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Black, LGBTQ+
(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;
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Disabled, Rural
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
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Immigrant
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.
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Disabled
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.
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Immigrant
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.
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Disabled, LGBTQ+, Native American
(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
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LGBTQ+
To develop this strategy, DHS considered input from 2022 and 2023 engagements conducted by CRCL, OPE, the DHS Office for Faith - Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, and other offices, seeking input from affected communities regarding their concerns related to DVE. In furtherance of the National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, DHS will conduct a series of regional workshops on countering antisemitic and other forms of hate - motivated violence against communities impacted by targeted violence - including antisemitic violence, gender - based violence, violence against the LGBTQI + community, and Islamophobic violence - to help DHS identify additional ways to assist these communities.
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Disabled, LGBTQ+, Native American
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.
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Native American
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.
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Black, Disabled, Hawaiian, Immigrant, Latinx, Native American, Pacific Islander
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:
DHS 2023 Part Of Layout List 3
Native American
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.
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Native American
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.
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Native American
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.
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Native American
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.
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Immigrant, Native American
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.
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Disabled, Senior
In a 2022 report, GAO found that while TSA has established procedures and training to prevent the potential for discrimination in its airline passenger screening practices, it has not assessed the extent to which these practices may result in certain passengers being referred for additional screening more often than others. TSA officials in all four airports GAO visited and representatives from the seven stakeholder organizations GAO interviewed stated that TSA's advanced imaging technology or other practices could result in certain passengers being referred for additional screening based on perception of their status as transgender and / or having a visible disability or wearing religious headwear. The report noted that stakeholders and passengers are often unaware of how to file a discrimination complaint. CBP senior management engaged directly with NGOs representing members of religious minorities through the CBP Office of Intergovernmental Public Liaison (IPL) Team to ascertain the perceived problems of inequitable screening practices based on national origin.
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Disabled, Women
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
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Native American, Rural
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.
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Native American
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.
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Native American
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.
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Native American
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.
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Native American
Number of DHS grant funds awarded to Tribal Nations. Number of Tribal consultations to expand partnerships and disseminate technical assistance for grant awards. Number of complaints alleging mishandling of Tribal sacred, ceremonial, or cultural items. Training sessions conducted on appropriate handling of Tribal sacred, ceremonial or cultural items. Number of Tribal Nation representatives participating in advisory councils and committees.
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Native American
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.
DHS 2023 Part Of Layout List 47
Native American
To develop this strategy, DHS reviewed prior Tribal engagements and consultations and engaged with DHS subject matter experts. DHS held a virtual Tribal consultation on July 6, 2023, and received written comments through August 7, 2023. DHS will continue to engage and consult with Tribal Nations to seek opportunities to deliver more equitable outcomes. (7) Advance equity for persons seeking humanitarian protection during immigration processing by strengthening programs available to assist them.
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Immigrant
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.
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Disabled, Veterans, Women
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
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Women
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
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Minority Serving Institutions, Native American
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
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Rural
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.
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Rural
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.
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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).
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Illinois: $ 23 million federal cost share with Village of DePue Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Rebuild. After heavy rain in 2008, several neighborhood roads in the Village of DePue, an Economically Disadvantaged Rural Community, were flooded. The increased flow at the WWTP caused raw sewage to back up into the basements of homes. Through BRIC DTA, DePue will build a new WWTP on village property outside of the floodway and floodplain. The old plant will be demolished and left as open space. Arkansas: $ 2.51 million federal cost share with Danville School District Safe Room. The Danville School District, also located in an Economically Disadvantaged Rural Community, has no protection for its students during severe wind and tornado events. Through BRIC DTA, Danville will build an Americans with Disabilities Act - compliant, multi - purpose safe room next to the elementary school, with space for 1,126 students and staff, including six wheelchair spaces, during dangerous storms. The project should also help improve stormwater management and reduce future risk of flash flooding by including nature - based solutions, such as permeable pavement.
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In March 2023, USCIS announced the opening of the Humanitarian, Adjustment, Removing Conditions, and Travel Documents (HART) Service Center. This new Service Center focuses on adjudication of humanitarian - based immigration relief, including Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self - petitions and petitions for U nonimmigrant status for eligible victims of qualifying crimes, and will significantly increase the number
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of adjudicators to positively impact the timeliness and scale of USCIS ' humanitarian processing abilities, particularly for women and girls pursuing these avenues of humanitarian protection. In support of this announcement, USCIS held a national stakeholder engagement in April 2023, and provided briefings on the new service center to several stakeholder groups.
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The DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S & T) developed two complementary technological approaches to facilitate safe, no touch TSA screening of passengers with disabilities who use assistive devices. The goal is to improve convenience and throughput at TSA checkpoints for passengers with limited mobility, while maintaining their dignity during security and threat detection procedures. Working prototypes of a handheld screening tool and Al - enabled algorithms for AIT systems are expected to be evaluated by the Transportation Security Laboratory in FY 2023 - 2024.
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S & T's Homeland Security Startup Studio (HSSS) pairs the next generation of entrepreneurs with federally - funded, cutting - edge homeland security technologies to help move them from the lab to the market. In the 2023 cycle, HSSS received applications from 185 entrepreneurs, with 66 percent coming from those identifying as Black, Indigenous, or persons of color, and 29 percent coming from those identifying as women. Of the 30 entrepreneurs selected for the 2023 HSSS cohort, 30 percent identified as female and 57 percent identified as Black, Indigenous, or Persons of Color.
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S & T's Coastal Resilience Center (CRC), a DHS Center of Excellence led by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, leads projects to advance equity in resilience, emergency planning, and response and recovery. Ongoing CRC projects examine how social vulnerability indicators are incorporated into emergency planning to promote social equity as a component of building national resilience against natural disasters. CRC has created and institutionalized successful and expanding educational programs at several Minority Serving Institutions to include Jackson State University, Tougaloo College, Johnson C. Smith University, and the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez. These educational programs serve to train the next generation of coastal resilience professionals in coastal infrastructure resilience, disaster studies, and coastal studies.
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S & T's Minority Serving Institution Program serves to foster and cultivate diverse, university - based research capacity building and workforce development opportunities. These opportunities prepare motivated students and faculty at Minority Service Institutions to grow and develop through research contributions to the homeland security enterprise. In 2023, S & T awarded approximately $ 9.7 million dollars to 20 Minority Serving Institutions to support these goals.
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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
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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.
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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.
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CRCL routinely engages with diverse racial, ethnic, and religious communities whose civil rights and civil liberties may be affected by Department activities. For example, in September 2022, the DHS Council on Combatting Gender - Based Violence hosted a listening session with community members, faith leaders, and advocates to hear feedback about the Department's efforts in combatting female genital mutilation and cutting.
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impacts on members of underserved communities. In July 2023, OPE led a Tribal consultation to better understand potential barriers that Tribal Nations and their citizens face, and discuss opportunities for DHS to deliver more equitable outcomes. In conducting these types of engagements, DHS also sought opportunities to consider the input of individuals who belong to two or more underserved communities, who often face greater barriers to equity. DHS will continue to maintain robust engagement with affected communities to inform efforts to deliver more equitable outcomes.
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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.
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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.
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As the Department continues to tackle the threat of DVE, members of certain underserved communities (e.g., AMEMSA, Jewish, LGBTQI + and Black communities) continue to have concerns about being targeted for additional scrutiny by DHS. Additional emphasis will be shown to premeditated hate - fueled violence and terrorism surrounding negative stereotyping directed toward anti - Asian, anti - LGBTQI +, anti - Black sentiments, as well as religious targeting and profiling.
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Members of the public, including those from underserved communities (e.g., AMEMSA communities and individuals with disabilities), continue to report concerns regarding their experiences at airport screening checkpoints and during inspection by CBP, including allegations of racial and ethnic profiling and improper treatment of persons with disabilities. TSA routinely engages with advocacy groups that represent multiple underserved communities through the TSA Disability and Multicultural Coalition. These groups have raised concerns about treatment of members of underserved communities, including members of certain racial minorities and religious groups, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQI + persons. Additional training and an expansion of the Passenger Support Specialist program are among the suggestions that advocacy groups have raised. Analysis of complaints received by TSA from members of the public alleging discrimination during airport security screening has shown that these concerns remain.
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(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.
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FEMA will prioritize assistance for eligible entities that request technical assistance support for resilience or mitigation activities within, or that primarily benefit, a Justice40 community, including a Federally Recognized Tribe or Tribal entity, as identified by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool, an Economically Disadvantaged Rural Community (as defined in 42 U.S.C. § 5133 (a) as a small, impoverished community), and / or a Community Disaster Resilience Zone (as defined in 42 U.S.C. § 5136 (a) (1)).
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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.
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Geographic income inequality has risen more than 40 percent between 1980 and 2021. The richest places are pulling away, and many others - especially smaller towns and rural areas - have fallen further behind. Rising geographic inequality suggests that economic opportunities are becoming less evenly distributed across the country and such geographic inequality risks reducing households ' ability to move to desired locations. This could concentrate economic and social challenges in certain places, or contribute to political polarization. Places with higher incomes in 1980 tended to have faster income growth between 1980 and 2021, contributing to widening geographic inequality and little change in the income ranking of places. In recent decades, faster - growing, higher - paying sectors have clustered in the same places over time, leading to increased geographic inequality. Additionally, the faster - growing, higher - paying sectors, such as tech, finance, and professional services, have become a growing share of the economy and pay high wages.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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More than 40 percent of the U.S. population lives in coastal counties where residents are experiencing climate change in a variety of ways including more rapidly intensifying hurricanes, more severe storms, excessive heat, deepening droughts, and more frequent flooding. In the 1980s, the average time between billion - dollar climate disasters in the U.S. was 82 days; today, it is only 18 days. A peer - reviewed EPA report shows severe harms from climate change fall disproportionately upon underserved communities who are least able to prepare for and recover from heat waves, poor air quality, flooding, and other impacts. For example, Black and African American individuals are 40 percent more likely than non - Black and non - African American individuals to currently live in areas with the highest projected increases in mortality rates due to climate - driven changes in extreme temperatures.
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Past and recent research like the 2030 Census Request For Information (RFI) has documented the need for and importance of Census Bureau efforts to improve coverage rates for Historically Undercounted Populations (HUPs). For instance, in 2022, the Census Bureau released results from the Post Enumeration Survey and Demographic Analysis, which produced estimates showing that the 2020 Census undercounted some populations (e.g., the Black or African American population, the American Indian or Alaska Native population living on a reservation, young children 0 to 4 years old, etc.), which underscores the value of advancing research to help the Census Bureau accurately count and describe HUPs. Al systems can reflect and amplify systemic and human biases present in the organizations and communities that develop, deploy, and use them. AI systems can also manifest statistical and computational biases. This can cause them to underperform for some groups relative to others, as in facial recognition, or to treat groups differently. Studies have shown that these phenomena have led to disparate outcomes in employment, housing, credit scoring, health care, and finance. Some private sector actors as well as public regulators have indicated the need to adjust their work in response to Al - related bias and discrimination.
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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
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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.
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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.
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NIST's CHIPS. CPO metrics are under development but are expected to include disaggregated data on the demographics of the workforce, recipient spend on community investments, and recipient spend with small and / or diverse businesses. CPO may also work with each recipient to define bespoke metrics. EDA's Build Back Better Regional Challenge. Output metrics currently under development for testing and validation include: the number of workers, including workers from underserved communities, completing workforce training programs and share of the overall total; the number of minority - and women - owned business enterprises engaged in extension services and share of the overall total; and the number of entrepreneurs, including entrepreneurs from underserved communities, accepted into accelerator / incubator cohorts and share of the overall total. EDA's Tech Hubs. These metrics are under development and expected to be released in Summer 2024.
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Women
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.
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Veterans, Women
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.
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Black, Latinx, Women
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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Native American
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.
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Senior, Women
I take tremendous pride in the work being led by our first - ever Counselor for Equity to quantify, amplify, and increase equitable outcomes across the Department. The Counselor for Equity is joined by dedicated professionals who understand that equity is critical to achieving our goals. This includes our first Under Secretary and Deputy Under Secretary of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), our CHIPS Program Office Senior Advisor for Opportunity and Inclusion, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Director of the Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives, and the Senior Advisor for Women in Construction, among other inspiring leaders. These leaders will work closely with the Department's Equity Council to continue to drive external - facing efforts to empower underserved communities in our economy.
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The Barrier: For too long, economic growth and higher - paying jobs have clustered in a few cities. This has led to growing geographic income inequality in which wealth isn't spreading to the smallest metro areas and rural towns.
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The Barrier: Minority - owned and rural - based businesses face disparities in access to capital, federal contracts, export opportunities, technical support or advice, and networking.
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Native American
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.
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Our Office of Faith - Based and Neighborhood Partnerships (OBFNP) is central to our ongoing community outreach and external engagement efforts. OBFNP aims to foster stakeholder engagement and develop partnerships between businesses, communities, and faith - based organizations focused on job creation and economic growth. Since May 2022, OFBNP has cultivated a growing database of roughly 2,000 stakeholders, leading to several state - based and stakeholder roundtables and summits with 250 national faith, business, and community - based organization leaders, with the White House and federal agency partners. The Department is also proud to announce that, in Fall 2023, OFBNP hosted the first - ever government - wide Youth Summit to motivate and empower the next generation. Workshops focused on entrepreneurship, data, innovation, leadership, and invention. Attendees could meet and engage with senior leaders across the Department of Commerce and the Federal Government.
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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.
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Native American
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.
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Native American, Rural
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.
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Minority Serving Institutions, Native American
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.
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Women
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.
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POC, Women
The American Rescue Plan funded EDA's $ 1 billion Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC) and $ 500 million Good Jobs Challenge (GJC) program. For both programs, EDA has made geographic diversity a top priority, and for the first time in history, the Department has its own grant program that invests in industry - led workforce training and registered apprenticeships - focusing on underserved communities, including women and people of color.
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Native American
The Inflation Reduction Act provided NOAA with $ 3.3 billion to build on its commitment to help Americans - including tribes and other underserved communities - prepare, adapt, and build resilience to weather and climate events; improve supercomputing capacity and research; strengthen NOAA's hurricane hunter aircraft and fleet; and upgrade NOAA facilities.
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Rural
Barriers to Equity: For too long, economic growth and higher - paying jobs have clustered in a few cities. This has led to growing geographic income inequality in which wealth isn't spreading to the smallest metro areas and rural towns.
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Veterans, Women
NIST's CHIPS. The CHIPS Program (CPO) is committed to building strong communities that share in the prosperity of the semiconductor industry. This commitment includes promoting a sustainable, competitive domestic semiconductor industry; facilitating the creation and expansion of innovation clusters through economies of scale and investments across the supply chain; and generating benefits for a broad range of stakeholders and communities, including workers; small businesses; minority - owned, veteran - owned, and women - owned businesses; and universities and colleges. For instance, applicants were asked to outline proactive efforts to include such businesses in a project's construction and production supply chain, to make a commitment to tracking and disclosing disaggregated data on supplier diversity and contractor / subcontractor diversity, to build robust outreach plans for engaging with small businesses; minority - owned, veteran - owned, and women - owned businesses, and to identify sectoral partnerships to support
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high - quality, equitable workforce development strategies. CHIPS Incentives applicants are expected to describe how they will collect and report demographically disaggregated data on workforce efforts. Additionally, applicants will have to describe how they will track and disclose data on supplier diversity that is demographically disaggregated (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender, veteran status), including statistics on what share of suppliers are majority - owned by different groups.
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Established the first Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) - led University Affiliated Research Center at Howard University in Tactical Autonomy. Awarded 82 grants to HBCU / MI researchers totaling $ 61.7M, which represents a record amount of research grants given to HBCU / MI research projects. Placed 114 interns at 13 defense laboratories and OSD organizations through the DoD HBCU / MI Summer Research Internship program in Summer 2023. Sponsored six town halls in collaboration with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to facilitate discussions on equitable research and the educational partnerships necessary to advance HBCU / MI involvement in defense research activities.
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Conducted an Opportunities Workshop and Intern Seminar for over 400 participants to expand awareness of DoD opportunities, provide a platform for collaboration, and encourage greater participation in the Department's initiatives to support national security functions and the defense mission. Hosted three successful Taking the Pentagon to the People educational outreach events during FY 2023 at: University of California at Riverside, a joint event at Tuskegee and Alabama State Universities, and Arizona State University. Announced the establishment of four new research centers of excellence at MIs of higher education, as part of its Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority - serving Institutions Research and Education Program. The awards total $ 40M and will enhance research programs and capabilities in critical scientific and engineering disciplines, while expanding HBCUs ' and MIs ' capacity to participate in DoD research programs and activities. These awards will also increase the number of graduates in STEM fields, including those from under - represented minorities, which is critically important to the Department's mission.
