profiling on the basis of protected individual characteristics in all DHS law enforcement and security activities. Collaborate with community groups to develop training modules to enhance knowledge and cultural competency of frontline workforce.

Expand and streamline the TSA Passenger Support Specialist program, which provides previously scheduled and on - the - spot assistance to travelers requiring accommodations or those who have concerns about the airport security screening process, in order to ensure consistency at airports across the nation. CBP will develop an agency - wide directive to define the roles and responsibilities of CBP offices and personnel to provide religious accommodations for members of the public during CBP - conducted services, programs, and activities. To address the equity barrier as it relates to travelers seeking admission at ports of entry, the directive should contain provisions addressing the handling of religious items during inspection. Once the directive is completed, CBP will develop a training and a communication plan to educate the CBP workforce on the roles and responsibilities in the directive.

Number of TSA frontline employees who take the training modules. Changes in complaints filed regarding allegations of inequitable treatment during the screening process. Number of requests for Passenger Support Specialist assistance, as an effort to provide the needed process improvements that will, in time, decrease the number of these passenger complaints due to the improvements.

Trends of complaints received by TSA, to indicate a decrease in allegations of inequitable treatment from ethnic, religious, and racial communities, and to improve the customer experience. Changes in the type of passenger complaints alleging, for example, misuse of TSA Advanced Imaging Technology, TSA pat - down screening, religious accommodations, and Fourth Amendment concerns, to inform TSA Security Operations to provide additional training for front - line Transportation Security Officers, with a goal of process improvement. Training retention survey data at the conclusion of the CBP religious accommodations for members of the public training (to be developed).

1. Applying for Naturalization. USCIS began a comprehensive review of policies, regulations, forms, and operations to identify barriers that may impede access to naturalization by underserved communities and is undertaking efforts to reduce or eliminate those barriers. In October 2022, USCIS updated Form N - 648 (Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions) and related Policy Manual guidance. Applicants for naturalization with physical or developmental disability or mental impairments may request an exception to the English and civics testing requirements for naturalization. This form and Policy Manual update streamline the process for applicants to claim and substantiate a disability by eliminating unnecessary and duplicative questions. In March 2023, USCIS updated Policy Manual guidance to allow individuals requesting immigration benefits to self - select their gender marker (" " Male " " or " " Female " ") without the need to provide proof of their gender identity or to match the gender listed on their supporting documentation. This update reflects an important step toward reducing administrative burdens on applicants and increasing accessibility to immigration benefits and services. 2. Accessing Humanitarian Protection During Immigration Processing. DHS improved access to humanitarian protection during immigration processing by addressing language and disability access gaps and enhancing access to legal information and resources. In July 2022, USCIS issued new language access guidance to ensure that LEP individuals seeking asylum who cannot be interviewed in the credible fear screening process are placed into removal proceedings where an immigration judge can apply appropriate language access safeguards as that individual seeks relief. The USCIS Language Services Branch (LSB) has prioritized reaching the most vulnerable populations, including victims of trafficking, in their languages and in a culturally appropriate manner. This work, which spanned two fiscal years and involved multiple language specialists, resulted in approximately 1,000 pages of translation. Additionally, in close collaboration with the Asylum Division and the

Tribal Nations tend to be located in very rural areas with varying degrees of capacity and infrastructure. For many Tribal Nations, even access to internet, phones, and utilities is a challenge, underscoring the depth of the digital divide and resulting in limited access to government services and information. During consultations, Tribal Nations have reported equity concerns about inaccessibility and unfairness of contract and grant opportunities, screening and handling of sacred items, a lack of DHS staff and other resources dedicated to fulfilling DHS responsibilities to the Nations, a lack of representation on some advisory councils and committees, and uncertainty that DHS would pursue modifications to unfair practices that might require legislative fixes.

DHS agencies routinely engage with Tribal Nations, including a July 2023 consultation specifically for this Plan, where the Nations have made requests with respect to funding, grants, contracts, screening and handling of sacred items, staffing and other resources committed to fulfilling responsibilities to Tribal Nations, appropriate representation on advisory bodies, and modifications to DHS practices to include legislative fixes. OMB has highlighted the unique burdens Tribes face in accessing grant opportunities and offered considerations for reducing their burden. Highlighted considerations (potential activities to implement) include streamlining processes and reducing administrative burdens.

Conduct a review of contract opportunities and grant funding opportunity announcements prior to release to determine if equity can be furthered through design, Tribal set - asides, funding allotments to account for smaller Tribes, outreach and technical assistance, cost - sharing requirements, streamlining application and reporting requirements, or consideration of multi - year funding or other issues. Examine policies and procedures to determine whether, consistent with mission constraints, they provide for the respectful handling of sacred and cultural items. Train locally and nationally within DHS agencies that handle these sacred and cultural items. Pursue adequate staffing and resources where needed to meet Tribal Nations ' needs and ensure equitable service delivery.

Ensure Tribal representation in DHS advisory councils, committees, or other groups. Pursue modifications to service delivery, including where legislative fixes are needed. Utilize the Secretary's Tribal Homeland Security Advisory Council's forthcoming recommendations on ways to enhance equitable access to the Department's programs and resources, including grant opportunities.

Changes in the number of Tribal governments accessing federal grants. Increased Tribal Nation capacity and infrastructure dedicated to obtaining federal resources. Changes in administrative burdens reported and experienced by Tribes through the grant application process. Changes in annual amount of grant funds awarded to Tribes.

Benefit applicants, both overseas and domestic, sometimes have difficulty attending USCIS appointments when the distance needed to travel is long. There are barriers related to transportation, health and safety, and finances. In FY 2023, USCIS's Refugee, Asylum, and International Operations (RAIO) began increasing the use of video technology to conduct I - 589 asylum interviews domestically, and I - 590 refugee interviews internationally, SO that applicants living in remote locations will not have to wait SO long or travel SO far. USCIS is currently drafting a proposed rule that would codify RAIO's flexibility to conduct remote interviews with refugee applicants abroad. In March 2023, USCIS published an extension to the Asylum Interpreter Temporary Final Rule (TFR) that allowed USCIS to provide telephonic interpreters for asylum applicants who speak one of 47 listed languages through September 12, 2023. Telephonic interpreters can also be connected to video interviews SO that remote interviews can be completed. The TFR temporarily reduced barriers for asylum applicants to attend and complete their interviews. There is a significant backlog of pending petitions for U nonimmigrant status due, in part, to the annual statutory cap limiting approvals to 10,000 principal petitions per fiscal year. As this backlog of over 250,000 filings are solely filed via paper and postal mail, USCIS is considering ways to leverage technology to improve processing to provide Employment Authorization Documents and deferred action for U petitioners and their derivatives with pending filings. As noted in the U.S. National Plan to End Gender - Based Violence, immigrant survivors face increased barriers to economic stability. They often encounter delayed processing times when applying for special immigration remedies for GBV victims that were established through VAWA and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, such as the VAWA self - petition, the U nonimmigrant status for eligible victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and qualifying eligible crimes, and the T nonimmigrant status for eligible victims of a severe form of trafficking in persons. Delays in access to work authorization and public benefits for which an individual is potentially eligible, such as housing assistance or health care, can increase vulnerabilities to abuse and undermine recovery and healing. For refugees living in many parts of the world to access the US Refugee Admissions Program, they need to be interviewed and processed by USCIS while they are overseas, which presents many logistical and travel challenges for both the refugees and USCIS staff. When USCIS has no permanent presence in a geographic area, processing occurs when USCIS has the staff to make several international trips to complete different processing steps, thereby increasing the processing time. There are numerous steps involved in processing benefits for refugee populations, such as medical exams, refugee interviews, finalization of the decision, and assurances for placement with domestic resettlement agencies. These steps typically take place sequentially and may take a long time in between steps. Noncitizen workers are particularly vulnerable to workplace abuses including unpaid wages, discrimination, health and safety violations, and reprisals for seeking to improve working conditions. In addition, noncitizen workers are often afraid to report violations to labor enforcement agencies or participate in labor standards investigations for fear of immigration - related retaliation or threats of deportation by their employers.

In May 2022, CBP implemented an online training course titled " " Disability Access Training for Law Enforcement Professionals " " to educate uniformed officers and agents about their roles and responsibilities for ensuring nondiscrimination in CBP - conducted services, programs, and activities for members of the public with disabilities. CBP's uniformed officers and agents will be required to complete the training on a biennial basis. In January 2023, DHS announced a streamlined process for noncitizens in labor agency investigations to request deferred action consistent with Policy Statement 065 - 06, Worksite Enforcement: The Strategy to Protect the American Labor Market, the Conditions of the American Worksite, and the Dignity of the Individual. Deferred action protects noncitizen workers from threats of immigration - related retaliation from exploitative employers. These improvements advance the Biden - Harris Administration's commitment to empowering workers and improving workplace conditions by enabling all workers, including noncitizens, to assert their legal rights. 3. Bidding on a DHS Contract. DHS strengthened efforts to engage small businesses, including those owned by members of underserved communities such as women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities, through various outreach activities. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2022, DHS exceeded all small business prime and socioeconomic goals as negotiated with the Small Business Administration, equating to $ 9 billion awarded to small businesses, including $ 4 billion to small, disadvantaged businesses. DHS is the largest spending agency to have this level of goal achievement. In FY 2022, the DHS Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) launched Small - to - Small Business Vendor Outreach Matchmaking Events (VOMEs), facilitating business - to - business meetings to encourage new entrants, explore subcontracting and teaming opportunities, and assist with decreasing gaps in small business capabilities. The VOME is another federal best practice and a first for federal OSDBU offices. Three VOMEs were held in FY 2022, garnering 1,100 registrants and nearly 800 meetings. Three VOMEs were also held in FY 2023, resulting in over 1,500 small business registrations and over 500 meetings. In FY 2023, OSDBU has hosted 10 Vendor Outreach Sessions to include four specifically reserved for underserved groups (e.g., service - disabled veteran - owned, women - owned, and HUBZone firms). 4. Countering Domestic Violent Extremism and Targeted Violence. DHS augmented efforts to address DVE and targeted violence by enhancing programs that empower

Reduce barriers to humanitarian benefits by leveraging technology, increasing access, enhancing process efficiencies, and seeking opportunities to reduce fees. Strengthen resources for non - detained noncitizens released on an alternative to detention by building on existing case management programs, like the Case Management Pilot Program, which provides case management, legal information and screening, trafficking screening, and connection to a range of social services, including pro se counsel, to noncitizens on ATD. As enumerated in DHS's National Action Plan to implement the Gender Policy Council Strategy, USCIS and ICE will work to expand access to T and U nonimmigrant statuses and VAWA protections. These benefits offer critical protection for many of our most vulnerable noncitizens - those who have been victims of severe forms of trafficking in persons and other specified crimes, and those who are victims of battery or extreme cruelty by an abusive spouse or other family member. All three benefits are crucial in stabilizing victims by providing a potential pathway to lawful permanent residence. The Department will explore how to prevent instances of domestic abuse, gender - based violence, human trafficking, and other criminal activity by raising awareness of and expanding access to potentially eligible noncitizens, including women of color, who may be particularly vulnerable. USCIS leads this effort and has set goals to guide its backlog - reduction efforts. Strengthen the centralized process for workers within the scope of labor agency investigations to request deferred action. Deferred action is a critical tool to assist

federal and state labor agencies by addressing the immigration - related fears of exploited workers and facilitating their participation in the investigations and prosecution of exploitative employers. Having a centralized process clarifies the role of labor agencies, streamlines evidentiary requirements and application procedures, and promotes greater consistency across DHS, resulting in labor agencies ' enhanced ability to fulfill their missions by providing greater access to noncitizen workers as cooperating witnesses in their investigations and prosecutions. Continue to host, directly with workers and the community organizations that serve them, regular public engagements about the centralized process for workers within the scope of labor agency investigations to request deferred action, including engagements with Spanish interpretation. Work to enhance access to legal counsel for workers SO that they can be better informed about their options, including eligibility for deferred action through the centralized process and other forms of humanitarian relief such as T and U nonimmigrant status, by engaging with relevant stakeholders.

Annually track application processing time by applicant type (rendering of final decision) controlling for location and other factors. Cost savings to relevant applicants; reduced burden on USCIS to adjudicate fee waiver requests likely to be approved. Increase in the percentage of virtual asylum orientation sessions. Increase in the number of workers requesting deferred action through the centralized process.

In response to FEMA's 2021 RFI on FEMA Programs, Regulations, and Policies, and associated public meetings, members of the public suggested changes to the IA program, generally focused on ways to advance equity, including suggestions to expand eligibility within the program and to improve transparency regarding eligibility requirements to those applying for assistance. In response to RFI comments, FEMA updated its policies to accept additional forms of documentation to verify occupancy and ownership requirements to reduce barriers to access experienced by underserved populations. Disaster survivors who have serious needs for emergency food, water, infant formula, diapers, or other essentials may experience a period of hardship due to a lack of access to credit or savings. FEMA will publish an IFR that will establish additional eligible assistance for serious needs. All relevant comments received in response to the request for information, including those received during the public meetings, have been posted to the public rulemaking docket on the Federal rulemaking portal.

Increase eligibility for home repair assistance by amending the definitions and application of the terms safe, sanitary, and functional, allowing assistance for certain accessibility - related items, and amending its approach to evaluating insurance proceeds. Allow for the re - opening of the applicant registration period when the President adds new counties to the major disaster declaration. Simplify the documentation requirements for continued temporary housing assistance. Simplify the appeals process. Simplify the process to request approval for a late registration. Remove the requirement to apply for a Small Business Administration loan as a condition of eligibility for Other Needs Assistance (ONA); and Establish additional eligible assistance under ONA for serious needs, displacement, disaster - damaged computing devices, and essential tools for self - employed individuals.

Changes in the communication of the application process. Overall trends in individuals successfully receiving IA.

FEMA's 2020 National Advisory Council Report to the Administrator underscores the importance to " " Use Equity as the Foundation, " " as stated on page 12: " " [ b ] y perpetually assisting larger communities that already have considerable resources, the smaller, less resource - rich, less - affluent communities cannot access funding to appropriately prepare for a disaster, leading to inadequate response and recovery, and little opportunity for mitigation. " " As noted in the U.S. National Plan to End Gender - Based Violence, natural disasters, public health crises, and other emergencies also reinforce preexisting social, political, and economic inequalities, including access to food, water, health care, transportation, and social services. Survivors may face additional barriers accessing essential services, including GBV - related assistance.

A growing body of research has shown that vulnerable communities are the most impacted and least likely to recover after a disaster, including, but not limited to: 1) " " Disaster Recovery: School Districts in Socially Vulnerable Communities Faced Heightened Challenges after Recent Natural Disasters " " (GAO - 22 - 104606); 2) " " Disaster Recovery: Efforts to Identify and Address Barriers to Receiving Federal Recovery Assistance " " (GAO - 22 - 155488): 3) " " Disaster Recovery: Additional Actions Needed to Identify and Address Potential Recovery Barriers " " (GAO - 22 - 104039); 4) " " Disaster Recovery: Actions Needed to Improve the Federal Approach " " (GAO - 23 - 104956); 5) Study: Let the Rich Be Flooded: The Distribution of Financial Aid and Distress after Hurricane Harvey; and 6) Study: As Disaster Costs Rise, So Does Inequality. A growing body of research has shown the need to improve communities ' ability to access hazard mitigation grant funding to assist recovery efforts, including but not limited to: 1) " " Disaster Resilience: FEMA Should Take Additional Steps to Streamline Hazard Mitigation Grants and Assess Program Effects " " (GAO - 21 - 140); 2) " " Disaster Assistance: Action Needed to Improve Resilience, Response, and Recovery " " (GAO - 23 - 106544); 3) FEMA's 2022 National Advisory Council Report to the Administrator, Chapter 1; and 4) Study: Damages Done: The Longitudinal Impacts of Natural Hazards on Wealth Inequality in the United States.

The DHS Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3) conducted targeted outreach to additional local and underserved communities, providing technical assistance and support to those stakeholders. The Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) Grant Program provides funding for state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments, nonprofits, and institutions of higher education to establish or enhance capabilities to prevent targeted violence and terrorism. In FY 2022, CP3 reached 49 new organizations and over 900 people, resulting in 31 applications from, and 11 awards to, organizations representing underserved communities. In response to a wave of bomb threats targeting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in 2022, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Office for Bombing Prevention (OBP) conducted 27 courses for HBCU students and faculty in prevention and building resilience, trained more than 1,200 participants, delivered over 1,500 products, and saw a 54 percent increase in the more than 24,000 training video completions. Additional courses are ongoing. In 2022, CRCL, the DHS Office of State and Local Law Enforcement (OSLLE), and the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through HBCUs, sponsored full - day courses at five HBCUs to help equip campus leaders and other community stakeholders with the problem - solving skills to prevent, protect, and mitigate the effects of, respond to, and recover from active shooter situations. Since July 2022, DHS has led multiple engagements focused on addressing community concerns related to DVE, Department strategy, and incidents of hate targeting specific communities. In April 2023, OPE hosted a virtual Ramadan engagement with American Muslim community leaders to solicit their feedback, concerns, and insights on DHS policies and programs. In March 2023, DHS launched the Prevention Resource Finder, providing stakeholders with information on the resources needed to help prepare for and prevent targeted violence and terrorism across our country. 5. Filing Complaints and Seeking Redress in DHS Programs and Activities. DHS continues to enhance communication with the public regarding the ability to file complaints concerning DHS programs and seek redress without retaliation, how these processes work, and what individuals can expect from these processes. OPE, CRCL, and the DHS Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman (OIDO) continue to hold engagement events for the public, including underserved communities, to provide more information about the various DHS complaint processes. In March 2023, CRCL launched a new online complaint portal, with prompts available in 10 languages. The portal accepts complaints in any language and also notes the availability of interpreters and translators for any language. In accordance with Section 9 (c) of Executive Order 14074, Advancing Effective Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety, DHS law enforcement agencies will continue to ensure that effective

Identify disadvantaged census tracts most at risk from natural hazards through implementation of the CDRZ Act of 2022, including underserved rural areas, and provide targeted support to communities within or containing CDRZ census tracts to support them in resilience planning and project scoping, in addition to making other programmatic changes to remove barriers to accessing and leveraging FEMA grants. Enhance and expand direct technical assistance for the BRIC program. CDRZ communities can request direct technical assistance to begin climate resilience planning and project solution design, increasing their capacity to design holistic, equitable climate adaptation solutions that advance community - driven objectives.

Implement Benefit - Cost Analysis (BCA) enhancements for all relevant mitigation programs, including incorporating equity weights into BCA. The BCA has been routinely cited as a significant barrier to accessing FEMA grants, particularly for under resourced communities. FEMA, in partnership with OMB, is pursuing methodological changes to account for economic inequities within the BCA and is providing additional assistance to help under - resourced communities complete the BCA. Develop a Recovery and Resilience Resource Portal, with ideas and information on available funding opportunities for SLTT partners and community decision - makers. A central resource hub will improve accessibility of information, making it easier and more equitable for under - resourced communities to learn about federal programs that can support their resilience needs.

6. Airport Screening. In furtherance of TSA's mission to protect the Nation's transportation systems and facilitate lawful travel, TSA has enhanced and standardized training for its screening officers and has improved its screening technology capabilities to reduce the possibility of bias against travelers and increase safety. TSA deployed new Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) software for screening systems at airports across the country. This update eliminates the need for Transportation Security Officers to determine a passenger's gender prior to AIT screening and is projected to reduce the instances of enhanced screening for transgender persons and members of other underserved communities. TSA has held multiple community engagements to enhance communication with the traveling public and increase awareness of security procedures. 7. Trusted Traveler Programs. DHS has taken steps to advance equity in its Trusted Traveler Programs. TSA updated the PreCheck application process by allowing individuals to select their gender marker based on self - attestation, regardless of sex assigned at birth. The application was updated to include additional gender marker options to better serve non - binary and gender non - conforming travelers. 8. Public Assistance. FEMA has advanced equity as a foundation for public assistance. In August 2022, FEMA's Office for Public Assistance released the Operational Draft of the Public Assistance Program Delivery Guide, which included considerations for FEMA recipients and applicants to conduct response and recovery efforts in an equitable manner. The Guide includes a performance metric for the prioritization of communities rated as highly socially vulnerable, including underserved rural areas. From April 2021 through August 2022, FEMA's Office for Equal Rights worked with the Office for Public Assistance on its mission to ensure an equitable response to the COVID - 19 pandemic. FEMA established the Civil Rights Advisory Group as part of the agency's commitment to the COVID - 19 vaccination mission amid the ongoing battle against the pandemic. The advisory group's mission is to evaluate the policies, practices, strategies, and plans in place to ensure equity in vaccine access and administration. 9. Achieving Equitable Outcomes for Disaster Survivors. FEMA continues to advance equitable outcomes for disaster survivors. FEMA is working to identify and include considerations for traditionally underserved or marginalized communities in the forms, processes, and online Grants Portal system that the agency uses to support applicants.

FEMA is redeveloping the way it collects, documents, and processes information from applicants to be less burdensome, more effective, and more equitable in the distribution of Public Assistance. Moving forward, FEMA will work to clarify the recipient's legal responsibility and to structure a more comprehensive reporting process SO that recipients and subrecipients clearly understand their obligations to develop and report on their strategies for equitable response and recovery. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) selected Recovering from a Disaster as a Life Experience Project in 2022. Discovery work was completed to inform how FEMA could create an equitable and less frustrating experience to survivors while they are enduring trauma. Based on recommendations made from the discovery work, the General Services Administration is currently partnering with FEMA to measure end - to - end burden placed on natural disaster survivors. 10. Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). NSGP provides funding for physical security enhancements to nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, that are at high risk of terrorist attack. FEMA has improved equitable access to NSGP funding by improving participation from nonprofit organizations serving underserved communities and embedding equity considerations in the grant review process. FEMA continues to engage in robust outreach and engagement efforts throughout the NSGP lifecycle to ensure that nonprofit organizations have the information they need to apply. In FY 2022, NSGP held 82 events, including webinars, with over 18,039 unique participants to increase understanding of the application process and eligibility for subrecipients. In June 2023, FEMA published an informative video about applying to the NSGP, available both on YouTube.com and FEMA.gov. FEMA has collaborated with other federal and nonprofit partners to further amplify this engagement and messaging, including the DHS Center for Faith - Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, Department of Justice (DOJ) Community Relations Service, religious and cultural organizations, HBCUs, and Minority Serving Institutions. In FY 2023, FEMA advanced considerations of equity in awarding NSGP grant funding by adding up to 15 additional points to the scores of organizations that demonstrate how they serve an underserved community or population or that are located within an underserved community. Additionally, applicants who had never received NSGP funding had 15 points added to their project score (a scoring metric continued from FY 2022).

Advancing Language Access

Pursuant to EO 14091, Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, the 2023 Update to the DHS Equity Action Plan includes an update on the Department's progress in advancing equity; identifies potential barriers that underserved communities may face in accessing and benefiting from DHS policies, programs, and activities; sets forth strategies to address those potential barriers; and describes our commitment to meaningfully engage with underserved communities. This plan does not include an exhaustive list of programs where DHS is working to advance equity, and DHS remains committed to centering equity in decision and policy making throughout the Department.

In May 2023, the FEMA Floodplain Management Division published the FY 2023 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP - SSSE) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The CAP - SSSE program provides funding to states to deliver technical assistance to communities in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and to evaluate community performance in implementing NFIP floodplain management activities. The NOFO requires states to consider equity in program delivery and assist vulnerable populations disproportionately impacted by disasters. Furthermore, the CAP - SSSE Tiered State Framework includes several characteristics used to summarize the strength of a state's NFIP Coordinating Agency program. One characteristic is " " Addressing Equity in Floodplain Management, " " which considers how states plan, prioritize, and track floodplain management activities for underserved communities and populations.

In March 2023, DHS published the Privacy Impact Assessment for ICE alternatives to detention programs, including an Appendix that addresses the Case Management Pilot Program (CMPP). CMPP leads to more equitable outcomes for program participants, many of whom are racial minorities, by providing services that include, but are not limited to, mental health services, trafficking screening, legal orientation programs, cultural orientation programs, connections to social services, and departure planning and reintegration services for individuals returning to their home countries. The Privacy Impact Assessment describes the application of privacy mitigation measures to the CMPP, including the limits of data sharing between CRCL and ICE regarding program participants. CMPP enrollments in Houston began in April 2023 and enrollments in New York began in May 2023. As of November 2023, there are 248 enrolled participants. Enrollments will continue throughout the year. CMPP plans to add more service providers later in calendar year 2023 via FY 2022 appropriated funds of $ 15 million that were awarded as a grant to the CMPP National Board in July 2023. The National Board began the solicitation process in July 2023 to award those funds to service providers.

One of the cornerstones of DHS's approach to equity is a strong commitment to stakeholder and community engagement - to understand concerns about barriers faced by members of underserved communities in DHS's programs and to assess the effectiveness of DHS's efforts to address those barriers. Over the past year, DHS hosted engagements specific to the areas of focus in this plan. For example, in August 2022, the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) led a listening session to hear directly from Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, and South Asian (AMEMSA) faith - based and community leaders regarding civil rights and civil liberties concerns. The discussion focused on DHS policies and practices, particularly with respect to screening and redress. In February 2023, the Office of Partnership and Engagement (OPE) held a listening session with diverse faith leaders in Dearborn, Michigan to better understand the threat landscape and share DHS information and resources. In June 2023, CRCL led a listening session regarding DHS's use of artificial intelligence (AI) to understand stakeholders ' concerns about disparate

The DHS Customer Experience Directorate (CXD) took on several initiatives aimed at simplifying the experience of noncitizens navigating the immigration system, with the goal of improving case management and compliance. The team partnered with ICE to deliver designs for a website, tentatively called the " " ICE Portal, " " providing consolidated information to noncitizens regarding required check - ins, court dates, and other important information. User research will be conducted internally and in partnership with nongovernmental organizations (NGO) to ensure that the website is usable and meets the needs of the intended audience, including individuals who are LEP and individuals with disabilities. Partnering with community organizations to gather user feedback on the design, language, and accessibility helps to understand the needs of noncitizens. CXD has also partnered with CBP to improve the user experience of the CBP One mobile application, by enabling noncitizens to schedule appointments prior to arriving at a port of entry. Finally, CXD convened a multi - agency working group to work on the Secretary's priority to develop and implement a research - driven framework for communications to ensure noncitizens understand what their status and responsibilities are while in removal proceedings.

DHS regularly engages with underserved communities and stakeholder groups, including those representing diverse racial, ethnic, and religious communities; the LGBTQI + community; persons who are limited English proficient; individuals with disabilities; and others. For example, in September 2022, Secretary Mayorkas announced the appointment of 25 members to the reinvigorated Faith - Based Security Advisory Council. The Council's membership, with representatives from the Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh faith communities, as well as law enforcement, has met three times and has issued recommendations on enhancing information sharing with faith - based organizations, improving the accessibility of DHS grants and resources, and building trust and partnerships with faith - based communities.

Since 2021, DHS has been leading U.S. government efforts to engage victims of transnational repression, which describes the act of a foreign repressive government targeting individuals beyond their borders to silence them. Through a series of ongoing listening sessions and meetings, DHS and its interagency partners have highlighted the threat of transnational repression to members of targeted communities, shared available federal resources to help mitigate threats, and encouraged victims to report all incidents.

In April 2023, the Biden - Harris Administration published an evidence - informed, multi - year Alternatives, Rehabilitation, and Reentry Strategic Plan to strengthen public safety by reducing unnecessary criminal justice system interactions SO police officers can focus on fighting crime, supporting rehabilitation during incarceration, and facilitating successful reentry. DHS has committed to carry out the plan's goals of supporting rehabilitation during incarceration and facilitating successful reentry into society for individuals leaving incarceration. Workers who need access to secure areas of the nation's maritime facilities and vessels, such as ports, port facilities and warehouses, outer continental shelf facilities, certain manufacturing facilities, and certain vessels must have a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), as required by the Maritime Transportation Security Act. However, people with criminal history records may be unsure of their eligibility for the TWIC or may be unaware that they can seek redress if they believe their application for a TWIC was initially denied based upon incorrect information. DHS has electronically published general information on the TWIC, guidance on TWIC eligibility (including for those with criminal history records), how to apply for a TWIC, and opportunities to seek redress if a TWIC is initially denied.

Collaborating Agencies: DHS is collaborating with 15 federal agencies who participate in the Interagency Naturalization Working Group (NWG) to promote naturalization within each of their spheres of influence. 2 As part of this effort, USCIS is leading the implementation of the Interagency Strategy for Promoting Naturalization and continues to work with its NWG federal partners to hold virtual information sessions on the naturalization process for their staff and agency partners. In addition, USCIS continues to engage with state and local governments on the promotion of naturalization and conducts targeted naturalization outreach with foreign embassies and consulates.

Eligible lawful permanent residents (LPR) who do not naturalize tend to be older, Latino, and less proficient in speaking English, with limited educational attainment and lower incomes. 5 USCIS considers these eligible LPR groups as underserved and has placed emphasis on reaching these populations through outreach and partnerships. There are times when eligible LPRs may consider applying for naturalization but are often unaware of opportunities or programs that may be helpful in the application process.

of confusion and / or that make the process and requirements unnecessarily complicated or burdensome.

reliance on algorithms, or on the potential for algorithms to operate in a manner that exhibits inappropriate biases in violation of law and DHS policy. For instance, facial recognition systems enabled by AI may have difficulty with identifying individuals who have darker skin tones, which in turn may disproportionately impact communities of color when facial recognition systems are relied upon for identification purposes.

Continue to implement the recently issued a Department - wide Policy Statement, signed by the Secretary, regarding the use and implementation of AI technology,

and well - being of entire populations. The public health approach offers opportunities for multi - purpose programming, avoiding stigma, and leveraging existing public health resources. 10

(4) Advance equity for persons who are limited English proficient by strengthening language access programs.

Collaborating Agencies: The DOJ Civil Rights Division provides guidance to DHS in implementing Executive Order 13166, Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency. DHS will also collaborate with other federal agencies to exchange best practices, leverage existing resources to serve the same or similar LEP persons or populations, and conduct joint Title VI reviews or investigations, when appropriate.

When President Biden, on his first day in office, issued Executive Order (EO) 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities through the Federal Government, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) answered the call to embed equity at the center of policy, operations, and decision - making throughout the Department. At its core, equity calls for the government to treat all individuals in a fair, just, and impartial manner - with the recognition that many communities have often been denied such treatment in the past, resulting in disparities today. To underscore the priority I place on this work and secure commitments to advance equity in the Department's programs and activities, in March 2021 I convened the DHS Equity Task Force, headed by the Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, including members from all the Department's operational agencies and Headquarters offices.

(5) Advance equity in DHS's screening activities through updates to training, policy, and procedures.

In April 2022, DHS released its inaugural Equity Action Plan, setting forth strategies and concrete action items to advance equity in seven key homeland security programs: (1) applying for naturalization; (2) accessing humanitarian protection during immigration processing; (3) bidding on DHS contracts; (4) countering domestic violent extremism and targeted violence; (5) filing complaints and seeking redress in DHS programs and activities; (6) airport screening; and (7) accessing Trusted Traveler Programs. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued its own Equity Action Plan, focusing on strategies to advance equity in high - impact, public - facing programs: Public Assistance, Individual Assistance, the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, and Procurement.

CRCL, USCIS, and ICE have conducted regular public engagements in 2023 to educate labor agencies and impacted workers about the centralized process to request deferred action, and will continue to do SO.

FEMA revisions will also reflect changes to statutory authority that have not yet been implemented in regulation, to include provisions for utility and security deposit payments, lease and repair of multi - family rental housing, childcare assistance, maximum assistance

The Equity Task Force worked across the Department to further the aims of other equity - based executive orders, including EO 13988, Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation; EO 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad; and EO 14020, Executive Order on Establishment of the White House Gender Policy Council. For example, in furtherance of EO 13988, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued updated policy guidance removing the requirement that people requesting immigration benefits submit proof of their gender identity when seeking to change their gender marker, thereby allowing individuals requesting benefits to choose their self - identified gender marker, regardless of the marker displayed on supporting documentation. Pursuant to EO 14008, DHS continued implementing the Civil Rights Evaluation Tool, a data collection and technical assistance tool that helps conduct and advance civil rights compliance evaluations of federally assisted recipients, including environmental justice concerns and civil rights policies and procedures for public - facing programs and activities that have human health or environmental impacts. In furtherance of EO 14020, DHS developed an action plan in furtherance of the U.S. National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality and co - chaired

Office of Policy and Strategy, LSB has translated the instructions of the Form I - 589 (Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal) into Arabic, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, and Mandarin for language access use by ICE with detained individuals. 1

procedures are in place for receiving, investigating, and responding meaningfully to complaints alleging improper profiling or bias by law enforcement officers and agents. DHS agencies will be reviewing and adopting new, or updating as necessary, procedures that, at a minimum, address the intake, investigation, and response to complaints.

On May 25, 2023, Secretary Mayorkas issued Policy Statement 500 - 02, Reaffirming the Commitment to Nondiscrimination in Department of Homeland Security Activities, adopting the May 2023 DOJ Guidance for Federal Law Enforcement Agencies Regarding the Use of Race, Ethnicity, Gender, National Origin, Religion, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Disability as it applies to federal law enforcement personnel and federal non - law enforcement personnel in the Department's covered law enforcement activities.

Expanded application of the anti - profiling standards to security screening activities by federal law enforcement agencies, such as those performed by Protective Security Officers employed by the Federal Protective Service, is among several notable policy changes resulting from DHS adoption of the updated DOJ guidance.

In 2022, after assessing DHS agency language access plans, CRCL requested that all agencies and offices interacting with the public review and update their language access plans in Fiscal Year 2023, noting that addressing language barriers advances compliance with civil rights and promotes the efficiency and integrity of homeland security operations and programs. These plans will be finalized in Fiscal Year 2024.

In May 2023, CRCL transmitted an update of the Department's Language Access Plan to DOJ, pursuant to the November 2022 Memorandum from the Attorney General, Strengthening the Federal Government's Commitment to Language Access. The DHS Language Access Plan, finalized and issued in November 2023, incorporates recommendations from DHS agencies and offices, highlights language access accomplishments, and affirms the Department's commitment to ensuring meaningful access to persons and communities who are limited English proficient and whom DHS serves and encounters.

CRCL administers the DHS Civil Rights Evaluation Tool, a data collection and technical assistance tool, which assists the approximately 3,000 DHS grant recipients in meeting and understanding their civil rights responsibilities including language access obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other civil rights requirements.

MBDA's Capital Readiness Program. The total amount of capital raised and the number of SEDI - owned businesses that have formed or scaled. MBDA Business Centers. Increase percentage of MBEs and increase the percentage of public / federal contracts awarded to MBEs. EDA's Build to Scale. Build public and private capacity for entrepreneurs and innovators to invent, improve, and bring to market new products and services in critical, emerging, and transformative sectors and industries; accelerate the growth of regional economies that are focused on industries of the future; and equitably and inclusively increase access to capital for technology - enabled entrepreneurs. USPTO's Council for Inclusive Innovation. Assess the number of patents and trademarks filed and granted through the USPTO Law School Clinic Certification Program. ITA's Global Diversity Export Initiative. Increase exports coming from businesses in underserved communities. ITA's Rural Export Center. Increase exports coming from businesses in rural communities.

MBDA's Capital Readiness Program. On June 9, 2023, MBDA held its inaugural Capital Formation Forum to review the status of problems and programs relating to capital formation by MBEs. Participants represented various federal agencies involved in capital formation issues and addressing solutions to access to capital issues for MBEs. The discussion focused on the status of issues and programs relating to capital formation from the government's perspective and solutions for addressing these issues. MBDA Business Centers. The MBDA has entered into memoranda of agreement with Bilateral Infrastructure Law funded agencies, including the Department of Transportation and Department of Energy, designed to maximize the inclusion and growth of MBEs in federal investments, contracts, resources, and administration priorities around high - growth industries. The three top initiatives will include a National Equity Tour, Technical Assistance / Business Advisory Services, and MBE Contract Matching. These collaborations aim to close the gap in federal contracting disparity and ensure that MBEs have an equitable opportunity to participate in and benefit from federal contract opportunities. EDA's Build to Scale. EDA works with SSTI, a national nonprofit organization focused on STEM initiatives offers information and services that are needed to succeed in today's innovation economy. SSTI will host a Community of Practice (CoP) focused on technology - based economic development, through which EDA supports members of the CoP, including B2S recipients, and receives feedback on the B2S program. Outside of SSTI, EDA engages with diverse audiences at numerous conferences, webinars, and annual convenings. Lastly, EDA solicits public input on the design and implementation of the B2S program through its Customer Experience Survey. EDA incorporates this program delivery feedback in future grant competitions. USPTO's Council for Inclusive Innovation. The USPTO has been conducting in - person and virtual outreach to inventors, attorneys, and law schools to increase awareness and participation in pro bono programs and legal services programs through, for example, its " " Pathways " " events for current and aspiring entrepreneurs. These networking events connect attendees with IP protection and commercialization information and resources. In addition, the Under Secretary has sent letters to law schools throughout the country inviting them to join the USPTO Law School Clinic Certification Program. The USPTO also visited 47 law school clinics during the 2022 - 23 school year, including law school visits by Deputy Under Secretary Derrick Brent and General Counsel Dave Berdan. ITA's Global Diversity Export Initiative and Rural Export Center. ITA's U.S. Commercial Service (CS) industry experts design trade missions for U.S. businesses to leverage new trade leads, partnering opportunities, and international sales. CS launched a national outreach event series called " " Building Bridges to Global Markets. " " This program brings no - cost, in - person exporting expertise to local companies through an event that features resources to grow international sales, connect with key trade resources, and access trade finance and capital, including an export finance resource panel that typically features our trade finance partners from SBA and EXIM Bank. These events introduce the full array of export assistance from local trade experts focused on connecting small and medium - sized enterprises (SMEs) from underserved communities to export opportunities. This year, ITA is planning to organize several GDEI Strategic Partner Events. This includes trade missions such as TradeWinds, Women in Tech, and the GDEI Trade Mission to South Africa, Ghana, and Nigeria led by ITA Under Secretary Marisa Lago. In May 2024, the Department of Commerce is leading TradeWinds, its most significant annual trade mission, to Europe / Eurasia which will be hosted in Istanbul, Turkey, with mission stops available in Poland, Denmark, Italy, Kazakhstan, and Romania.

NTIA's Internet for All. The Department is deploying nearly $ 50 billion to invest in broadband infrastructure deployment, affordability, and digital equity and inclusion efforts. Closing the digital divide will be a major step toward dismantling structural barriers to inclusive economic growth. These investments will fuel economic development as the programs are expected to create more than 150,000 jobs. BEAD, MM, BIP, TBCP, and CMC were discussed in the 2022 Equity Action Plan Progress and Accomplishment section. All of these programs are on - going and in the implementation phases. Here are the next steps for BEAD and updates on the State Digital Equity Act (DE) programs that make up NTIA's Internet for All Initiatives: Awaiting approval of initial proposals for BEAD. States, D.C., and territories (Eligible Entities) submitted their proposals for NTIA approval at the end of 2023, after fulfilling the public disclosure and comment requirements to facilitate community engagement and input. Once approved, Eligible Entities will have access to at least

EDA's Good Jobs Challenge (GJC). This program is expected to train and place 50,000 people in good jobs. GJC meets participants where they are - which includes flexible course scheduling, hands - on training, and curriculum directly aligned to jobs available in their field of training. All 32 awardees received funding to support wraparound services and have plans for how to use services to improve outcomes for participants who would have otherwise struggled to access training and job opportunities. Grantees have allocated millions of dollars to ensure participants can access to childcare, transportation, English language learning, etc. GJC also has awardees that support the workforce needs of underserved populations and areas, communities of color, women, and other groups facing labor market barriers such as persons with disabilities, disconnected youth, individuals in recovery, individuals with past criminal records including justice - impacted and reentry participants, trainees participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Women, Infants and Children (WIC), and veterans. EDA's Recompete Pilot Program. With over 4,000 communities eligible for the pilot, the program will invest $ 200 million in organizations committed to creating and connecting workers in persistently distressed communities to good jobs while ensuring the economic benefits are equitably allocated. Unique amongst EDA's national competitions, Recompete is designed to be exclusively targeted towards those communities grappling with persistent economic distress, with equity at its core. The Phase 1 NOFO application deadline closed on October 2023, and EDA received 565 applications - the highest number of submissions of out any national competition to - date. Phase 1 applicants seeking Recomplete Plan approval will be assessed against six competitive factors, one of which is " " equity, inclusivity, accessibility, and diversity. " " In addition, applicants are asked to articulate their approach to community engagement, acquire quality letters of support from entities representing underserved communities, and devise a plan to ensure benefits are equitably shared. In the winter of 2023, EDA will announce Strategy Development Grant recipients and at least 20 Finalists that will be invited to apply to Phase 2. In FY 2024, the EDA will announce 4 - 8 Phase 2 implementation awards averaging $ 20 - $ 50 million each.

EDA's STEM Talent Challenge. The program aims to build STEM talent training systems to strengthen regional innovation economies. On September 19, 2023, EDA announced a total of $ 4.5 million in grants to 11 organizations that are creating and implementing STEM talent development strategies that complement their region's innovation economy. Million Women in Construction Initiative. The Department of Labor's (Labor) Employment and Earnings by Occupation data showed that the number of women working in the construction industry at only 10 percent or 1.2 million women as of 2020. Secretary Raimondo announced a public goal to double the number of women working in the construction industry over the next ten years. To achieve this goal, the Department is promoting the goal through large implementation programs, working with other agencies to do the same, and highlighting commitments from Labor and the private sector to launch complementary efforts. In July 2023, the Secretary hired a Senior Advisor for Women in Construction to oversee this initiative. Through the Internet for All program, Commerce will promote increased outreach to recruit women in broadband construction. NTIA's BEAD program requires states and territories to develop workforce plans that include strategies to ensure the job opportunities created will be available to a diverse pool of workers, including women and people of color. Through the CHIPS NOFO for commercial facilities, applicants are asked to describe how they will recruit, hire, and retain a diverse and skilled construction workforce, including efforts to include women and other economically disadvantaged individuals in the construction industry. Additionally, the CHIPS NOFO for commercial fabrication facilities requires applicants requesting over $ 150 million in direct funding to provide a plan for access to child care for facility and construction workers. This will expand access to training opportunities and enable workers to fully participate in these high - quality, good - paying jobs.

EDA's Good Jobs Challenge. Wage growth and number of enrollments, completions, and placements for participants in sector - specific, place - based business training programs; networks of training and necessary wrap - around support services partners to ensure worker success; braided and aligned federal, state, local, private, and philanthropic resources to sustain long - term programs; enhanced engagement and leadership from unions and underrepresented populations to increase job quality; and equity analysis from partners like University of Michigan and New Growth Innovation Network to extract best equity practices in serving targeted populations. EDA's Recompete Pilot Program. While Recompete metrics are currently being developed, applicants are encouraged to articulate their own vision for how they will ensure historically underserved populations and areas benefit from their proposed interventions that can achieve measurable outputs and outcomes. EDA's STEM Talent Challenge. The number of job placements of program participants, number of training or skills assistance sessions hosted, and demographic data of participants. Million Women in Construction Initiative. For recipients of the CHIPS incentive program funding, the demographically disaggregated data will be on the makeup of the construction workforce. For recipients of BEAD program funding, demographics of those served and entered into the workforce.

NTIA's Internet for All. Percentage increase in broadband availability and adoption, and socioeconomic outcomes such as jobs created and increased labor productivity, business activity, and positive local and regional economic impacts. EDA's Good Jobs Challenge. Increased hiring of local workers into in - demand jobs including from underrepresented communities; wage growth; closure of employment gaps for employers in critical competitive sectors like clean tech, manufacturing, and supporting care economy jobs (e.g. childcare, education); increased capacity of workforce development, higher education, non - profits, and unions to increase domestic job quality in targeted sectors; strong, agile community networks able to respond to quickly changing skills and talent needs necessary for US global competitiveness. EDA's Recompete Pilot Program. To be determined, though EDA anticipates it will track the change in the Prime - Age Employment Gap, per capita wages, and long - term comprehensive economic development for regions awarded implementation grants. EDA's STEM Talent Challenge. The number of jobs created, wage or earnings growth, the number of participants trained; the amount of private investment matched; and demographic data of participants. Million Women in Construction Initiative. The number of women employed in the construction industry by requiring funding recipients of both the Internet for All program and the CHIPS program to report the demographics of their workforce. Given the nature of the timeline of those programs, the Department does not expect to begin receiving demographic data from funding recipients until 2024.

NTIA's Internet for All. NTIA supports increased capacity in local communities by hosting local coordination events and convening the Digital Equity Leaders Network (DELN), Tribal Broadband Leaders Network (TBLN), and State Broadband Leaders Network (SBLN). NTIA received more than 240 stakeholder submissions to support the development of NOFOs for the Digital Equity Capacity Grant and Competitive Grant Programs, which will be launched in 2024. In addition, BEAD Eligible Entities will begin their challenge processes this winter whereby a local government, nonprofit organization, or broadband service provider may challenge whether a particular location or community anchor institution is eligible for BEAD funds, including whether it's unserved or underserved. This process will help ensure that underrepresented communities are not left behind in Eligible Entities ' plans. EDA's Good Jobs Challenge. GJC awardees call on members of the public that they are serving to sign up for a job training program in their community, hire participants from these programs, and work with their own workplaces to reconceptualize who gets hired and promoted. EDA's Recompete Pilot Program. The Phase I NOFO was informed by the RFI issued February 23, 2023, and Tribal Consultation held on March 9, 2023, both of which shaped key design features of the competition. In the lead up to the Phase 1 deadline, EDA held a number of webinars and engaged with various community stakeholders. EDA's STEM Talent Challenge. EDA launched its first and only consumer experience survey to better understand and support its stakeholders. The survey was open to current, past, and prospective STEM Talent Challenge grantees and is a precursor to longer, targeted customer experience interviews to build out the quantitative and qualitative information collected in the survey. Responses were due September 2023.

EDA's Build Back Better Regional Challenge. The $ 1 billion program provides transformational investments to develop and strengthen regional industry clusters across the country, all while embracing equitable economic growth, creating good - paying jobs, and enhancing U.S. global competitiveness. Coalitions were challenged to design strategies that would ensure that the economic benefits of the project would be shared by all communities in the region, including any underserved communities. BBBRC funds numerous projects that include improving access to innovation for underserved communities as part of the program design, such as wraparound services for workforce development, fellowship programs, and governance projects that include community engagement and representation in coalition management. EDA's Tech Hubs. EDA designated Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs) in geographically diverse regions, including underserved communities, with a concentration of assets, resources, capacity, and the potential to become globally competitive, innovative ecosystems for technologies critical to our economic and national security. In its application review, EDA evaluated applicants ' plans to actively engage underserved and geographically diverse communities, ensuring the benefits of innovation - based economic growth are shared broadly. EDA also encouraged the participation of labor organizations or other entities representing workers as direct members of the consortium applications. EDA accepted Tech Hubs Phase 1 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) applications through its August 15, 2023 deadline; Phase 1 Tech Hubs Designees and Strategy Development Grant recipients and the Phase 2 NOFO were announced in October 2023. Designated Tech Hubs are invited to apply for Phase 2 implementation awards, through which they will address how their proposed strategies, approaches, key metrics, and projects would increase equitable economic growth and ensure that underserved communities are represented in and benefit from the Hub.

Business Owner Demographic Characteristics. To help improve the quality and usefulness of measuring business owners ' demographic characteristics, the Census Bureau is producing hybrid data products that utilize survey response data and administrative records to develop total business ownership by demographics - including but not limited to data on employment, revenue, and exporting data for women, minority, veteran, LGBTQIA +, and disabled - owned businesses. For instance and mentioned in the Additional Efforts to Advance Equity section, Census received a FY 2023 appropriation of $ 10 million to research, adding questions on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) in the American Community Survey. Geographic Inequality. The Office of the Undersecretary of Economic Affairs (OUSEA) launched a new data initiative, Regional Economic Regional Initiative (Regional Initiative), to improve our nation's understanding of local regional economies and their ability to compete. It will equip public and private sector decision - makers at every level - local, state, Tribal, and federal - with research and data tools to address entrenched and growing geographic inequality and better meet the economic needs of those they serve. The Regional Initiative will also help identify the strengths and weaknesses of regional economies, uncover new opportunities for growth, provide insights into local economic needs, and maximize the impact of regional investments. Women in the Labor Force. OUSEA launched a new dashboard that provides monthly updates of data on women in the labor force alongside the Bureau of Labor Statistics ' monthly release on the employment situation. Over the next year, the OUSEA will update the monthly reporting on women in particular industries - especially those undergoing rapid changes due to legislative or environmental factors. 5.3 Further equitable access to data for Puerto Rico. The Census Bureau seeks to empower decision - makers, businesses, researchers, and the public with timely, accurate, reliable, and meaningful data for Puerto Rico. The Census Bureau is furthering equitable access to data in several ways: Establish a Federal Statistical Research Data Center (FSRDC) in Puerto Rico. The FSRDC will provide the opportunity to understand better the economic, health, and social conditions affecting the Commonwealth, which would enhance the ability of federal and local officials to make decisions. Additionally, providing the Puerto Rican research community equitable access to the wealth of federal restricted - use data available through the FSRDC network will help develop statistical capacity and collaboration building on the island; Leverage data for disaster recovery. The Community Resilience Estimates (CRE) for Puerto Rico will show the social vulnerability in Puerto Rico in the event of a disaster. Using restricted microdata from the 2019 Puerto Rico Community Survey (PRCS) and small area modeling, the CRE creates population estimates based on ten individual / household level risk factors, including: poverty status, number of caregivers in the households, unit - level crowding, educational attainment, employment, disability status, health insurance coverage, age (65 +), vehicle access, and broadband internet access; Establish an annual Puerto Rico Economic Survey. Contingent on funding, supporting through the Puerto Rico Economic Program the establishment of an annual Puerto Rico Economic Survey and a monthly / quarterly economic indicator collection for Puerto Rico; and

Establish and serve as co - chair of the Puerto Rico Geospatial Data Group. A forum for sharing information about all geospatial data activities and resources related to Puerto Rico between stakeholders from geospatial agencies within the federal government, the Government of Puerto Rico, and non - government organizations and industry. 5.4 Promote accountability and accessibility through data transparency and partnerships. Track and evaluate the equitable distribution of above - baseline program federal funding. Through the Census Bureau's Center of Excellence (COE), the Department will leverage data sources to supplement administrative data collected by program administering agencies. This will provide standard services to the Department's agencies to support departmental evaluation of the implementation, outcomes, and impacts of above - base programs and their distribution to underserved communities through the ARP, BIL, IRA, and CHIPS.

Creation of NIST's generative AI profile for the Risk Management Framework. NIST established the National Al Advisory Committee (NAIAC), a group of experts tasked with advising the President and the National Al Initiative Office on topics related to Al. This includes matters related to the use of Al in law enforcement and legal standards, such as those ensuring that Al use is consistent with privacy rights, civil rights and civil liberties, and disability rights. NIST intends to develop a generative Al profile for the Risk Management Framework to help entities apply the framework to the creation of new, advanced generative Al models. Address harmful biases throughout the AI system lifecycle. In May, NIST and NSF launched the Institute for Trustworthy Al in Law and Society (TRAILS), a partnership between the University of Maryland, George Washington, and Morgan State University. NIST and NSF will invest $ 20 million over five years for TRAILS to focus on how ethics and human rights can drive Al development and governance. Importantly, a key pillar of TRAILS will be input and feedback from marginalized communities.

Further equitable access to data for Puerto Rico. The output will be the creation of a Federal Statistical Research Data Center (FSRDC) in a Census Bureau facility that will transition to the University of Puerto Rico; other outputs metrics include a number of research projects conducted in the FRSDC. For the CRE for Puerto Rico, it is a measure of social vulnerability to disasters at the state / commonwealth, municipalities and census tract geographic levels, as well as producing more precise and timely measures of the communities most and least vulnerable to disasters. The Puerto Rico Geospatial Group will establish a Charter within FY 2023 and meet and share information on at least six geospatial topics or programs each fiscal year. Address the potential discriminatory effects of certain AI technology. Applying the NIST Al Risk Management Framework to generative Al to identify the risks and impacts, including but limited to tracking the increased participation of the public, especially underserved communities, in Al design, development, and deployment, outputs from TRAILS can be examined, including number of students participating in TRAILS programs (e.g., hackathons, internships), number of and attendance at webinars and information sessions, and volume of research outputs (e.g., papers, talks).