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Minority Serving Institutions
Offered its annual technical assistance workshop through the DoD HBCU / MI Program. DoD provided information about defense research priorities as well as fellowship, internship, and scholarship opportunities that span the defense research enterprise. Published its Responsible Artificial Intelligence Strategy and Implementation Pathway, which guides the Department's journey to its goal of a trusted Al ecosystem.
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Veterans
Department of Defense Status of Forces Surveys and Active Duty / Reserve Component Spouse Surveys (ADSS / RCSS) provide data on spouse employment, wellness, food security, and other key quality of life areas. Federally funded Research and Development Center surveys and reports also provide key quality of life data and information. DoD also obtains data and input from internal and external stakeholders, to include the Military Services, military service organizations / veteran service organizations (MSO / VSO), the public, Congress, White House Joining Forces, and others. The FY 2021 ADSS showed that 21 percent of military spouses indicated they were actively looking for work but were unable to obtain employment. Both the 2020 Status of Forces Survey of the Active Component (SOFS - A) and the 2021 ADSS showed levels of
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Alaskan, Native American
DoD operational and training activities during the World War II and Cold War eras resulted in adverse environmental, health, and economic impacts to communities, including American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Historically, DoD built temporary bases and bombing ranges on and near Indian lands, Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act - conveyed properties, ancestral lands, and reserved treaty rights areas. Legacy impacts from operations at these former bases and ranges may include hazardous materials, debris, underground fuel storage tanks, lead - based paint, asbestos, munitions / explosives residue, and abandoned or unsafe sites. These impacts create a barrier to Indigenous populations by potentially hindering land development for housing, economic opportunities (e.g., harvesting timber), or protecting the land for subsistence food gathering or cultural practices. Current training and operational activities, although now conducted in a manner to reduce adverse impacts, still can be barriers to equity. More recently, DoD's efforts to expand its footprint on Guam may result in additional stress on the infrastructure of the island and the local population. Much of this stress will impact underserved communities. Finally, the construction of a new installation in Guam coupled with the surge in military construction projects at legacy installations has increased the quantity of unearthed artifacts. The only certified repository on Guam is very small and is operated by the NPS to curate the NPS's War in the Pacific collection.
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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
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1. Advance equity for military families with a focus on healthcare, education, and economic challenges and opportunities; 2. Advance economic equity and rectify past harms for communities around military installations and bases; 3. Integrate environmental / economic justice tools into DoD planning tools for decision - making, where applicable; 4. Advance gender diversity, equity, and inclusion by removing barriers to the recruitment, development, retention, and advancement of women in DoD; and 5. Advance women's participation in democracy, representation, and decision - making in peace and security processes.
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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.
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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.)
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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
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Veterans, Women
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).
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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.
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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.
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Women
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.
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Women
Global insecurity affects the national security of the United States, as regions of conflict often provide havens for terrorists and other illicit actors; become proxies for strategic competition; and lead to population displacement, migration, and further regional instability. Women, girls, and other underserved communities are disproportionally impacted by conflict and instability, which often exacerbate gender - based violence. Evidence suggests that when women meaningfully participated in security sector roles, security forces often have better information about the needs of the local community, including women and girls ' unique needs, and citizens view security forces as more credible and trustworthy. Despite the critical role women can play in their defense institutions, women's recruitment, career progressions, and involvement in security sector decision making still lags behind globally due to gender - based barriers https: / / us - east - 1 - 02900067 - inspect.menlosecurity.com / safeview - fileserv / tc download / 7267d6ebc83f7eef415b6f13509bd4b3f2e259555850b7d4eb9de12 8d57f193f /? & cid = N5F6B3DF25713 & rid = 8d39caf583e2db1a68d4d5de0ac72148 & file: rl = https: / / www.dcaf.ch / sites / default / files / imce / Women's % 2520Guide % 2520Curriculum / I clusiveSecurity Curriculum Series SSR MOD8. pdf & type = originalinstances of unsupportive leadership, discouraging culture and norms, and lack of adequate infrastructure and equipment. Defense institutions struggle integrating a gender perspective into military operations to better plan for and accommodate the disproportionate impact of conflict on women, girls, and other underserved communities.
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their meaningful participation in peace negotiations makes it more likely that warring parties will reach sustainable agreements and enhance the effectiveness of peacekeeping efforts. E.O. 13595 emphasizes the importance of promoting women's participation in conflict prevention, management, and resolution, as well as in post - conflict relief and recovery; in advancing peace, national security, economic and social development; and in international cooperation. The Department's implementation of the WPS Act is a key component of how the Department works with partner nation security forces on addressing both the barriers for women's participation in the security sector and the long - and short - term security needs of women and girls when impacted by conflict or crisis. These efforts strengthen partner nations ' ability to apply a critical gender analysis to operations and activities of their own national security forces.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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1. Advance equity for military families with a focus on healthcare, education, and economic challenges and opportunities; 2. Advance economic equity and rectify past harms for communities around military installations and bases; 3. Integrate environmental / economic justice tools into DoD planning tools for decision - making, where applicable; 4. Advance gender diversity, equity, and inclusion by removing barriers to the recruitment, development, retention, and advancement of women in DoD; and 5. Advance women's participation in democracy, representation, and decision - making in peace and security processes.
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Explore changes to Military Health System (MHS) GENESIS to address gaps in food insecurity screening; Invest over $ 1.4 billion (B) in the Defense Environmental Restoration Program (DERP) and $ 20 million (M) in the NALEMP that address legacy impacts from past DoD actions; Develop an implementation strategy by September 2024 for E.O. 14096, Revitalizing Our Nation's Commitment to Environmental Justice for All Standardize reproductive health care policies through the development of a new Department of Defense Instruction; and Work with partner nations to (i) promote women in those partner nations meaningfully participating and serving at all ranks and in all occupations in defense and security sectors, and (ii) conduct related security cooperation programs and activities.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Additionally, the Army National Guard created the Southeast Regional Native American Consultations with six Tribal Nations participating in seven states; the Arkansas and Texas Army National Guard State Consultation, with five Tribal Nations participating; and the Oregon Army National Guard Consultations, with one Tribal Nation participating.
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Veterans
Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Health and Human Services, and Department of Education
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Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Park Service (NPS), Federally recognized Tribes, and Tribal and State Historic Preservation Offices
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Advance gender diversity, equity, and inclusion by removing barriers to the recruitment, development, retention, and advancement of women in DoD.
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Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Health and Human Services
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Other relevant Federal departments and agencies identified in the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Act of 2017, which includes the Department of State, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Department of Homeland Security.
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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
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Native American
Each of these Strategies was informed by community engagement. A few examples of such engagement include connecting with tribal members through the Department's Native American
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Lands Environmental Mitigation Program (NALEMP), holding listening sessions with Service members and military spouses regarding food security, and hosting the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS) to gain information about issues impacting female Service members. The Department will continue to connect with members of the community to advance equitable outcomes.
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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
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Minority Serving Institutions
The above - mentioned awards include the following two Integrated Research Projects (IRPs) awarded to MSIs under NE's Grand Challenge Research and Development at Minority Serving Institutions topic area: Virginia Commonwealth University ($ 1.5M total, with $ 204,000 going to Virginia State University and $ 178,552 going to Virginia Union University as project collaborators). CUNY, City College of New York ($ 1,499,999 total, with $ 600,000 going to the University of New Mexico as a collaborator).
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Minority Serving Institutions
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
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Minority Serving Institutions
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.
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Minority Serving Institutions, Native American
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.
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Alaskan, Minority Serving Institutions, Native American
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
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Latinx, Minority Serving Institutions
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.
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AAPI, Alaskan, Pacific Islander
In May 2023, DOE sponsored the Federal Asian American Pacific Council's annual National Leadership Training Program in Long Beach, CA, and attended Office of Personnel Management's AA and NHPI Federal Employee Leadership Development Conference. The Department is partnering with its Asian American Pacific Islander Network Employee Resource Group (ERG) to sponsor ERG members in the federal workforce for professional development, capacity - building, and enhancing leadership skills. In FY 2023, DOE participated in two White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) Regional Economic Summits in Seattle and New York City to share federal and DOE opportunities related to careers, internships, grants, and financial assistance. DOE also actively partnered with Asian Americans in Energy, the Environment, and Commerce on two external engagement events (August 2022 in Washington, DC, and October 2022 in Boston, MA) to inform the community about employment, contracting,
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Alaskan, Native American, Rural
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
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deployment, and accelerates America's transition to a resilient, equitable energy future through direct investments in manufacturing capacity and workforce development. The Grid Deployment Office, which offers the Grid Resilience Innovation Program and provides financial assistance grants for grid resilience, smart grid, and grid innovation projects. This year, Secretary Granholm has prioritized visiting rural areas across the region including Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Georgia, where she spoke about clean energy investments for Tribal communities and well - paying energy union jobs, met with local labor leaders, and led town halls.
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(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.
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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development USDA Rural Partners Network Bureau of Ocean Energy Management U.S. Department of Labor U.S. Department of Commerce
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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.
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Dialogue between offices concerning CBP implementation, guidance, and their experience. Socialization of CBP requirements within the organization. Feedback from community and industry through engagement at Energy Justice Roadshows, and other targeted community, Tribal, and stakeholder engagement.
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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.
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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.
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Establish a CBP Technical Assistance strategy across DOE program offices to support CBP implementation across covered programs. Connect EPA EJ Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers with community - based organizations, Tribal Communities, and organizations representing local workers to help negotiate Community Benefits Agreements. Identify opportunities to " " train the trainer " " on effective stakeholder engagement within programmatic offices. Leverage Tribal and Stakeholder Engagement framework to support CBP implementation.
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(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.
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Minority Serving Institutions
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.
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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.
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Some offices track information regarding equity - based metrics related to either the funded institutions (e.g., MSIs) or individuals (e.g., demographics of PIs). EERE is currently undergoing a third - party review for Justice40 impact evaluation. In addition to hiring outside consultants and creating an internal review team, they are also exploring the use of machine learning tools with natural language processing. Increasingly during the last decade, rapid technical advances have opened opportunities for broader and deeper interaction and participation among individuals, communities, and governments, allowing all levels of government to engage previously uninvolved people in issues affecting their communities and local environments. 13 14 The EPA has established new avenues for citizen science use in their Agency's strategic plan 15 16 from which the DOE could draw inspiration and best practices. DOE showcases eight citizen science projects 17: The Open PV Project, Lantern Live, Geothermal Case Studies and Exploration, Regulatory and Permitting Information Desktop Toolkit, Space Warps, Berkeley Lab Range Hood Roundup, SETI @ home / Astropulse, and Orphan Well Location Survey.
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Disabled
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
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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.
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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)).
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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.
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Alaskan, Native American
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).
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Track number of positions by program office dedicated to disadvantaged and Tribal community engagement. Track number of program offices utilizing central disadvantaged community and Tribal engagement tracker. Monitor number of Tribal and disadvantaged communities supported by capacity building, grant - writing and technical assistance. Identify and note the number of DOE processes where Tribal and disadvantaged communities participated in decision - making. Determine percent of relevant DOE employees receiving onboarding and ongoing training on Tribal and disadvantaged community engagement. Capture the number of community members or stakeholders engaged by - Communities of interest (individually and collectively) Type of Engagement Degree of Engagement
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Existing working groups such as the Indian Country Energy and Infrastructure Working Group and Nuclear Energy Tribal Working Group The White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council. Intergovernmental Groups, such as State and Tribal Government Working Group and Energy Communities Alliance, Tribal Programs, National Transportation Stakeholders Forum, Community Programs, and Environmental Management's Minority Serving Institutions Partnership Program.
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Minority Serving Institutions
In FY 2022 and FY 2023, Congress appropriated EM $ 56M in each year for EM's Minority Serving Institutions Partnership Program (MSIPP), a program designed to promote the education and development of the next generation workforce in critical science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) related disciplines in support of EM's mission. EM MSIPP grants assist minority serving institution (MSI) efforts to build competitive academic STEM programs and to purchase the tools and equipment necessary for scientific learning. In FY 2022, EM awarded $ 30M in financial assistance to MSIs in South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington. These grants help to develop highly qualified STEM students and foster a well - trained, technically skilled, and inclusive workforce. In FY 2023, EM reviewed MSI applications for potential financial assistance through the EM MSIPP program.
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Minority Serving Institutions
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).
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Latinx, Minority Serving Institutions
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.
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Minority Serving Institutions
In April 2023, NE announced its awards for the University Nuclear Leadership Program (UNLP) scholarship and fellowship opportunities. 17 undergraduate scholarships were awarded to eight MSIs, totaling $ 170,000. Three graduate fellowships were awarded to two MSIs, totaling $ 507,000. Announcement for UNLP awards can be found here. Find additional links to award information at University Nuclear Leadership Program Scholarship and Fellowship Awards. In June 2023, NE announced its awards for the FY 2023 Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research (CINR) research and development (R & D), Infrastructure Support for CINR, Distinguished Early Career Program (DECP), and Innovations in Nuclear Energy R & D Student Competition. These announcements included nine awards to eight lead MSIs, totaling $ 7.9M. Announcement for FY 2023 CINR, DECP, and Innovations awards can be found here. Announcement for FY 2023 Infrastructure Support for CINR awards can be found here. Additional links to award information available at: FY 2023 Nuclear Energy University Program R & D Awards FY 2023 Integrated Research Projects Awards
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Latinx
Hispanic Initiative.
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LGBTQ+
LGBTQI + Initiative.
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AAPI, Alaskan
Initiative on Asian Americans (AA), Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (NHPI).
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Rural
Rural Communities.
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Native American
Tribal and Community Engagement
DOE 2023 Text 1
Native American, POC
As we enter the clean energy transition, equity and justice must be at the forefront of the Department of Energy's (hereinafter DOE or the Department) mission. For far too long, Tribal Nations, communities of color, and low - income communities have borne the brunt of pollution. The clean energy revolution must lift up communities that have been overburdened by pollution and excluded from economic prosperity, and ensure they participate fully in the benefits of the Department's historic investments in clean energy. From the households grappling with issues of energy - related pollution and energy insecurity, to the universities advancing basic research with Department funds, and the businesses and community - based organizations that partner with DOE to deliver on its mission, the Department has an extraordinary reach. To fulfill this mission, DOE must embed equity throughout its policies and programs.
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and DOE's Energy Storage for Social Equity (ES4SE) Initiative. The scorecard also has a section on partnerships with Tribal communities as well as an overview of efforts to institutionalize environmental justice within the agency. The scorecard also notes that DOE has 143 staff working on environmental justice either in full or part time capacity as well as 63 tools to advance environmental justice.
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DOE supports President Biden's Investing in America agenda by providing technical assistance programs for states, territories, Tribes, and local governments to make a once - in - a - generation investment in infrastructure, clean energy and climate resilience.
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LGBTQ+
In FY 2023, DOE sponsored the Capital Pride Festival, Lesbians Who Tech conference, and attended the Out in STEM conference to engage with the LGBTQI + community on employment and federal and DOE opportunities. DOE also works in close partnership with its Energy PRIDE Employee Resource Group (ERG) for Pride Month, including raising the Progress Pride Flag for the third year in a row with the Energy Secretary.
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POC
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).
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Rural
The overarching goal of this strategy is to ensure that underserved, underrepresented, and rural communities are equitably considered for and reap the benefits of federal energy programs and new energy technologies. To improve equity, DOE will:
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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.
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Native American, Veterans, Women
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).
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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.
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Native American, Veterans, Women
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.
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Disabled, LGBTQ+, Native American, POC, Rural, Women
Much has been achieved since Executive Order 13985 was signed; however, advancing equity is not a short - term project. It is a commitment that requires sustained focus and partnership with communities. On February 16, 2023, President Biden signed Executive Order 14091, Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. This order strengthened the government's equity mandate and directed the federal government to continue to champion racial equity and advance equal opportunity for every American, particularly those in rural communities, communities of color, Tribal Nations, LGBTQI + individuals, people with disabilities, women and girls, and communities impacted by persistent poverty.
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Minority Serving Institutions, Native American
The missions of the NNSA Minority Serving Institutions Partnership ship Program (MSIPP) and Tribal Education Partnership Program (TEPP) are to build a sustainable science, technology, engineering and mathematics pipeline that prepares a diverse workforce of world - class talent through strategic partnerships between MSIs, including Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and the nuclear security enterprise. MSIPP and TEPP align investments in university capacity and workforce development with DOE / NNSA mission areas to cultivate a technical workforce and enhance research and education capabilities at MSIs and TCUs. MSIPP and TEPP support 33 consortia consisting of 56 MSI partners as well as DOE / NNSA laboratories, production plants, and sites. Using MSIPP funds, NNSA created the Community and Junior College Trade Occupation Program (CJCTOP). CJCTOP links minority serving community colleges directly to Nuclear Security Enterprise labs, plants, and sites.