Continue Census 2030 preparations with special attention to historically undercounted populations. Improvements to household and person - level decennial data's utility, objectivity, and integrity. Improve data capture of underserved communities. Business Owner Demographic Characteristics. Better measures of business ownership and performance by business owner demographics, and enhanced ability to track business demographic trends and performance disparities across demographic groups. Geographic Inequality. The Regional Initiative is developing a dataset of all Commerce place - based investments, like CHIPS, BBBRC, and Tech Hubs, which it will use to help bureaus measure the long - term impacts of place - based programs, particularly in underserved places. Increased number of programs and bureaus that understand how their funding is impacting underserved communities and their awareness of how to incorporate various indicators of distress into their funding decision - making. Women in the Labor Force. Increased percentage of women in the workforce overall and within industries like construction, where women have historically been underrepresented. Further equitable access to data for Puerto Rico. A FSRDC in a Census Bureau facility that will transition to the University of Puerto Rico will provide the opportunity to researchers located on the island to access relevant data without the need to travel to the U.S. An example of an expected output is the number of research projects conducted. For Community Resilience Estimates for Puerto Rico, the intent is to move from the experimental estimate stage to an official product that can be adopted and used in determining social vulnerability in the event of a disaster.

Promote accountability and accessibility through data transparency and partnerships. Track and evaluate the equitable distribution of above - baseline program federal funding. Increased number of programs and bureaus that understand how their funding is impacting underserved communities and their awareness of how to incorporate various indicators of distress into their funding decision - making. Address the potential discriminatory effects of certain AI technology. Adoption by organizations of the NIST Al Risk Management Framework; increased participation of policymakers, sociotechnical experts, and members of marginalized communities in research, design, development, and governance of Al systems; understanding how to build Al systems that are trusted by the people who use and are affected by them.

NIST's CHIPS. CPO metrics are under development, but award recipients will be expected to provide routine reporting on a broad range of data. CPO is currently working to document the specific metrics that will be reported. EDA's Build Back Better Regional Challenge. Outcome metrics may include: the number of workers, including workers from underserved communities, placed in new jobs; the number of minority - and women - owned business enterprises reporting adoption of new technologies or access to new markets and share of the overall total; the amount of private investment secured by minority - and women - owned business enterprises and share of the overall total; and the number of new businesses created by entrepreneurs from underserved communities and share of the overall total. At the component grant level, grantees have also articulated more tailored metrics that include goals for equitable outcomes directly tied to their programmatic activities. EDA's Tech Hubs. These metrics are under development and expected to be released in Summer 2024.

NIST's CHIPS. In the incentives program for large suppliers and semiconductor manufacturers, the CPO will evaluate applicants ' plans to provide equitable workforce pathways for economically disadvantaged individuals. Applicants will also be evaluated on their engagement with minority - owned, women - owned, and veteran - owned businesses and their investment strategy to support their communities. EDA's Build Back Better Regional Challenge. Each coalition articulated a community engagement strategy that EDA will support. In many cases, regional governance structures are being set up that explicitly include investments in things such as community representation, DEIA councils, and funding for public education and engagement around the coalition's industry cluster. EDA's Tech Hubs. EDA solicited public input on its design and implementation of the Tech Hubs Program via a Request for Information in mid - February 2023. EDA analyzed and synthesized responses to incorporate feedback into the Phase 1 NOFO and will continue to do so throughout the program's duration.

The most persistent barrier to the establishment, expansion, and growth of minority business enterprises (MBEs) continues to be access to capital. The U.S. Federal Reserve found that more than half of Black - owned businesses were turned down for private bank loans, a rate twice as high as white business owners. A Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies study found that 6 in 10 Black business owners faced challenges obtaining capital. Over a third of Latino business owners faced the same. Business owners of color were more likely to struggle to access startup funding, growth funding, and capital with affordable interest rates. In 2022, in the U.S., only 1.9 percent of venture capital dollars went to all - women teams; less than. 5 percent went to Black and Brown women; only 12 percent of venture capital decision - makers are women. Innovation fueled economic growth in America for the past century, but since the 1970s, innovation (as measured by fundamental productivity growth) appears to have slowed from an annual increase of 1.9 percent to 0.7 percent. Research shows that innovation in the U.S. could quadruple if women, minorities, and children from low - income families became inventors at the same rate as men from high - income families. According to the USPTO, that increase in inventorship would grow our economy and GDP by an estimated $ 1 trillion. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, fewer than 1 percent of minority - owned businesses export goods or services. For these enterprises, insufficient financial resources often hinder their ability to invest in overseas market exploration, navigate regulatory complexities, and establish international networks.

Leverage MBDA Business Centers. MBDA will continue to leverage its 41 Business Centers and nine Specialty Centers focused on procurement, exporting, and manufacturing. With nationwide coverage and grants totaling $ 16.4 million, these centers provide high - quality business advisory services, counseling, and mentoring to MBEs to access capital, contracts, and grants. Implement EDA's Build to Scale (B2S). EDA awards and manages a portfolio of grants designed to increase regional capacity to strengthen ecosystems that equitably and inclusively support diverse technology innovators, entrepreneurs, and startups. EDA will run two types of B2S programs. First, the Venture Challenge will fund organizations to start and speed up regional growth through technology - based economic development and by strengthening regional innovation ecosystems that promote the commercialization of new technologies, grow industry clusters, and lead to better - paying jobs. Second, the Capital Challenge awards provide programmatic and operation support for the formation, launch, and or scale of investment capital for technology companies to start and scale.

ITA's Global Diversity Export Initiative (GDEI). The purpose of GDEI is to create and execute export promotion solutions and raise awareness of the benefits and resources of exporting to reach businesses in underserved communities in the United States. This initiative involves creating strategic partnerships with national, regional, and local minority chambers of commerce, industry, and business organizations to amplify ITA export resources and ensure our trade shows, missions, and counseling services from our U.S. Export Assistance Centers (USEAC) reach businesses in underserved communities. ITA's Rural Export Center (REC). To enhance rural outreach efforts and provide customized market research for rural businesses, the REC and USEACs throughout the United States provide rural businesses with export business development assistance and, when appropriate, certain fee - based services, like the Rural America's Intelligence Service for Exporters (RAISE). In FY 2022, ITA's commitment to the work of the REC was underscored by the establishment of a full - time, dedicated REC Director position to oversee, manage, and grow the REC's work. USPTO's Council for Inclusive Innovation (CI2). CI2 is charged with identifying new ways to expand American innovation by tapping into the strength of our nation's diversity and increasing opportunities for all Americans to participate in innovation. One of the initiatives is expanding pro bono legal services for new inventors and entrepreneurs at no cost through programs such as the Law School Clinic Certificate Program, Patent Pro Bono Program, and Trademark Trial and Appeal Board's (TTAB) Pro Bono Program.

MBDA Business Centers. Number of MBEs served and reached; gross revenues generated (including contracts); percent of clients increased profits; the value of financing / bonding / capital, number of jobs created and retained; and the number of formed strategic partners. EDA's Build to Scale. The number of entrepreneurs and startups that participate in the program; the value of investment fund capital raised; number of 1 - on - 1 meetings with potential investors; number of clients secured funding; number of patents; number of new technologies were commercialized, licensed, or brought to market; number of training or skills assistance sessions were hosted; number of seed stage, angel investment, or early - stage venture capital deals made; number of outreach and networking events were hosted; number of mentoring and coaching sessions hosted; number of products launched; and number of jobs created or retained. USPTO's Council for Inclusive Innovation. The number of students participating in law school clinics and the number of law schools participating in the clinic certification program. ITA's Global Diversity Export Initiative. Number of export and investment clients assisted, including clients from underserved communities. For FY 2023, the GDEI target is to assist 458 clients. As of August 2, ITA had assisted 695 clients, reaching 152 percent of the established goal. ITA's Rural Export Center. The number of businesses in rural communities that have been assisted or benefited. ITA has already achieved its REC assistance goals for FY 2023 by assisting 410 clients, 170 more than the original goal.

3.1 Ensure that everyone in America has access to reliable and affordable high - speed internet.

3.2 Create and strengthen workforce development training and access to jobs in high - growth industries.

Barriers to Equity: Minority - owned and rural - based businesses face disparities in access to capital, federal contracts, export opportunities, technical support or advice, and networking.

2.1 Provide capital access support to businesses and entrepreneurs, including for underserved communities, to start or scale in high - growth industries.

Implement MBDA's Capital Readiness Program (CRP). With 43 awardees, MBDA recently launched a new network of incubators, accelerators, and organizations with expertise to assist and train underserved entrepreneurs to improve access to diverse forms of capital, resources, and technical assistance to start or scale their businesses in high - growth industries such as healthcare, climate resilient technology, asset management, infrastructure, and more.

Barriers to Equity: Lack of wraparound services, such as affordable, high - quality internet service, childcare, and education, prevent many people from accessing job training programs, thereby missing out on opportunities for employment in high - growth industries. Specifically, the lack of access to internet service is a significant barrier for underserved communities, hampering full participation in modern life, such as starting a business, offering services or goods via e - commerce, taking online courses and training, finding a doctor, and much more.

20 percent of their BEAD grant funds and can begin implementation of eligible activities. An Eligible Entity may initiate its competitive subgrantee selection process upon approval of its initial proposal and will have up to one year to conduct additional local coordination, complete the selection process, and submit a final proposal to NTIA. The BEAD program required stakeholder outreach with a focus on ensuring robust local engagement and outreach to underserved communities. Eligible Entities must identify these communities and determine specific outreach and engagement strategies tailored to their needs, including providing outreach in the languages used in the communities these eligible activities serve.

Implementing DE Programs. The $ 2.75 billion program includes three grant programs that promote digital inclusion and equity to ensure that all individuals and communities have access to the skills and tools needed to reap the full benefits of our digital economy. Since late 2022, NTIA has awarded State DE Planning Grant funds to 56 states and territories and expects digital equity plans to be submitted starting in late 2023.

NTIA's Internet for All. The number of outreach and technical assistance sessions to support broadband planning, deployment, adoption and use; the number of unserved Tribal households gaining access to broadband; the number of state or territory digital equity plans, the number of persons served by digital inclusion programs; the number of state or territory BEAD five year action plans and initial proposals; the number of unserved households gaining access to broadband; the number of unserved businesses gaining access to broadband; the number of broadband serviceable locations with potential for improved service; the number of jobs created, the number of jobs retained, the number of community anchor institutions with potential connections; and the number of connected wholesalers or last mile providers.

Collaborating Agencies: FEMA, Census, Department of Interior, Department of Transportation, EPA, Office of Science and Technology Policy, Council on Environmental Quality, National Science Foundation, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, United States Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Barriers to Equity: Underserved communities face significant barriers in building resilience or rebuilding their communities post - disaster due to barriers of limited resources, capacity, technical capabilities, or access to technical assistance. Investing in climate resiliency also means helping workers find high - quality jobs related to climate resilience.

4.1 Benchmark and execute our Justice40 commitments. Through NOAA, EDA, and NIST, the Department has laid the foundation for programming and policies to be a part of the Justice40 Initiative, which will reach a larger and more diverse audience. Alongside this Initiative, the Department strives to address the key barriers to economic success and provide greater visibility and transparency in our effort to support communities that are underserved and overburdened by pollution and other impacts of climate change. For example, NOAA's $ 45 million Coastal Habitat Restoration and Resilience Grants for Tribes and Underserved Communities funding opportunity provides funding exclusively to Indian Tribes and underserved community organizations, including $ 20 million that is set aside for Tribes. The purpose of this program is to support opportunities for tribes, tribal entities, and underserved communities to meaningfully engage in coastal habitat restoration activities.

4.2 Invest Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funds towards climate - related economic development in vulnerable communities. In June 2023 and through IRA, NOAA announced the $ 2.6 billion framework to protect coastal communities and restore marine resources to help vulnerable communities prepare, adapt, and build resilience to weather and climate events. NOAA continues to address the needs of underserved communities through its grantmaking; in addition to the funding previously awarded through BIL, NOAA is leveraging IRA funding to invest up to $ 45 million to advance coastal habitat restoration in underserved and tribal communities as well capacity building support for coastal resilience strategy development. Equity is a priority across NOAA's BIL and IRA implementation. Two key NOAA IRA programs to highlight are:

NOAA hosted four virtual tribal sessions and two written comment periods and produced two Tribal Input Executive Summary and Response reports to inform the implementation of its BIL and IRA funding programs. NOAA has also worked to ensure that tribes are aware of different funding opportunities. For example, on June 21, 2023, NOAA held a live Q & A session on NOAA's BIL funding opportunity for Tribal Engagement in Regional Ocean Partnerships; and, on July 25, 2023, NOAA hosted a tribal webinar to inform tribes and provide an overview of major IRA funding opportunities through NOAA's Climate Ready Coasts and Communities initiative.

Collaborating Agencies: Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Administration, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, National Women's Business Council, Small Business Administration, National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, the Department of Labor, United States Postal Service, General Service Administration, Department of Transportation, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Housing and Urban Development, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Oak Ridge National Lab, United States Department of Agriculture, United States Army Corps of Engineers, United States Geologic Service, National Science Foundation, Department of State, Department of Justice, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Barriers to Equity: The lack of data access, timeliness, and transparency contributes to limited public trust - including for underserved communities. Advances in artificial intelligence widen the trust gap by potentially worsening existing biases and inequities and increasing concerns over the misuse of data, confidentiality, and privacy.

Strategic Goal 1: Drive U.S. Innovation and Global Competitiveness Equity Strategy 1: Mobilize our nation's diversity to fuel innovation and sustain our global competitiveness across geographic regions so that all communities have equal access to opportunities

By advancing equity, the Federal Government can support and empower all Americans, including the many communities in America that have been underserved, discriminated against, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality. We can also deliver resources and benefits equitably to the people of the United States and rebuild trust in Government.

he Department has long declared its mission is " " to create the conditions for economic growth and opportunity. " " T In 2022, Secretary Raimondo and Deputy Secretary Graves created the Department's new mission statement: " " to create the conditions for economic growth and opportunity for all communities. " " To include " " for all " " is a small change with a significant meaning. The addition acknowledges that global competitiveness and sustained economic growth require that all communities have an opportunity to participate in the 21st - century economy. This new mission embodies the Department's commitment to institutionalizing equity across policy design, grant development, external outreach, and program implementation strategies. In short, inclusive growth is good economics. We will fail to meet our full potential as a nation unless we harness the talents and strengths of communities in all parts of the country.

T he Department's FY 2022 - 2026 Strategic Plan identifies key strategic goals to advance the Department's mission and support the overarching objective to improve America's economic competitiveness. These strategic goals serve as the organizing principles for the Equity Action Plan. The equity strategies associated with each strategic goal will assist in designing programs that will address barriers to equity and meet the needs of all Americans, including underserved communities. These strategic goals and aligned equity strategies are:

Equity Strategy 1: Mobilize our nation's diversity to fuel innovation and sustain our global competitiveness across geographic regions so that all communities have equal access to opportunities.

The Barrier: Minority - owned and rural - based businesses face disparities in access to capital, federal contracts, export opportunities, technical support or advice, and networking.

The Barrier: Lack of wraparound services, such as affordable, high - quality internet service, childcare, and education, prevent many people from accessing job training programs, thereby missing out on opportunities for employment in high - growth industries. Specifically, the lack of access to internet service is a significant barrier for underserved communities, hampering full participation in modern life, such as starting a business, offering services or goods via e - commerce, taking online courses and training, finding a doctor, and much more.

The Barrier: Underserved communities face significant barriers in building resilience or rebuilding their communities post - disaster due to barriers of limited resources, capacity, technical capabilities, or access to technical assistance. Investing in climate resiliency also means helping workers find high - quality jobs related to climate resilience.

The Barrier: The lack of data access, timeliness, and transparency contributes to limited public trust - including for underserved communities. Advances in artificial intelligence widen the trust gap by potentially worsening existing biases and inequities and increasing concerns over the misuse of data, confidentiality, and privacy.

The Department understands that developing equitable programs will be meaningless without inclusive outreach and engagement with the communities we serve and want to build trust with. For instance, following tribal consultations in 2022, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) updated its Tribal Consultation Policy, Consultation Handbook, and Indigenous Knowledge Guidance. These updated policies and guidance will strive to provide meaningful and timely input from federally recognized Indian tribes into NOAA's decision - making process on policy matters that have tribal implications.

These are just a few examples of how engagement activities helped shape the Department's Equity Action Plan to outline policy priorities and outreach efforts that needed to be done to ensure inclusive and high - quality programs were designed and launched. As the Department continues its outreach and engagement efforts, it will pool the resources and expertise of all 13 Department bureaus to foster a collaborative environment and involve underserved communities in developing the equitable outcomes we seek to achieve.

Since the first Equity Action Plan launched in February 2022, the Department has made significant progress toward building innovation ecosystems; growing businesses and expanding the workforce; and making Commerce services, data, and science more accessible for and in historically underserved communities.

Building innovation: In June 2023, NTIA announced funding allocations for the $ 42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. BEAD funding will be used to deploy or upgrade broadband networks to ensure everyone in America has access to reliable, affordable, high - speed internet service. Once deployment goals are met, any remaining funding can be used to pursue eligible access, adoption, and equity - related uses. Announced in June and September 2023, NTIA's Middle Mile (MM) program provided nearly a billion dollars in grants across 36 organizations across 40 states and territories to support the construction, improvement, or acquisition of middle - mile infrastructure, reduce the cost of bringing high - speed internet to unserved and underserved communities, and increase the resilience of internet infrastructure. Lastly, the purpose of the Broadband Infrastructure Program (BIP) is to build partnerships between states and internet service providers to expand internet access to areas without service, especially rural areas. With $ 288 million, NTIA awarded 14 recipients, and projects began breaking ground this year.

Growing businesses and expanding the workforce: The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) has increased investments in its national network of programs to include an expansion of 35 Business Centers to 41 and provided $ 2.62 million in Federal Procurement Supplemental awards to 26 existing Business Centers to support the President " " Investing in America " " agenda to expand contracting opportunities to minority business enterprises. MBDA also launched the Capital Readiness Program (CRP) on December 17, 2022. With $ 125 million, CRP will fund business incubators or accelerators designed to prepare underserved entrepreneurs and business owners to secure capital from the $ 10 billion State Small Business Credit Initiative and other capital sources. In late summer of 2023, MBDA announced the 43 competition winners.

Making services, data, and science accessible: On March 9, 2023, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) launched the First - Time Filer Expedited Examination Pilot Program as an initiative under the Council for Inclusive Innovation (CI2). The new initiative benefits first - time patent filers who are individuals or small businesses qualifying as a " " " " micro entity. " " By providing an early response for a qualifying application (referred to as " " first office action " "), the program increases accessibility to new members of the innovation ecosystem, particularly those from underrepresented and / or under - resourced groups.

The Department of Commerce is committed to working towards President Biden's Justice40 Initiative to target 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to reach disadvantaged communities that are marginalized and overburdened by pollution and underinvestment. The Department's FY 2022 Phase One Scorecard highlights include nearly $ 535 million in funding for technical assistance and capacity building through NOAA's Urban Heat Island Mapping, Community Climate Studies Program, and the Climate Adaptation Partnerships Program. In centering environmental justice in the Department's decision - making, NOAA conducted two technical assistance outreach events, five tribal Consultations, and addressed 50 related requests for information and listening sessions.

To better capture and include underserved communities in data collection, the Census received a FY 2023 appropriation of $ 10 million to research, adding questions on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) in the American Community Survey. Similarly, Census is piloting a project with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to develop formally private (confidentiality safeguarded) measures of race and ethnicity at the person level, allowing Census to share protected data with the IRS. Sharing such protected microdata allows other federal agencies to study variations by race and ethnicity in enrollment, access, and usage patterns of benefits and services of federal programs without necessitating access to confidential data.

To better support rural and tribal communities, MBDA provided $ 5.7 million in 31 supplemental awards to the Business Center Network for technical assistance to minority business enterprises more than 50 miles from a Business Center in a rural area. NTIA is implementing the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP), a $ 3 billion program to support governments in bringing high - speed internet service to Tribal lands, including telehealth, distance learning, affordability, and digital inclusion initiatives. Under the first funding phase, $ 1.78 billion was awarded to 191 tribal entities since the program began in 2021. The second funding phase, for approximately $ 980 million, was issued on July 27, 2023. As part of EDA's American Rescue Plan funding, the Indigenous Communities program invested $ 100 million to support the needs of tribal governments and Indigenous communities. This program made 51 awards in 25 states and the Northern Mariana Islands. Grantees estimate that these projects will create or save 2,435 jobs and attract $ 28.7 million in private investment. In April 2023, NOAA's Office of Habitat Conservation (OHC) recommended $ 56.4 million, funded by BIL and IRA, in awards for 25 tribal projects to support tribal - led restoration, resilience, and fish passage projects and an additional 22 subawards totaling nearly $ 13 million in funding was awarded to projects that align with tribal priorities, work with tribal members, or restore habitat on tribal - owned lands. For all unsuccessful tribal applicants, OHC staff also offered the opportunity to meet to help those applicants improve their proposals for future competitions.

To better support minority - serving anchor institutions, NTIA is implementing the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program (CMC), which provides $ 268 million in grant funding to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), Hispanic - Serving Institutions (HSIs), and Minority - Serving Institutions (MSIs) to purchase broadband internet service and eligible equipment or to hire and train information technology personnel, to upgrade classroom technology, and to increase digital literacy skills. In February 2023, NTIA announced that all funding from this grant program had been awarded to 93 universities, including 43 HBCUs, 31 HSIs, 21 MSIs, and five TCUs.

To increase entrepreneurship and access to quality jobs for women, ITA's Women Accessing Global E - Commerce Initiative (WAGE) is dedicated to building the capacity of women - owned businesses and entrepreneurs to engage in cross - border e - commerce to scale and create more jobs. To date, ITA has established seven strategic partnerships with organizations that provide training programs and counseling. EDA's Good Jobs Challenge (GJC) encouraged applicants to reach underserved communities, including women, through their awards, and nearly 90 percent of GJC Challenge grantees have investments that focus on uplifting women's access to good - paying jobs in America's workforce. Additionally, wraparound services are a key provision for all GJC awardees. Such support is essential for ensuring participants can access training and job opportunities. While childcare is not exclusively accessed by women, all 32 grantees have included childcare as a key area for supportive services in their projects.

Congress has passed significant legislation providing funding to and directing the Department to maximize impact to all communities.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law codified MBDA, provided approximately $ 3 billion to NOAA in habitat restoration, coastal resilience, and weather forecasting, and provided nearly $ 50 billion to NTIA to deploy universal, high - speed, affordable internet service so everyone in America can participate in the digital economy.

The Department's $ 50 billion CHIPS for America program - made possible by the CHIPS and Science Act (CHIPS) - will strengthen and revitalize the U.S. position in semiconductor research, development, and manufacturing and create hundreds of thousands of good jobs that can change lives, offer family - sustaining benefits, and lead to long - term careers. Since announcing the first funding opportunity in February, the Department has received over 500 statements of interest and over 100 pre - and full applications from companies seeking to build semiconductor projects across 42 states.

EQUITY STRATEGY 1: Mobilize our nation's diversity to fuel innovation and sustain our global competitiveness across geographic regions so that all communities have equal access to opportunities.

Equity Strategy 1: Mobilize our nation's diversity to fuel innovation and sustain our global competitiveness across geographic regions so that all communities can have equal access to opportunities.

1.1 Build inclusive innovation - based regional ecosystems. Through three major programs, CHIPS, BBBRC and Tech Hubs, the Department is dedicating once - in - a - generation resources toward creating innovation - based clusters in geographically diverse regions as well as workforce pipelines to ensure all Americans, including people from underserved communities, have access to STEM jobs and high - quality jobs in high - demand fields and can participate in the innovation economy.

1. Procurement and Contracting; 2. Military Installations and Bases; 3. Military Family Equity Advancement; 4. Equity Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research and Development; and 5. Underserved Community Investment.

DoDEA students transition between DoDEA and non - DoDEA schools and school systems multiple times throughout their pre - k through 12th grade school careers, which leads to challenges in consistent and equitable access to educational opportunities such as, but not limited to, curricular resources, earning credit for graduation, and course options. Spousal unemployment and underemployment can be barriers to both economic and food security for military families, which, in turn, can impact readiness, resilience, and retention. Demands of military life, such as frequent moves, long periods of separation, and executing the military mission, can pose unique stressors and health equity barriers for Service members and their families. Ensuring access to resources that support well - being is critical to their readiness and resilience.

food insecurity at ~ 24 - 25 percent. Survey results are available on https: / / www.militaryonesource.mil /. The Joining Forces Sub - Interagency Policy Committee created health equity as a national patient safety goal, as of July 1, 2023, requiring incorporation of social determinants of health (e.g., food insecurity) as a priority for health care.

Ensure consistent and equitable access for DoDEA students through increasing opportunities to advanced placement course options, advanced academic programs and services, DoDEA Virtual School course enrollment, and ongoing professional learning for all DoDEA educators to understand the dynamic needs of military - connected students during times of transition. Expand employer partnerships through the MSEP program to provide more job opportunities for military spouses on the MSEP portal. Continue to complete actions from the DoD Food Security Strategy and Roadmap and implement other actions to address food security challenges. Provide military spouses with paid fellowship opportunities through the Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot (MSCAP) to enhance their experience and marketable skills. Explore approaches to educate health care providers on using an evidence - based screening tool (" " the Hunger Vital Sign " ") to evaluate household risk of food insecurity, offer providers key resources for those patients / households who screen as being at risk, and communicate the importance of food insecurity as a social determinant of health. Explore changes to MHS GENESIS to address gaps in food insecurity screening, specifically to ensure screening of all children ages 0 - 17 years and to integrate early pregnancy screening. Consider mechanisms / processes for how health care providers can connect military beneficiaries ' households / patients experiencing food insecurity to needed resources. Add additional resources relevant to food insecurity on the TRICARE website (e.g., federal food assistance programs); ensure information and resources are easily available for providers and beneficiaries. Once finalized and approved, include food insecurity resources into the Virtual Education Center, which is currently being tested to augment provider - patient communication in the electronic record.

MSCAP: Output - Place 100 military spouses in fellowships in FY 2024; Outcome - spouses introduced to employer hosts through paid fellowships with potential for full - time employment. Food Security Strategy & Roadmap: Output - Complete at least five of the remaining outstanding actions (FY 2024 Goal: initiate and complete qualitative RAND food security study of junior Service members / families at select installations). Assess the pre - enrollment criteria of all students, including historically underserved populations participating in challenging coursework, which includes, but not limited to, advanced placement courses, advanced academics programs and services, accelerated courses. Assess the enrollment process for all students to access challenging coursework via digital learning opportunities, which includes, but not limited to, advanced placement courses, advanced academics programs and services, accelerated courses. Assess student participation and performance across all student groups in challenging coursework, which includes, but not limited to, advanced placement courses, advanced academics programs and services, and accelerated courses.

E.O. 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government; E.O. 13988, Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation; E.O. 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad; and E.O. 14020, Establishment of the White House Gender Policy Council.

Track NALEMP funding execution. Track DERP funding execution. Track grant funding of awards and execution on Guam.

Actively seek public engagement in the cleanup process and enhance public outreach and engagement (e.g., Restoration Advisory Boards) to ensure that the voices and lived experiences of communities with environmental justice concerns inform DoD's work. The Restoration Advisory Boards provide an opportunity for the local community adjacent to the installation to discuss issues related to the cleanup with installation representatives. The installation representatives communicate how the Department's contracted cleanup is proceeding based on the Record of Decision and enables direct feedback from the public regarding potential new issues or previously unidentified impacts. Track NALEMP ad hoc tribal engagements. Conduct Association of Defense Communities meetings and other public engagement. Provide grant financial assistance to the Government of Guam's Community Defense Liaison Office to ensure Guam can speak with one voice as it engages DoD across a

E.O.s 12898, 14008, and 14096 have identified that communities that have been historically disadvantaged often suffer disproportionate environmental impacts, such as infrastructure decline, deteriorating housing, exposure to lead, and industrial pollution. This includes many DoD military and civilian personnel and their families living on and off base. Many communities located near military bases have historically been underrepresented in public engagement on agency decision - making. Many of these communities still lack the resources to track proposed actions and engage in the Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation processes.

Incorporate Environmental Justice Screening and the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tools into the Defense Climate Assessment tool by May 2024. Train DoD Climate Assessment Tool users, a community of DoD installation planners and decision - makers, on environmental justice principles and how to include these principles and corresponding data into DoD planning processes by August 2024.

Train and equip DoD planners and decision - makers on how to access, view, and analyze environmental justice data in Department tools. Continue to ensure that DoD identifies potential impacts on and mitigation for communities that have been historically disadvantaged through the National Environmental Policy Act analysis and via Restoration Advisory Boards.

Global Equity: Promote equity and human rights around the world through our foreign policy and foreign assistance. Health Equity: Advance equity in health, including mental and behavioral health and well - being. Economic Justice: Build a strong, fair, and inclusive workforce and economy.

Efforts to ensure the sex - specific needs of female Service members have frequently been isolated, with limited accountability for lasting change, causing a barrier to gender equity. The lack of strategic infrastructure to advance sound scientific evidence on women's health is a barrier to advancing gender equity. Timely access to lawfully available reproductive health care is a readiness, retention, and recruitment issue, particularly for female Service members.

In 2019, the Defense Health Board was charged with exploring DoD policies, practices, structure, and capabilities that promote or inhibit women's health and access to services focused on musculoskeletal injury prevention, reproductive health, and psychological and mental health. Their final report, " " Active Duty Women's Health Care Services, " " found that active duty Women continue to experience health care and operational challenges that reviews and reports over the past 25 years have identified, evaluated, and made recommendations for improvement. The DoD Women's Reproductive Health Survey (WRHS) surveyed active - duty female Service members about their needs, preferences, and experiences accessing reproductive health through the MHS. The findings provided recommendations for improvement to support and ensure female Service members have access to the reproductive health care they need throughout their military careers. The 2019 DACOWITS focus groups collected qualitative and quantitative data during visits in April and May 2019 to eight military installations representing all four DoD Service branches (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force). During these focus groups, the Committee addressed three topics: 1. Conscious and unconscious gender bias; 2. Pregnancy and parenthood; and 3. Physical fitness assessments. (Gaddes, R., Jacobson, Z., Montgomery S., Moore, C., Stangle, J., & Williams, A. (2019). Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS) 2019 focus group report.)

Execute a childcare fee assistance pilot program, increasing access to child care for eligible Service members by implementing changes or requirements from the NDAA FY 2024 and determining the feasibility of recommendations from the DoD Child Care Summit (continuation from FY 2022 plan). Broaden the pool of eligible providers to receive fee assistance through strategic partnerships with states and counties (continuation from FY 2022 plan). Provide recommendations from the Women in Service Working Group, a subgroup of the Medical and Personnel Executive Steering Committee, for policy and programmatic

changes that will advance the needs of female Service members in response to the 2020 Defense Health Board report. Pilot a reproductive behavioral health consultation program that will offer military health care providers access to reproductive behavioral health subject matter experts to address issues and care for reproductive health - related behavioral health impacts (done in collaboration with the Department of Veteran Affairs).

Launched the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) Small Business program, which brought in over 60 new small business employer partners; Initiated a robust environmental cleanup communication and outreach effort to improve transparency and engage communities affected by DoD's cleanup activities; Opened walk - in contraception services at 130 military medical treatment facilities to provide same - day access to the full scope of non - surgical contraceptive methods; and Established the Women in Service Working Group, which serves as the primary advisory group to align the medical and personnel policy communities to develop, discuss, and provide recommendations on issues related to Women in Service.

DoD will feature a diverse portfolio / system of resources to meet the myriad child care needs of our military families. Standardization of health care policies will ensure that all female Service members have access to the same, quality care for the range of their reproductive health needs. Increase informed decision - making on family planning goals through available resources, such as walk - in contraception services and updates to the health.m website that provide clear information about available contraception. Implementation of policies and processes that permit female Service members to advance in their military careers without impediments caused by inflexible career paths and options, thereby increasing the recruitment and retention of women who serve.

DoD coordinates with other Federal agencies to advance maternal health outcomes through the Maternal Health Interagency Policy Council and Maternal Mental Health Taskforce. The MHS engages with other Federal Agencies in the Health and Human Services working group on maternal mental health. DACOWITS, composed of civilian members, engages Service members and the public to provide advice and recommendations on issues impacting recruitment, retention, employment, integration, well - being, and treatment of female Service members. DoD participates in the Women's Health Research Interagency Policy Council with other Federal Agencies to advance women's health across the country.

1. Elevate and standardize the Gender Advisor workforce to further the consideration and application of gender analysis to the Department's plans, operations, activities, and investments. a. Codify roles and responsibilities for the gender advisor workforce in DoD policy guidance (e.g., DoDI). b. Establish and maintain skill expertise identifiers for Service members and DoD civilians. C. Ensure DoD organizations maintain a gender advisory workforce, including Gender Advisors, Gender Focal Points, and WPS Program Managers, implement DoD WPS policy guidance. 2. Expand the understanding, consideration, and application of gender and socio - cultural considerations and their impacts across the Department's plans, operations, activities, and investments in support of national security decision making. a. Incorporate definitions and define gender analysis in DoD policy guidance. b. Train the gender advisory workforce and DoD personnel on steps for conducting gender analyses, as appropriate. C. Conduct gender analysis to inform security cooperation, Theater Campaign Plans, training for U.S personnel, military exercises, and DoD support to the development of Integrated Country Strategies. 3. Work with partner nations to advance gender equity and equality within national security decision - making, engagement, and cooperation with allies and partners globally. a. Update DoD security cooperation guidance and design templates to reflect gender analysis information and to encourage the design and implementation of security cooperation programs relevant to WPS.

b. Conduct a pilot program within one country in each geographic Combatant Command's area of responsibility to assess the barriers and opportunities with respect to strengthening recruitment, employment, development, retention, and promotion of women in the military forces of partner nations. C. Seek to provide opportunities for women in national security forces of foreign partners to participate in security cooperation and assistance programs, resources, training, and education opportunities, including US professional military education institutions. d. Work with partner nations to advance gender equity and equality within national security decision - making, engagement, and cooperation with allies and partners globally.

Metrics for Action # 1 Number of DoD strategies, policies, and programs that are informed by a gender analysis. Number of gender advisors, gender focal points, and WPS Programs Managers performing their duties across DoD Components. Number of Operationalizing WPS 100 and 200 level courses conducted within a fiscal year. Metrics for Action # 2 Number of trainings for DoD personnel that integrate WPS principles including how to incorporate gender and socio - cultural considerations into military operations, activities, and investments. Integration of gender and socio - cultural considerations into DoD strategic and policy - level documents. Integration of gender analysis into DoD security cooperation planning and programming. Metrics for Action # 3 Number of engagements by U.S. leaders that lead to activities conducted with partner nations on WPS. Annual increase in enrollment and participation of women in U.S. professional military education institutions and courses.

Seek to protect and mitigate harm to civilians by accounting for gender and socio - cultural considerations in response to human rights violations, sexual exploitation and abuse, crisis and conflict related sexual violence, trafficking in persons, the involvement of children in armed conflicts, and the damaging of cultural property. Work with allies and partners to seek to expand opportunities and remove recruitment, employment, retention, development, and promotion barriers that contribute to the under - representation of women in foreign security forces. Work with allies and partners on the reduction and prevention of sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic abuse, and other forms of violence that disproportionately impact women's participation in foreign security forces. Work with allies and partners on integrating gender analysis into their policy, planning, operations, exercises, and training.

Developed and executed the DoD Small Business Strategy and Implementation Plan, highlighting the Department's commitment to fostering a robust and equitable defense industrial base and discussing Department policies on working with small businesses. Achieved a 10.14 percent Small Disadvantaged Business goal in FY 2022, exceeding the year - end goal by 0.64 percent. This achievement advanced the Biden - Harris Administration's whole - of - government approach to expanding contracting opportunities for Small Disadvantaged Businesses. Exceeded its yearly milestone (0.60 percent by January 2023), achieving 0.61 percent of AbilityOne Program contract spending. In FY 2022, DoD procured more than $ 2.5B of products and services from the AbilityOne Program, an increase of $ 125M in FY 2021. DoD contracts with the AbilityOne program to secure the services of approximately 35,000 individuals who are blind or have significant disabilities. The Military Departments and other participating DoD Components submitted their 2023 updates to the AbilityOne Strategic Plans, which will be implemented through the end of the calendar year. DoD continues to participate in the Federal level AbilityOne Representatives Program monthly meetings hosted by the U.S. AbilityOne Commission. Issued a memorandum titled, " " Actions to Support the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment, " " that provides a list of actions to promote the awareness of workers ' organizing rights, contractors ' responsibilities, and government authorities when government contract workers are trying to organize the contracting workforce. Baselined Simplified Acquisition Threshold performance within Military Departments and other DoD Components and established goals for FY 2023 and beyond. DoD is on track to issue regular guidance to the acquisition workforce on maximizing small business participation and update and deploy the Office of Small Business Program's Market Research Center of Excellence (MRCOE) in Quarter (Q) 1 of FY 2024. Educating small business professionals on how to use MRCOE to enhance DoD small business utilization through targeted and consistent performance and goal management and institutionalizing the involvement of small business professionals in the earliest stages of acquisition planning through regulation, policy, or guidance are on track for Q3 of FY 2024. Finally, DoD will add

Closed 13 FY 2021 Cooperative Agreements (CAs) in Q4 2023. At the beginning of Q2 2023, DoD finalized and approved the FY 2023 Short List of NALEMP projects and budgets for 14 Federally Recognized Tribes. The Short List is a list of Tribes with eligible sites that have been approved for NALEMP funding to address past DoD environmental impacts on Indian lands and other locations where DoD, an Indian tribe, and the current landowner agree that such mitigation is appropriate. These FY 2023 CAs are expected to be executed by Q4 2023. Additionally, NALEMP is currently considering 16 Tribes for FY 2024 CAs. Completed over half of the Preliminary Assessments / Site Inspections (PA / SI) at 707 installations where DoD may have used and potentially released PFAS materials. DoD obligated $ 2.0 billion (B) through FY 2022 to conduct PFAS - related drinking water mitigation, investigations, and cleanup on its installations, as well as in nearby communities. Awarded three non - construction planning and organization assistance grants to Guam in FY 2022 totaling $ 2.3 million (M) to address cumulative DoD socioeconomic and environmental impacts in Guam. Provided approximately $ 218M in appropriated funding for outside - the - fence investments in Guam, including a cultural repository ($ 12M), public health lab ($ 32M), upgrades to the Northern District Wastewater Treatment Plant ($ 139.3M), Interceptor Sewer Refurbishment ($ 30.6M), Northern Guam Lens Aquifer Monitoring System ($ 3.7M), and surface transportation network improvements ($ 246M). Three of the five Guam outside - the - fence investments are complete, one is under construction, and one is completing final design. All projects are estimated to be completed by 2025. Initiated a robust environmental cleanup communication and outreach effort to improve transparency and engage communities affected by DoD's cleanup activities.

Hosted Teacher Leadership Academies with more than 150 participants across the DoDEA Europe, Americas, and Pacific regions. Launched the MSEP Small Business program, which brought in over 30 new small business employer partners. Added questions to the Status of Forces Surveys to better understand usage of dining facilities and federal subsistence programs. Expanded the Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN) - PLUS initiative to cover seven additional states, bringing the total number of states covered to 13 plus Miami - Dade County in Florida. Implemented the Basic Needs Allowance to provide an additional allowance to eligible families whose income was less than 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG). Published DoD's " " Food Security Strategy and Roadmap " " and completed 21 of its 30 actions. Launched a self - guided financial well - being assessment tool to help Service members and their families assess their financial well - being and be referred to appropriate resources.

Action 1 - Procurement and Contracting

Released an updated Responsible Al Guidelines by the Defense Innovation Unit in June 2023. It is a practical framework for including the DoD's Al Ethics Principles, including equity, in Al product planning, development, testing, and evaluation. It is a living document, to be updated based on evolving best practices and practical experience.

Objective: Invest in underserved communities and expand access to DoD programs and opportunities by increasing investments in Minority - serving Institutions (MIs) and investments in kindergarten (K) - 12 and K - 20 programs.

DoD's renewed focus on environmental justice has advanced environmental justice results in numerous locations. For example, Fort Carson Air Program Managers work closely with local communities, non - governmental organizations, and government advisory councils on topics related to air quality in these communities. Joint Base Myer - Henderson Hall participates in multi - agency working groups to provide these communities with infrastructure investments. West Point's long and collaborative history of resource management with Tribal Nations and fair approach to development has resulted in a low risk of disproportionate impacts to traditionally underserved communities. Fort Stewart promoted free COVID vaccine clinics to ensure such communities had access to vaccines.

Implemented a Multi - Tiered System of Support (MTSS) education framework to deliver equitable access and opportunity to all military - connected students.

Global Equality: Promote equity and human rights around the world through our foreign policy and foreign assistance.

The Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2017 establishes as U.S. policy the promotion of the meaningful participation of women in all aspects of overseas conflict prevention, management, and resolution, including by encouraging partner governments to adopt plans to improve the meaningful participation of women in peace and security processes and decision - making institutions. Studies on WPS have found that women's involvement in military and police forces improves efficacy and force readiness, while

In January 2021, the Department of Defense (DoD) took steps to immediately implement President Biden's Executive Order (E.O.) 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, by conducting an equity assessment to identify potential barriers that underserved communities and individuals face when accessing the DoD. Actions to address these barriers were outlined in the DoD's 2022 Equity Action Plan (EAP), which focused on five Action Areas:

The DoD brought together a team that includes leaders responsible for implementing these Executive Orders. Additionally, because the DoD's EAP 2023 Update addresses the requirements of several different Executive Orders, the DoD worked closely with the Domestic Policy Council and the Office of Management and Budget and selected the following Strategies for the 2023 EAP Update:

Objective: Close gaps in participation by small businesses and other underserved communities and improve workforce equity through an ambitious equitable procurement and contracting agenda that includes advancing equity throughout the supply chain (e.g., advancing opportunities for prime and subcontractors who are members of underserved communities).

1) Address gaps in data collection to facilitate data - informed, equitable decision - making 2) Increase opportunities for new entrants into DOE procurement and financial assistance 3) Increase participation by individuals and institutions that are underrepresented in DOE's research and development (R & D) programs supported through financial assistance 4) Expand Tribal engagement and stakeholder engagement across DOE 5) Improve access and equity in DOE's Weatherization Assistance Program

EERE released its HBCU Clean Energy Education Prize during May 2023. This competition, with $ 7.75M in cash prizes, will help HBCU institutions develop programming to strengthen the participation of K - 12 and community college students in STEM and other associated fields that can lead to potential careers in clean energy industries. It will also give HBCUs the opportunity to create enhanced curricula and programs that will provide opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students and establish partnerships that lead to career opportunities in clean energy. This prize supports President Biden's Justice40 Initiative, which directs 40 % of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to flow to disadvantaged communities, by helping to build a diverse STEM pipeline to support the clean energy transition. The prize aims to help HBCUs achieve these goals through two distinct prize tracks, the Inspire Track and the Partnerships Track. HBCUs of all sizes are invited to apply to help foster the next generation of the clean energy technical workforce. Details can be found at the Prize website: HBCU Clean Energy Education Prize HeroX. In FY 2023, EERE's first cohort of 11 students from the Graduate Education for Minority Students fellowship (GEM Fellowship) program, a non - governmental program, started their 10 - week summer internship assignments in various EERE program offices. The goal of the GEM Fellowship program is to enhance the value of the Nation's human capital by increasing the participation of underrepresented groups at the master's and doctoral levels in engineering and science. The FY 2023 program follows EERE's pilot program, which established GEM Fellow cohorts in a partnership pilot between EERE's Building Technologies Office and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. This is the first class of GEM Fellowship students within DOE. EERE's Interagency Agreement with the Army and the MSI STEM R & D Consortium was designed to increase funding opportunities for MSIs. The program has continued to show improved results in R & D awards provided to MSIs, and during FY 2022, EERE provided $ 8.6M in direct funding awards to MSIs for EERE R & D work. For FY 2023, EERE is on target to surpass last year's figures. Through an Interagency Agreement partnership with the National Science Foundation, EERE has initiated a pilot through the Geothermal Technologies Office to support 14 non - academic internships for graduate students in the geothermal industry, with placements for the summer of 2023 within state geological surveys, private industry companies, and National Labs. The

EERE is partnering with the Office of Energy Justice and Equity and NREL to develop STEM faculty from MSIs through the Faculty - Applied Clean Energy Science (FACES) program. The FACES pilot program offers a unique opportunity to foster the growth of STEM faculty from MSIs through exposure to the National Lab systems. By providing valuable on - site experiences, fostering collaboration, and developing scalable educational modules, the program aims to expand DOE funding opportunities for MSI faculty. EERE announced six grand prize winners of the Inclusive Energy Innovation Prize on June 15, 2023. The prize seeks to foster a just and equitable clean energy future by investing in community - led innovation and entrepreneurship programs in areas historically underserved by federal funding. The winning teams in this first - of - its - kind competition received $ 250,000 each for their entrepreneurship, job - training, mentorship, and other solutions to expand clean energy and economic opportunities in underserved communities. The Community Clean Energy Coalition Prize recognized and assisted coalitions supporting underrepresented communities with a prize pool of $ 2.1 million to build capacity and address local energy challenges with clean energy solutions in line with the Justice40 Initiative. EERE announced successful completion of the prize on December 7, 2023. All ten coalitions participating in the prize successfully completed all three phases of the challenge and were awarded $ 205k each in aggregate. The top three coalitions were awarded additional prize bonuses ranging from $ 10k to $ 50k for the strength of their project implementation and vision for the future. The Community Energy Innovation Prize launched in November 2023 is the successor to both DOE's Inclusive Energy Innovation Prize and Community Clean Energy Coalition Prize. The prize program will award up to $ 7.5 million in cash prizes as well as mentorship opportunities to organizations supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, capacity building, and economic development in communities historically underrepresented in climate and energy technology funding. The expanded prize has three tracks: clean energy ecosystem track, manufacturing ecosystem track, and collegiate track.

The NNSA Technology Transfer Program has developed the Introducing Diversity in Entrepreneurial Activities (IDEA) Seminar. This seminar is aimed at STEM students at MSIs to encourage them to participate in the technology entrepreneurial career field. The IDEA seminar introduces them to patents, licensing, and funding opportunities (including SBIR / STTR). The goal is to promote diversity in the next generation of aspiring technology entrepreneurs. This seminar has been given at several HBCUs and to the MSI interns at the various NNSA labs and HQ. iv. Progress on expanding strategic Tribal and stakeholder engagement across DOE programs. The Office of Public Affairs (PA) led the effort to create the Energy Savings Hub. The Energy Saving Hub is available to the public at www.energy.gov / save. The hub is a one - stop shop for homeowners, renters, and drivers to learn how they can save energy, save money, and save the planet. The Energy Saving Hub features something for everyone, including clean energy tax incentives and tips / tricks to conserve energy. In addition to the Energy Saving Hub, DOE also launched a Clean Energy 101 video series that is captioned in both English and Spanish. The series is comprised of short explainers of various clean energy appliances and technologies that qualify for incentives in President Biden's Investing in America agenda, including the basics of clean energy technologies, such as heat pumps, rooftop solar, electric vehicles, and more. In FY 2023, PA also produced a mini documentary on DOE's work with Tribal Nations. https: / / www.instagram.com / p / Cd6ovZ8D4i8 /. DOE established a Justice40 Stakeholder Engagement Community of Practice to establish a standard of care for equitable stakeholder engagement. Participants encompass various DOE program offices.

EJE developed a Stakeholder Engagement Smartsheet in partnership with the Justice40 SE CoP which will track energy justice related stakeholder engagements by program office, technology, region, and attendees. Offices will also upload outcomes from engagements. V. Progress on improving access and equity in DOE's Weatherization Assistance Program. DOE created the Office of State and Community Energy Programs to administer state and community - facing programs, including the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). The following bullets outline key accomplishments in WAP since the publication of the April 2022 EAP. On February 3, 2023, DOE published allocations of $ 30M for Weatherization Readiness from the FY 2023 WAP appropriation, an increase of $ 15M from FY 2022. DOE WAP and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) launched a Weatherization Workforce Development Pilot in February 2023 to enhance impact in four communities: Lowell, MA; Roanoke, VA; Chicago, IL; and Warner Robins, GA. The program connects HUD residents to weatherization jobs within Community Action Agencies and sets up residents for careers in green construction. This partnership aims to support the utilization of DOE Weatherization Assistance Program funds by adequately staffing the weatherization programs in local communities. Several of the communities have begun hosting job fairs to share information and recruit HUD residents interested in weatherization work. Sustainable Energy Resources for Consumers (SERC) funding is available to WAP grantees, subgrantees, and non - profit organizations to demonstrate innovative technologies and approaches that go beyond the scope of the formula WAP. These grants offer more flexibility than the WAP formula grants and unique opportunities to broaden the impact of WAP. The second round of SERC funding was announced in October 2022. DOE anticipates awarding eleven grantees $ 17M with 2023 SERC funds. The projects will install various renewables, including solar technologies and heat pumps. In June 2022, DOE published WPN 22 - 9, Managing Multiple Funding Streams. This policy update provides clarification on the allowability of braiding DOE funds with other federal and non - federal funding sources to expand and enhance the services provided to low - income households.

The DOE Civil Rights Division launched a technical assistance program for recipients of DOE financial assistance. The program includes both in - person events and webinars related to providing meaningful access for limited English proficient individuals in both DOE - conducted and DOE - financially assisted programs and activities. Additionally, one session provides an overview of the Department's civil rights regulations at 10 C.F.R. 1040 and 1042, which outline compliance requirements for recipients of DOE financial assistance. On February 23, 2023, and February 28, 2023, DOE's Office of Energy Justice and Equity's Minority Business and Workforce Division hosted the inaugural DOE Minority Business and Workforce Connect Summit. This summit offered opportunities for Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), Department of Energy program offices, the National Labs, higher education institutions, financial institutions, and non - profit organizations who are working to realize a just clean energy future to build lasting and generative connections. The Summit allowed participants to learn about how to engage in business with the Department of Energy and to engage with leaders in government and industry to learn more about how the energy industry is responding to historic federal investments in clean energy and communities. For more information, see DOE Minority Business Enterprise Connect Summit Department of Energy DOE's 2023 Minority Business Enterprise Connect Summit Draws Record Attendance and Announces New Partnerships Department of Energy. NNSA and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory manage the NNSA Graduate Fellowship Program (NGFP) and partner with MSIs to recruit highly qualified and diverse students for this program. In 2021, 28 % of applicants hired through this program were from underrepresented minority groups. In 2023, that number increased to 45 %, an increase of 17 %. The diversity of the applicant pool increased, and, as a result, the number of diverse people has meaningfully increased over the past two years. NGFP developed a diverse team of University Relationship Managers to assist with outreach at MSIs. This approach resulted in 20 % of all applications being submitted from an MSI. On July 6, 2023, DOE announced nine states and three Tribal communities as the third cohort to receive a combined total of $ 207.6M in Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants including the Metlakatla Indian Community (Annette Island Reserve), the Native Village of Eagle, and Standing Rock Sioux Tribe of North and South Dakota. The DOE Energy Justice to the People Roadshow is a series of community listening sessions and workshops dedicated to sharing information about available DOE programs and funding opportunities to support disadvantaged frontline communities and advance U.S. energy security in a just and equitable way. To date, two stops on the DOE Energy Justice to the People

In FY 2023, DOE co - sponsored White House Hispanic Initiative's Hispanic Regional Economic Summit in San Bernardino, CA, to share federal and DOE opportunities related to careers, internships, grants, and financial assistance. On October 12, 2022, EJE met with the Alliance of Hispanic Research Universities. At that time, the Alliance consisted of 21 universities which were both Hispanic - Serving Institutions as defined by Title V of the Higher Education Act and in the top 5 % of universities in the U.S. for research as determined by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The meeting was held to discuss opportunities to increase diversity in the federal work force and DOE's grant recipient pool in accordance with DOE's Justice40 implementation initiatives. In FY 2023, EJE was represented by the Minority Business and Workforce Division at the Annual U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) Legislative Summit held in Washington, D.C. The USHCC actively promotes the economic growth, development, and interests of more than 4.7 million Hispanic - owned businesses. During this event, DOE presented to Hispanic owned energy businesses on funding opportunities available through various DOE program offices.