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Disabled, Veterans, Women
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.
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Disabled
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.
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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.
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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.
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Alaskan
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.
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Alaskan, Minority Serving Institutions, Native American
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.
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Modify the way existing programs are implemented to emphasize the importance of delivering benefits to underserved communities and design new programs equitably, which will ensure that a greater portion of funds flow to those communities. Examples include: For the ORLP, NPS specified the following criteria for emphasis to be considered in the evaluation of proposals for awards in FY 2023: (1) environmental justice, (2) urban heat map areas, and (3) military outdoor recreation. The LWCF State Assistance Program provides grants to States to support the acquisition of land and the development of facilities for public outdoor recreation. The NPS - revised LWCF State Manual, which lays out the requirements for State participation in the program, asks States to be more intentional in selecting LWCF projects that are in alignment with Justice40 Initiative goals and direct States to use the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool in project selection. In order for States to participate in the LWCF program, they must prepare a Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan that outlines how they will implement the program. The NPS will also ask States, through their quinquennial updates, to include underserved communities as they identify recreation issues of Statewide importance and the actions States will take to address them. In implementing the BIL AML Program, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement is encouraging States and Tribes to prioritize projects that invest in communities marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution, consistent with the President's Justice40 Initiative. This work will be informed by a planned investigation, per the Department's FY 2022 - 2026 Learning Agenda, into identified sites on Tribal lands that require remediation from prior coal mining activity to determine that which is hindering completing reclamation work and identify potential solutions. In implementing the BIL Orphaned Well program, the Department is requesting States and Federal partners receiving funds through the orphaned well program to prioritize plugging and remediation of wells within 0.5 miles of underserved communities as much as possible under legal authorities to maximize the environmental justice impact.
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Hawaiian, Native American
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
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Develop and provide training for Departmental staff to improve their ability to work with underserved communities, which was identified through internal discussions with staff as an area of need. Examples include: Develop and host Departmentwide environmental justice training, including on Indigenous Knowledge. Develop a stakeholder toolkit, including an internal needs assessment and gap analysis that enables employees to assess their own skills regarding engagement with communities. Develop a community of practice, mentorship network, and list of DOI employees who work on stakeholder engagement. Develop an environmental justice toolkit site including environmental justice screening and mapping tools compendium for use internally by Department staff. Conduct a geography - focused impact analysis project to develop a more comprehensive understanding of how various Department activities can combine to impact a region. Conduct a Justice40 Initiative covered program pilot evaluation to get a more comprehensive understanding of what is working about a program, what could be modified to remove any identified barriers, and how stakeholders perceive it.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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national origin, religion, age, or disability. Promote equity in science to root out bias in the design and use of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence.
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Environmental Justice: Secure environmental justice and spur economic opportunity by addressing disproportionate and adverse health and environmental impacts, including from climate change and cumulative impacts, on marginalized and overburdened communities. Implement the Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments (e.g., in clean energy, climate, pollution reduction, and critical infrastructure, flow to disadvantaged communities across rural, urban, and Tribal areas).
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The Department is leaning into its ethical and legal responsibilities to Tribes by honoring sovereignty and reckoning with DOI's role in historical injustice and marginalization of Indigenous people. Leaders are learning from the past through (1) nation - to - nation consultation; (2) listening for understanding; (3) ethically co - producing, sharing, and using evidence and data for decision - making; and (4) employing analytic tools to advance and promote equity and justice in all that we do for Tribes, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and the American public. The Department also recognizes that much of the United States ' history is tied to our public lands. Whether it be our national parks, monuments, wildlife refuges, or other historic or culturally
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Environmental Justice: Secure environmental justice and spur economic opportunity by implementing the Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments, flow to disadvantaged communities across rural, urban, and Tribal areas.
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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.
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This strategy seeks to identify and remove barriers to equity by enforcing public civil rights protections prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or disabilities in programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance. It also ensures that the Department - along with its programs, activities and services - does not discriminate based on race, color, sex,
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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.
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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.
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that fatal encounters with law enforcement have disproportionately involved people of color.
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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.
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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
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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
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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)
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Decades of environmental research has proven connections between the location of hazardous waste facilities and environmental hazards, and the racial and economic status of the surrounding communities. For example, in 1983, the Government Accountability Office found that three of four offsite hazardous waste facilities were located in predominantly poor and African American communities. 59 In 1992, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identified that communities of color and low - income communities, " " experience higher than average exposures to selected air pollutants, hazardous waste facilities, and contaminated fish and agricultural pesticides in the workplace. " ",, 60 In 2021, the EPA also reported that " " Black and African American individuals are 40 % more likely than non - Black and non - African American individuals to currently live in areas with the highest projected increases in mortality rates due to climate - driven changes in extreme temperatures., 661 And EPA found that " " American Indian and Alaska Native individuals are 48 % more likely than non - American Indian and non - Alaska Native individuals to currently live in areas where the highest percentage of land is projected to be inundated due to sea level rise. " " 62
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Specifically, the Department has hosted meetings, convenings, and listening sessions in order to directly engage with communities of color, Indigenous communities, individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP), rural communities, the LGBTQI + community, persons with disabilities,
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Among other notable initiatives, the Department is responsible for implementing the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Reauthorization of 2022, 14 the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), 15 and the legislation to extend the Not Invisible Act Commission. 16 The below highlights three examples of how the Department is advancing equity through legislation:
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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
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enhance services for victims of crimes in underserved populations, including LGBTQI + populations. 18
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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
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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.
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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.
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According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), 44 % of individuals who leave State prisons were rearrested in their first year after release, and within nine years of release, five of six of those previously in State prison had been rearrested. 28 The high rates of recidivism for returning citizens underscores the need to support individuals upon reentry and set them up for success. Studies have also shown that suspending a person's driver's license for failure to pay fines and fees disproportionately impacts low - income communities and communities of color and can interfere with the ability of these individuals to comply with the terms of their supervision. 29
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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.
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Pursuant to a mandate from the First Step Act, 35 in April 2022, the Reentry Coordination Council (RCC) (comprising DOJ, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Labor, the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Agriculture) released a Report to Congress regarding reducing barriers to reentry. 36 The report was informed by community engagement from " " interested persons, service providers, nonprofit organizations, and State, [ T ] ribal, and local governments " " as well as " " individuals who have experienced reentering the community from carceral settings Such engagement included listening sessions regarding collateral consequences, employment and education, housing and food security, and healthcare and veterans. Moving forward, the Department will continue to participate in the RCC's efforts to engage with community partners and reduce barriers to successful reentry.
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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.
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Federal, State, Tribal, local, and territorial LEAs must improve their ability to recruit and retain officers that better reflect the communities they serve in order to improve public safety outcomes and address the recruitment and retention crisis. Increased officer diversity can also help improve the culture of police departments and build greater trust and legitimacy with historically marginalized and underserved communities, including by reducing bias through increased exposure to individuals from a diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences. 40
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Second, the FBI is strengthening ties between the FBI and the Black community through its Beacon Project. This program includes hosting national and regional conferences comprised of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) leadership and FBI executives to build long - term relationships and address the difficult history between the FBI and the Black community. The FBI also hosts HBCU Campus Tours to bring FBI staff to campuses for classroom and faculty presentations, mock interviews, and resume workshops. These efforts reflect FBI's understanding of and commitment to creating trust, cultivating mutual understanding, and to building a workforce that better reflects and serves the American public.
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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.
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D. Strategy 4. Addressing Victimization and Criminalization of Women, Girls, Transgender Individuals, and Gender Non - Conforming Persons (Civil Rights Strategy)
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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.
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Women, girls, transgender individuals, and gender non - conforming individuals are more likely to be victims of violent crime. More than half of women (54.3 %) in the U.S. reported experiencing some form of sexual victimization involving physical contact at some point in their lifetime. 46 Between 2017 and 2020, " " the rates of violent victimization were significantly higher for persons who self - identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual than for those who identified as straight. " ",, 47 The rate of
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victimization among transgender individuals " " was 2.5 times the rate among cisgender persons.,, 48 Yet only " " 58 % of violent victimizations against lesbian or gay persons were reported to the police., 49 A common reason for the failure to report is a belief that the " " police would be ineffective. " " Similarly, " " human trafficking disproportionately affects women and girls, people of color, [ and ] LGBTQI + individuals. " "
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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.
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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
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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
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I am grateful to the Department's Equity Team, a group of more than twenty senior leaders from across the Department, for their work to prepare this year's Equity Action Plan and to oversee various efforts consistent with Executive Order (EO) 14091, Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. 1
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Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco issued a directive in 2022 to all USAOs to revise their operating plans to better prioritize crimes against women, youth, and children, including evaluating the use of trained multidisciplinary teams for sexual assault and domestic violence cases in Indian country. USAOs must update their policies and protocols to place victims at the center of their work and to ensure prosecutors are familiar with culturally responsive, medical, and forensic services available to victims, both within and outside of Indian country.
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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
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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.
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In the near to mid - term, all Department employees who interact with victims of crimes that disproportionately affect women, girls, transgender individuals, and gender non - conforming individuals will receive information and training regarding the latest supports and services afforded to victims, including the revised Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance and the rights afforded to victims under the Crime Victims ' Rights Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3771, 57 and the Victims ' Rights and Restitution Act, 34 U.S.C. 20141. 58 DOJ will also regularly assess the efficacy of those trainings. Certain grants are subject to performance measures that require grantees to provide data pertaining to various metrics to assist in evaluating the reach and effectiveness of the programs funded by the grants.
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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.
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Disabled, Native American, POC
Historically marginalized and underserved communities, including communities of color, Tribal and Indigenous communities, and individuals living in low - income communities, often bear the greatest burdens of harm caused by environmental crime, pollution, climate change and climate - related disasters, and other environmental hazards. Equity and equality are undermined when a person's race, national origin, language spoken, disability, income, or membership in a Tribal or Indigenous community determines their exposure to environmental and climate - related harms, especially when that exposure can cause deleterious health effects and diminished quality of life outcomes.
DOL 2023 Part Of Layout List 1
Women
(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.
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Black
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) holds regular Interagency Vulnerable Worker Roundtables to disseminate information on workers ' rights and create strong strategic collaborations between vulnerable workers and community stakeholders. OSHA will focus convenings on the Southeast, in addition to other regions, and be intentional in outreach by including focusing on underserved workers, such as Black workers and the Formerly Incarcerated, as well as other groups. DOL plans to hold convenings with workers, State officials, and key staff in the Southeast, to achieve the following: Disseminate information on workers ' rights, avenues for reporting poor working conditions, and apprenticeship opportunities. Connect workers and community leaders to create an environment for stronger worker coalitions. Create a pipeline by which workers feel comfortable reporting unfavorable working conditions, and provide feedback on current DOL processes to improve service delivery; and The Women's Bureau (WB) will work with justice impacted people in the Southeast to develop a training on effective outreach strategies to justice impacted
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Disabled, Senior
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.
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Black, Disabled, Latinx, POC, Veterans, Women
To host additional Good Jobs events similarly to those carried out in recent years, such as the FY 2022 DOL Good Jobs Summit, which joined over 350 cross - sector stakeholders to discuss effective strategies for building partnerships to empower working people; and the series of FY 2023 Good Jobs events that DOL hosted specifically aimed at uplifting examples of Good Jobs creation and workers from underserved communities including women, people of color, and others, employed in critical sectors like construction. See, e.g., Making Equity Real: Black Workers and Good Jobs, Empowering AA and NHPI Workers and Promoting Good Jobs for All Workers, and Latinx Workers & Invest in America: Building the High Road While Combating the Low Road. Through the Megaproject Program, OFCCP will establish Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Committees to discuss hiring barriers and strategies to promote equal employment opportunity for all applicants, including women, people of color, veterans, and people with disabilities.
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Disabled, Women
Occupational segregation - wherein women are overrepresented in certain jobs and industries and underrepresented in others - leads to lower pay for women and contributes to the wage gap for several interrelated reasons. In addition, women, who have always performed the majority of unpaid family caregiving, often face additional barriers throughout their working lives, such as periods out of the labor force to meet caregiving demands, whether for children or for aging or disabled loved ones, or discrimination on the basis of sex or caregiver status.
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Women
In 2020, the Department of Labor's Women's Bureau (WB) collaborated with the U.S. Census Bureau to conduct the most comprehensive analysis of the gender wage gap to date. The analysis shows that the majority of the gap between men and women's wages cannot be explained through measurable differences between workers, such as age, education, work history, industry, occupation, or work hours, but is more likely the result of occupational and industrial segregation. Additional studies show that providing caregiving activities to children and adults with care needs, of which women are disproportionately responsible, impose substantial lifetime economic costs; and during economic strife, like the COVID - pandemic, subsets of women have experienced slower recovery in comparison to their male counterparts.
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Black, Women
(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.
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Veterans, Women
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
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Women
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.
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Women
Number of grants provided to increase women's participation in apprenticeship programs; Set standards for addressing gender - based violence and harassment in the workforce; and Number of state partnerships formed to support investments in female - dominated work sectors.
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Women
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.
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Black, Latinx, Women
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.
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Women
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 2023 Part Of Layout List 4
Native American
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.
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Disabled, Minority Serving Institutions, Senior, Veterans, Women
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
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Disabled, Minority Serving Institutions, Native American
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.
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Black, Immigrant, Latinx, Women
Analyses of Workers Rights by State (link), Labor Force Statistics (link), and Best and Worst States to Work in America (link) indicate that the states in the Southeastern United States are routinely ranked in the bottom third of States for worker protections, wage, and salary. Based on data, states in the Southeast experience lower union affiliation of employed wage and salary workers in comparison to other states. States in the Southeast are collectively more likely to contain economically distressed communities, defined as communities with lower educational attainment, higher poverty and unemployment rates and lower median incomes. In FY 2022, DOL conducted a series of meetings across the United States with workers and found that Southeast workers faced significant worker protection and wage disparities amongst Black, Latino, women, migrant, and other underserved communities.
DOL 2023 Text 107
Disabled
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.
DOL 2023 Text 112
Women
Studies show that a range of support services are needed to enable underserved individuals to participate in job training. Among women, who often bear the brunt of care giving responsibilities, evidence shows the positive impact supportive services have on completion of training programs and job outcomes. Studies also show that women who received occupational skills training had wages that were 80 percent higher than those who did not receive such training and those who received supportive services earned an average of $ 400 more per quarter in comparison to those not receiving those services. Apprentices who do not complete their apprenticeship are more likely to report experiencing financial difficulties, especially with being able to afford tools and clothing, housing, child care, housing, and transportation.
DOL 2023 Text 130
Women
Embed Gender Equity through the disruption of occupational segregation to improve wages and working conditions in key, female - dominated sectors, reduce caregiving penalties for women and low paid workers, and eliminate gender - based discrimination in the workplace to include transwomen.
DOL 2023 Text 133
AAPI, Black, Latinx, Women
Women are a critical part of the U.S. labor force and contribute significantly both to their families ' economic security and the U.S. economy. Yet women, especially women of color, have experienced longstanding disparities in the labor force. Women have persistently lower wages and fewer workplace benefits than men, disparities that are even more significant for Black, Hispanic, and some subsets of Asian women. Women - dominated jobs, including care work, have been devalued. Decades of underinvestment in social safety net policies like childcare and paid leave and declining unionization rates left women with few supports to manage work and their unpaid family caregiving responsibilities.
DOL 2023 Text 134
Women
Women have been acutely affected in the workplace in the following areas:
DOL 2023 Text 137
Women
The gender and racial wage gap results in women being paid only 84 % of what men are paid, on average, and women of color even less. This means that they must work more years to earn the same amount as men, while at the same time they must prepare for a longer retirement, in large part due to their longer life expectancy.
DOL 2023 Text 161
Women
Overall increases in wages in female dominated sectors, increases in the number of women in higher paying fields, and reduction of gender - based violence and harassment in the world of work.
DOL 2023 Text 162
Women
DOL has participated in a number of partnership development sessions to build connections, understand barriers, and understand how to best serve women workers. DOL will continue to develop partnerships through community engagement, including the following actions:
DOL 2023 Text 166
Disabled
Whole - of - Government Equity Objective: Civil Rights: Protect the civil and constitutional rights of all persons, and enforce prohibitions against discrimination on the basis of race, national origin (including individuals who are Limited English Proficient), sex, disability, etc.
DOL 2023 Text 189
Black, Women
Increase outreach to small, disadvantaged businesses, such as Black - and women - owned businesses, in contracting processes, through the development of an evidence - based evaluation to identify opportunities in the procurement processes and implementation of a strategic engagement plan.
DOL 2023 Text 204
Women
As part of the evidence building analysis, the Department will engage with small business and strategic community partners for feedback on the procurement process and potential opportunities to encourage participation by small disadvantaged and women owned businesses.
DOL 2023 Text 30
LGBTQ+
The Administration's historic Executive Orders to advance racial equity through mobilization of Federal resources provides the Department of Labor with an opportunity to deepen our commitments from the previous year while pursuing new avenues to reach underserved and disenfranchised communities. We have created an Agency Equity Team, led by our Chief Diversity and Equity Officer and leaders from across the agency, to embed equity into our agency's strategic documents and policies, including advancing gender equity, support for LGBTQ + rights, and pursuing environmental justice.
DOL 2023 Text 70
Bipoc, Disabled, LGBTQ+, Rural, Veterans, Women
In support of federal Investing in America (IIA) funds, stemming from funds through the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act, the Good Jobs Initiative (GJI) provides critical information to workers, employers, and government agencies as they work to improve job quality and create access to good jobs, free from discrimination and harassment for all working people (with emphasis on underserved communities, including BIPOC individuals, LGBTQ + individuals, women, immigrants, veterans, individuals with disabilities, individuals in rural communities, individuals without a college degree, individuals with or recovering from a substance use disorder, justice - involved individuals, and opportunity youth). In alignment with the Good Jobs Principles, equity provisions have been embedded in all aspects of the GJI:
DOT 2023 Part Of Layout List 12
AAPI, Alaskan, Disabled, Pacific Islander, Women
Disability Policy Priorities: The DOT Disability Policy Priorities highlight work that DOT is undertaking to increase access for people with disabilities across four focus areas: safe and accessible air travel; multimodal accessibility of public transportation facilities, vehicles, and rights - of - way; access to good - paying jobs and business opportunities for people with disabilities; and enabling accessibility of electric vehicles and automated vehicles. Justice40: The government - wide Justice40 Initiative establishes the goal that 40 % of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities. At DOT, Justice40 is an opportunity for both the agency and our stakeholders to understand the burdens that result from the lack of affordable, safe multimodal transportation options and how to identify transportation investments that will create benefits that will reverse or mitigate those burdens, inclusive of a meaningful public engagement process that spans a project's lifecycle. Gender Justice: DOT has identified Gender Justice priorities in response to EO 14020. These priorities include strategies to advance gender diversity in certain segments of the transportation sector, address gender disparities in transportation safety, combat human trafficking, improve DOT utilization of small disadvantaged businesses that are both women - and minority - owned, and, increase gender diversity within the DOT workforce. Asian American, Native Hawai'ian, and Pacific Islander Action Plan: DOT's plan, created as part of a government - wide initiative, focuses on assessing perceptions of public transportation; promoting Title VI awareness; improving competitiveness of businesses for federal contracts; and increasing workforce participation rates.
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Black, Latinx
Lack of access to capital sources means Black - and Hispanic - owned businesses have less growth capital. These businesses are half as likely as non - minority counterparts to be fully approved for loans, lines of credit, and cash advances. 4 Minority - owned businesses and small disadvantaged businesses often have inadequate bonding capacity and access to surety expertise. This makes it difficult to compete and perform in government contracts, which limits award opportunities for many small, disadvantaged businesses. 5
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Black, Latinx, Women
In the top four industries receiving direct contracts from DOT, the following small and disadvantaged business enterprises were underrepresented in terms of total FY 2022 DOT direct contract dollars: Women and Black workers are significantly underrepresented in the construction workforce, a key job growth area from infrastructure investments. In 2020, women held about 1 in 10 construction jobs while non - Hispanic Blacks held 5.1 percent of construction jobs, compared with their 11.8 - percent share of total employment. 7
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Minority Serving Institutions
DOCR hosted seven Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) outreach sessions related to DOT's DBE / ACDBE Program regulations, targeting different stakeholders, in July and August 2022. PHMSA has taken an active role in engaging more with MSIs and encouraging them to participate in the Competitive Academic Agreement Program (CAAP). DOT's Infrastructure Workforce Development team held a webinar with about 400 individuals focusing on how local and economic hiring preferences can be used to create a more diverse construction workforce. The webinar included case studies from Seattle, New York State, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
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Rural
Public involvement is often treated as an event rather than a process. 9 In many cases, community members are not involved in early discussions to identify solutions with agency partners. Traditional print and radio reach limited audiences. Social media, pop - up events, and community meetings, used by some, are more effective at reaching diverse groups in rural and urban areas. 1 10
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Disabled
Public meetings are a common public involvement strategy but can be inconvenient or impossible to attend for some. 11 Physical meeting locations may be inaccessible for some, including those with disabilities or individuals with limited English proficiency. Virtual public meetings may be inaccessible for people without internet access or computer literacy. Across formats, public engagement may be inaccessible to individuals with limited English proficiency. Various methods may be needed to allow people with diverse circumstances to have a voice in decisions that affect their communities. 12 Adaptive engagement strategies can be a resource - intensive but valuable endeavor that is responsive to specific community needs, including different language and cultural backgrounds.
DOT 2023 Part Of Layout List 2
Women
January 2022: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) integrated the Small Business Program Manager into the Acquisition Strategy Review Board for procurement planning and coordination to help identify small business contracting opportunities. January 2022: OST launched a DOT - wide procurement dashboard to raise awareness of contracting opportunities and drive accountability for meeting small and disadvantaged business goals. February 2022: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) began tracking the number of residential and non - residential displacements to ensure displacements, especially in communities with Environmental Justice (EJ) concerns, are reduced across all projects and that mitigation measures are in place to minimize impacts of relocation. July 2022: OST issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to modernize the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession DBE (ACDBE) program regulations to help further level the playing field for small disadvantaged businesses. November 2022: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) held the first meeting of the Women of Trucking Advisory Board, whose work will support women pursuing careers in trucking, expand scholarship opportunities for women in the trucking industry, and enhance trucking training, mentorship, education, and outreach programs for women. December 2022: Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) launched the Master Capacity Building Series Federal Contracting 101. April 2023: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) established a Small Business Program to increase participation of small businesses, including minority and woman - owned small businesses in publicly funded rail projects. LAUNCHING EDUCATION SEMINARS TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS SEEKING DOT CONTRACTS: Small and minority - owned businesses can face hurdles in obtaining federal contracts. Many businesses without the capacity or resources to receive primary contracts are also unaware of opportunities to work as a subcontractor. To address these concerns, OSDBU launched the Master Capacity Building Series. The initial session hosted more than 500 participants, and the program has reached over 6,400 small and disadvantaged business owners as of June 2023. Technical assistance has contributed to an increase in small disadvantaged business utilization, from 18.2 % of DOT direct contract dollars in FY 2021 to 21.25 % in FY 2022.
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Native American, Rural
By 2025, increase by 5 % the number of DOT discretionary grant applicants from disadvantaged communities who have never applied for DOT funding before. Work to meet the Justice40 goal that 40 % of the benefits of certain federal investments flow to transportation disadvantaged communities. Increase the number of new projects in disadvantaged communities utilizing formula funds from Justice40 covered programs. Increase the total federal transit grant dollars announced or allocated for rural or Tribal areas.
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Rural
Navigating the complex environment of federal grant opportunities requires specialized expertise and experience. Overburdened or disadvantaged communities in urban and rural areas may not have adequate resources to gain access to the necessary expertise and experience. Benefit - cost analysis (BCA) is a requirement for several major transportation discretionary grant applications. BCAs require specialized analysis tools and skills and are based on how benefits measure up to costs. When underserved communities do not have access to those tools or are located in areas where there are too few " " benefits " " to measure, potentially beneficial projects in underserved communities might not be selected due to incomplete or flawed BCAs.
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Rural
Between 2016 - 2021, DOT had approximately 3,500 total unique applicants to its funding programs. In 2022, approximately 350 new applicants from disadvantaged communities applied to DOT's discretionary funding programs, accounting for close to a quarter of new applicants to DOT programs. The volume of new applicants, and DOT's goal of further increasing the number of new applicants from disadvantaged communities, calls for a corresponding increase in technical assistance to help ensure new applicants ' success in delivering transformative transportation projects. In the ETC Explorer, the majority of rural census tracts are experiencing transportation insecurity. 18 A significant portion also experience heath 19 and socioeconomic vulnerability.
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Disabled
Reduce national transportation cost burden by 5 %, including transportation travel cost as a percent of income, by FY 2030. Increase safe, affordable, multimodal access to key destinations, including: work, education, grocery stores, health care, affordable housing, and recreation Reduce the race fatality ratio by population. meaning the national percentage of roadway fatalities per race over the percentage of population per race. Decrease in number of passengers with disabilities whose wheelchairs are damaged during air travel and who are injured in transfers to / from aircraft.
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Alaskan, Black, Rural
People experiencing lower incomes spend a far greater percent of their income on transportation than households with middle or higher incomes. Reliable, safe, high - quality accessible multimodal transportation systems can help address these disparities and increase residents ' upward economic mobility. Nationally, 47 % of the US population and 69 % of the population living in rural census tracts spend more than 15 % of their annual income on transportation. Roadway fatalities among Black people increased by 23 % between 2019 and 2020, compared to an overall increase in fatalities of 7.2 %. 28 People who are American Indian and Alaska Native have roadway fatality rates more than double the national rate on a per population basis. 29 While only 19 % of the U.S. population lives in rural areas, 45 % of all roadway fatalities and
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Disabled
FHWA engaged 16 stakeholder organizations in a Technical Review Panel to help inform a survey of Complete Street policies and implementation programs at State DOTs; conducted a National Complete Streets Assessment of all State DOTs and held findings webinar in April 2023; and posted six Complete Street Planning Case Studies covering MPOs and cities that are performing noteworthy efforts with Complete Streets Planning. DOT will publish Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRMs) to provide an opportunity to comment on proposed rulemakings related to transportation accessibility, and promote them through agency communications such as emails, press releases, and social media posts. OST and FAA are engaging disability advocates, researchers, and the aviation industry on research, including through events with the Transportation Research Board, to enable passengers to stay in their personal wheelchairs on aircraft. OST hosted a workshop with DOT staff, academics, local agencies, non - profits, state agencies, advocacy groups, associations, and other federal agencies to inform next steps on DOT's model for estimating cost burden.
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Senior
All DOT Operating Administrations (OAs) have adopted an equity analysis process throughout their program offices to increase meaningful public involvement in DOT - conducted virtual engagements by 2024. All DOT OAs have well - resourced Equity Teams led by career members of the Senior Executive Service who champion, coordinate, resource, and implement the OA's equity mission by 2024. DOT staff in key job functions, including and outside civil rights offices, have the core competencies and executive sponsorship to incorporate equity into their daily work by 2024.
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Native American
Measuring the effectiveness of public involvement is challenging and time - consuming for DOT, as it is for our grantees and interagency partners. Practical methods that have been developed to evaluate the success of public involvement activities have not yet been applied at large scale. Building contact lists inclusive of underrepresented communities, including members of the public as well as representatives of non - profits, companies, and state, local, and Tribal governments, takes time.
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Black, Disabled, Minority Serving Institutions, POC, Rural, Women
1 Department of Transportation Equity Council | US Department of Transportation, https: / / www.trans - portation.gov / mission / department - transportation - ed uity - council. 2 Advancing Equity and Racial Justice Through the Federal Government. The White House, https: / / www.whitehouse. gov / equity / 3 Butrica, Barbara A, et al. Women in Apprenticeships and Nontraditional Occupations in the United States. Urban Institute, 2023. https: / / www.dol.gov / sites / dolgov / files / Nieves - Cartagena % 40DOL.GOV / WANTO - knowl edge % 20Brief / WANTO - knowledge - report - 508 % 20 6.15.23. pdf. Note: the cited research was funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. DOT is conducting a fuller assessment of barriers to jobs in the construc - tion industry as required by Section 25019 of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 4 Small Business Credit Survey 2021: Report on Firms Owned by People of Color. Federal Reserve, 2021. https: / / www.fedsmallbusiness.org / survey / 2021 / 2021 - report - on - firms - owned - by - people - of - color. 5 McCloud, Edith. Improving Minority Businesses ' Access to Capital Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). 2021, https: / / opportunity.census.gov / assets / files / 2021 - problem - statements / post - covid / MBDA_ Im - proving % 20Minority % 20Businesses % 20Access % 20 to % 20Capital.pdf 6 Data Bank Contract Data Reports SAM.Gov, https: / / sam.gov / reports / awards / static. 7 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Construction In - dustry: Characteristics of the Employed, 2003 - 20. Apr. 2022. https: / / www.bls.gov / spotlight / 2022 / the - con - struction - industry - labor - force - 2003 - to - 2020 / home. htm. 8 The White House. Fact Sheet: Biden - Harris Adminis - tration Announces New Measures to Promote Equitable Community Development. The White House, 27 Jun. 2023, https: / / www.whitehouse.gov / briefing - room / statements - releases / 2023 / 06 / 27 / fact - sheet - biden - har ris - administration - announces - new - measures - to - pro - mote - equitable - community - development /. 9 Aimen, David, and Anne Morris. Practical Approaches for Involving Traditionally Underserved Populations in Transportation Decisionmaking NCHRP Report, no. 710, Project 8 - 72, 2012, https: / / trid.trb.org / view / 1135054, 10 Madzlan, Mardzuki, et al. Government's Advertising Information Content Strategy in Newspaper Print Advertisement. Jan. 2020, https: / / ir.uitm.edu.my / id / eprint / 43768 / 1 / 43768. pdf 11 Spivak, Jeffrey. 6 Tips for Inclusive Public Meetings. American Planning Association, https: / / www.planning. org / planning / 2019 / mar / 6tipspublicmeetings /. 12 United States Department of Transportation. Promising Practices for Meaningful Public Involvement in Transportation Decision - Making Oct. 2022, https: / / w.transportation.gov / priorities / equity / promis - ing - practices - meaningful - public - involvement - transpor - tation - decision - making 13 Brown, Bruce, et al. Measuring the Effectiveness of Public Involvement in Transportation Planning and Project Development. Transportation Research Board, 2019. Na - tional Academies Press, https: / / doi.org / 10.17226 / 25447. 14 Brown, Bruce, et al. Measuring the Effectiveness of Public Involvement in Transportation Planning and Project Development. 15 Schedule Census Urbanized Areas and MPO / TMA Desig - nation Census Issues Planning FHWA, https: / / www. hwa.dot.gov / planning / census_issues / ar - eas and mpo tma / schedule / Notes: The percent of TMAs was designated as of Summer 2022, prior to the DOT Secretary designation of new TMAs based on the 2020 Census. 16 Increasing Federal Funding to Community - Based Orga - nizations Prepared for Organizations in the Strong Pros - perous and Resilient Communities Challenge (SPARCC). Enterprise, https: / / www.sparcchub.org / wp - content / uploads / 2022 / 03 / Final - CBO - Memo - March - 2022. pdf 17 Archer, Deborah N. Transportation Policy and the Underdevelopment of Black Communities. 3797364, 4 Mar. 2021. Social Science Research Network, https: / / papers.ssrn.com / abstract = 3797364. 18 Notes: Transportation insecurity occurs when people are unable to get to where they need to go to meet the needs of their daily life regularly, reliably, and safely. 19 Notes: Health Vulnerability category assesses the increased frequency of health conditions that may result from exposure to air, noise, and water pollution, as well as lifestyle factors such as poor walkability, car dependency, and long commute times. 20 Notes: Social vulnerability indicators measure lack of employment, educational attainment, poverty, housing tenure, access to broadband, and housing cost burden as well as identifying household characteristics such as age, disability status and English proficiency. 21 US EPA, OP. Smart Growth and Transportation. 26 Apr. 2013, https: / / www.epa.gov / smartgrowth / smart - growth - and - transportation. 22 Jiao, Junfeng. Understanding Transportation Related Infrastructure Access in 52 Major US Cities. Cooperative Mobility for Competitive Megaregions, 2019, p. 42, https: / / sites.utexas.edu / cm2 / files / 2019 / 04 / Year2_ TransitDeserts.pdf. 23 Bureau, US Census. Vehicles Available. Census.Gov, https: / / www.census.gov / acs / www / about / why - we - ask - each - question / vehicles /. 24 Economic Well - Being of U.S. Households (SHED): Dealing with Unexpected Expenses. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, https: / / www.federalreserve.gov / publications / 2022 - economic - well - being - of - us - house - holds - in - 2021 - dealing - with - unexpected - expenses.htm 25 Multimodal Access to Public Transportation US Depart - ment of Transportation, https: / / www.transportation gov / mission / health / Multimodal - Access - to - Pub - lic - Transportation 26 Chetty, Raj, et al. Race and Economic Opportunity in the United States: An Intergenerational Perspective. https: / / www.nber.org / system / files / working_papers / w24441 pdf. Dec. 2019. 27 Equitable Transportation Community (ETC) Explorer US Department of Transportation, https: / / www.transporta - on.gov / priorities / equity / justice40 / etc - explorer. 28 Early Estimates of Motor Vehicle Traffic Fatalities and Fatality Rate by Sub - Categories in 2020. Jun. 2021, https: / / crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov / Api / Public / ViewPubli - cation / 813118 29 Evaluating Disparities in Traffic Fatalities by Race, Ethnicity, and Income. Sep. 2022, https: / / crashstats. inhtsa.dot.gov / Api / Public / ViewPublication / 813188 30 Rural / Urban Comparison of Traffic Fatalities. May 2020, htps: / / crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov / Api / Public / ViewPubli - cation / 812957. Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success (ROUTES). Aug. 2023, https: / / www.transporta - tion.gov / rural. 31 Air Travel Consumer Report. The Office of Aviation Consumer Protection, 2023, https: / / www.transpor - tion.gov / sites / dot.gov / files / 2023 - 04 / February % 20 2023 % 20ATCR_Revised.pdf. 32 The National Transit Database (NTD) FTA, https: / / www. transit.dot.gov / ntd. 33 DOT's Advisory Committee on Transportation Equity Charter US Department of Transportation, https: / / www.transportation.gov / civil - rights / acte / charter. 34 An Overview of the Americans With Disabilities Act ADA National Network, https: / / adata.org / factsheet / ADA - overview. 35 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law | US Department of Transportation, https: / / www.transportation.gov / biparti san - infrastructure - law. 36 What Is a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)? US Department of Transportation, https: / / www.transporta - tion.gov / osdbu / disadvantaged - business - enterprise / hat - disadvantaged - business - enterprise - dbe. 38 Revitalizing Our Nation's Commitment to Envi - ronmental Justice for All. Federal Register, 26 Apr. 2023, https: / / www.federalregister.gov / doct hnts / 2023 / 04 / 26 / 2023 - 08955 / revitalizing - our - na - tions - commitment - to - environmental - justice - for - all, 37 Disadvantaged Communities - DOE Directives, Guidance, and Delegations, https: / / www.directives.doe.gov / rms_definitions / disadvantaged - communities - 1 39 Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Under - served Communities Through the Federal Government. Federal Register, 22 Feb. 2023, https: / / www.federal - register.gov / documents / 2023 / 02 / 22 / 2023 - 03779 / further - advancing - racial - equity - and - support - for - un - derserved - communities - through - the - federal. 40 What Is an HBCU? White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportu - nity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities, https: / / sites.ed.gov / whhbcu / one - hundred - and - five - his - rically - black - colleges - and - universities /. 41 Rep. Yarmuth, John A. H.R. 5376 - 117th Congress (2021 - 2022): Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. 16 Aug. 2022, https: / / www.congress.gov / bill / 117th - congress / house - bill / 5376 / text. 42 Justice40 Initiative I Environmental Justice, The White House, https: / / www.whitehouse.gov / environmentaljus - tice / justice40 /. 43 Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) FTA, https: / / ww.transit.dot.gov / regulations - and - guidance / trans. portation - planning / metropolitan - planning - organiza - tion - mpo. 44 Public Involvement | US Department of Transportation. 2022, https: / / www.transportation.gov / public - involve - ment. 45 Enrolled in These Institutions Postsecondary Education Descriptive Analysis Report. U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, 2007, p. 196, https: / / nces.ed.gov / pubs2008 / 2008156. pdf. 46 What Is the National Environmental Policy Act? | US EPA, https: / / www.epa.gov / nepa / what - national - environmen - tal - policy - act. 47 US EPA, OEJECR. EJ 2020 Glossary. 20 Oct. 2016, https: / / www.epa.gov / environmentaljustice / ej - 2020 - glossary. 48 Small Disadvantaged Business I U.S. Small Business Administration, https: / / www.sba.gov / federal - contract - ing / contracting - assistance - programs / small - disadvan - taged - business. 49 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) FTA, https: / / www.transit.dot.gov / regulations - and - guid - ance / transportation - planning / statewide - transporta - tion - improvement - program - stip. 50 Thriving Communities Program I US Department of Transportation, https: / / www.transportation.gov / grants / thriving - communities. 51 Civil Rights Division Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. 9 Apr. 2023, https: / / www.justice.gov / crt / fcs / TitleVI. 52 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) FTA, https: / / www.transit.dot.gov / regulations - and - guidance / transportation - planning / transportation - improve - ment - program - tip. 53 23 CFR Part 450 Planning Assistance and Standards, https: / / www.ecfr.gov / current / title - 23 / part - 450. 54 Executive Order on Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through The Federal Government. The White House, 16 Feb. 2023, 3, https: / / www.whitehouse.gov / briefing - room / presidential - actions / 2023 / 02 / 16 / executive - or - der - on - further - advancing - racial - equity - and - sup - port - for - underserved - communities - through - the - feder - al - government /.