In July 2023, DOE announced the 67 winners of the first phase of the Energizing Rural Communities Prize. The cohort included 17 Tribes, or teams, serving Tribal communities. Each of the 67 winners will receive $ 100,000, in - kind - mentorship services, and eligibility to compete in phase two of the prize to win an additional $ 200,000. One of the winning teams is Sustainable Energy for Galena Alaska, a nonprofit run jointly by the Louden Tribal Council, the Galena City School District, and the City of Galena. See Community Profile: What Energizing Rural Communities Means for Galena, Alaska. About 400 people live in Galena year - round, and the economy is based around the schools there that draw over 50 villages ' high school students for boarding school. DOE is funding holistic energy planning for Sustainable Energy for Galena Alaska. DOE's participation in the Rural Partners Network (RPN), which is led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the White House Rural Prosperity Interagency Policy Council, builds relationships with rural communities across the Nation, especially in the states and communities designated to be prioritized by RPN. DOE employs a Rural Desk Officer, who actively participates in the network. One component of the RPN is the selection of signature projects in communities that have been identified by the network as priority areas. For example, DOE is the lead for the San Carlos Apache Tribe's solar project, which was awarded $ 4M in FY 2023 year. Upon completion, the project will add 750 kW of solar photovoltaic systems and a 500 - kW Battery Energy Storage System to its diesel generators to serve 36 residential buildings for healthcare workers and five hospital buildings at the San Carlos Apache Healthcare Corporation community. DOE has several offices that offer programs that directly benefit rural communities by providing technical assistance, loans, tax incentives and funding that supports the clean energy transition. Some examples include: The Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED), which manages the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas program that supports energy investments in rural and remote areas through clean energy projects to improve reliability and / or resilience of energy systems, reduce energy poverty, and improve environmental performance of energy generation in rural or remote communities. The Office of Indian Energy, which selected 18 American Indian and Alaska Native communities to receive $ 34M in funding to advance clean energy technology. The funding strengthens Tribal communities by increasing their access to solar power and microgrids, increasing energy security and resilience, and powering unelectrified Tribal buildings. The Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) plays a critical and unique role in catalyzing investments in America's energy future to support the reshoring, skilling, and scaling of U.S. manufacturing across energy supply chains. MESC addresses critical vulnerabilities in U.S. energy supply chains, serves as the frontline of clean energy capital

(1) Establish a DOE - wide Community Benefits Plan (CBP) framework that builds trust and improves outcomes for underserved communities, which in turn supports successful Deployment & Demonstration and R & D projects that advance an equitable clean energy transition. (2) Update the DOE Merit Review Program to improve equitable outcomes for DOE awards. (3) Increase and improve access to procurement opportunities (acquisition and financial assistance) for new entrants, small, and historically disadvantaged businesses. (4) Integrate and track justice considerations through a metrics framework for the Department's R & D strategy by providing consistent communication of expectations and efficient coordination and implementation of reporting requirements across the Department. (5) Develop an agency - wide framework to effectively work with Tribal and disadvantaged communities to reimagine their clean energy future through real investments and technical assistance and ensure that community voices and decision - making are integrated into DOE funding, research, and programming.

Energy infrastructure is disproportionately sited in low - income communities, communities of color, and Tribal Nations, leading to both disproportionate exposure to the negative environmental, economic, and social impacts of energy infrastructure and lack of access to benefits. Communities often to do not see themselves as having a role or an effective voice in project deployment and development. Tribal communities, local agencies, rural and remote communities, and smaller community - based organizations lack the capacity to engage in the project development cycle. A significant concern is communities ' limited capacity to meaningfully engage in the decision - making process.

Ensure that CBPs are scored at a minimum of 20 % of the total application score, as applicable. Enhance community capacity to participate in DOE projects. Leverage resources available through federal assistance programs such as EPA's Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers, DOE Technical Assistance, and the awardee project developer's CBP commitments to increase communities ' ability to identify potential risks and harms, identify potential risk mitigation, and possible benefits of project deployment. Revise community commitment policy and supporting clauses to reflect current priorities. (DEAR 970.2673 - 1, DEAR 970.5226 - 3 and DOE - H - 2045)

Track how funding is distributed to disadvantaged, fossil energy, Tribal, and rural communities. Track Justice40 metrics within BIL and IRA funding awards. Track number of Community Benefits Agreements and Project Labor Agreements entered within DOE - funded projects. Capture the number of community members or stakeholders engaged by - Communities of interest (individually and collectively) Type of Engagement Degree of Engagement Report community ownership in the following ways: Number of clean energy projects with community ownership Total value of community owned clean energy projects and percent owned by communities Total value of annual compensation to communities from community owned energy assets Measure the number of projects using go / no - go contractual elements to ensure project is meeting CBP commitments. Conduct survey of impacted community response / opinion before, during, and after project deployment (mid / long term). Provide an avenue for communities to contact DOE if they are concerned about the implementation of a CBP.

Establish short -, medium -, and long - term CBP engagement support that would facilitate strong CBPs in applications in financial terms and conditions negotiations, through the go / no go decision process, and through the reporting cycles. Conduct CBP workshops that are tailored in content and method of delivery for the following specific audiences: 1) Tribal Nations to support Tribal capacity both as applicants and beneficiaries of project benefits from developers and researchers; 2) Underserved communities and rural and remote communities; 3) Project developers (e.g., industry, academia, local government, and utilities) to support development of stronger CBPs from applicants; and 4) Labor unions and other entities representing local workers, workers displaced by the energy transition, and workers under - represented in the energy workforce.

(1) Establish a DOE - wide CBP framework that builds trust and improves outcomes for underserved communities, which in turn supports successful and support successful Deployment & Demonstration and R & D projects that advance an equitable clean energy transition. (2) Update the DOE Merit Review Program to improve equitable outcomes for DOE awards. (3) Increase and improve access to procurement opportunities (acquisition and financial assistance) for new entrants, small, and historically disadvantaged businesses. (4) Integrate and track justice considerations through a metrics framework for the Department's R & D strategy by providing consistent communication of expectations and efficient coordination and implementation of reporting requirements across the Department. (5) Develop an agency - wide framework to effectively work with Tribal and disadvantaged communities to reimagine their clean energy future through real investments and technical assistance and ensure that community voices and decision - making are integrated into DOE funding, research, and programming.

Lack of transparency and consistency across DOE merit review recruitment processes limits the agency's ability to assess overall effectiveness of the merit review process. Lack of participation by underrepresented groups affects the ability of those individuals to establish relationships with DOE personnel and understand how funding applications are evaluated, and what makes an application successful. Lack of reviewers with appropriate expertise impacts the ability to support initiatives relevant to the CBP framework (promoting jobs, Justice40, diversity, and disadvantaged communities). Lack of demographic information collected about reviewers at the registration phase makes it difficult to evaluate issues of implicit bias within panel decision making.

Work with Privacy Act Officers and the Office of the General Counsel to update systems to include demographic data with reviewer registration, which can help the agency analyze how merit review board composition may impact selection outcomes. Create a guidance document for resume screeners to mitigate implicit bias within merit review board selection and increase opportunities for underrepresented individuals to serve on merit review boards. Create and maintain a reviewer landing page to capture departmental opportunities and alert potential reviewers of opportunities to serve as merit reviewers. Expand departmental efforts to reach out to MBEs, MSIs, underrepresented groups, minority organizations, and federal equity leads to increase opportunities for underrepresented individuals to serve on merit review panels and learn more about the DOE merit review process. Create consistency in questions asked in DOE reviewer recruitment registration processes. Improve public awareness and access to DOE program managers. Capture the input of reviewers on the review process and the way proposals are solicited, evaluated, and awarded.

Capture demographic data and skillset information on reviewers to determine which groups necessitate further outreach. Establish guidance for program offices to utilize to reduce bias in the merit review process.

DOE plans to host listening sessions with previous reviewers to learn about their experiences as reviewers as well as what changes, if any, can be made to the acquisition process to reduce barriers to entry. Utilize the DOE Equity Action Plan to recruit reviewers. Interested merit reviewers should submit information via https: / / www.energy.gov / diversity / become - doe - meritpeer - reviewer.

Stakeholders have routinely expressed frustration in accessing DOE opportunities. DOE is underutilizing federal acquisition statutory and regulatory authority to provide procurement opportunities to underrepresented groups.

DOE / OMB / OFPP co - sponsored two nation - wide crowdsourcing campaigns in 2021, which illustrated that underserved groups faced difficulty finding DOE financial assistance opportunities. High participation at DOE - hosted Annual Small Business Fora & Expos illustrates that small businesses, including those in underserved communities, are very interested in working with the Department and are seeking clarity on opportunities, procurement (and other funding mechanisms) processes and procedures, and subcontracting opportunities. Through involvement in numerous annual regional / local small business opportunity outreach events and conversations with business owners, DOE learned that small businesses are highly capable of performing DOE mission work that is generally less complex in nature and smaller in dollar value. By reviewing stakeholder feedback from agency Requests for Information (RFI) and Industry Days and benchmarking state and local governments and other federal agency equity procurement best practices, DOE identified the following pathways to increase equity: Create centralized, more complete forecast information for future procurement activities; Ask more detailed questions on capability during market research and provide sufficient time for industry responses; furnish more information in the pre - solicitation phase; Communicate expected timing between draft request for proposal (RFP) and final RFP for teaming purposes; Increase small business " " carve outs " " and reserve meaningful scopes of work for small businesses in larger requirements.

Deploy a centralized, public - facing DOE business forecast to provide timely access to upcoming opportunities for contracts, financial assistance, and subcontracting. Continue to leverage CBP guidance and sample terms and conditions in DOE FOAs to ensure that recipients use federal investments to fulfill the four priorities of the CBP (investing in America's workforce, engaging communities and labor, advancing DEIA, and implementing Justice40.) Continue to implement policies and procedures for expanding DOE's use of Partnership Intermediary Agreements and Other Transactions Authorities.

Continue to increase outreach to Tribal Nations, underserved communities, and socio - economic small businesses to bolster efforts to increase new entrants to DOE opportunities. Develop and leverage strategic partnerships with external entities (e.g., Minority Business Development Agency, APEX Accelerators (formerly PTACs), and Small Business Development Centers) to support expanded socio - economic and small business supplier base through training and development and access to capital programs. Continue to utilize subject matter experts (EJE, program office representatives) as a resource for the technical review of M & O contractor Diversity Plans to support DOE in their oversight of the M & O contractors. Provide technical assistance to grantees on complying with civil rights laws while carrying out DOE - funded activities. Launch a new Department Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan providing guidance to DOE offices on translation, interpretation, and outreach services for LEP persons seeking access to Department programs to help ensure that LEP communities are informed of DOE activities and funding opportunities. Utilize the Women - owned Small Business (WOSB) Small Business Program Manager to develop strategies for increased gender equity to be informed by increased data analytics, WOSB - centric North American Industry Classification System code assessments, and in collaboration with the SBA WOSB Program, and major facility management contractors. Continue to support on - going efforts for M & O contractors and major site and facility contractors to increase subcontracting opportunities for AbilityOne contractors who employ people who are blind or have significant disabilities. Continue to support ongoing activities to increase socioeconomic achievements in awarding contracts, including subcontracts under the Department's Management & Operating Subcontract Reporting Capability (MOSRC) actions. Continue to collaborate with contractor groups such as the Energy Facility Contractors Group to increase awareness and understanding of procurement flexibilities that can be used to increase opportunities for new entrants and disadvantaged communities.

Utilize the DOE Equity Action Plan to share the link to numerous DOE opportunities: htps: / / www.energy.gov / justice / articles / department - energy - and - federal - funding - prize - and - competition - opportunities. Continued attendance at Annual Small Business Fora & Expos. Maintain a presence at annual regional / local small business opportunity outreach events. Continued use of social media (i.e., Facebook, LinkedIn, X) to publicize prospective business opportunities and community outreach events.

(1) Investing in America's workforce (2) Engaging communities and labor (3) Advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (4) Implementing Justice40, a federal initiative that sets the goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of federal climate and clean energy investments flow to disadvantaged communities.

Current metric collection fails to holistically assess justice outcomes in DOE R & D programs. Current Justice40 metrics do not capture R & D impacts outside of the geographical location where work is being performed. Further, some types of R & D funding (non - competitive / block grants, DOE Laboratory solicitations, Lab field work proposals) do not have metrics in place to monitor and measure project progress. Justice40 metric reporting is hindered by limited coordination and some offices lacking trained and task - dedicated personnel to measure program impacts. The nature of R & D makes outcome - based metric reporting difficult. Outcome - based metrics are data that show the extent and impact of an organization's, program's, or initiative's activities on its customers or beneficiaries. 5 Outcome - based metrics are different from performance metrics, which track the key activities that lead to outcomes, or output or activity data, which describe the organization's actions. 6 Outcome - based metrics are useful for demonstrating accountability, transparency, and efficacy. 7 The benefits of R & D can have long time horizons and broad applications. In general, technology R & D strategy roadmaps lack sufficient consideration of equity or justice. Current roadmaps emphasize technological advancement of high - performance, high - cost technologies that likely will not be affordable to underserved communities. For example, clean energy and energy efficiency programs (e.g., rooftop solar power, weatherization) are not accessible to some underserved and underrepresented communities, especially where there is a reliance upon technology to communicate and access these programs. The unequal

Although inconsistent, several offices across DOE have collected R & D impact metrics, such as the number of peer - reviewed journal articles, patents, licenses, new companies formed, and the amount of follow - on funding received from the private sector. Challenges to these current efforts include: Many of these achievements occur after a project is closed out, when awardees are no longer reporting on the project and have likely moved onto other projects. As a result, many of these outputs are not appropriately attributed to DOE funding. One study of the Web of Science - a public database of scientific articles - found that in some subject areas, as little as 28 % of the articles had any acknowledgements, and of those only 65 % acknowledged funding. 9 If funding is properly acknowledged, web - crawling techniques can be used to extract subsequent impacts. Existing project impact metrics fail to address equity or justice. There are infrequent third - party reviews of evaluation metrics. These reviews are costly, time - intensive, and limited by confidential business information restrictions. There is limited interaction and participation with citizen / community science in the development of DOE R & D strategies and metrics. There have been several approaches across the federal Government to address the foregoing challenges: In the Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA - E), there are staff who follow up with past recipients to collect research outputs / publications. In the DOE Office of Science, there is an annual automated reminder to past awardees to update their profile, including information regarding publications. Existing literature shows a lack of equity consideration in R & D metrics. To fill this gap, NREL developed the Justice Underpinning Science and Technology Research (JUST - R) metrics framework - energy justice metrics specifically targeted at early - stage research. 10 Some offices have project - specific metrics. For example, DOE's Building Technology Office requires applicants of some FOAs to provide estimates of energy, cost, and emissions savings using the Resilient and Efficient Codes Implementation (RECI) Impact Calculator tool - a spreadsheet - based tool for building code updates in new construction, improvements to existing buildings, and improvements in energy codes compliance. 11 Since climate change disproportionately impacts low - income and minority

Develop R & D - specific metrics to quantify Justice40 impacts (i.e., workforce development, research outputs) for all project phases including during the award post - project closeout, and secondary impacts beyond the site of performance. Develop automated, easy - to - use systems to capture standard and office - specific metrics and content for all funding (FOAs, non - competitive grants, DOE Laboratory solicitations, etc.) that integrate with Justice40, BIL, and office reporting requirements and are consistent with requirements established for each FOA, including expected follow - up actions, federal financial assistance guidelines, and the Paperwork Reduction Act.

12 Smith, G.S., Anjum, E., Francis, C. et al. " " Climate Change, Environmental Disasters, and Health Inequities: The Underlying Role of Structural Inequalities. " " Curr Envir Health Rpt 9, 80 - 89 (2022). https: / / doi.org / 10.1007 / s40572 - 022 - 00336 - w 13 National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology. " " Environmental Protection Belongs to the Public A Vision for Citizen Science at EPA. " " EPA 219 - R - 16 - 001 (2016). https: / / www.epa.gov / sites / default / files / 2020 - 04 / documents / nacept_cs_report_final_508. pdf 14 f National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology. " " Information to Action Strengthening EPA Citizen Science Partnerships for Environmental Protection. " " EPA 220 - R - 18 - 001 (2018). https: / / www.epa.gov / sites / default / files / 2020 - 04 / documents / nacept_2018_citizen_science_publication_eng_final_v3_508. pdf 15 National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology. " " Environmental Protection Belongs to the Public A Vision for Citizen Science at EPA. " " EPA 219 - R - 16 - 001 (2016). https: / / www.epa.gov / sites / default / files / 2020 - 04 / documents / nacept_cs_report_final_508. pdf 16 National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology. " " Information to Action Strengthening EPA Citizen Science Partnerships for Environmental Protection. " " EPA 220 - R - 18 - 001 (2018). tps: / / www.epa.gov / sites / default / files / 2020 - 04 / documents / nacept_2018_citizen_science_publication_eng_final_v3_508. pdf 17 https: / / www.citizenscience.gov / catalog / doe / #

Establish appropriate R & D metrics. Identify applicable FY 2023 R & D FOAs and solicit program managers to identify baseline metrics that are readily available. Collect and monitor appropriate R & D metrics. Distribute best practices for R & D funding acknowledgements in awardee outputs and how to collect outputs after project closeout. Distribute training material for the automated metric reporting tool. Create a public dashboard or to show DOE R & D funding and outputs from R & D funding, such as the number of publications and expected Justice40 benefits based on the created R & D metrics. The dashboard may be a stand - alone product or integrated into an existing dashboard, such as the Energy Justice (BETA) Dashboard. 19

A. 2022 Equity Action Plan Update (pursuant to EO 13985): For reference, the 2022 DOE Equity Action Plan can be found here. i. Progress on addressing gaps in data collection to facilitate data - informed decision - making. Office of Management, Office of Acquisition Management (OAM) OAM implemented an agency - wide BIL funding opportunity announcement (FOA) template for BIL and IRA actions to further the Administration's goals to advance equity, provide support for disadvantaged communities, and leverage federal resources to achieve these objectives. The FOA template includes a Community Benefits Plan requirement, along with requirements to collect equity and justice - focused data. OAM, the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), and the National Nuclear Safety Administration are co - leading an Acquisition Forecast Improvement Working Group to establish a centralized, web - based platform capturing all contracting, subcontracting and financial assistance opportunities at DOE and better reach underrepresented businesses in DOE procurement opportunities. ii. Progress on increasing opportunities for new applicants to DOE funding opportunities. Office of Management, OAM OAM implemented a strategy with M & O contractors and major site and facility contractors designed to increase subcontracting opportunities from contractors who employ people who are blind or have significant disabilities (AbilityOne). As a result of this implementation, DOE - wide AbilityOne obligations increased from $ 27.5M in FY 2022 to $ 31.2M in FY 2023, an increase of 13 %. OAM continues to co - lead the Innovative Funding Mechanisms Working Group with the Office of General Counsel, which is exploring innovative mechanisms to increase participation in DOE funding opportunities. The Working Group has focused on Partnership Intermediary Agreements (PIAs) and Other Transactions (OT) Authority as possible pathways to reach underrepresented entities and communities. PIAs are best utilized when traditional contractual mechanisms do not provide adequate outreach with non - traditional contractors and can reduce barriers to entry for such entities. DOE has put a Pilot PIA agreement in place to extend the Department's reach to new entrants and non - traditional partners, as well as small business firms, universities, and non - profit organizations. The agency has awarded one project utilizing the PIA mechanism, and additional projects are in the planning phase. Additionally, the agency has developed an OT guide for DOE program offices to increase the utilization of OT Authorities department wide. The agency anticipates that these interventions will increase contracting opportunities with new entrants and non - traditional partners. OAM undertook an initiative in the Office of Headquarters Procurement Services to utilize market research tools such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Solutions for Enterprise - Wide Procurement Provider Lookup Tool, Small Business

Procedural and distributional inequity in engaging communities when designing technical assistance (TA), funding, and other support. Uncoordinated outreach to same Tribal Nations and community entities results in overburdening of those communities. Lack of feedback processes to incorporate community voices in program design and decision - making. Communication methods and resources dependent upon internet access and lack of accessibility for non - English speakers. Failure of DOE to meet the communities where they are, including providing resources to participate in DOE outreach activities. Inadequate allocation of agency resources and training for DOE staff to successfully engage with communities.

The Justice40 Stakeholder Engagement Community of Practice and Office of Community Engagement collected the insights and feedback of stakeholder engagement staff from 24 program offices across DOE. Tribal - specific feedback from a public process. (See DOE's Tribal Consultation Action Plan: POTUS Tribal Consultation Memo - DOE Response and Action Plan - FINAL.pdf (energy.gov)).

Engage impacted communities early in the process of project development and catalyze meaningful labor and community engagement throughout the project process. Establish a comprehensive and coordinated internal strategy that prioritizes actions to advance meaningful community and stakeholder engagement across all DOE program offices and DOE National Laboratories. Identify additional DOE Tribal Consultation and Tribal and disadvantaged community engagement positions, by type (federal, temporary, permanent) needed across the department and seek applicants with appropriate cultural competence and experience. Develop and incorporate Tribal consultation best practices and annual training DOE - wide to improve government - to - government interactions and notifications. This includes building Tribal notifications and consultation in DOE awards and studies.

Develop a DOE - Wide Relationship Management tool (similar to CRM - Client Relationship Management tool) that would contain essential foundational information about Tribal and disadvantaged community engagement or outreach related to a site, project, or program and be targeted to personnel with direct Tribal and disadvantaged community engagement responsibilities. Improve utilization of tracking system, coordination, and institutional memory of ongoing department - wide Tribal and disadvantaged community engagement. Support capacity building in Tribal Nations and disadvantaged communities through funding, grant - writing and other technical assistance, equitable communication, and improved application processes. Establish Tribal and Disadvantaged Community Engagement Principles and Practices in DOE Policy. Include mechanisms to integrate Tribal Nations and disadvantaged community decision - making into program and project processes. Create onboarding materials for new employees for Tribal engagement and update annual / ongoing training to reflect OPM / DOI & Interagency best practices guidance for Tribal Consultation and engagement. Create onboarding materials for new employees disadvantaged community engagement and update annual / ongoing training. Improve DOE's ability for effective and responsive two - way communication, including Nation - to - Nation communication, for Tribal and disadvantaged communities. Improve communications in Native languages, implementation of Title VI Limited English Proficiency requirements, non - digital formats, and other proven practices for equitable engagement. Modify DOE website to create a central portal for Tribal and community organizations to easily find DOE resources available to them and highlighting this resource on the front page of energy.gov (e.g., Energy Savings Hub).

In FY 2022, SC launched Reaching a New Energy Sciences Workforce (RENEW) to establish a more targeted and intentional approach to building foundations to support undergraduate and graduate student training opportunities and support institutions historically underrepresented in the SC research portfolio. RENEW leverages the agency's unique National Laboratories, user facilities, and other research infrastructures to provide training opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty. In FY 2022, SC announced 41 RENEW awards totaling $ 32M to 37 institutions, including 24 MSIs. In FY 2023, SC issued seven RENEW solicitations and awarded $ 70M in funding to 65 institutions, including 40 MSIs. In FY 2023, SC launched the Funding for Accelerated, Inclusive Research Initiative to build research capacity, infrastructure, and expertise at non - R1 institutions and support mutually beneficial relationships between MSIs and Emerging Research Institutions and partner institutions. SC has announced $ 37M in funding for 52 projects to 44 institutions to perform basic research in applied mathematics, biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, geoscience, isotope research, materials science, and physics. As a result of SC's increased outreach and engagement with MSI communities and support for funding mechanisms aimed at increasing MSI participation, SC significantly increased the participation of MSIs as lead institutions in its funding opportunities in FY 2022 over FY 2021 levels. For example: SC more than doubled the number of research grants to HBCUs as the lead institution in FY 2022 (from 15 awards in FY 2021 to 35 awards in FY 2022).

SC nearly doubled the level of funding support for research awards to Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) from FY 2021 levels (from $ 58.0M in FY 2021 to $ 109.0M in FY 2022). SC nearly doubled the number of new awards to HSIs in FY 2022 (from 71 awards in FY 2021 to 136 awards in FY 2022). In FY 2023, SC established a requirement that all research proposals submitted to SC include a plan for Promoting Inclusive and Equitable Research (PIER). PIER Plans describe the strategies and activities the applicants will incorporate into their research projects to promote opportunity, inclusion, and access to STEM research and training for individuals from all backgrounds. PIER Plans are evaluated as part of the merit review process. Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) FECM is collaborating with National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) acquisition professionals to embed societal and community impact criteria into FOAs - whether mandated by BIL or IRA, or program directed - that expand the pool of new entrants (e.g., MSIs) participating in program procurement, acquisition, and development activities. FECM's University Training and Research (UTR) program supports novel, early - stage research at U.S. colleges and universities, with an emphasis on student training. The UTR program has a sub - program dedicated to supporting projects specifically at HBCUs and other MSIs; in FY 2023, FECM made 18 awards totaling more than $ 7M with nearly half (10 awards) going to MSIs (totaling nearly $ 3.5M). (See University Training and Research netl.doe.gov.) FECM held a workshop (April 2023) for potential future grant applicants to provide information about the UTR program and the associated application process. Over 90 people from educational institutions participated. In June 2023, FECM announced up to $ 17.7M in available funding (FOA 3002) for five different areas of interest, including establishing multi - institution collaborations for student exchanges from MSIs, new academic curricula related to geosciences, supporting interdisciplinary training in humanities - driven STEM fields.

Procurement (Acquisition and Financial Assistance)

In May 2023, the White House published the EJ Scorecard to set the baseline for federal activities to advancing EJ. Future versions of the EJ Scorecard will build on this baseline assessment. DOE's scorecard highlights some of the funding announcements in the past year, including the $ 25M Renewables Advancing Community Energy Resilience opportunity and the $ 13M Community Geothermal Heating and Cooling Design and Deployment opportunity. The Scorecard also describes program modifications that support disadvantaged communities, including mentioning DOE's new Community Benefits Plans. The Scorecard highlights Title VI and the National Environmental Policy Act's relationship to environmental justice and some of the community - oriented programs like DOE's collaboration on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers,

The Department of Energy strives to ensure America's security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions. DOE prioritizes equity and place - based 1 strategies in its investments to model a clean energy transition that will deliver real benefits to frontline communities, especially those historically impacted by the legacy of pollution and environmental injustice. To ensure that every community has a role in this energy transition, DOE must strive to eliminate barriers to access, transform programs and policies to open even broader pathways for underrepresented groups to access DOE resources, and create new programs to better serve communities.

On his first day in office, President Biden signed Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. This order recognizes that although equal opportunity is part of the American Dream, for too many Americans, that dream remains out of reach. In that order, the President called on every federal agency to examine barriers to accessing its resources. In response the Department released its first - ever Equity Action Plan in April 2022, identifying five strategies to advance equity throughout DOE:

Strategy # 3: Increase and improve access to procurement opportunities (acquisition and financial assistance) for new entrants, small, and historically disadvantaged businesses.

This information will be updated when SBA issues the FY 2024 Goaling Memorandum for DOE, which is expected in January 2024. Additionally, to fulfill the President's vision on equity in procurement and meet his goal of increasing annual spend to SBDs to 15 % by FY 2025, SBA has negotiated FY 2023 SDB goals with federal agencies SO that, in the aggregate, federal agencies can reach a government - wide goal of 12 % of total eligible contract spending (OMB M - 22 - 03).