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Native American, Rural
February 2022: OST published a toolkit for planning and funding rural and Tribal electric mobility infrastructure. An updated version of the Charging Forward toolkit was published in May 2023, which includes expanded content on electric transit and micromobility. March 2022: DOT piloted a new approach of releasing combined Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) to streamline the process for applicants applying for multiple discretionary grant programs. April 2022: OST launched federal partnerships with key agencies making place - based technical assistance investments. June 2022: OST released the DOT Navigator, a new one - stop shop for communities to access DOT technical assistance and capacity building resources and to get more information to help them apply for DOT funding. July 2022: OST calculated baselines of benefits distribution for Justice40 covered programs with at least one round of funding awarded. October 2022: OST launched the Thriving Communities Program to provide hands - on technical assistance and capacity building support to underserved and overburdened communities using DOT funds and issued a call for projects for place - based initiatives that are co - designed with communities most impacted by poor access and climate change. February 2023: DOT awarded $ 185 million to disadvantaged communities as part of the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program to provide planning and construction grants to communities who have been cut off from opportunities by infrastructure projects. February 2023: OST announced $ 800 million in grant awards for the Safe Streets and Roads for All program to help communities improve roadway safety, especially for the most vulnerable roadway users, benefitting disadvantaged communities who are disproportionately impacted by roadway fatalities.
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Disabled
March 2022: FHWA advanced Complete Streets as the default design approach and as a transformative strategy in which the transportation network is planned, designed, built, operated, and maintained to enable safe mobility and access for all road users. October 2022: DOT announced the " " TIFIA 49 Program " " that offers low - cost and flexible financing for transit and Transit - oriented Development (TOD) projects at up to 49 % of eligible project costs through DOT's Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program, a higher level of financing that will help more projects get off the ground. December 2022: FTA announced 15 projects in 9 states that will receive approximately $ 686 million under the new All Stations Accessibility Program to make transit rail stations built before passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) fully accessible to people with disabilities. January 2023: DOT encouraged discretionary grant project sponsors to identify how their project will reverse or mitigate how the community is experiencing disadvantage.
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Disabled
DISABILITY POLICY PRIORITIES SPOTLIGHT:
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Rural
EXPANDING OUTREACH AND PLANNING CAPACITY IN RURAL COMMUNITIES:
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Disabled, Women
Barriers for underrepresented populations in the infrastructure workforce, such as women and individuals with disabilities, vary by the specific subpopulation and the type of occupation. For example, in construction, barriers include a lack of transportation access to get to training and jobs, childcare, and cash assistance for emergency expenses. Another major barrier is harassment, hazing, and bullying on job sites. ³
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Minority Serving Institutions, Women
Strengthen partnerships with historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and MSIs through the Pathways to Entrepreneurship and Women in Transportation Internship to prepare for specific industries such as trucking. September 2024
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Rural
Ensure historically overburdened and underserved communities in urban and rural areas benefit from access to generational investment in the nation's infrastructure through direct, hands - on technical support for transportation projects with local impact.
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Rural
Develop a resource to track funding investment and technical assistance in rural communities. - December 2025
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Rural
34 % of all public highway - rail grade crossing fatalities occur on rural roads, and the fatality rate on rural roads is 2 times higher than on urban roads. 30
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Black, Latinx, Rural, Women
This 2023 update to the DOT Equity Action Plan (the Plan) highlights actions being taken across DOT to address key disparities, including disproportionately high traffic fatality rates among Black people, high transportation insecurity and cost burdens experienced by low - income households and rural communities, and underrepresentation of Black -, Hispanic -, and women - owned small businesses receiving DOT direct contracts. The Plan advances equity in alignment with related Executive Orders, including Executive Order 13988 (Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation), Executive Order 14008 (Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad), and Executive Order 14020 (Establishment of the White House Gender Policy Council). The highlighted actions in the plan are also in alignment with DOT's June 2022 Equity and Access Policy Statement and include providing technical assistance to small and disadvantaged businesses, reinvigorating programmatic enforcement of
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Disabled
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, implementing the Justice40 Initiative, and promoting mobility justice including environmental, gender, and disability rights efforts. The highlighted actions fall under five focus areas, or " " Pillars " ", including four that carried over from the original Equity Action Plan and one new " " Institutionalizing Equity " " pillar:
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Rural
Proactive Intervention, Planning, and Capacity Building: Ensure historically overburdened and underserved communities in urban and rural areas benefit from access to generational investment in the nation's infrastructure through direct, hands - on technical support for transportation projects with local impact.
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POC, Women
inequities in our failures to invest, as with transit deserts that leave out the communities that most need affordable transportation options, or contracting opportunities for transportation projects that fail to engage and utilize the talents of women and people of color.
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Native American, Rural
DOT launched the Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success (ROUTES) initiative to address concerns and identify transportation challenges facing rural communities. Department officials hosted a series of webinars and informational sessions to solicit input and increase awareness of DOT programs for rural communities and convened a council dedicated to addressing rural and Tribal initiatives. ROUTES offers comprehensive technical assistance to rural communities across a variety of transportation - related topics, including grant funding, electric vehicles, safety, and infrastructure development and maintenance.
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Native American
In April 2023, DOT awarded $ 21 million to four Thriving Communities capacity builders to support 64 communities in 42 states, including 6 Tribal Nations and Puerto Rico. Support will be provided in the following areas:
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Disabled, Women
One challenge pregnant women can face is access to safe, reliable, and accommodating transportation. This challenge is especially pronounced for women who are experiencing low incomes, living with a disability, or have limited English proficiency. FTA conducted a comprehensive study that identified several challenges for pregnant women riding transit, including limited availability of accessible seating, challenges accessing health care, and exposure to health and safety risks. FTA will continue to study and raise awareness of these issues and work with stakeholders, including transit providers, health agencies, and riders to develop innovative solutions and increase access to transit for pregnant women.
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Rural
of projects we're advancing that will reduce crashes on our roads in urban, suburban, and rural communities.
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Senior
Council members include modal Administrators, leaders within the OST, and career members of the Senior Executive Service from each Operating Administration and OST
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Disabled
NHTSA is researching ways to help automatically secure wheelchairs in vehicles while maintaining occupant safety. NHTSA also continues to identify the needs of people with disabilities and diverse needs to use the automated vehicles of the future safely and comfortably.
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POC
1. Improve college access, affordability, and degree completion for underserved students to increase economic mobility. The Department aims to address barriers to college access, affordability, and completion by supporting colleges to enroll more students from underserved groups, including students of color, students from low - income backgrounds, students who are English learners, and others to raise graduation rates and close graduation rate gaps for these student populations, and offer affordable credentials of value that lead to careers offering economic mobility. 2. Implement Maintenance of Equity requirements to ensure historically underserved students have equitable resources for learning recovery. The Department aims to ensure that school districts serving historically underserved student groups, including students of color, students from low - income backgrounds, students who are English learners, students experiencing homelessness, and others have the resources they need to support learning recovery. This includes the allocation of $ 122 billion in ARP funds for Title I schools, and the ARP's Maintenance of Equity requirements to protect high poverty schools from reductions in State and local education funding. 3. Address inequities faced by justice - impacted individuals by expanding access to postsecondary learning opportunities that improve outcomes for communities and reduce recidivism rates. The Department aims to ensure that our society is more just and equitable through supporting better opportunities for education during periods of incarceration and post - release. Current initiatives are set to improve the well - being of people who are incarcerated and increase successful reentry outcomes, smoothing pathways to further education, increasing workforce readiness and engagement, and reducing recidivism and preventing crime. This includes the partnerships that exist between institutions of higher education, correctional agencies, accrediting agencies, and community - based organizations. 4. Advance equity in and through career and technical education. The Department aims to invest in career and technical education to create new and inclusive pathways to well - paying jobs and upward mobility. This includes leveraging data to promote strategies that reduce segregation by gender, race, and ethnicity in high school career and technical education (CTE) programs. 5. Increase mental health resources with an emphasis on underserved communities, from the historic legislation and funding provided by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.
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Black, Latinx, POC, Women
Funding: Postsecondary institutions serving larger proportions of students of color and low - income students receive less funding per student on average than other institutions, such that four - year institutions serving larger proportions of Black students and Pell Grant recipients only spend half as much on instructional expenditures per student compared to other institutions. 8 These funding inequalities are due in part to state policies that provide more funding to more selective, research - intensive public institutions than the less - selective public four - year universities and community colleges that students of color and low - income students are more likely to attend. This is also due to the concentration of these student populations in states with lower higher education expenditures overall, particularly in the South. 9 Completion: While completion rates have increased modestly overall in recent years, about one - third of students starting in four - year institutions do not complete their degrees within six years, and about two - thirds of students starting at two - year institutions do not complete their credentials within three years. Double - digit gaps in completion rates remain between students of color and white students (e.g., a 22 - percentage point gap between Black and white students) and low - income and high - income students (e.g., a 22 - percentage point gap between Pell Grant recipients and non - recipients) in four - year institutions. Furthermore, completion rates have declined for Black and Hispanic students in the two - year sector, widening gaps with white students. 10 There are a number of obstacles to completion for students of color and low - income students, including insufficient, inaccessible, or uncoordinated academic and financial support services at the under - resourced institutions they are more likely to attend. 11 Value: While postsecondary education is critical to achieving economic mobility in this country, people of color, people from low - income circumstances, and women, especially women of color, often earn less than their peers with the same college credential. This is partly due to persistent wage discrimination against these populations in the
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Black, Latinx, POC
Accessibility: Research has shown that students who complete the FAFSA are much more likely to enroll (and continue to re - enroll) in college, reducing enrollment " " melt " " especially during the summer between high school and college. 14 However, surveys have found that 10 percent of students did not fill out a FAFSA because they found the forms too complicated, and that a quarter of Black students and one - third of Hispanic or Latino students who did not file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ®) didn't have the information needed to finish it. Making it easier to fill out the FAFSA can address one of the key barriers to enrolling in college for students of color and low - income students. 15 Affordability: Research has found that a $ 1,000 increase in grant aid can increase college enrollment by 4 percentage points, and that a $ 1,000 increase in need - based grant aid can increase college completion by nearly 4 percentage points. Increased grant aid provided by institutions, states, and the federal government can help address barriers to college access and completion for students of color and low - income students. 16 Funding: Research has found that a 10 percent increase in total expenditures can generate an additional 55 bachelor's degrees per year at a typical four - year university, while a decrease in spending can negatively affect degree completion at already underfunded institutions such as community colleges. Equalizing funding for
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POC
Completion: Research has shown that comprehensive reform efforts, such as The City University of New York's (CUNY) Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) model, that provide integrated advising, financial aid, and academic support can increase completion rates by 15 - 20 percentage points and increase students ' post - college earnings by over 10 percent, including for students of color and low - income students. 18 Value: Research has shown that institutions and programs can improve workforce outcomes for students by intentionally designing college - to - career pathways, contextualizing basic skills into career - aligned courses, providing proactive career advising and navigation support, and leveraging industry partnerships to provide students with work - relevant learning experiences. 19
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Minority Serving Institutions, POC
Funding: The Department will continue to work to increase appropriations for Title III / V grant programs to strengthen HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs, implement a new grant competition to increase research funding and infrastructure in HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs with awards to made in the fall. The Department will also ensure successful implementation of the HBCU Partners Act to strengthen federal support for HBCUs across agencies, including working with HBCUs to increase capacity to apply for federal programs, and work with States to support funding parity between 1890 land - grant HBCUs and their counterparts to address the more than $ 12 billion in funding disparities. Completion: The Department will continue to lead the Raise the Bar: Attaining College Excellence & Equity initiative, focused on supporting data - driven improvement in inclusive institutions to improve outcomes for students, including students of color and low - income students. The initiative will include a series of summits, playbooks, and webinars on evidence - based practices that equitably improve completion including data, advising, transfer, and career - relevant learning. The initiative will also include developing new Scorecard dashboards using the Department's data to recognize inclusive institutions providing equitable value to students and provide postsecondary leaders with information to further increase their impact. The initiative complements the new Postsecondary Student Success Grants program to implement evidence - based interventions to increase completion rates, which will be awarded later this year. Value: The Department will continue to protect students from postsecondary institutions or programs that offer little to no financial value by publishing a low financial value watch list of programs and institutions not serving students well, and beginning to implement a new, stronger gainful - employment rule to help ensure that program graduates make more than high school graduates and earn enough to repay their loans. These protections are expected to help address the financial barriers that students of color and low - income students face in the workforce after attending institutions that either did not offer quality programs or did not support them through to degree completion yet left them with debt to repay.
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Minority Serving Institutions
Affordability: Select and implement new options for debt relief following negotiated rulemaking in October - December 2023, and fully implement the new income - driven repayment plan, SAVE, by June 2024, measuring near - term decreases in undergraduate loan payments and increased participation due to auto enrollment after missed payments. Equitable funding: Release NIAs for Title III / V grant programs to strengthen HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs S (specific grants and timelines TBD pending budget) and implement the new HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs Research Funding grant with awards made by December 2023. Near - term measures include number of technical assistance activities provided to grantees to support implementation of the grants. Completion: Measure engagement with the Raise the Bar initiative through three more summits for approximately 200 attendees each to be held in fall 2023 (on Student Transfer and Credit Mobility Policies), spring 2024 (Holistic Student Advising and Wraparound Supports) and fall 2024 (Career - Relevant Learning Experiences). Implement Postsecondary Student Success Grant Program with awards by December 2023, and measure near - term implementation through the number of technical assistance activities provided to grantees including on evaluation. Tentatively plan to launch new Scorecard dashboards in summer / fall 2024 with user metrics to be developed. Value: Released the final Gainful Employment regulations by November 2023 to take effect in July 2024 and measure near - term implementation with the number of institutions / programs successfully complying with the new reporting requirements. The low - value watch list is tentatively expected to launch in 2025 with user metrics to be developed.
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Minority Serving Institutions, POC
Accessibility: Measure increase in FAFSA completion rates for the overall population, including by students of color and low - income students; approximately 600,000 more low - income students are expected to receive Pell Grant awards with the new FAFSA. Analyze and address disparities in application and award (e.g., FAFSA verification) rates by key demographics including race, income, and gender to further increase federal aid accessibility. Affordability: Continue to increase uptake of public service loan forgiveness among eligible borrowers and measure uptake of the new SAVE program by quantifying the volume of loans covered by SAVE (which is projected to increase between 1 - 19 percentage points depending on the institutional sector). Analyze and address disparities in PSLF and SAVE application and approval rates by key demographics including race, income, and gender. Funding: The Department's FY24 budget requests $ 1.76 billion - $ 429 million over FY23 - to enhance institutional capacity at HBCUs, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), MSIs, and low - resourced institutions, including community colleges. This includes $ 350 Million for research and development at HBCUs, TCCUs,
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POC
Across States, districts serving students of color, students from low - income backgrounds, English learners, and other underserved groups tend to receive less State funding than lower poverty districts. For example, an analysis by The Education Trust indicated that high - poverty districts receive, on average, 5 percent less (about $ 800 per student) combined State and local revenue than low - poverty districts. Following the Great Recession, high - poverty districts experienced an inequitable share of funding and staffing cuts. (Knight, D.S. (2017). 20
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AAPI, Disabled, Minority Serving Institutions, Native American, Pacific Islander, POC
1. Prioritized college access and college completion as accessibility, affordability, equitable funding, and verification remain barriers to postsecondary education. Improved Accessibility: In the wake of the Supreme Court ruling last summer limiting the ability of colleges to consider an applicant's race in and of itself as a factor in deciding whether to admit an applicant, the Department provided colleges and universities with resources on what admissions practices and programs remain lawful to ensure diversity, convened a National Summit on Educational Opportunity, and released a report on strategies for increasing diversity and educational opportunity. The Department also awarded over $ 40 million in Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) and TRIO Upward Bound grants in FY23 for programs focused on helping low - income students, first - generation students, and students with disabilities gain access to college. Improved Affordability: The Department worked to secure a $ 500 hundred increase in the maximum Pell Grant award, the largest increase in 10 years, in the FY23 Omnibus Appropriations bill and awarded $ 22 million in grants to colleges to address students ' basic needs, including food, housing, transportation, and childcare earlier this fiscal year. The Department has implemented a number of efforts over the last year to ease repayment and reduce debt burden for student loan borrowers, which disproportionately impacts low - income students and students of color, including recently approving an additional $ 9 billion in debt relief through fixes to income - drive repayment (IDR) and Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) programs and granting automatic relief for borrowers with total and permanent disabilities, bringing the total approved debt cancellation to $ 127 billion for nearly 3.6 million Americans. The Department also rolled out initial implementation of the SAVE plan last fall, which is the most affordable repayment plan ever created, and has already enrolled more than 4 million borrowers. Equalized Funding: The Department worked to secure a significant increase in appropriations for programs to strengthen HBCUs, TCUs, HSIs and MSIs in the FY23 budget. The Department issued Notices Inviting Applications (NIAs) for and awarded a number of Title III / V grant programs to strengthen HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs, including Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander - serving institutions (AANAPISIs) and HSIs over the last year, and published the NIA for the new $ 50 million HBCU, TCU, and MSI Research and Development Infrastructure grant last summer, which aims to provide funds to implement transformational investments in research infrastructure, including research productivity, faculty expertise, graduate programs, physical infrastructure, human capital development, and partnerships leading to increases in external funding.
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Black, Disabled, LGBTQ+, Native American, POC
Black, Indigenous, and people of color, 21 individuals with disabilities, 22 and LGBTQI + persons2 23 are overrepresented in the criminal justice system. These trends of criminal justice system involvement and incarceration represent a serious and stubborn set of challenges to equal and equitable participation in high - quality education by all segments of society. Educational attainment of people who are incarcerated or confined and justice - impacted learners is incredibly important. Unfortunately, many people in prison lack the education and workforce skills they need to succeed in the labor market. Fifty - eight percent of people who are incarcerated do not complete an education program while in prison. 24 Limited - skilled individuals caught up in the incarceration cycle may not be able to access educational programs. Given that education is an important determinant of social and economic well - being, 25 it is critical to reconnect this population to educational opportunities. Investments in rehabilitative measures can help facilitate the successful completion of secondary education, as well as transitions to postsecondary education and the labor market.
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Disabled
Launch a new Second Chance Fellows Program by supporting an individual who was formerly incarcerated to work within the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education. The selected individual will help to lead the Department's technical assistance efforts to better support institutions of higher education and correctional agencies to provide justice - impacted individuals with the support that they need, pre - and post - release, and will help the Department to be more effective in its work and expand its partnerships with other federal agencies to support learners who are justice - impacted. Improve the utilization of technical assistance assets across the agency to improve the quality and number of opportunities that learners who are impacted by the juvenile justice system, as well as incarcerated and confined learners with disabilities, have in pursuing adult education, career and technical education, Registered Apprenticeship programs, and two - and four - year degree programs that are offered in correctional facilities.
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Women
Promote greater transparency about student participation in CTE. For the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (Perkins V), which distributes $ 1.4 billion annually to states to support and improve CTE at the secondary and postsecondary levels, the Department collects data from states on student participation in CTE programs within 16 career clusters that are disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender, and " " special population " " status. 35 These data have previously been disseminated as large static tables that have made it difficult to identify patterns of segregation and underrepresentation by students with different demographic characteristics. The Department will begin to supplement these tables with a dynamic, web - based data dashboard that will make clear the extent to which there is underrepresentation in different program areas by race, ethnicity, gender, and " " special population " " status at the national and state levels. Investigate collecting more data to support intersectional analyses. The Department will hold listening sessions with representatives of state agencies, civil rights organizations, and other stakeholders to explore expanding its collection of data on student participation in CTE by career cluster to data that are disaggregated by gender within each major racial and ethnic group and " " special population " " to support intersectional analyses. Participation data are now disaggregated by gender, race, ethnicity, and " " special population " " status only. Highlight state progress in reducing segregation by gender. State - reported data show that female and male participation in CTE programs in career clusters in which the other gender predominates varies widely across states, suggesting that the participation of students in programs that are non - traditional for their gender is highly dependent on the state and local context in which CTE programs in these clusters are implemented. Using state data, the Department will identify and then highlight and describe in a Dear Colleague letter the strategies used by states that have achieved relatively high levels of
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Women
Share best practices among state partners. The Department will support a webinar series on advancing equity in CTE, spotlighting states that are leading data - driven equity initiatives in CTE, research - based resources on broadening participation in STEM from the National Science Foundation's INCLUDES Network, information on strategies to increase female participation in Registered Apprenticeships from the DOL, and resources from other federal, state, and local equity leaders and exemplars. Explore new metrics. Perkins V currently has a performance indicator that assesses the extent of participation by males and females in CTE programs that prepare them for occupations that are non - traditional for their gender. In anticipation of the reauthorization of Perkins V in 2025, the Department will explore with representatives of states, civil rights organizations, and other stakeholders, options for establishing comparable measures that assess the extent to which students from racial and ethnic groups are participating in programs that prepare them for occupations in which their races and ethnicities are underrepresented.
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Disabled, Minority Serving Institutions, POC
Improved Completion: The Department re - launched the Raise the Bar: Attaining College Excellence & Equity initiative with a summit this spring focused on data - driven improvement efforts to equitably increase completion rates for students of color and low - income students, published the NIA for the Postsecondary Student Success Grants this summer, which the Department worked to increase from its initial appropriation of $ 5 million to $ 45 million this year, and renewed Project Success, which provides funding to HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs through Federal Student Aid (FSA) in partnership with Guaranty Agencies to increase completion rates and decrease default rates. Increased Value: The Department has reinstated the FSA enforcement office, which was closed under the previous Administration, to better protect student loan borrowers by ensuring that schools are adhering to the federal student aid program rules and delivering quality education to students. 2. Ensured equitable impact of ARP funding for K - 12 students to support student groups most disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, including but not limited to students from low - income backgrounds, students with disabilities, multilingual learners, students experiencing homelessness, and migratory students. The Department implemented Maintenance of Equity ARP Elementary and Secondary School Relief (ESSER) requirements to ensure historically underserved students have the State and local resources necessary for continued recovery. The Department provided guidance, including weekly technical assistance calls with State educational agencies (SEAs) and educational materials, including frequently asked questions (FAQs), optional reporting templates, and webinars, and other targeted supports to States to promote continued equitable investment of State and local resources in K - 12 education in high - poverty communities. The Department continues to work with States to provide technical assistance in using historic investments in Title I, now totaling $ 19 billion annually, along with other permissible funding sources to sustain key activities funded by ARP; this includes increasing academic achievement, supporting students ' mental health, expanding access to preschool, and strengthening teacher recruitment and retention. The Department continues to collect per - pupil and full time equivalent (FTE) staff data from States on the LEAs and schools they have identified as serving the highest proportion of students in poverty in FY19 - 23. 3. Invested in resources to help advance civil rights to identify inequities in educational opportunities as the country grappled with the COVID - 19 pandemic and its effects on students ' academic, social, and emotional development.
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Reductions in the segregation of males and females among CTE career clusters. Increases in the representation of students of color among students concentrating their studies in programs in the STEM and IT career clusters.
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LGBTQ+
The Department's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has remained committed to advancing equity for underrepresented and disadvantaged student groups and ensuring compliance with civil rights laws within its authority. OCR released fact sheets addressing migratory children ¹, unaccompanied children, students who are English learners, diversity and inclusion activities under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), and Title VI protection from discrimination based on shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics. OCR also released a Press Release reminding schools of their legal obligations to address discrimination, a Resource Document on confronting racial discrimination in student discipline, and Guiding Principles for creating safe, inclusive, supportive, and fair school climates. Additionally, the Department released a Toolkit for creating inclusive and nondiscriminatory school environments for LGBTQI + students.
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Alaskan, Black, Disabled, Minority Serving Institutions, Veterans, Women
The Department's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) within the Office of Finance and Operations (OFO) has remained committed to providing small, women - owned, disadvantaged, service - disabled veteran - owned, HUBZone, and all other categories of small businesses with equitable opportunities to participate in both prime and subcontracts. The Department's White House Initiatives on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans, Hispanics, HBCUs, and Native Americans and Strengthening TCUs (Initiatives) and Center for Faith - based and Neighborhood Partnerships (CFBNP) has remained committed to ensuring that historically underserved communities in procurement and contract activities receive full and equal participation to minimize barriers. The Initiatives and CFBNP has leveraged public participation, community engagement, and outreach to promote equitable and effective utilization of food vendors, speakers, American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, speech - to - text transcribers, and other engagement strategies. The Department is committed to creating equitable strategies to engage policy influencers, stakeholders, community leaders, and key decision makers to create more procurement and contract opportunities by mitigating barriers.
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Minority Serving Institutions, Native American
5. Advanced equity in grant process strategies through funding programs that focused on improving access to high - quality educational opportunities and programs that pursue innovations in teaching and learning with an emphasis on underserved students. Designated the $ 1 billion from the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) as the Stronger Connections Grant Program. This enables SEAs to competitively award subgrants to high - need LEAs for activities to support safe and healthy students under ESEA section 4108. Funded 264 grants with $ 1 billion in BSCA funds to more than 40 states to increase the supply of school - based mental health professionals under the School - Based Mental Health Services Grant and the Mental Health Services Professional Demonstration (MHSPD) Grant Program. At least 40 States used " " high poverty " " in their definition of high - needs school. The Department estimates these 5 - year grants will result in an increase of 14,000 mental health professionals. In FY23, nearly 50 percent of the MHSPD grants include a partnership with MSIs, HBCUs, or Tribal Colleges. In a letter to State educational agencies, the Department encouraged states to prioritize funding for districts with high rates of poverty and one of the following a high student - to - mental health professional ratio; high rates of chronic absenteeism, exclusionary discipline, and / or referrals to the juvenile justice system, bullying / harassment, community and school violence, or substance abuse; or students who recently experienced a natural disaster or traumatic event. The Department issued revised non - regulatory guidance to inform SEAs, LEAs, institutions of higher education, schools, educators, partner organizations, and other stakeholders on how they can use evidence - based activities, strategies, and interventions to strengthen education investments. The Department also published a training to inform grantees of sourcing requirements for capital improvements authorized by the Build America Buy America Act (BABAA).
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Black, Latinx, Native American, POC
Accessibility: Exacerbated by the pandemic, undergraduate enrollment has declined for all students since 2019, including Native American (- 7.9 percent), Black (- 7.3 percent), Hispanic (- 5 percent) and Pell Grant recipients (- 9.9 percent) students, which threatens our ability to continue to increase postsecondary attainment rates in this country. 3 Students of color and low - income students face a number of barriers to enrolling in postsecondary education, including lack of sufficient access to counselors and advisors to support them with completing college admissions and financial aid applications. 4 Affordability: The financial burden of paying for college has increased for students and families as prices have soared and the purchasing power of the Pell Grant has diminished over time, now covering only about 25 percent of average college costs. 5 As
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Latinx, Minority Serving Institutions, Native American
This plan highlights and builds upon the Department's programs that foster educational equity such as Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and the federal Pell Grant program, authorized by the Higher Education Act of 1965 as well as the use of the Secretary's supplemental priorities for discretionary grants, including priorities to promote educational equity and adequacy in resources and opportunity for underserved students and support for entities, such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) and Minority - Serving Institutions (MSIs). To inform the development of this plan, the Department has engaged with the key elementary, secondary and postsecondary leaders, parents, innovators, and researchers to seek input and feedback on these strategies.
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POC, Women
High school CTE programs that are not intentional and systematic in applying equity - centered strategies can perpetuate gaps in student enrollment based on race, gender, and ethnicity. These data show that student enrollment in certain CTE programs mirrors that of the labor market, as evidenced, for example, by the predominance of women in education, health care, and human service programs and men in architecture and construction, manufacturing, and transportation programs. 28 This practice can perpetuate occupational segregation ² 9 that suppresses the wages of women 30 and people of color3 ¹ ¹ and contributes to the underrepresentation of students of color in programs that prepare individuals for higher - wage, in - demand occupations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. 32
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Women
female participation in predominantly male career clusters and high levels of male participation in predominantly female career clusters.
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LGBTQ+, Women
This strategy is aligned with findings of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health released in January by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Youth Risk Behavioral Survey released this past February by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC Youth Risk Behavioral Survey conveyed alarming findings of the prevalence of mental health or substance use disorders among for our nation's youth. Nearly 60 of female students and nearly 70 percent of LGBTQI + students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Thirty (30) percent of females and 45 percent of LBGTQI + students seriously considered suicide. The report advances the critical need for schools to expand school - based services and to connect youth and families to community - based sources of care. 37 Schools are a gateway to needed services that otherwise might be inaccessible for many young people.