Low - income communities and communities of color often bear the brunt of the negative environmental, economic, and social impacts of energy infrastructure. Further, these communities often do not have a voice in project development and deployment. The Department has a historic opportunity to advance equity through the implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

access to clean energy is evidenced by some communities disproportionately adopting clean technologies at slower rates. 8

In an effort to advance equity and justice, spur job creation and, accelerate economic development, DOE now requires CBPs as part of BIL and IRA funding opportunities and loan applications. These plans are based on a set of four core policy priorities:

8 Sunter, Deborah A., Sergio Castellanos, and Daniel M. Kammen. " " Disparities in rooftop photovoltaics deployment in the United States by race and ethnicity. " " Nature Sustainability 2.1 (2019): 71 - 76. 9 Smirnova, N., Mayr, P. " " A comprehensive analysis of acknowledgement texts in Web of Science: a case study on four scientific domains. " " Scientometrics 128, 709 - 734 (2023). https: / / doi.org / 10.1007 / s11192 - 022 - 04554 - 9 10 Dutta, Nikita S., Gill, Elizabeth, Arkhurst, Bettina K., Hallisey, Mary, Fu, Katherine, and Anderson, Kate. " " JUST - R metrics for considering energy justice in early - stage energy research. " " (2023) Web. doi: 10.1016 / j.joule. 2023.01.007. 11 RECI Calculator. " " Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Resilient and Efficient Codes Implementation " " https: / / eere - exchange.energy.gov / Default.aspx? Search = DE - FOA - 0002813 & SearchType =

Strategy # 5 Develop an agency - wide framework to effectively work with Tribal and disadvantaged communities to reimagine their clean energy future through real investments and technical assistance and ensure that community voices and decision - making is integrated into DOE funding, research, and programming.

These key principles, when incorporated comprehensively into project proposals and applications, can help to ensure more broadly shared prosperity in the clean energy transition. Going forward, DOE will establish a CBP framework across all applicable DOE programs to advance an equitable clean energy transition, while also building trust and improving outcomes for underserved communities.

A merit review is a thorough and objective examination of funding applications based on pre - established criteria by persons who are independent of those individuals submitting the applications. Reviewers are professionally qualified, by training, experience, or both, in the scientific or technical fields that are the subjects of the financial assistance applications being reviewed. They are often external researchers, community members, industry professionals, and occasionally federal employees.

From February - May 2023, DOE's Office of Energy Justice and Equity (EJE) (formerly the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity) conducted a series of informational interviews with various program offices to understand the current state of the merit reviewer recruitment process and systems. EJE found that each program office uses its own business system to collect, categorize, and communicate with merit reviewers. These systems are not connected to one another. To properly review CBPs ' effectiveness in promoting jobs, diversity, and uplifting disadvantaged communities, reviewers must have a diverse set of experiences and cultural competencies. Accordingly, DOE will update the Merit Review Program to ensure an effective review of CBPs.

Current approaches to awarding DOE procurement opportunities lead to inequitable outcomes among economically disadvantaged groups. The Department of Energy, along with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP), co - sponsored two nation - wide crowdsourcing campaigns, and found that women - owned small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, minority - owned small businesses, veteran - owned small businesses; Tribal - owned and Native American - owned small businesses; and Historically Under - utilized Business Zone (HUBZone) businesses lack clarity on procurement and subcontracting (and other funding mechanisms) opportunities, processes, and procedures. The Department also found that DOE is underutilizing federal acquisition statutory and regulatory authority to award procurement opportunities to underrepresented groups. Based on these data points, DOE will fully exercise its statutory and regulatory authority to expand opportunities for new entrants and small and disadvantaged businesses in DOE procurements (acquisition and financial assistance).

2 From Oxford Dictionaries, holistic is defined as being " " characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole. " " Most Justice40 metrics focus only on the Principal Investigator (PI) who has received Departmental funds. Subcontractors are often omitted from DOE program impact metrics. The Department's approach to data collection creates a gap in assessing overall funding impacts. Research often has far - reaching implications beyond the location where the research is done, and more holistic metrics would permit the tracing of interconnected benefits in communities outside of the PI's place of business.

Currently, DOE lacks a department - wide strategic framework for community engagement. Over the past year, the Justice40 Stakeholder Engagement Community of Practice (Justice40 SE CoP) and Office of Community Engagement (OCE) teams have completed internal assessments to understand Departmental approaches to stakeholder engagement. The Justice40 SE CoP and OCE teams found a lack of an agency - wide framework, which has caused inconsistencies in distributing resources such as technical assistance, funding, and other support mechanisms to underserved communities. Additionally, uncoordinated outreach often means duplicate communications to some Tribal and community entities and no outreach to others. Further, the lack of a formal feedback process fails to incorporate Tribal Nations and community voices in program design and decision - making. To remediate these deficiencies, DOE will develop an agency - wide " " ground game " " to fully engage community entities and Tribes.

Administration (SBA) Dynamic Small Business Search, General Services Administration (GSA) Market Research as a Service Request for Information (RFI) Tool to increase procurement awards to small business and other disadvantaged socioeconomic categories. In FY 2023, these robust market research techniques resulted in awards valued at approximately $ 70.5 million (M) for Women Owned Small Businesses; $ 55.6M for Veteran Owned Small Businesses; $ 38.5M for Tribal - Owned and Native American Owned Small Businesses; and $ 3.8M for HUBZone Businesses.

NNSA currently funds the Apprenticeships for Complete and Committed Employment for Specialized Skills (ACCESS) program. This program is focused on skills development to meet

Strengthen external civil rights enforcement and proactive engagement activities to increase equitable access to federally conducted and assisted programs and activities_for members of the public; Increase public trust in DOI Law Enforcement by evaluating its workforce, increasing transparency and accountability, and providing mental health and wellness support to law enforcement; Advance equity in contracting practices to include businesses with characteristics that align with the definition of underserved communities, taking incremental steps to ensure the Department's obligated dollars are equitably distributed to underserved communities; Increase opportunities for members of the public to access public lands, prioritizing access to recreation areas and services in underserved communities; and Institutionalize environmental justice and increase the proportion of benefits of the Justice40 initiative covered programs reaching disadvantaged communities to work toward the goal of 40 percent and progress environmental justice further.

Recruit, hire, retain, and supervise a trusted and adequately staffed workforce that reflects the people and communities they serve. Improve the effectiveness and efficiency in communicating with the public during and after critical incidents. Develop a wellness program to increase the health, wellness, and effectiveness of the law enforcement workforce.

Create a comprehensive baseline of data on law enforcement workforce to support assessments. Perform a standardized staffing analysis across all Bureaus to ensure consistency in approach and facilitate comprehensive insights into workforce requirements. Update the current System of Records Notice for DOI's law enforcement records management systems to ensure the appropriate and lawful public disclosure of law enforcement records and video footage for the purpose of transparency and communicating during a crisis, as authorized routine practice. Prioritize and assist Bureaus in hiring full - time mental health and wellness coordinators.

Long - term retention and advancement of a law enforcement workforce that reflects the people and communities served. Conduct staffing analyses every 5 years to ensure alignment between staffing numbers and changes in trends, communities, visitation, and other relevant factors. Review critical incidents that require public communication and an evaluation of the appropriateness and timeliness of the response, with a focus on enhancing transparency and accountability. Evaluate the status of law enforcement mental health and wellness efforts, and identify and expand on successes ensuring Bureaus are appropriately staffed with trained personnel.

To develop these strategies, DOI engaged with the public including members of underserved communities, during the public outreach phase of DOI's LETF. This engagement phase provided baseline data that was analyzed and informed the final recommendations for improvement. The Department plans to conduct future public engagement and participation activities to continue identifying additional barriers and potential solutions and assess progress, which may include: Collecting feedback about DOI law enforcement programs after the recommendations are implemented. Analyzing the resultant feedback related to DOI law enforcement programs and reorienting as necessary.

Difficulty Finding Opportunities. Through ongoing engagement with small vendors - small, small disadvantaged, women - owned small, service - disabled veteran owned small businesses, businesses located in historically underutilized business zones, and ISBEEs DOI has repeatedly helped vendors who convey that learning about contracting opportunities can be challenging, especially for new or inexperienced businesses. New entrants to the Federal procurement process lack experience and understanding of how to access opportunities and the various methods that DOI uses to procure goods and services. Communication. During DOI's listening sessions, participants indicated frustration with the communication between the Department and vendors, including identifying the appropriate individuals within Bureaus to help them, response rates, and obtaining information about specific opportunities before and after award. In addition, outreach - especially in - person outreach - can be limited by geography and established networks, which may also present barriers for some businesses. Process Complexity. During DOI's listening sessions, participants provided input regarding the complexity of the procurement process, with each step governed by statute and regulations that may differ from commercial contracting. It can be particularly challenging for new or inexperienced businesses to understand requirements, terms and conditions in solicitations, and other elements of the process. Limited opportunities to gain experience and / or training on the process may present barriers to some businesses. Departmental Procedures. Ensuring Departmental processes and policies contribute to an equitable distribution of awards to underserved communities is a critical component to achieving equity in Federal procurement. Based on the barriers identified above - awareness of procurement opportunities and communication with vendors - preliminary review of DOI policy, feedback from listening sessions, and survey results, the Department identified the following process and policy as a focus area for additional targeted review and analysis: Publicizing procurement actions. Communication with vendors throughout the acquisition process, such as communication with vendors who were unsuccessful at securing an award during debriefing.

The Department conducted both quantitative and qualitative analysis to identify impactful actions. Listening sessions were conducted, along with focus groups and surveys. These methods provided feedback that led directly to the Department's implementation plan. Extensive analysis of the Department's historic procurement data was also conducted. Results of ongoing the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved customer experience information collection surveys, including product testing, vendor feedback, and vendor research (Improving Customer Experience Information Collection, OMB Control Number 1090 - 0012), are being used to inform strategies and actions to advance equity in the Department's contracting practices and counseling of businesses.

Increase opportunities for Indian - owned economic enterprises. The Department will continue to monitor performance against annually established ISBEE goals to ensure that benefits previously described are being realized. Additionally, the Department will seek opportunities to collaborate with other Federal partners such as SBA and HHS to increase opportunities for Indian - owned businesses in Federal procurement. Implement policy on communicating with vendors throughout the procurement process, especially with unsuccessful offerors after award. Continue implementation of the vendor communications guidance. Review Departmental procedures and practices related to the length of time that acquisition actions are publicized. The DOI will enhance its current policies to ensure that adequate time is provided for all business types to be competitive. Review Departmental procedures and practices related to contracting vehicles. The Department will develop and implement updated guidance on DOI operational practices, to simplify the process and close the gap of understanding by small and disadvantaged businesses. Collaboration with Federal partners. The DOI will seek out and continue to participate in collaborative opportunities with OMB, SBA, and other Federal departments that focus on Government - wide small business initiatives, including other equity - focused EOs - Executive Order on Establishment of the White House Gender Policy Council - and OMB - led focus groups. Modernize DOI's small business counseling services. Utilize data visualization to publish acquisition data providing greater access to detailed information about DOI's purchasing history and include the most recent acquisition data educating vendors on the use of tools during vendor engagement sessions. Expand digital services utilizing vendor survey information collected to curate digitally available information, resources, and tools for the small business vendors that consider their varying maturity, life situations (such as accessibility for those with disabilities and mobile access through quick - response coding), and experiences in Federal contracting.

Percentage of total contract dollars awarded to ISBEEs for the Department. Annual DOI - wide small business procurement scorecard, as issued by SBA, which is an assessment tool that (1) measures how well Federal agencies reach their small business and socio - economic prime contracting and subcontracting goals, (2) provide accurate and transparent contracting data and (3) report agency - specific progress. Distribution of awardees by their maturity (new entrants, recent entrants, and established vendors), as tracked by Government - wide dashboards. Demographic and qualitative results of ongoing OMB approved customer experience information collection surveys, including product testing, vendor feedback, and vendor research, per OMB Control Number 1090 - 0012, entitled " " Improving Customer Experience. " "

Long - term, the Department will monitor these metrics to evaluate and continually maximize opportunities to small and disadvantaged businesses. Expand digital services materials to include languages other than English, with resources available in at least one additional language by 2029.

Economic Justice: Build a strong, fair, and inclusive workforce and economy. Ensure equitable procurement practices, including through small, disadvantaged businesses contracting and the Buy Indian Act (25 U.S.C. 47). Civil Rights: Protect the civil and constitutional rights of all persons, including the right to vote, language access, and prohibitions on discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color,

Developed new policies and procedures to strengthen and fulfill the Federal Government's responsibility to ensure regular and meaningful consultation with America Indian and Alaska Native Tribes, as well as a second policy consultation with Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act Corporations. Enhanced data collection to support park programming that is more inclusive of under - represented communities through the investments made in the National Park Service's (NPS) socio - economic program as well as the park unit visitor surveys. Released the Campground Modernization Guide to support an improved and more inclusive visitor experience. Enhanced the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Tracked the short - and long - term success outomces of (LWCF) and Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership investments in under - represented communities. Distributed inclusive storytelling grants through NPS, which included $ 2.1 million in grant funding provided to 30 NPS units to help share more inclusive and comprehensive narratives, reduce park storytelling backlogs, and invest in staff capacity to sustain transformative interpretation. Provided transportation investments, including a partnership with Uber / Lyft in three pilot cities where access is limited for urban communities. This partnership includes subsidized rides to NPS units and partner - based data collection to track success of the program. Developed and published a simple to use, public facing, DOI - specific acquisition data visualization that provides access to detailed information about DOI's purchasing history. This tool provides new entrants a simple way to distill extensive DOI contracting data, use the tailored results to target marketing of their products and services, and identify potential networking opportunities, which reduces administrative burdens of vendors interested in participating in DOI procurements. B. Environmental Justice Scorecard (pursuant to section 223 of EO 14008) Established the DOI Environmental Justice Steering Committee. Developed the DOI Climate Task Force. Implemented the first - ever DOI Environmental Justice Scorecard. The Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program made Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 grants available to the six Appalachian states and three Tribal communities with Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Programs. Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia each received $ 26.6 million; Alabama, Ohio, and Virginia were each allocated $ 10.6 million; and the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and Crow Tribe were each allocated $ 3.5 million to return legacy coal mining sites to productive use and foster economic and community development.

Individuals may face challenges accessing DOI - managed sites due to the remote nature of many public lands. Accessing public lands often requires a personal vehicle - 4 - wheel drive or high clearance vehicles are often required - and there are limited alternative transportation options (e.g., public transit, alternative access, pedestrian and cycling trails) for visitors. Costs may serve as a barrier to access as not all people have the means to travel to, or participate in, recreational activities on DOI - managed lands. Accessing many sites requires visitors to spend money as well as time. Even sites that do not charge a fee generally have a cost implication. Safety concerns may limit local access to public lands without safe and well - designed facilities.

Increase investments in programs and services with proven track records of effectiveness. Coordinate and report on implementation of the work of the Reconciliation in Place Names Subcommittee, which remove derogatory names from Federal lands. Implement the reduction of barriers to improve accessibility. Particularly, focus on factors that reduce or eliminate physical or perceived barriers such as fees, transportation, and infrastructure to improve accessibility for underserved communities such as individuals with disabilities. Implement actions that provide improved visitor access of information to plan, recreate, and remain connected with NPS sites. Expand inclusive programming and leveraging of partnership options in storytelling, ranger programs, education, and community engagement enhanced inclusive experiences. Strengthen data collection tools to support evidence - based evaluation of information that will better inform decision making to create an equitable visitor experience.

Lack of expertise and / or capacity of disadvantaged communities to engage in the Federal grant - making process, or the process of seeking Federal financial assistance as identified through listening sessions and public comments solicited through a Federal Register Notice. The structure of the Department is such that environmental justice activities are distributed across various Bureaus, and the Department's diverse set of missions - protecting natural resources and cultural heritage, providing scientific and other information about these resources, and honoring our nation's trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and affiliated Island Communities - can make it particularly difficult for community groups or nonprofit organizations from disadvantaged communities to engage with those programs or figure out how to access those funding streams, based on feedback received from community members at broader engagements about federal environmental justice programs. The complexity of the grant process - application forms, timing, process, and requirements - hinders disadvantaged communities from applying for financial assistance, based on feedback received from community members during listening sessions and public comments solicited through a Federal Register Notice. Lack of awareness of the Justice40 Initiative, the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool, and the Department's Justice40 Initiative covered programs by some of the underserved and disadvantaged_com we interact with, based on feedback received from community members during engagements with them.

Analysis and outreach, including public listening sessions, performed in response to EO 13985 produced evidence that Tribes, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians were often unaware of the range of grant opportunities available to them and / or lack the technical capacity or time required to apply for grant opportunities which are a central element of the Department's environmental justice efforts. In FY 2022, the Department conducted foundational fact finding, including research and data collection, to develop the Minority - Serving Institutions (MSI) Dashboard and enable essential funding analysis and data modeling needed to assess barriers to achieve the Department's equity outcomes. The DOI utilized the Department of Education's MSI datasets to initiate the analysis of its financial assistance and procurement funding to MSIs. The Department continues efforts to assess how its policies and programs may perpetuate barriers for underserved communities.

Revise Departmental and Bureau policies to make environmental justice considerations an essential part of the decision - making process, which will help shape program development and implementation to have a greater focus on environmental justice. Examples include: Update the Department's environmental justice policy as stated in the Departmental Manual to reflect EO 14008, entitled " " Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad " " and EO 14096, entitled " " Revitalizing Our Nations Commitment to Environmental Justice for All. " " Create guidance documents for the use of science and data in environmental decision - making to incorporate data related to environmental justice and Indigenous Knowledge, along with an environmental justice science and data integrated decision model. This work, which helps address the Department's priority learning question: " " How well does DOI collect and document traditional knowledge that informs decisions? " ", which is based on feedback received at numerous listening sessions and through public comments that will result in more equitable outcomes by ensuring that the voices of Indigenous communities and communities with environmental justice concerns are part of the decision - making process. The BLM issued an " " Instruction Memorandum about Environmental Justice Implementation " " and " " Addressing Environmental Justice in NEPA FAQs " " in September 2022. These documents update and formalize best practices while recommending methods for scoping, outreach, and analysis in environmental reviews. These policies will help guide BLM staff in implementing environmental justice and Justice40 Initiative and will serve as examples for other Bureaus to develop policies. Expand outreach and assistance efforts to better meet the needs of underserved communities. Priority learning question 4.4 in the Department's FY 2022 - 2026 Learning Agenda asked, " " How can the Department increase stakeholder engagement to improve environmental justice outcomes for infrastructure investments? " " Examples include: Develop a stakeholder relationship management platform to reduce stakeholder fatigue and help staff across the Department learn about the needs communities identify during engagements and consultations. This will lead to more equitable outcomes by increasing the effectiveness and usefulness of engagements. Provide technical assistance for grant writing and grant writers, which we have learned from listening sessions and public comment is an important tool for reducing the barriers to participating in funding opportunities. Work with on - the - ground partners that can help guide and direct our outreach to communities who need it most. For example, the Office of Native Hawaiian Relations has been working with certain Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs) that have facilitated outreach to other NHOs and portions of the community that have not historically applied for or received funding from the Department due to capacity issues or other barriers to participation. This outreach helps inform program design to reach those communities. Use funding provided in the Inflation Reduction Act for outreach regarding permitting environmental reviews and authorizations to perform stakeholder and community engagement, with emphasis on enabling underserved communities to be part of the decision - making process. This will help address a priority learning question in the FY 2022 - 2026 Learning Agenda that inquires how the Department can increase capacity to augment the

The DOI provided $ 46 million in funding to Tribal communities to address the unique impacts of climate change in Indigenous communities. This initial funding from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and FY 2022 appropriations funded projects and initiatives address and strengthen climate resilience and adaptation; ocean and coastal management; community - driven relocation and protect - in - place activities; and internships and youth engagement. The DOI announced $ 8.5 million in grant awards by the Office of Insular Affairs ' Energizing Insular Communities program to support energy initiatives in the U.S. Territories. This award included $ 1 million to the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority for the procurement of hybrid and electric utility fleet vehicles and equipment, and $ 1 million to the American Samoa Medical Center Authority for microgrid, cooling tower, and LED lighting retrofit projects. The Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) modified the evaluation criteria for WaterSMART grants to encourage projects that directly benefit disadvantaged communities and support climate change resiliency. The NPS announced $ 192 million in funding for the LWCF - Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP), which enables urban, disadvantaged communities to (1) create new outdoor recreation spaces, (2) reinvigorate existing parks, and (3) form connections between people and the outdoors in such communities. As part of the notice of funding opportunity, NPS modified the evaluation criteria in ORLP grants to encourage States to submit projects focused on environmental justice, addressing heat islands, and support for recreation outside of military facilities. The NPS also created two deadlines for the grant - January 23, 2023, and May 31, 2023 - to encourage States to submit more grants. In standing up the BIL Orphaned Oil and Gas Wells Federal Program, DOI established evaluation criteria to prioritize disadvantaged communities, and ensure projects identify and address any disproportionate burden of adverse human health or environmental effects of orphaned wells on communities of color, low - income communities, and Tribal and Indigenous communities. C. Additional Efforts to Advance Equity The DOI launched a Women's Mentoring Program in 2022 to provide a platform for Department employees who would benefit from accessing a women - centered space. With a mission of fostering meaningful relationships through mentorships in which women build knowledge, confidence, leadership, and skills, this program is run by volunteers. It also addresses Federal workforce gender inequalities and supports the administration's National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality. The Department's procurement staff and Office of the Solicitor collaborated to develop a vendor communications guidance document. This guidance addresses issues identified during public engagement. Specifically, the guidance seeks to improve how information is conveyed to unsuccessful offerors after award. Such meaningful communication supports new entrants and other small and disadvantaged businesses in learning about Government contracting, grow as a business, and being better poised to submit competitive proposals for future acquisitions.

Secretary Haaland announced support for President Biden's establishment of the Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni - Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument in northern Arizona. The new national monument consists of three distinct areas to the north and south of Grand Canyon National Park, totaling approximately 917,618 acres of Federal lands in northern Arizona. The DOI and Department of Housing and Urban Development collaboratively announced support for more Affordable Housing in Nevada. In support of President Biden's Investing in America agenda investing in climate resilience and ecosystem restoration, DOI highlights Typhoon Recovery, Habitat Investments in Visit to Guam. D. Advancing Equity Through Key Legislation The Department set annual goals for all Bureaus and Offices for contracting with the Indian Small Business Economic Enterprises (ISBEE). These goals set the expectation that the entire Department, not just the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and Bureau of Indian Education, consider the use of the Department's Buy Indian Act authority to set aside contracts for Indian - owned businesses in equal measure to the other statutorily required small business categories. The Department also developed and provided training to all Contracting Officers on the use of the Buy Indian Act. The DOI collaborated with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to hold the first - ever joint industry day event focused on outreach to Indian - owned businesses. This event provided a learning opportunity for Indian - owned businesses to grow their understanding of the Government contracting process and to hear from top executives from both agencies about upcoming business opportunities.

gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or disabilities in any actions related to national parks, wildlife conservation, land management, and cultural heritage preservation. Public lands accessibility focuses on ensuring that everyone benefits from the experiences offered by America's public land, such as national parks, wildlife refuges, and recreation areas. This means removing existing and potential barriers by reasonably modifying the Department's programs and activities to permit equitable access for people who have disabilities as well as provide meaningful access for members of the public who may be limited English proficient.

Increase compliance reviews with respect to granting Federal financial assistance as well as the Department's and Bureau's actions which affect their interaction with the public. Partner with stakeholders to ensure public civil rights statutes, regulations, and EOs are considered early in all actions and processes to ensure that all are aware of their public civil rights obligations and requirements to comply SO that discrimination does not occur. Build and expand on the Department's and Bureau's efforts to allow access for all members of the public to their programs and activities which include the lands managed by the Department SO that all may participate. Increase the staffing in the DOI Public Civil Rights Office and in the Bureaus to meet the increasing demands for outreach, enforcement, and technical assistance.

Implement a comprehensive Language Access Plan for the Department and all Bureaus in order that persons who may be limited English proficient have access to the Department's and Bureaus ' programs and activities. Improve the Department's and Bureaus ' capacity to provide technical assistance and enforcement by ensuring that all Bureaus can conduct compliance reviews and process complaints of discrimination. Develop and implement a system of surveys for accessibility for persons with disabilities to determine where the Department and Bureaus are not providing access to managed lands and facilities as well as their respective programs and activities.

Continue to improve on the Department's comprehensive Language Access Plan in order that persons who may be limited English proficient have access to the Department's and Bureaus ' programs and activities. After building capacity, conduct compliance reviews of the Department's and Bureaus ' programs and activities to determine which programs and activities are out of compliance and then ensure access to all, while also processing all complaints involving these programs and activities. After determining which programs and activities involving the Department's and Bureaus ' managed lands and facilities need improvement, ensure that they are accessible to persons with disabilities.

Officer Mental Health, Wellness, and Safety: Police officer mental health, wellness, and safety are important to achieving equity. When officers face high levels of stress, trauma, or mental health challenges, it can impact their interactions with the community and undermine their ability to serve and protect their communities safely and effectively. This barrier becomes evident through a recent survey of Department law enforcement personnel. The findings revealed that: Only 62 percent rate their mental health as " " good " " or " " great " " during core job functions. Over the last 6 months, 43 percent have experienced mental health concerns. Only 52 percent believe there are sufficient resources for their mental health support. Law Enforcement Program Effectiveness: In October 2022, the Department announced a series of updated policies that will help advance safe, transparent, accountable, and effective policing practices; build public trust; and strengthen public safety. The policies provide clear guidelines on use of force standards, require DOI officers to wear body - worn cameras, and restrict the use of no - knock warrants. These policy updates were part of the Department's continuing implementation of President Biden's May 2022 EO 14074, entitled " " Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety. " "

A Message from Joan Mooney, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary - Policy, Management and Budget of the United States Department of the Interior

Economic Justice: The Department can use the power of procurement to contract with and support small and disadvantaged businesses, which may help narrow the racial and gender wealth gaps. The Department will improve access to procurement opportunities for businesses owned by underserved communities by identifying and addressing barriers in the Department's procurement process.

The Department of the Interior's (Department or DOI) workforce fulfills its mission to protect and manage the Nation's natural resources and cultural heritage; provide scientific and other information about those resources; and honor its trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and affiliated island communities. The Department plays a pivotal role in how the United States stewards its public lands and waters, increases environmental protections, pursues environmental justice, and respects our nation - to - nation relationship with Tribes. The Department is advancing this mission by embracing opportunities to promote equity in all actions through prioritizing the strengthening of interactions with the public in civil, equitable, and engaging ways that authentically demonstrate our pledge to equity. Likewise, DOI has taken a holistic approach ensuring equity is embedded throughout policy and program development and delivery across the agency.