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POC
This strategy aims to address barriers to college access, affordability, and completion by supporting colleges to enroll more students from underserved backgrounds, including students of color, students from low - income backgrounds, students who are English learners, and others to raise graduation rates and close graduation rate gaps for these student populations, and offer affordable credentials of value that lead to careers offering economic mobility.
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Black, Latinx, Native American
Barriers to Equity: Despite gains over the last 15 years, postsecondary attainment rates are still not high enough to meet the need for skilled workers to power our economy and considerable gaps remain by race and income - with fewer than one - third of Black and only about one - fourth of Hispanic and Native American adults holding postsecondary credentials, compared to more than 50 percent of white adults. 2 Only 15 percent of students from the lowest - income families earn bachelor's degrees by age 24. 3
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POC
a result, low - income students and students of color face considerably more unmet financial need than their peers; the average net price after grant aid for students from the lowest - income families represents 94 percent of their annual family income compared with 14 percent for students from the highest - income families. 6 To make up the difference, low - income students and some students of color are more likely to borrow, and face more difficulties repaying their loans especially since they are also more likely to drop - out with debt but no degree.
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Minority Serving Institutions
less selective four - year universities and community colleges, especially minority - serving institutions, can boost completion rates, which tend to be lower at these institutions due given the financial barriers facing both students and institutions alike. 17
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Disabled
Accessibility: The Department will address the barriers that low - income students face in applying for, and receiving, federal student aid to increase their enrollment in postsecondary education by simplifying the FAFSA form, automatically populating Internal Revenue Service (IRS) data to help students fill out the FAFSA, and reducing the verification burden on students receiving financial aid through the release of the new FAFSA form in December 2023 and further implementation of the FAFSA Simplification Act in the 2024 - 25 award year. The Department will also continue to promote educational opportunity and diversity in colleges and universities in the wake of the recent Supreme Court decision limiting the use of race in and of itself as a factor in college admissions by utilizing the National Center for Education Statistics to consider ways to collect and publish more information on college admissions. And the Department will continue to fund the GEAR UP and TRIO programs focused on supporting low - income, first - generation students and students with disabilities to access college, including support with completing the FAFSA and other college admissions forms.
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Minority Serving Institutions
MSIs, and $ 30 billion over 10 years for tuition subsidizes at eligible four - year HBCUs, TCCUs, MSIs.
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POC
This strategy aims to ensure that school districts serving historically underserved student groups, including students of color, students from low - income backgrounds, students who are English learners, and others, have the resources they need to support learning recovery. More specifically, the Maintenance of Equity provision safeguards high - poverty school districts and schools from disproportionate reductions in per - pupil State and local education aid.
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Disabled, POC
Educational equity: Ensure students from historically underserved groups - including students from low - income backgrounds, students of color, students who are English learners, students with disabilities, migratory students, and students experiencing homelessness - have the resources they need to recover from the COVID - 19 pandemic to receive a quality education and live productive lives.
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Native American
Committed in EPA's Strategic Plan to increase inspections at facilities that affect communities with potential environmental justice concerns from a baseline of 27 % to 45 % in FY 2022, 50 % in FYs 2023 - 2024, and 55 % in FYs 2025 - 2026; in FY 2022, EPA exceeded the target and conducted 56 % of its inspections in communities with environmental justice concerns. As a follow - up to the Administrator's Journey to Justice tour, deployed a multi - scale monitoring project (" " Pollution Accountability Team " ") in overburdened Louisiana communities; also developing enforcement actions where excess emissions are identified by these monitoring efforts and unannounced inspections. Since FY 2021, issued over 133 orders to address drinking water violations in communities, particularly in communities with environmental justice concerns, such as Cahokia Heights, Illinois, Clarksburg, West Virginia and Jackson, Mississippi and in Tribal areas.
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Native American
In March 2022, reached a settlement with Chevron Phillips Chemical Company to install and operate air pollution controls at three petrochemical manufacturing facilities in Texas located in areas of environmental justice concern; monitoring results will be publicly posted, and corrective actions are required if emissions exceed certain thresholds. Took aggressive, early enforcement actions in communities with environmental justice concerns: In August 2022, following negotiations that considered concerns voiced by the local community, secured a preliminary injunction for the Toa Alta Municipal Solid Waste Landfill to take immediate action to address urgent human health and environmental concerns. Issued two Clean Air Act emergency orders to shut down the Limetree Refinery in the U.S. Virgin Islands (June 2021) where residents were sickened by excess sulfur and hydrogen sulfide emissions and to cut hydrogen sulfide emissions from the New Indy plant in South Carolina (May 2021). Provided more enforcement information to communities about facilities, pollution, and enforcement activities through press releases, desk statements, public meetings, and websites focused on specific communities and incidents (e.g., Refinery on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, H2S in South and North Carolina, Toa Alta Landfill in Puerto Rico). Increased efforts to obtain input from communities on potential remedies prior to finalizing settlement agreements. Developed analytical approaches to address environmental justice implications of major regulatory proposals and final rules. For example, For the Oil and Natural Gas New Source Performance Standard proposal (November 2021) and the Supplemental Proposal (November 2022), EPA held virtual trainings (900 + participants) marketed to communities with environmental justice concerns and Tribes to assist their ability to understand and comment meaningfully on the proposal. EPA's proposal included requirements for states to undertake meaningful outreach and engagement with communities with environmental justice concerns as they develop their plans for regulating existing oil and gas sources under the emissions guidelines. In the final nitrogen oxides (NOx) emission standards for trucks, conducted analyses of the number and demographics of the populations living within close proximity to truck freight routes. This final rule will likely result in widespread air quality improvements across the U.S., especially in areas already overburdened by air pollution and diesel emissions, beginning with model year 2027. In July 2023, issued proposed rules to strengthen lead paint standards to protect against childhood lead exposure. Developed a Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in US Communities to advance EPA's work to protect the public from lead with an emphasis on high - risk communities. Announced the allotment of $ 2.865B FY 2023 funds from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for identification and replacement of lead service lines (LSLs). As part of the Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) Accelerators, EPA and 4 state partners are working with 40 communities to address existing barriers and accelerate progress towards LSL identification and replacement. The new Accelerator provides targeted technical assistance services to help communities with environmental justice concerns access funds from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law4 and this initiative will prioritize benefits to communities with EJ concerns and promote equity. Provided Spanish Lead Awareness Curriculum for Indian Country.
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Native American, Women
Proposed stronger requirements5 for the removal of lead - based paint hazards in pre - 1978 buildings and child - care facilities to better protect children and communities from harmful effects of exposure to dust generated from lead paint. Released outreach and educational materials in various languages highlighting the risks of heavy metal exposures primarily to children and pregnant women in products such as spices, cosmetics and cookware. Announced a series of free educational sessions6 on the dangers of lead and ways to reduce and prevent lead exposure in children and across U.S. communities. Published the Renovate Lead - Safe Media Kit to educate about the availability of lead - safe certified contractors and the importance of following do - it - yourself lead - safe work practices in removing lead - based paint. Released an environmental justice toolkit for lead paint enforcement programs that provides strategies, examples, and other information for federal, state, Tribal and local government enforcement practitioners to use during all stages of environmental enforcement and compliance monitoring activities designed to eliminate harmful exposures to lead paint in housing. Issued principles for addressing environmental justice concerns in air permitting and conducted outreach to state and Tribal partners. In the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and Emissions Guidelines for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Electric Generating Units (EGUs), conducted pre - proposal outreach to environmental justice organizations and representatives of communities affected by pollution from the power sector. Awarded $ 900M in funding for Clean School Buses to support replacement of existing school buses with zero - emission or low - emission buses that reduce exhaust, which is linked to asthma. In June 2023, conducted a public webinar on ways to make bilingual pesticide labeling accessible to farmworkers and conducted outreach and solicited feedback from stakeholders, including the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council, farmworker advocacy groups, and the Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee. Promoted best burn practices and cleaner technologies. Assisted partners with wood heater changeout programs to meet requirements of New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for Residential Wood Heaters, which helps to protect low - income families and communities who rely on wood heaters from wood smoke. Awarded $ 2M among 10 winners for the Cool Communities Challenge. Hosted a national webinar to share innovative and effective communication strategies that inform people of the risks of extreme heat, providing materials in 13 languages and offering ways to keep safe during the hottest days to better reach communities with environmental justice concerns in inner cities and farmworkers, among others. Hosted a prize competition to protect public health, including maternal health, through the Let's Talk About Heat Challenge, focused on innovative communication strategies to warn people of the risks of extreme heat and provide solutions on how to keep safe during the hottest days. Among the winners were messages targeted to people known to be more susceptible to extreme heat, which includes those who are pregnant and children.
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Disabled, Rural
Improve access to federal funding and assistance programs for communities with environmental justice concerns. Reduce cumulative environmental and health impacts in communities with environmental justice concerns. Strengthen EPA's external civil rights compliance program and ensure that civil rights compliance is an Agency - wide responsibility. Protect children equitably from exposure to environmental contaminants. (new) Address inequitable access to information and resources to improve engagement and health impacts in rural communities. (new) Ensure public access to EPA programs and activities and ensure full protection from health and environmental harms for people with disabilities. (new) Strengthening community - based participatory science to achieve environmental equity in communities with environmental justice concerns. Improve data and analytic capacity to better identify and remove barriers faced by communities with environmental justice concerns. (new)
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Native American, Rural
EPA's ongoing engagement with communities in multiple forums provides information on challenges faced by communities navigating opportunities. These include engagement through: Environmental Justice Grants and Technical Assistance programs; the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC); and additional existing channels such as monthly National EJ Community Engagement calls. The Government Accounting Office (GAO) has found communities with environmental justice concerns, in particular those in rural areas, Tribal lands, and financially disadvantaged, face challenges in accessing federal grant opportunities, navigating federal systems and managing federal grant funds.
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Disabled, Rural
Priority Strategy # 2: Reduce Cumulative Environmental and Health Impacts in Communities with Environmental Justice Concerns. 2 EPA will develop and implement a comprehensive workplan to operationalize and address cumulative impacts in EPA's programs and activities so that no community bears a disproportionate share of adverse environmental or public health consequences. Priority Strategy # 3: Strengthen EPA's External Civil Rights Compliance Program and Ensure that Civil Rights Compliance is an Agency - Wide Responsibility. EPA will continue to strengthen EPA's external Civil Rights program and EPA's ability to enforce federal civil rights laws to their fullest extent, including by fully implementing EPA's authority to conduct investigations, compliance reviews, and other compliance and enforcement activities, issue policy guidance, and secure timely and effective resolutions to address discrimination. Priority Strategy # 4: Protect Children Equitably from Exposure to Environmental Contaminants. EPA will protect children's environmental health, especially in communities with environmental justice concerns, by consistently and explicitly considering early life exposures to environmental contaminants and lifelong health in decisions involving human health science, risk assessment, regulations, compliance and enforcement, partnerships, communications, and research. Priority Strategy # 5: Address Inequitable Access to Information and Resources to Improve Engagement and Health Impacts in Rural Communities. EPA will provide financial and technical assistance to small and rural communities to establish and improve services to lower the risk of harm to public health and protect the environment. This strategy focuses on removing barriers to resources and providing impactful improvements for rural communities. Priority Strategy # 6: Ensure Public Access to EPA Programs and Activities and Ensure Full Protection from Health and Environmental Harms for People with Disabilities. EPA will ensure that people with disabilities have meaningful access to EPA programs, activities, and services. Further, this strategy focuses EPA resources on identifying and developing appropriate indicators within the framework of EPA's environmental health disparity indicators to ensure full protection from health and environmental
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Native American
Change in conditions on the ground for communities such as: reduction in heat islands and other negative impacts of climate change. reductions in the impact of legacy pollution on communities. increase in community capacity and ability to develop and deliver multifaceted projects through multiple funding / resource streams that implement solutions on the ground for communities. increase in workforce development in communities with environmental justice concerns that drives communities ' resilience, wealth creation, and retention within the community. increase in meaningful engagement structures and systems collaboratively developed by communities and their local, Tribal, state, and federal government partners.
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Rural
Systematic engagement with EPA advisory bodies, including the Science Advisory Board, Science Advisory Committee for Chemicals, National Environmental Justice Advisory Council, Local Government Advisory Committee, Board of Scientific Counselors, Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Committee, and the Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee. Continuing engagement with overburdened communities with environmental justice concerns while implementing place - based projects, methods and tools development, and development of polices and regulations. Regular engagement with overburdened communities, governmental partners, stakeholders, and researchers through a variety of forums, including webinars, focus groups and symposiums.
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Women
Use available science, research, and policy to strengthen protection for children from the health effects resulting from harmful environmental exposures and reduce environmental disparities for socially vulnerable children. For example, consider available children's environmental health science in conducting risk assessments, including cumulative risk assessments, and other analyses that drive decisions on pollution reduction rules, environmental standards, and guidance. Identify, prioritize, and conduct research to better understand the impact of environmental exposures on children and inform decisions that are protective of children's health for socially vulnerable communities. Devote compliance and enforcement resources to address areas with potential lead exposures to children as noted in the Biden - Harris fact sheet: New Actions and Progress to Protect Communities from Lead Pipes and Paint and in support of the EPA Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in U.S. Communities. Collaborate with federal partners to advance children's health protections under the President's Task Force on Environmental Health and Safety Risks to Children. 19 Integrate children's health considerations into the work of EPA's regional offices to advance environmental justice. Support actions to protect women and children through implementation of EPA's Action Plan as part of the White House Gender Policy Council's National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality. EPA actions relate to promoting gender equity in mitigating and responding to climate change and regulating and reducing exposure to environmental contaminants that pose risks to maternal and children's health. Support actions to protect children's health through EPA's implementation of the White House Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis. EPA actions relate to women's reproductive health risks associated with lead, wildfire smoke, extreme heat, chemical and non - chemical stressors, and the provision of adequate and equitable community - level health care for environmental exposures. Support actions to address health disparities in childhood cancer through EPA's implementation of the Cancer Moonshot. Harmful environmental exposures during childhood, particularly at key life stages (in utero, childhood, adolescence), can impact health later in life and into the next generation. EPA actions relate to preventing exposure to carcinogens and other toxins by compiling data and providing analysis on children's health used to inform Agency risk assessments and regulations and using partnerships and outreach to increase awareness.
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Native American, Rural
Issued Cumulative Impacts: Recommendations for ORD Research, which provides recommendations for EPA's cumulative impacts research to improve scientific methods and tools. Issued Legal Tools to Advance Environmental Justice: Cumulative Impacts Addendum, an assessment of EPA's legal authorities to consider and address cumulative impacts. Released draft Guidelines for Cumulative Risk Assessment Planning and Problem Formulation. These Guidelines provide technical description of broad engagement in problem formulation and conditions for inclusion of multiple stressors in cumulative assessments. Awarded $ 21.4M in research grant funding to 16 institutions for community - based research on how climate change may compound adverse environmental conditions and health stressors in communities with environmental justice concerns. Developing Agency - wide Cumulative Impacts Framework to inform efforts to operationalize and integrate cumulative impacts analysis and action in EPA's programs. Launched Agency - wide workgroup to establish best practices to integrate susceptibility and vulnerability information into human health risk assessments and produce a state - of - the - science report. Launched cumulative impacts assessments to address long - standing environmental issues in rural and urban locations, which has resulted in eight place - based demonstration efforts across the country. Conducted workshops on cumulative impacts with Chicago Department of Public Health, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Incorporated community, Tribal, and academic input to cumulative impacts strategy through engagement with National Environmental Justice Advisory Council, Local Government Advisory Committee and Science Advisory Board on cumulative impacts. Initiated Agency - wide cumulative impacts webinar series and office hours, which involved nearly 20 sessions and has brought together approximately 3,000 total participants from all programs and regions. Issued STAR grant awards for Centers for Early Lifestage Vulnerabilities to Environmental Stressors - Cumulative Health Impacts to fund research investigating cumulative health impacts for children in rural agricultural communities with environmental justice concerns.