Executive Order (EO) 14091, entitled " " Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through The Federal Government, " " cascades and builds upon EO 13985, entitled " " Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. " " The Department externally focuses its lens to refine and redefine how we engage with underserved communities throughout the Nation to build on progress and ensure DOI's success through building meaningful sustainability for generations to come. Further, advancing equity is a principle that is reflected in how the Department serves the American people and fulfills its mission. In drafting this Equity Action Plan, DOI was guided by an evidence - based approach that utilizes qualitative and quantitative methods to identify root causes in order to identify and fundamentally address systemic barriers to equity. As the Department continues to grow in this space, we are taking immediate steps to further explore improvements to equity analytical capabilities. By shifting beyond data analytics and encompassing technical and process analysis, DOI is better informed to fortify all its lines of business and tangible outcomes. The Department is proud to put forward this Equity Action Plan, which provides the foundation to achieve outcomes that remove barriers to equal opportunity and deliver resources and benefits equitably to all.

Develop a small business toolkit. The Department will continue to develop, adapt, and post new tools and resources that promote the inclusion of underserved communities in DOI procurement engagements.

The Department protects and manages the Nation's natural resources and cultural heritage; provides scientific and other information about those resources; and honors its trust and treaty responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and affiliated island communities. The Department plays a pivotal role in how the United States stewards its public lands and waters, increases environmental protections, pursues environmental justice, and respects our nation - to - nation relationship with Tribes.

To develop this strategy, the Department hosted listening sessions that attracted diverse participation from across the country, with sessions ranging from 30 to 400 + registrants. Likewise, the Department invited public comments through the Federal Register and participated in the Office of Federal Procurement Policy and Department of Energy's Government - wide equity crowdsourcing campaign. The Department also surveyed employees and conducted a policy review. The DOI will continue to engage with the public and specifically with members of underserved communities in similar ways throughout the next year.

Increase opportunities for underserved communities to access public lands, prioritizing access to recreation areas and services in urban communities.

significant areas, each of these have played a significant role in shaping America's identity. Public lands enable physical activity, promote mental health and wellness, and foster a sense of community through the preservation of ecosystems and interpretation of a shared heritage. With more than 480 million acres of public land managed by the Department, and more than 400 million people visiting DOI - managed lands annually, opportunities exist to develop and implement new strategies and plans for the advancement of equitable access to public lands for all people to connect and recreate.

To develop these strategies, DOI engaged with the public and members of underserved communities through public participation and community engagement. Such engagements included strategic outreach - surveys and workshops - to communities with initial reporting to reflect on whether their needs are being met and determine if their feedback is being included in park programming, visitor satisfaction, and accessibility.

In executing the Department's diverse mission goals, DOI spends more than $ 3 billion annually in procurement contracts. These contracts are performed throughout the country across a wide variety of industries, from construction to information technology and beyond. The Department is committed to ensuring a diverse supplier base for these contracts because businesses of all types should realize economic and developmental benefits from DOI's contract dollars - and DOI's programs benefit from diverse experience, background, and expertise.

As outlined in the Department's FY 2022 - 2026 Learning Agenda, to address the Priority Learning Question " " How can DOI remove barriers to participation and ensure equitable access to the Department's grant and contracting opportunities for historically underrepresented populations?, " " planned activities include data and analysis related to awards, applications and determining whether a specific step in the process of grant award and management demonstrates a statistically significant disparity of underrepresented groups. This evaluation will also explore whether a specific step in the process demonstrates a statistically significant disparity increase. The DOI will conduct extensive stakeholder outreach, surveys, and other data gathering, which will inform how we act to modify the implementation of existing programs SO that those changes reduce barriers to participation.

percentage of National Environmental Policy Act decision documents that incorporate merits, drawbacks, analysis of impacts, and mitigation measures of Department actions to people, such as through socioeconomic and environmental justice analyses, by expanding our engagement on these matters.

At the Department of the Interior (Department), equity and inclusion are at the heart of our mission. From creating good - paying jobs for a clean energy future to stewarding the lands, air, and waters we all depend on, we advance environmental justice while ensuring that historically underserved communities can access the transformational benefits our public lands and waters have to offer.

Since our country's founding, our national parks, wildlife refuges, conservation lands, and other public lands and waters have played a defining role in the preservation of our natural beauty. Yet for generations, marginalized communities have been on the frontlines of the climate and environmental justice crises - from toxic air and water quality to inadequate access to the countless benefits of nature. This includes the pervasive harm inflicted on Indigenous communities - ou country's original stewards who have cared for our shared lands and waters since time immemorial.

Increase equitable access to federally conducted and assisted programs and activities for members of the public by strengthening external civil rights enforcement and proactive engagement activities.

Civil Rights: All Government entities are charged with protecting the civil and constitutional rights of all persons, including (1) the right to vote; (2) language access; and (3) prohibitions on discrimination on an array of protected bases. In addition, the entities should promote equity in science to root out bias in the design and use of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence.

Under Secretary Haaland's leadership and steadfast commitment, the Department of the Interior (Department) places equity at the center of its mission to serve the American people by protecting and managing the Nation's natural resources and cultural heritage; providing scientific and other information about those resources; and honoring trust responsibilities and special commitments to American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated island communities. In furtherance of this commitment, the Department's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Council (Council), which I chair, has taken on the role of the Agency Equity Action Team, developing actions to support equity - related Executive Orders (EO). The approach of the Council ensures the Department continues working collaboratively across Bureau components to deliver on equity and embed equity in our core values across all business lines, practices, and programs benefiting workforce members and the great American public we serve.

The Department will continue engagement with the public and community throughout this and upcoming years as standard practice. To develop the strategies above, DOI identified possible barriers related to accessing the Department's programs and activities for individuals who may have disabilities as well as provide meaningful access for persons who may be limited English proficient. The Department collected feedback regarding DOI accessibility initiatives and projects that are both planned and in progress. Analyses of user survey data related to federally managed lands were also assessed.

Increase public trust in DOI Law Enforcement by evaluating its workforce, increasing transparency and accountability, and providing mental health and wellness support to law enforcement.

Criminal Justice: All Government entities are charged with improving our Nation's criminal justice system to end unjust disparities in sentencing, strengthening public safety, and ensuring equal justice under the law.

Public Trust in DOI Law Enforcement: One year ago, on May 25, 2022, President Biden signed the historic EO 14074, entitled " " Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety. " " As emphasized in the May 2015 report, entitled " " Final Report of the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing, " " building trust and nurturing legitimacy on both sides of the police / citizen divide serves as the foundational principle underlying the nature of relations between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. Police cannot fulfill their role to keep communities safe without public trust and confidence in law enforcement and the criminal justice system. Yet, there are places in America today where the bonds of trust are frayed or broken. To heal as a Nation, we must acknowledge

that fatal encounters with law enforcement have disproportionately involved people of color.

Goals were established during the scoping phase of DOI's Law Enforcement Task Force (LETF) to guide the research and outreach process. Stakeholder engagement occurred through various mediums - public listening sessions, public and internal surveys, a Federal Register Notice, and websites. Quantitative survey data was compiled from public, partner, and employee input. Qualitative information was coded to identify significant themes emerging from both internal and external feedback. Trends in issues and suggested actions were aggregated and summarized. Recommendation categories were developed, within which the aspirational future was articulated. Leaders and subject matter experts across the spectrum of related disciplines were repeatedly consulted and engaged in crafting a regenerative path forward.

A. Removing barriers to access to grant funding and resources for organizations led by and that primarily serve historically marginalized and underserved communities that have faced societal and systemic barriers in accessing and receiving Federal resources, as well as to communities disproportionately impacted by crime, violence, and victimization. B. Supporting corrections and reentry programs that seek to reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for justice - involved individuals (including those from historically marginalized and underserved communities and those disproportionately impacted by crime, violence, and victimization), including by improving healthcare coverage and continuity of care supports, reducing barriers to obtaining government - issued identification, addressing burdens associated with inability to pay fines and fees, and improving community supervision models to decrease incidence of revocation for technical violations. C. Promoting an inclusive, diverse, and expert law enforcement workforce to strengthen public trust and improve public safety outcomes by removing barriers to representation within Federal, State, Tribal, local, and territorial law enforcement agencies for underrepresented communities. D. Improving the response of law enforcement and criminal justice personnel to crimes that disproportionately affect women, girls, transgender individuals, and gender non - conforming people (including gender - based violence and sex trafficking) by providing and / or supporting: (1) targeted training on how to investigate and prosecute these crimes; (2) training and resources on trauma - informed and culturally responsive approaches, care, and services available to victims; and (3) resources and support for building relationships with and increasing access to services and assistance for historically marginalized and underserved communities. E. Ensuring that underserved communities (including people with LEP and people with disabilities, among others) are aware of and able to access legal services to address environmental crime, pollution, climate change, and other environmental hazards and have help navigating the legal and regulatory landscape necessary to secure access to clean water, air, and other natural resources.

A. 2022 Equity Action Plan Update Pursuant to EO 13985, 2 the Department of Justice published its first ever Equity Action Plan in April 2022. Since then, the Department has made significant progress implementing its equity priorities by improving solicitation processes, increasing opportunities for disadvantaged small businesses located in Historically Underutilized Business Zones, and strengthening mechanisms for community engagement, among others. Specific examples of the Department's ongoing progress in advancing its 2022 equity priorities include: Strengthening efforts to ensure compliance and enforcement of non - discrimination laws. Following review of implementation and administrative enforcement of the non - discrimination provisions set forth in Title VI of the Civil Rights Act ³ and the Safe Streets Act4 in connection with Federal financial assistance, the Department is taking affirmative steps to improve this work. 5 For example, the Civil Rights Division (CRT) and the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) created and co - chair a Compliance Working Group to coordinate the implementation and enforcement of these statutes, issue public guidance, revise internal standards, update tools and resources, and conduct public outreach. 6 Enhancing language access for individuals with limited English proficiency. In May 2022, DOJ hired its first - ever Language Access Coordinator (Coordinator). Since then, DOJ's Coordinator has reestablished the Language Access Working Group, which meets regularly, is comprised of representatives from various DOJ components, and provides a platform to support, guide, and oversee components ' efforts to increase meaningful access SO that communities can better access DOJ programs, communicate public safety concerns, and vindicate their rights. For example, DOJ recently published its FY 2022 - 2026 Strategic Plan in Spanish and key excerpts were published in Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Tagalog. In August 2023, the Department also released its updated Language Access Plan, which improves translation and interpretation services, promotes quality assurance of those services, and expands the range of tools available to serve the public. The Department has made significant progress in advancing environmental justice as measured through the agency's performance on the Environmental Justice Scorecard. This progress includes: (1) analyzing how to best enforce the non - discrimination provisions under Title VI; (2) prioritizing environmental justice in DOJ's decision - making processes through the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ), development and implementation of a new Comprehensive Environmental Justice Enforcement Strategy, and engagement with communities with environmental justice concerns, including Tribal nations; and (3) institutionalizing environmental justice by developing DOJ resources and training, increasing staff capacity, and strengthening

Combating hate crimes and hate incidents. The Department has increased multilingual resources to combat hate crimes through Federal law enforcement action and enhanced training, support, and outreach to State and local partners. For example, DOJ has further prioritized civil rights violations and hate crimes enforcement among the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) field offices. As of September 2023, DOJ launched the United Against Hate program in all 94 U.S. Attorneys ' Offices (USAOs) to help improve the reporting of hate crimes by informing communities on how to identify, report, and help prevent hate crimes, and to encourage trust building between law enforcement and communities. 10 Reforming law enforcement practices. Pursuant to EO 14074, 11 DOJ is executing on more than 90 Executive Order deliverables to advance effective, fair, and constitutional policing; improve conditions of confinement and reentry; promote officer safety and wellness; and improve data collection and analysis. This work includes prohibiting the transfer or purchase of military - style weapons and equipment to State, Tribal, Local and Territorial (STLT) law enforcement agencies (LEAs), administering grants in a manner that is consistent with the adoption of EO 14074 ' s policies, creating accreditation standards to help encourage STLT LEAs to adopt policies consistent with the EO, and working to establish the National Law Enforcement Accountability Database. DOJ also released a Strategic Plan for supporting the goals of the Federal Interagency Alternatives and Reentry Committee, which seeks to safely reduce criminal justice system interactions, support rehabilitation during incarceration, and facilitate successful reentry. 12 Lastly, DOJ has invested in state - and local - level correctional services, including by supporting correctional and educational institutions as they enhance post - secondary educational opportunities in prisons following the reinstatement of Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated students in July 2023. The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is also expanding access to Pell Grants within Federal correctional facilities to help incarcerated students earn college credits and / or a college degree. Combating sexual misconduct and gender - based violence. CRT has developed resources to assist Department prosecutors and investigators in understanding how to use Federal civil rights statutes to redress sexual misconduct. 13 DOJ has also produced a report related to sexual misconduct by BOP employees, which offers actionable recommendations to improve

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA). 19 BSCA provides DOJ with essential tools to help reduce gun violence. Notably, BSCA established new criminal offenses that address straw purchasing and firearms trafficking, changes to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) and provided additional grant funding to reduce gun violence. BSCA also changed the background check process and narrowed what was known as the " " boyfriend loophole " " by expanding the misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence (MCDV) prohibitor to persons convicted, on or after June 25, 2022, of a qualifying offense that was committed against a person with whom they are or recently were in a dating relationship. In August 2022, NICS began denying the transfer of firearms from Federal firearms licensees to applicants based on the expanded definition of MCDV. Not Invisible Act Commission. The Joint Commission on Reducing Violent Crime Against Indians (Commission) was extended to increase intergovernmental coordination in combating violent crime within Indian lands and against Indigenous persons. Department components are supporting the work of the Commission, which is developing recommendations on establishing best practices for Federal, State, Tribal, and local LEAs to improve coordination and resources for survivors and victims ' families and combating the epidemic of missing, murdered, and trafficking of American Indian and Alaska Native peoples. In 2023, the Commission held field hearings in the communities most affected by this crisis, which will result in a final report to the U.S. Congress, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of the Department of the Interior. V. Strategies to Advance Equity in Fiscal Year 2024 A. Strategy 1. Removing Barriers to Access to Federal Grantmaking (Economic and Criminal Justice Strategy)

C. Strategy 3. Removing Barriers to the Representation of Underrepresented Groups in Law Enforcement (Criminal Justice Strategy)

Today, more than 150 years after the Department of Justice's watershed efforts during Reconstruction to protect the civil rights promised by the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments, far too many Americans still face discrimination. This harm has been particularly acute for historically marginalized and underserved communities. By committing to a whole - of - Department approach to ensure that all people are treated fairly and justly and are able to fully exercise the rights and protections established by the Constitution and laws of the United States, we honor the Department's history and advance its current mission to uphold the rule of law, to keep our country safe, and to protect civil rights. We aim to lead these efforts with legitimacy and integrity by ensuring our workforce is representative of and accountable to the country we serve.

navigating complex legal and regulatory realities as they seek to secure access to clean water, air, and other natural resources.

The communities bearing the brunt of environmental harms have been vocal with Federal, State, Tribal, and local decision - makers about the challenges that they face in addressing and mitigating these harms. In recent years, they have stressed the importance of providing meaningful access to programs and resources for persons with LEP and have emphasized that translation services should ensure that those needing those services get the full benefit of participation, including by providing comments and feedback like those who do not use such services.

This environmental and civil rights strategy seeks to advance equity by ensuring that historically marginalized and underserved communities experiencing justice and climate - related concerns are aware of and able to access the Department's environmental justice and civil rights mandates.

In advancing this strategy, the Department will take steps to promote meaningful engagement in implementing the Department's Comprehensive Environmental Justice Enforcement Strategy by partnering with historically marginalized and underserved persons, communities with LEP, and those with disabilities who are experiencing justice and climate - related concerns. For example, OEJ has led community listening sessions in support of DOJ's lawsuit to improve safe drinking water access in Jackson, Mississippi, and developed community outreach best practices for case teams across the country. 63 OEJ will continue to organize and participate in non - case specific engagement sessions and serve as a resource for environmental enforcement case - related outreach to communities burdened by environmental hazards.

ATJ will play a critical role in executing this engagement strategy by leveraging the expertise of the DOJ Language Access Coordinator and ATJ Language Access Team. For example, ATJ will, with help from the Executive Office for United States Attorneys and OEJ, translate select materials and websites into the non - English languages likely to be most frequently spoken by communities with environmental justice concerns. ATJ will also work to increase awareness of environmental justice enforcement and funding tools among legal service providers, who are often the first line of defense for communities with environmental justice concerns.

Lastly, the Environmental and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) and OTJ will hold additional regionally focused summits to facilitate engagement between Federal and Tribal representatives. 65 For example, in July 2023, ENRD and OTJ launched a spin - off series of regional summits, speaking with Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountain Tribal communities in Spokane, Washington at an event co - hosted by the USAO for the Eastern District of Washington.

Historically, these communities have faced barriers in their attempts to engage with Federal agencies, either due to agency practices, policies, systems, and infrastructure, or barriers too often endemic to historically marginalized and underserved communities, such as lack of internet access, transportation, time, capacity, and financial resources. These obstacles have led to lower levels of public familiarity or knowledge of Federal programs, which are often exacerbated by historic or current lack of trust in such programs based on past negative experiences engaging with government partners. In response, the Department will continue to meaningfully engage with these communities to ensure that DOJ's programs, activities, and equity work are accessible, effective, and impactful.

Improving access to DOJ programs and services. In 2022 and 2023, the Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable (LAIR), a 28 - Federal agency collaboration, co - chaired by the Attorney General and White House Counsel's Office and led and staffed by DOJ's Office for Access to Justice (ATJ), engaged with legal aid and other stakeholders to inform its activities. The purpose of the engagement was to better understand the barriers and opportunities to make Federal government programs and services more accessible and equitable and increase all people's ability to obtain just outcomes. In 2022, ATJ collected feedback from over 70 legal aid and advocacy organizations across the country who regularly help people access government programs and benefits for which they are eligible. Informed by this review, the 2022 Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable Report developed a roadmap to simplify Federal government forms, processes, and language, utilizing a people - centered approach. In 2023, ATJ, in collaboration with other agencies, held a listening session with 15 legal aid and other advocates to hear on - the - ground experiences of individuals interacting with Federal administrative proceedings to inform agency efforts, such as providing assistance through lawyers and nonlawyers, streamlining processes and language, and leveraging digital technologies while providing support to those without access to such technologies.

VAWA Reauthorization Act of 2022. 17 DOJ is implementing the Alaska Pilot Program (Pilot Program) to advance the public safety needs of Alaska Native Villages through the expansion of Tribal criminal jurisdiction over non - Indians who commit certain covered crimes in Villages designated by the Attorney General to participate in the Pilot Program. In furtherance of this work, the Office of Tribal Justice (OTJ) has led formal consultations with Tribal leaders and continues to collaborate with Tribal representatives and organizations to develop the Pilot Program. In addition, the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) issued a special solicitation for Alaska Tribes interested in preparing for the Pilot Program through funding under the Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction: Targeted Support for Alaska Native Tribes Special Initiative. The USAO for the District of Alaska also convened approximately 800 Tribes and Tribal agencies, LEAs, and victims ' services organizations to establish the Alaska Tribal Public Safety Advisory Committee, as required by the Reauthorization. In connection with the VAWA Reauthorization Act of 2022, the Attorney General and OVW are authorized to make grants to

Historically marginalized and underserved communities - and those communities disproportionately impacted by crime, violence, and victimization - face significant barriers in identifying and accessing Federal funding sources and available technical assistance. The organizations that represent these communities are often best suited to design services and strategies that respond to the specific challenges faced by communities. They can also assist with enhancing trust and relationships between communities and law enforcement, which can lead to improved criminal justice outcomes.

These organizations have faced barriers to participating in Federal grant programs, including a lack of sustained outreach to inform these communities about available Federal funding and technical assistance opportunities; a lack of resources and training to navigate complex Federal grant application processes and recordkeeping obligations in some population - specific organizations; 20 and a lack of trust in Federal agencies or negative past experiences interfacing with government

partners on the part of some population - specific organizations. These barriers not only impact the ability of these communities to secure funding but can exacerbate negative criminal justice outcomes. For example, the limited availability of funding for community - centric law enforcement efforts may foreclose opportunities for community partnerships, undermine measures to reduce violence, and erode the community's trust.

Research shows that through funding and technical assistance, population - specific organizations can play a significant role in effectively implementing system strategies. In fact, supporting these organizations improves outcomes by leveraging their established role as trusted community resources and relying on their proven knowledge of communities, including historically marginalized and underserved communities. For example, the White House Alternatives, Rehabilitation, and Reentry Strategic Plan stressed the need to invest in culturally responsive strategies to break the cycle of criminal justice system involvement for those disproportionately exposed to or victimized by crime. In addition, the 2023 U.S. National Plan to End Gender - Based Violence (the Plan), reaffirmed the need to support historically marginalized and underserved communities, immigrant survivors, and victims in rural communities, among others. Specifically, the Plan identified strategies to support these communities, including by simplifying the grantmaking process and utilizing partnerships with community - trusted organizations to serve as funding intermediaries for selected Federal grants. 22

This economic and criminal justice strategy seeks to improve and increase access to grant funding and technical assistance resources that benefit communities disproportionately impacted by crime, violence, and victimization at the State, Tribal, Territorial, and local level. As such, this strategy seeks to empower these communities to develop tailored initiatives and solutions to ensure more effective and transformative public safety outcomes.

To advance this strategy, DOJ's grantmaking components have and will continue to implement two key actions, among others. First, DOJ is simplifying its grantmaking application process, has enhanced application assistance support, has worked to eliminate unnecessary application requirements, 23 and has increased the use of plain language in solicitations. DOJ also offers webinars to potential applicants to walk through the award programs and their specific application requirements. 24

Second, the Department is working to ensure that the needs of historically marginalized and underserved communities are considered in the grantmaking process. 25 In SO doing, DOJ administers several grant programs that aim to ensure that population - specific organizations and the communities they serve have more equitable access to funding and that such funding is tailored to their needs. 26 In addition, the Department employs several flexible funding models to support organizations at different stages of growth, including by offering planning grants for new organizations, capacity - building grants for expanding organizations, implementation grants for established entities, and intermediary funding models that provide subawards and capacity - building technical assistance to community - based organizations.

In order to craft this equity strategy, the Department relied on the research referenced above as well as feedback from community partners, and current and potential Federal grantees. DOJ's engagements with organizations that represent, serve, or are led by historically marginalized and underserved communities, are critical to better understanding the funding needs and barriers they face in order to mitigate those barriers and meet those needs, where possible.

In terms of direct engagement with communities, DOJ has hosted listening sessions with population - specific organizations, met with law enforcement groups, and developed outreach materials targeted to various population - and linguistic - specific communities. Of note, from May 2022 to May 2023, OVW visited organizations serving historically marginalized and underserved, Tribal, and rural communities to learn about emerging issues and barriers to accessing Federal funding. OVW also conducted listening sessions with community - based organizations serving sexual assault survivors in underserved communities to solicit feedback on grant solicitations, reporting, and management.

OJP's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and Office for Victims of Crime conducted both in - person and virtual listening sessions with community partners (including justice - impacted youth) to learn about the successes and challenges of service providers and practitioners and identify gaps and barriers youth and victims face in accessing services, and that organizations face in accessing resources to address these gaps and barriers. OJP also conducted listening sessions with population - specific and community - based organizations to hear from them about the public safety priorities of the communities they serve and the barriers to applying for OJP funding opportunities. These listening sessions informed changes to OJP's FY 2024 funding application

In 2023, ATJ, in collaboration with CRT and the Department's grantmaking components, conducted outreach to current recipients regarding DOJ's funding tools, which included discussing funding solicitation language, award conditions, award letters, and application instructions to determine whether those resources were clear, effective, and accessible. Participants noted that the process for applying for Federal funding can be cumbersome, obtuse, and time - consuming for potential applicants, especially applicants with limited resources and expertise in DOJ's processes. In response to this feedback, the Department has, as much as practicable, employed the use of plain language in drafting its solicitation templates, and is currently developing guidance on best practices to simplify application requirements.

In the near to mid - term, DOJ will use data to assess its efforts to improve the grantmaking application process and community engagement efforts to ensure that the Department has succeeded in reaching organizations serving and / or led by historically marginalized and underserved communities and will measure any increases in community engagements. In the near to long - term, DOJ will identify and pilot opportunities to collect the data necessary to ascertain whether these equity actions are increasing applications from population - specific organizations and reaching historically marginalized and underserved communities and those disproportionately impacted by crime, violence, and victimization. For example, starting in FY 2024, if relevant to the operations of a grantmaking component, a survey instrument will be appended to applicable funding solicitations to gather the required data to determine if equity actions are leading to an increase in applications from population - specific organizations.

Justice - involved persons face significant barriers to successful reentry and often return to their communities without meaningful opportunities to secure housing, employment, healthcare, and other key resources. Such challenges can lead to desperation, despair, and recidivism.

For instance, formerly incarcerated people face difficulty acquiring State - issued identification cards when reentering society because many of them do not have necessary proof of identity or residency documents upon release and the prison or jail records they do have are not accepted by State agencies. Lack of State - issued identification is a substantial barrier to successful reentry because it can prevent individuals from accessing critical physical and mental health wraparound resources and supports, housing, employment, and other benefits. Also, many formerly incarcerated people are burdened by debt from court - issued fines and fees as they seek to reenter society. Fines and fees levied without consideration of ability to pay can prevent individuals from succeeding upon reentry by causing them to violate the terms of their supervision, inhibit their ability to acquire a driver's license, or create

Finally, many formerly incarcerated people are released from custody under some form of supervision, which often comes with specific conditions that must be observed to avoid revocation. When the terms of their supervision serve as barriers to employment, housing, or accessing treatment for substance use disorders, many individuals find it difficult to succeed in meeting the terms of their supervision and face recidivism and reincarceration.

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is supporting research regarding the impact of criminal record expungement and sealing on reentry success. 30 This research has found that immediate challenges such as unstable housing options and discouraging job prospects can pose significant barriers to successful reentry. Initial findings have supported the benefit of record - clearing processes and the impact of legal representation in the expungement and clearing process. 31

In addition, given the number of unmet civil legal needs that impact reentry success, ATJ, BOP, and the National Institute of Corrections have developed a pilot program to provide civil legal services to incarcerated individuals, including services related to debt collection, access to benefits, and child custody matters, in select BOP women's facilities. 33

OJP is utilizing grant funding to support State and local reentry initiatives focused on providing healthcare access, improving supervision outcomes, and addressing the ability to pay fines and fees post incarceration. For example, in October 2022, the Department announced awards totaling almost $ 100 million to reduce recidivism and support adults and youth to successfully return to their communities after a period of confinement. 34

Lastly, the Department clarified its guidance SO that State, Tribal, territorial, and local jurisdictions can better leverage Federal funds received under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program and the National Criminal History Improvement Program to support efforts to seal and expunge criminal records. This will represent a critical step forward for returning citizens as they seek to access housing and employment opportunities.

In the near to mid - term, the Department will implement the rollout of the Card for formerly incarcerated individuals in all Federal facilities, with full implementation expected by the end of the first quarter of FY 2024, thereby increasing the number of returning citizens able to obtain State - issued identification. Access to identification will enable greater access to employment, housing,

benefits, and other critical reentry needs. Through OJP, DOJ will utilize grants to States for reentry efforts focused on securing healthcare access, improving community supervision outcomes, and reducing the burden of criminal justice fines and fees. In the long - term, the Department will continue the use of OJP grants designed to help lower the rates of recidivism for individuals leaving Federal custody, and increase connections to healthcare, public benefits, housing, and employment for returning citizens at the Federal and State level.

Every day, the 40 components and more than 115,000 employees of the Department of Justice (Department or DOJ) work to fulfill its mission to uphold the rule of law, to keep our country safe, and to protect civil rights. Embedded within that mission is a core principle of advancing equal justice under law. Established during Reconstruction, in the aftermath of the Civil War, the Department's first major enforcement efforts aimed to secure the civil rights promised by the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. Since then, the Department has worked to ensure that no individuals are denied the freedoms and protections guaranteed by the Constitution and the laws of the United States.

When members of the public believe their LEAs serve and listen to them, it can improve perceptions of police legitimacy and enhance public trust. This trust is essential to creating a system where communities view law enforcement as fair and effective and improves the likelihood that residents will report crime, provide information to the police about crime as victims and witnesses, and serve as jurors. Increased diversity within law enforcement serves as a key tool in building trust, especially with communities most impacted by law enforcement presence, investigations, and crisis response efforts. 38

Law enforcement leaders acknowledge the importance of increasing racial, ethnic, language, and gender diversity in their agencies. But hiring and promotional assessments, internal processes, recruitment strategies, and organizational policies can exacerbate the lack of diversity in the ranks by failing to adequately capture the value of and sufficiently meet the unique needs of officers from diverse backgrounds. For example, women officers are significantly underrepresented, making up over just 12 % of sworn officers and 3 % of law enforcement leaders. 39 Federal, State, and local agencies often lack the support and resources necessary to attract, hire, and retain a qualified and diverse workforce.

Given these barriers, it is not surprising that historically marginalized and underserved communities are underrepresented in the law enforcement profession. This underrepresentation causes many agencies to struggle in their community engagement efforts. Supporting efforts to remove these barriers is one critical step the Department can take toward building trust and legitimacy between police and the communities they serve and achieving better criminal justice outcomes for all.

There is growing evidence about what works and what matters to improve the representation and experiences of underrepresented groups across law enforcement ranks. 41 For example, one study found that law enforcement recruitment messages focusing on the personal benefits of applying to a particular job could be three times as effective at getting individuals to apply to a job without those details, and are particularly effective at increasing the number of applicants from groups traditionally underrepresented in the profession. 42

This criminal justice strategy aims to advance equity by enhancing public trust in law enforcement, improving engagement with historically marginalized and underserved communities, and promoting positive relationships between Federal, State, and local LEAs and the communities they serve through improved representation of underrepresented groups in law enforcement.

In furtherance of this strategy, the Department is building the evidence base for improving the recruitment and retention of officers representing a diversity of backgrounds and facilitating technical assistance programs to help agencies reach and retain underrepresented groups. NIJ is funding several research projects on recruiting and retaining officers reflecting historically marginalized communities and those underrepresented in law enforcement, including a project with New York State Police to identify factors that influence the racial, ethnic, and gender composition of that organization. 43 The Department's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) is advancing a Community Policing Development Microgrants Program focused on workforce diversification, which recently launched a center on innovations in recruiting and hiring. 44

impacted communities and people with lived experience. Specifically, the Department will continue to engage with women in law enforcement through NIJ45 and HBCUs through the FBI.

The Equity Action Plan that follows reflects the Department's current efforts to continue this foundational work. The Department remains committed to aiding all people, and particularly historically marginalized and underserved communities, in accessing the Department's programs and resources, navigating complex legal and regulatory hurdles to vindicate their rights, understanding the breadth of the Department's work, and meaningfully engaging with DOJ decision - makers. Moreover, the Department's equity mission statement reflects the commitment to understand and respond to the needs, concerns, and interests of the communities we serve and to ensure that the Department's workforce reflects our increasingly diverse nation.

On a quarterly basis, Beacon Project engagements are, and will continue to be, tracked and reported. In the longer - term, BJS will continue to conduct the Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics survey. These data will include the demographic makeup of State, county, and local LEAs to measure increases in diversity. To track increases in diversity at the Federal level, DOJ will depend on BJS ' Census of Federal Law Enforcement Officers, which periodically collects data from all Federal LEAs with arrest and firearms authority. NIJ is also currently examining both survey and non - survey methods to assess community perceptions of police and public safety through its recently advertised Measures of Community Perceptions Challenge (Challenge), which is an open competition to develop new methods to capture community perceptions of police and public safety. The research resulting from the Challenge will help determine whether increased officer diversification has impacted public trust and positive perceptions of law enforcement.

Women, girls, transgender individuals, and gender non - conforming persons often face barriers in obtaining equitable treatment and receiving trauma - informed, culturally responsive, and victim - centered services from LEAs. Barriers to access to services leave women, girls, transgender individuals, and gender non - conforming persons vulnerable to victimization and criminalization and can further isolate them from the information and resources necessary to heal. The Department recognizes that these challenges may often be the result of a lack of knowledge and understanding (as well as implicit bias) that can undermine appropriate responses to the victimization and the impact of biases on the criminalization of members of this population.

Unfortunately, the lack of knowledge about crimes that disproportionately affect women, girls, transgender individuals, and gender non - conforming people can undermine efforts to provide equitable access to justice; engage with communities in trauma - informed, culturally responsive, and victim - centered ways; and empower these persons to vindicate their rights by working with criminal justice personnel.

Recognizing and mitigating instances of bias and lack of understanding of sexual assault, domestic violence, and other forms of gender - based violence and the trauma resulting from victimization from these crimes is critical to LEAs ' ability to ensure women, girls, transgender individuals, and gender non - confirming individuals can access justice and receive the services and assistance to help them heal, as well as enhance public trust and confidence in the criminal justice system. 53

This civil rights strategy enhances and promotes gender equity and equality through trauma - informed, culturally responsive, and victim - centered training and technical assistance for Federal, State, Tribal, local, and territorial law enforcement and prosecution agencies. In SO doing, DOJ will increase awareness of Federal laws and programs that address gender - based violence, support collaborations with community partners, and mitigate deficiencies and biases that may negatively impact the successful implementation of community - driven responses to gender - based violence. To advance this equity strategy, the Department has adopted a comprehensive, multi - pronged approach to prevent and address hate crimes through its grant programs, which support law enforcement and State - based efforts to increase victim reporting, as well as State, Tribal, and local law enforcement and prosecution agencies and their partners in conducting outreach and education

In addition, in recognition of the fact that " " [ w ] omen, girls, and LGBTQI + individuals are disproportionately affected " " by online harassment and abuse, 55 the Department is taking concerted efforts to address cybercrimes. In particular, the Department is establishing a National Resource Center on Cybercrimes Against Individuals, which will provide grants for training and support to State, Tribal, and local law enforcement, prosecutors, and judicial personnel to assist victims of cybercrimes. These cybercrimes will include the use of technology to harass, threaten, stalk, extort, coerce, cause fear to, or intimidate an individual, as well as the nonconsensual distribution of intimate images. Additionally, OVW will support an initiative focused on the prosecution and investigation of online abuse, and ATJ will work with USAOs and the pro bono community to promote awareness of a new civil cause of action relating to the nonconsensual distribution of intimate images, to ensure that individuals are aware of their rights. 56

The Department is actively working to increase its outreach to vulnerable communities (including women, girls, transgender individuals, and gender non - conforming persons) with an intersectional lens to ensure that its work in this area is effective and responsive to the communities ' needs. In a listening session DOJ hosted specifically on justice issues facing women and LGBTQI + communities, advocates highlighted the distrust many people in these communities feel towards law enforcement and recommended increased outreach and engagement. DOJ will identify opportunities for increased and improved engagements with these communities to inform the efforts in this strategy, which may include additional listening sessions in locations across the country and inviting feedback on trainings and the information provided on DOJ websites.

The Department will train all BOP staff who may interact with incarcerated victims of human trafficking on applying victim - centered, trauma - informed, and culturally responsive approaches in FY 2024, with approximately 75 % of these staff members receiving training in the first quarter. By the third quarter of FY 2024, 50 % of victim personnel within the USAOs will complete additional training regarding culturally relevant advocacy, medical, and forensic services available to victims. In the long - term, DOJ will increase access to the criminal justice system for women, girls, transgender individuals, and gender non - conforming persons impacted by crime. In SO doing, the Department will increase the number of law enforcement and criminal justice staff that apply trauma - informed, victim - centered, and culturally responsive approaches.

In the face of persistent and pernicious environmental and climate - related challenges, these communities often experience significant barriers to access, including with respect to communications that use technical or specialized jargon; lack of legal assistance and information regarding one's rights and supports available; lack of linguistically and culturally responsive outreach and engagement efforts; lack of translated materials (both in print and digital formats); and community engagement lacking language interpretation, sign language interpretation, or auxiliary aids.

These barriers can hinder the individuals and communities most at risk from understanding and participating in the Department's decision - making efforts related to environmental justice and civil rights enforcement matters (such as providing input on the remedies sought to resolve environmental enforcement actions); accessing legal services and resources following environmental disasters; and

(1) Supporting workers, including those in the Southeast United States Workers in the Southeast United States are more likely to be afforded fewer worker protections, lower wages, and lack of strong worker coalitions, increasing the potential for employer work violations, wage disparities, and decreased awareness of workers ' rights. To combat this, DOL agencies are embedding a focus on Southeast workers in agency initiatives to increase enforcement and workers ' rights awareness, job training opportunities, and outreach in the Southeast United States region. (2) Ensuring underserved communities have access to good jobs Underserved communities face significant challenges with access to good jobs, including lack of equal employment opportunities, and lack of support services. DOL is partnering with other federal agencies to ensure federal infrastructure dollars are implementing the Good Jobs Principles for underserved communities, and partnering with State and local actors to encourage good hiring and retention practices in the private sector. (3) Embedding gender equity into our partnerships and services Women are a critical part of our workforce, yet face disproportionally lower wages, workforce discrimination, and occupational segregation. DOL is working across agencies to ensure good paying jobs, improve wages in female dominated sectors, and reduce caregiving penalties and workplace discrimination.

Identify gaps in our enforcement service delivery, to provide targeted information and outreach to vulnerable worker populations and increase awareness around worker protection and wage laws; Increase outreach to Southeast business owners, to increase awareness of federal contracting opportunities and to stimulate participation by the Southeast business owners in the competitive federal procurement process; Conduct a series of listening sessions and outreach sessions across the Southeastern United States, connecting workers with other workers, community leaders, and State officials and encouraging coalition building; Embed an equity focus on the Southeast region agencywide through upcoming agency strategic plans; and Development of a strategy for the Power of Community - amplifying the voices of marginalized communities to provide feedback on DOL engagement / services.

Current recruiting, hiring, retention, and promotion practices limit fairness in hiring opportunities in infrastructure industries such as construction, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy; Lack of equitable and effective pathways to access infrastructure jobs through workforce development; and Lack of supportive / wraparound services such as housing, affordable childcare and language access, which can enable the success of underserved workers in job training and employment.

Expanding agency partnerships in OFCCP's Megaproject Program The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), in concert with other federal agencies will designate additional Megaprojects in FY 2024. Under this designation, OFCCP will engage with a wide range of stakeholders to remove hiring barriers and promote equal employment opportunity in federally funded large construction projects pre - construction including through outreach to underserved populations and the use of apprenticeship and pre - apprenticeship programs. Embedding equity provisions in federal Investing in America (IIA) investments, such as the Good Jobs in Federal Investments: A Toolkit for Employers, Workers, and Government, the MOU between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and DOL, and the MOU between the U.S. General Services Administration and DOL, requiring, preferencing, or encouraging funding applicants to provide supportive services on their projects. Securing equity commitments from localities implementing IIA investments, through place - based strategies. Encouraging DOL grant applicants to develop projects that specifically address each of the Good Jobs Principles, which envision equitable pathways to family - sustaining wages, to promote development of new workforce development models that can be applied to other federal investments. Directing DOL grant applicants to provide more robust and detailed supportive services strategies to develop frameworks that can be applied to other federal investments. Investing in strategies to improve good jobs for care workers: The Women's Bureau (WB), Office of Assistant Secretary for Policy (OASP), and the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), are working to identify and maximize utility of data on the Direct Care Workforce. In FY 2024, DOL will continue to expand analyses on care workers who serve people with disabilities and older adults through the DOL - HHS workgroup on direct care workforce. WB, ASP, and the Chief Evaluation Office are collaborating on a research report to explore wages in the Care Workforce, to be published in FY 2024 as well as guidance to help States and localities conduct their own analyses of comparable pay rates for care workers in their respective jurisdictions.

Number of Memoranda of Understanding established with Federal agencies to increase the number of agencies aligning their efforts and leveraging their individual and combined resources to educate and encourage industries to attract, train, retain, and empower a diverse, qualified, well compensated workforce; and Number of equity and job quality incentives built into federal infrastructure dollars and Federal grants, where data is publicly available.

(4) Improving services for Limited English Proficient individuals Federal agency services often lack the capability to effectively interact with Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals, leading to decreased service delivery and unmet community needs. To meet the needs of LEP individuals, DOL is continuing to standardize language access tools and integrate language access into agency activities. (5) Evaluating our procurement practices to advance equity, including to support - small, disadvantaged businesses such as Black and women - owned businesses. Small, disadvantaged businesses such as Black and women - owned businesses are underrepresented in Federal procurement contracting which can have a substantial impact on the success of the business. To understand the full scope of why and which businesses are underrepresented, DOL is conducting an evaluation exercise, and will produce an evidence - based strategic plan for engagement based on exercise results.

Disrupting occupational segregation, getting more women in pathways to good - paying jobs The Employment and Training Administration's (ETA) Office of Apprenticeship (OA), WB, ODEP, and Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) will collaborate to increase female participation in pre - apprenticeships and registered apprenticeships, including leveraging the recently launched RA Academy to add training resources for program sponsors and State Apprenticeship Agencies on EEO and DEIA in apprenticeship; design a Federal Apprenticeship Accelerator with DEIA Focus; and award new contracts and grants like WB's Tradeswomen

Improving wages and working conditions in key, female - dominated sectors In support of EO 14095, Executive Order on Increasing Access to High - Quality Care and Supporting Caregivers, the Wage and Hour Division (WHD) and WB are collaborating through an MOU to promote the rights of the care workforce by creating sample employment agreements for domestic workers that provide child and long - term care to negotiate the terms of employment, facilitating compliance and awareness of labor law and best practices, and incorporate language to embed the requirements of relevant worker protection laws. WB will work with elected officials to support investments in care infrastructure, strengthen the majority female workforce that performs essential work, and provide technical assistance through the Good Jobs Great Cities Academy. OSHA Rulemaking in progress: OSHA is currently developing Prevention of Workplace Violence in Health Care and Social Assistance, a standard on workplace violence prevention in the healthcare and social assistance industries, occupations which tend to employ significantly more women than men WB will continue working with HHS to elevate ways to build equity in wages and job quality in female dominated sectors through the DOL - HHS workgroup, and technical assistance to agencies for support services. Reducing caregiving penalties for women and low - paid workers In FY 2024, the WB will continue to expand and tailor the National Database of Childcare Prices (NDCP), in collaboration with ICF International and HHS, to develop key analytical tools to evaluate how childcare prices are linked with gender and racial inequality in the labor force. WB is partnering with the Urban Institute to conduct the project, Understanding Equity in Paid Leave through Microsimulation Analysis. This project will provide research and technical assistance to states or local jurisdictions considering paid leave programs, and answer new questions about policy impacts, costs, and benefits of paid leave policies. Eliminating gender - based discrimination in the workplace DOL will contribute key deliverables toward the implementation of the National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality and the National Plan to End Gender - Based Violence, including: In FY 2024, WB will administer its Fostering Access, Rights, and Equity (FARE) grant, focusing the program to support women who have been impacted by gender - based violence and harassment in the world of work. As the federal government makes historic investments in infrastructure, OFCCP intends to develop a best practices document outlining how federal contractors and subcontractors can create safe environments free from gender - based violence and harassment. In anticipation of the FAR Council's rulemaking prohibiting salary history inquiries by federal contractors, OFCCP plans to publish sub - regulatory guidance clarifying how reliance on salary history for hiring and compensation decisions may result in discrimination under Executive Order 11246.

Through an MOU with the International Labour Organization Office for the United States and Canada, DOL will host national and regional events with employers, unions, workers, public officials, and community organizations uplifting survivor -, worker -, union - and employer - informed strategies and best practices to eliminate gender - based violence and harassment in the world of work, based on principles codified in ILO Convention 190. The WB will collect new data and continue to expand the National Database of Childcare Prices (NDCP) to include new products on childcare price trends, disparities in access to affordable childcare by race, ethnicity, and family income, and detailed assessments of the impacts of childcare prices on maternal employment. The WB will engage with researchers, advocates, and local, state, and federal agencies and policy makers to expand use of the NDCP data and research products in support of equity in access to care infrastructure.

Lack of awareness of the requirements that DOL agencies and grant recipients must take due to language barriers, which - prevents or hinders workers from accessing key government benefits and services, such as unemployment insurance. Lack of reasonable steps to provide meaningful, timely, and free language assistance to include qualified written translation or oral interpretation, DOL's interpretation, translation, and other language access activities were generally decentralized across each of the Department's agencies, resulting in inconsistent standards and practices across the Department.

In FY 2023, the Department of Labor's Civil Rights Center (CRC) launched a comprehensive survey to assess each DOL agency's current language access practices and pinpoint areas to improve access for workers and other external departmental stakeholders. Coupled with analysis of language trends derived from the Census Bureau's 2020 Census and the 2021 American Community Survey (ACS), and the U.S. Department of State's Refugee Processing Center Admissions and Arrivals Report, the survey determined that Language Access services were inconsistent across DOL, and there were gaps in ensuring meaningful access for workers. Each DOL agency had different results - depending on their mission, eligible service population (s), delivery area (s), effectiveness of existing program (s), etc. However, most agencies identified additional languages or supplemental efforts for which more consideration was needed to ensure meaningful access. The survey revealed the need to draft agency - specific sections of the Department's Language Access Plan and to highlight current language services and areas to improve the provision of language services to vulnerable LEP workers. This extensive Plan has been reviewed by the Department of Justice and is being finalized for publication, including translation, SO that it may be made public.

Review the need to translate vital information / documents, depending on the size of the language groups; the use of Babel notices or taglines to facilitate access to language assistance services; bilingual staffing resources and / or how to engage with outside interpreter services; and developing SOPs and related training to ensure consistent outreach and engagement. Take steps to increase DOL language capacity, including through expanding the pool of staff that have language skills. DOL agencies will review and update existing position descriptions to determine the need to expand language requirements for outreach to and engagement with underserved communities and will submit a plan for recruitment of bilingual positions. Develop centralized resources for Departmental agencies to use to meet needs for individual programs and populations served. In FY 2023, the CRC established the Centralized Office of Language Assistance (COLA) to improve access to DOL conducted programs and activities for Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals. In FY 2024, COLA will provide agencies within DOL with a framework for engagement with LEP individuals, technical assistance training, and develop performance metrics to gauge performance as it relates to language access, among other activities. DOL agencies will implement agency - specific language access milestones, to include translation of vital documents into significant language groups, and development / implementation of an outreach and engagement strategy.

Current data collection fails to capture data disaggregation and analysis into baseline outreach to and procurement contracting with small disadvantaged and women owned Businesses; and Lack of agency - wide strategies to increase outreach to small disadvantaged and women owned business competition in contracting.

DOL's Job Corps launched a pre - apprenticeship initiative to expand career opportunities and pathways for graduates to participate in registered apprenticeship programs in infrastructure, including clean energy and renewable energy manufacturing. There are currently 143 Corps instructors nationwide providing training towards renewable resources and energy. DOL has revamped its Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOA) under four Justice40 covered programs to support the development and implementation of sustainable construction and building practices and clean energy technologies, including reference to

Historically small, disadvantaged businesses such as women, Black and Hispanic owned are underrepresented in Federal procurement contracting. For example, the share of procurement dollars going to Black - owned businesses is the lowest (about 1.9 %) compared to other race / ethnicity groups. In DOL's evaluation of equity in Federal contracting, for FY 2021, the Department awarded to minority - owned businesses contracts commensurate and above the representation in federal contracting; however, DOL's procurement contracting such as with women - owned, Hispanic - owned, and Black - owned businesses are below the proportion of eligible businesses available for federal contracting. DOL's procurement practices have received an A + in contract awarding to small, disadvantaged businesses (SDB) and women owned small businesses (WOSBs). However, DOL has not disaggregated data to determine whether there are potential opportunities to further increase outreach and contracting opportunities, including current engagement levels with these businesses. To increase the number of underrepresented groups in contracting, studies have shown it is necessary to identify gaps in the procurement process, evaluate internal processes, and increase stakeholder engagement and partnership development.

Explore options to collect expanded demographic categories for contractors, as permitted by and in accordance with Federal procurement regulations and other laws. Review relevant and available data and develop a strategic outreach plan to improve engagement with underrepresented groups, remove internal barriers to engagement as applicable, and encourage expanded participation in contracting opportunities.

Development of an evidence - based analysis within agencywide procurement efforts. Based on analysis, number of agencies that develop strategic plans to remove internal barriers and expanded engagement with small disenfranchised and women owned businesses.

DOL has developed two tools or resources to advance environmental justice: DOL's Good Jobs Initiative created a set of tools to ensure good jobs in climate and environmental justice investments. The Good Jobs in Federal Investments: A Toolkit for Employers, Workers, and Government, is a toolkit intended to assist federal agencies, state, tribal and local governments, employers, and labor and worker advocacy organizations unleash their power to improve job quality and equity and data collection in federal investments. DOL has hired two staff that work on environmental justice, either in a full - time or part time capacity. DOL has two new or strengthened internal working group (s), steering committee (s), council (s) on environmental justice. The internal Climate Working Group, organized by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy (OASP), consists of representatives from across DOL sub - agencies, and coordinates the various climate priorities of the Administration and DOL leadership. The Climate Action Plan meetings, organized by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management (OASAM) is a cross - DOL subagency meeting focused on the implementation of the Climate Action Plan, published yearly, which is an ongoing program to ensure robust federal mission resilience, protect worker safety (before, during, and after climate - related events), mitigate environmental threats to our facilities, and improve our procurement and acquisition stewardship. DOL is currently updating its Environmental Justice Strategic Plan, to be released Fall 2023.

In response to EO 14020 and pursuant to the implementation of the government - wide National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality, DOL has developed an agency - specific plan outlining over 50 action items to reduce occupational segregation for women workers, increase equity in pay and hiring, increase access to benefits and knowledge of worker rights, and increase older women's employment and economic security. To date, DOL has accomplished or is well underway to accomplishing all action items identified. The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has implemented the Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP), connecting federal and private sector employees with students and recent graduates with disabilities from over 400 colleges and universities for internships and permanent positions. ODEP will continue to support student and recent graduate participation in WRP, including outreach to underserved communities, minority - serving institutions, veterans services offices, and leveraging federal and alliance partnerships. When working with federal agencies, ODEP will also continue to

provide hiring authority technical assistance, educate about the provision of effective reasonable accommodations, and encourage expanding WRP and Schedule A hiring as part of agency strategic planning. In FY 2024, ODEP expects available funding of approximately $ 13M to support approximately four Equitable Transition Model (ETM) demonstration grants focused on underrepresented youth with disabilities, including youth experiencing homelessness, leaving foster care, and / or involved in the justice system, to improve employment outcomes, as well as increase states ' capacity to develop innovative employment strategies for underserved youth and their families. To further align with the Department's mission, goal, and objective of creating an economy for all workers, DOL has expanded its outreach and engagement with HBCUs, HSIs, tribal communities, and other minority serving institutions. We have advanced our engagement through mentorship programs, training, and grant opportunities, listening sessions, roundtables, formal invitations to extended procurement and contracting webinars, and more. The impact of engaging with more diverse populations through colleges and universities informs our efforts and allows for participation with communities that mirror the workforce in America. In addition, we have and will continue to embed this extended outreach and initiative into our agency strategic plans.

DOL has entered into Memoranda of Understanding with the Departments of Transportation, Energy, Commerce, the Interior, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the General Services Administration to engage in " " cooperative efforts to build sustainable career pathways to meet industry's need for talent and workers ' need for quality jobs, " " and " " to address barriers to opportunity and build an economy that empowers all people, including individuals from underserved communities; " " Through these inter - agency partnerships, over $ 181 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funds include provisions that require, preference, or encourage job quality, worker empowerment, and equity in the use of these federal funds; and Those incentives have been included in 91 Funding Opportunity Announcements. As part of the Department's strategy to advance equity, GJI will continue to provide technical assistance on federal funding opportunities across the Investing in America Agenda to embed job quality, equity, and worker empowerment.

Strategy 2: Ensuring Underserved Communities Have Access to Good Jobs

Strategy 5: Evaluating Our Procurement Practices to Advance Equity

people. WB will also, in concert with the Office of Human Resources, explore policy options to increase recruitment at DOL of justice impacted people, and provide pilot job readiness trainings inside local jails within the Southeast region.

Improve access to good jobs for underserved and disenfranchised communities through Federal, state, and local partnerships, advocacy for equitable pathways to sustainable wages, and development of tools and frameworks for good job implementation.

Whole - of - Government Equity Objective: Civil Rights: Protect the civil and constitutional rights of all persons, including the right to vote, language access, and prohibitions on discrimination on the basis of race, sex, disability, etc.

Collaborating Agencies with Good - Jobs - Initiative MOUs: Department of Commerce, Department of Transportation, Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Department of the Interior, and the General Services Administration. With each of these agencies, GJI draws upon Department of Labor expertise to embed job quality, worker empowerment, and equity provisions in federal funding opportunities from these agencies. GJI shares its subject matter expertise on job quality, equity, and worker empowerment with federal agencies as well as shared stakeholders including funding applicants, state and local governments, the private sector, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, labor unions, and others, through joint engagement opportunities.

Increased equitable employment opportunities, increased equitable workforce development pathways into infrastructure jobs and supportive services, and increased job security and career advancement for underserved and vulnerable communities, in federal funding where data is publicly available.