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Rural
Gaps in capacity and coordination within the federal family to support economic revitalization, infrastructure improvements, and other community - specific needs. Rural communities can include underserved persons who experience inconsistent access to safe drinking water and sanitation services, due to either personal resources (e.g., homeowner well or septic system) or lack of ratepayers for public system maintenance or improvements. Rural economies are more dependent on natural resources, which may be disproportionately affected by pollution, chemical exposures, and from climate change. Rural communities may receive inequitable access to information and EPA opportunities (e.g., unreliable internet access). When equity screening information is needed or encouraged for competitive funding opportunities, a lack of robust data can inadvertently disadvantage rural communities ' ability to successfully compete for these resources (e.g., identification of communities in EJScreen and other screening tools). Requirements of funding opportunities, imposed through statute, regulation, or practice, can create additional burdens on rural communities (e.g., to perform a feasibility study). Limited access to resources (materials, skilled labor, expert consultants, etc.) in rural communities can result in more costly project expenses, delayed timelines, and / or incorrectly scoped projects.
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Rural
Existing information demonstrates that there is a lack of equitable access to adequate wastewater sanitation service in rural areas. 2 24 Existing information shows that rural communities tend to have adverse health disparities compared to non - rural areas. ² 5 25
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Rural
Work to provide financial and technical assistance to small and rural communities to establish and improve wastewater treatment services, lower risk of harm to public health, and protect the environment (e.g., Closing America's Wastewater Access Gap Community Initiative - EPA / USDA partnership to help historically underserved communities with environmental justice concerns identify and pursue federal funding opportunities to address their wastewater needs and eliminate harmful exposure to backyard sewage). 27 Support water infrastructure using technical, managerial, and financial assistance opportunities in rural communities. ² 8 Provide technical assistance to rural communities to increase access to water and wastewater infrastructure, and other projects that in turn can reduce public health concerns. Participate in the USDA - led Rural Partners Network, " " an alliance of federal agencies and commissions working directly with rural communities to expand rural prosperity through job creation, infrastructure development, and community improvement. " " 29 Implement the Agency's long - term commitment to modernize its financial assistance programs to encourage climate - smart investments in communities across the United States, including rural communities. EPA has established a Resilient Infrastructure Subgroup on Climate to (1) support the agency's offices with integrating climate adaptation into their financial assistance programs, and (2) make EPA's tools, training, data, and technical assistance programs discoverable and accessible to applicants and funding recipients. Expand grant programs to further address concerns related to farmworkers and their children with the goal of addressing human health impacts in these communities. Work to provide access to bilingual (particularly Spanish) labeling on pesticide products with the goal of increasing the availability of pesticide safety information and reducing adverse health impacts.
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Rural
Number of grant application requirements identified for revision to better reflect rural communities. Increases in the number of grant applications received from rural areas. Changes in the number and type of grants awarded to rural communities.
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Rural
Reduction of health disparities affecting rural community members, including, but not limited to, the health improvement of farmworkers and the children of farmworkers. Access to water and wastewater infrastructure, as well as other projects relevant to these communities. Changes in the number of rural community environmental health and environmental quality indicators included in EPA's information system (e.g., EJScreen). Increases in the number of grant applications that were received from rural areas after any necessary revisions are made to grant application requirements.
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Rural
Presented draft Equity Plan to EPA's Farm, Ranch & Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee (July 2023 ongoing semiannual meetings). EPA participation and interagency coordination in the Biden - Harris Administration's Rural Partners Network, including Community Network Forums (ongoing). Multiple community engagements occurred in each of the eleven participating communities in the Closing America's Wastewater Access Gap Community Initiative. (January - July 2023). Other meetings that informed development and implementation of the Equity Plan, including identifying additional barriers and solutions, along with continued engagement in developing new initiatives: Presented bilingual labeling charge questions regarding farmworker access to the National Environmental Justice Advisory Committee (March 2023, ongoing workgroup). State FIFRA Issues Research and Evaluation Group Meeting (April 2023, ongoing semiannual meetings). Farmworker Advocacy Stakeholder Call (April 2023, August 2023, ongoing quarterly meetings). Crop Life America, Reasonable Industry for Sound Environment Conference (April 2023, August 2023, ongoing quarterly meetings). Association American Pesticide Control Officials Worker Protection Standards Committee Meeting (April 2023). Cross - agency calls with EPA regional offices. (April - May 2023, ongoing monthly and quarterly calls). Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee Meeting with Equity and EJ Panel (May 2023, typically meets semiannually). National Webinar regarding Bilingual Pesticide Labels (June 2023). Continued community engagement through participation in crop tours, visits to farmworker communities will gauge effectiveness of efforts. Continue to identify opportunities for commitments and engagements as resources allow for ground - truthing visits.
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Disabled
EPA has lacked the capacity to ensure consistent, effective, and well - coordinated reasonable modifications and / or auxiliary aids and services to ensure open access to EPA programs and activities. People with disabilities are more likely to have social and economic risk factors, such as poverty and unemployment, that put them at greater risk and exposure to disproportionate and adverse human health and environmental effects. These effects include those related to climate change, the cumulative impacts of environmental and other burdens, and the legacy of racism or other structural or systemic barriers.
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Disabled
Executive Order (EO) 14096, Revitalizing Our Nation's Commitment to Environmental Justice for All, broadens the definition of " " environmental justice " " to include the " " just treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of disability. " " The EO includes persons with disabilities, especially children, among the vulnerable communities that must be " " protected from disproportionate and adverse human health and environmental effects, " " including " " cumulative impacts " ". EPA hosted two internal - facing Accessibility Listening Sessions in spring 2022 as part of its DEIA effort. A report was prepared by an external consultant summarizing accessibility issues employees described that also included a lack of disability access for the public to EPA's external - facing programs. Research affirms that people with disabilities are more likely to experience social and economic risk factors, such as poverty and unemployment, that put them at greater risk and exposure to disproportionate and adverse human health and environmental effects. ³ 1
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Disabled
Develop a clear EPA Directive / Order on Section 504 Procedures for Ensuring Meaningful Access for Persons with Disabilities to EPA Programs Services and Activities, to put into place a clear, consistent, and well - coordinated process for ensuring meaningful access for persons with disabilities. Develop program and region - specific disability access plans pursuant to the long - term performance goal under the Strategic Plan to ensure open access (i.e., digital and physical) to all programs, activities, and services conducted by EPA. Seek meaningful input from internal and external stakeholders in the development of the directive, including for implementing a fair and prompt public complaint process. Identify all necessary resources, including contractual vehicles, EPA must put in place to ensure consistent EPA - wide provision needed services, or " " reasonable modifications and / or auxiliary aids and services, " " for persons with disabilities. Develop and deliver comprehensive training for all EPA staff to ensure meaningful access for persons in the public with disabilities. Include in performance evaluations accountability for promoting disability access to EPA's programs, activities, and services. Conduct a physical assessment of EPA facilities to identify disability access issues (including contractor - operated facilities). Initiate research on the intersectionality of people with disabilities and other vulnerabilities to equitable access to environmental benefits.
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Disabled
Initiate research on the intersectionality of people with disabilities and other vulnerabilities and exposures to adverse stressors in the environment, including climate - related stressors. Determine whether additional databases and tools for identifying vulnerabilities need to be developed (i.e., research, modifications to EJ Screen, fact sheets, trainings etc.). Develop " " disability disparity indicators " " that EPA can target for mitigation (e.g., reduction in environmental exposures and harms leading to childhood asthma; reduction in exposure to PM2.5 which lead to negative diabetic outcomes, such as oxidative stress and inflammation, etc.).
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Disabled
Increase in the number of events or engagements that include information for members of the public to request reasonable modifications and / or auxiliary aids and services, or about disability access and accessible materials. Increase in the number of EPA programs and regions that have implemented program and region - specific disability access plans by FY 2026. Increase in the number of reasonable modifications and / or auxiliary aids and services requested versus provided once tracking system is in place. Timeliness of providing reasonable modifications and / or auxiliary aids and services to members of the public.
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Disabled
Identification of indicators to determine where and how to address disparities affecting people with disabilities. Framing of the decision context for considering disproportionate impacts on persons with disabilities to aid in relevant decision - making processes.
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Disabled
EPA hosted two internal - facing Accessibility Listening Sessions in spring 2022 as part of its DEIA effort. A report was prepared by an external consultant summarizing accessibility issues employees described that also included a lack of disability access for the public to EPA's external - facing programs. Plans to engage people with disabilities in their communities to identify and resolve public access barriers to EPA resources activities, and services. Actively partnering with people with disabilities in their communities to identify key research needs and address concerns related to disproportionate health impacts and environmental harms.
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Native American
Access to scientific and technical assistance is often necessary for successful implementation of community science projects. Many communities with environmental justice concerns lack access to resources (such as funding, training and guidance, equipment loan programs, etc.) to develop and implement community - based participatory science programs. Examples listed below illustrate the benefits to communities of partnering with academic, NGO, or government scientists for technical support. Investment is needed in planning, data infrastructure, and technical support to strengthen data quality and data management to support the use of community - generated data. Anticipated receiving organizations in state, Tribal, and local governments need to be consulted and resourced to integrate and use community science in decision - making. Connecting hubs are needed between communities, technical support providers, and receptors in local, state, and federal government for the creation and use of community science. Resources (e.g., staff, financial, technical) are needed along the full data pathway from community, universities / technical support, to local, state, and federal entities to enable successful integration of participatory science into decision - making.
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Native American
STPC Participatory Science Implementation Workgroup is chartered, and the Agency has finalized the Participatory Science Data Management and Assessment Plan by end of calendar year 2023. Review of research implementation by the Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC) Social and Community Science Subcommittee completed by end of FY 2024. CERCLE will be staffed and operational by end of FY 2024. Percentage and / or number of EPA community grant funds that support science to address environmental justice and equity concerns, including Tribal community science projects.
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Participatory Science Data Management Workshop (November 2021) engaged community and non - profit organizations, state, Tribal, and federal environmental professionals, and academics. Preparation of a report (2023) that identifies success factors based on ten case studies, to support participatory science environmental justice efforts. National Water Quality Monitoring Council (2022 - 2023) hosted five webinars examining participatory science data use at local, state, regional, and national levels. Participatory Science Learn and Share (July 2023) explored lessons learned and successes with participatory science from Tribal and state governments. On - going engagement with state agencies, Tribal Nations, technical support networks, and community partners, facilitated through the E - Enterprise Leadership Council (EELC) and BOSC Subcommittee on Social and Community Science.
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Identify and aim to fill gaps in data collected by relevant partners and other agencies, that limit our ability to perform robust equity assessments (e.g., compare / combine media data with demographic data to determine a model to map). Partner with statistical agencies that have relevant survey or administrative data to develop robust statistical estimates of exposure to environmental hazards disaggregated across relevant dimensions and at an appropriate spatial scale. Partner with federal, state, local, and Tribal agencies, and other stakeholder groups to share data where appropriate to build larger more robust interoperable data for equity analyses. Strategically invest in human capital to advance equity assessments including, leveraging EPA data skills training program with additional resources specific to equity analysis. Leverage our community - based participatory science partners to enhance communities ' capacity to understand and use data and tools relevant to their specific concerns. Develop equity evaluation guidelines for conducting EPA program evaluations supported by equitable data approaches. Improve ways we share the data EPA manages and the tools that allow external parties to view, analyze or otherwise interact with our data, especially in an equity context (e.g., EJScreen). Develop and manage a new cooperative agreement program designed to assist EPA grant recipients representing small, underserved, and / or Tribal communities with data, reporting and evidence - building.
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Identification of data gaps that limit our ability to perform equity assessments, and number of those data gaps addressed through data collection, data sharing, or statistical estimation. Use of data in program evaluations to assess the equity outcomes of EPA programs. Number of equity - aligned data and analytics training sessions given, or modules provided. Number of cooperative agreements supporting the data, reporting, and evidence - building of EPA grant recipients representing small, underserved, and / or Tribal communities. Number of EPA grant recipients provided assistance through EPA's cooperative agreement program designed to assist small underserved, and / or Tribal communities with data, reporting, and evidence - building.
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Native American
Expanded EPA staff capacity to identify data gaps and engage in equity assessments. Expanded capacity of EPA grant recipients representing small, underserved, and / or Tribal communities in responding to EPA grant data and reporting requirements and engaged in evidence - building. Measurable reduction in disparities as reflected by identified indicators of health disparities.
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Minority Serving Institutions
Implemented four policy initiatives to increase small business utilization and reduce the burden of proposal submission by socially disadvantaged and minority serving institutions. Oral Presentation Implementation underway to expedite the evaluation process by allowing small business teams to showcase their technical expertise and engage with Government evaluators. Conducted Agency outreach to provide socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses and minority - serving institutions the opportunity to learn more about EPA's operations and mission from EPA decision - makers at conferences, industry days, public outreach events, and listening sessions while simultaneously broadening Agency awareness of capabilities of these businesses and minority - serving institutions. The outreach events reached 8,238 small businesses.
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Native American
Through the historic investment of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is delivering more than $ 50 billion to improve our nation's drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure to cities, towns, and territories across the country, many of which are in disadvantaged communities. For example, EPA awarded $ 4 billion to states, Tribes, territories, and the District of Columbia in capitalization grants under the 5 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funded State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs. These programs provide low - cost financing for a wide range of water infrastructure projects from sewage systems to drinking water with nearly half of the funding flowing to disadvantaged communities. 7 Additionally, EPA created a $ 5 billion non - competitive grant program for small or disadvantaged communities to address emerging contaminants, including per - and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), in drinking water systems. 8
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Disabled
EPA continues to prioritize removing barriers faced by communities with environmental justice concerns accessing technical assistance and resources. Our belief as stated in our FY 2022 Equity Action Plan remains true today: communities with environmental justice concerns and other overburdened communities are often deeply affected by environmental policymaking. Yet these communities with environmental justice concerns can face multiple resource and capacity challenges to engaging with EPA or accessing its programs and resources. These communities often have experienced decades of chronic underinvestment and frequently lack capacity to engage in decision - making processes, prepare competitive proposals, or manage federal awards. EPA and other federal partners may fail to coordinate funding and assistance programs, thereby transferring the burden of identifying and coordinating complementary programs onto the already capacity - constrained community. These barriers most affect communities that are smaller; have faced decades of disinvestment and overburden; are economically or otherwise disadvantaged; have limited English proficiency or populations with disabilities that prevent full access to meetings and information; and / or lack access to digital infrastructure.
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Disabled
1Civil Rights in this context refers to EPA's responsibility to enforce several civil rights laws which, together, prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin (including on the basis of limited - English proficiency); sex; disability; age; and retaliation by applicants for and recipients of federal financial assistance from EPA. (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, respectively.) EPA is also responsible for enforcing Section 13 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination based on sex under programs or activities receiving financial assistance under the Clean Water Act.
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Women
Environmental exposures cause and contribute to harmful health effects in children. 16 Research shows that social inequities create substantial environmental health disparities that result in pregnancy - related complications that affect the unborn child, adverse health outcomes, and disease. 17 Adverse health impacts on pregnant women and children are exacerbated by climate change, which demonstrates the need to give particular attention to children's environmental health in climate resilience and adaptation planning. 18 18
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Disabled
harms for people with disabilities.
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Rural
EPA provides financial and technical assistance to small and rural communities to establish and improve services to lower the risk of harm to public health and protect the environment. This strategy continues EPA's work to focus on providing impactful improvements for rural communities.
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Disabled, Rural
These strategies are not inclusive of all the actions EPA intends to pursue in our efforts to remove barriers and improve the health and environment of the historically overburdened communities with environmental justice concerns we serve and protect, but rather support and enhance our current foundation of success and efforts to increase equitable outcomes for underserved and overburdened populations. Much of EPA's ongoing work, including for example, permitting, compliance and enforcement activities, financial and technical assistance, and cleanup actions and brownfields remediation, provides daily opportunities to address pollution burdens in historically underserved and overburdened populations. With these strategies, in conjunction with our ongoing efforts and directives, we can achieve more equitable outcomes, including a myriad of pollution reductions, water infrastructure investments, accessibility improvements, capacity building for communities with environmental justice concerns, strengthened results for rural communities and for children, and increased accessibility for people with disabilities and people with limited English proficiency.
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Rural
To address barriers and to ensure equitable, meaningful, and improved health to rural communities with environmental justice concerns, EPA will:
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Number of rural community environmental and health indicators added to EPA's information systems (e.g., EJScreen).
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Disabled
Recent Executive Orders 14091 and 14096 recognize that people with disabilities have historically been vulnerable and disproportionally harmed by exposures to environmental pollution and excluded from critical processes. People with disabilities are likely to be more susceptible to pollution exposure, and often face barriers to meaningful involvement in environmental decision - making. With this strategy, EPA is committing to provide equitable public access for people with disabilities to Agency resources, activities, and services. ³ 0 In addition, EPA is committed to include people with disabilities within the framework of EPA's Disparity Indicators to ensure full protection from environmental harms for people with disabilities.
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Disabled, Rural
With this 2023 Equity Action Plan, EPA has identified additional priorities, including addressing barriers of access to information and resources affecting rural communities, protecting children from exposure to environmental contaminants, removing barriers of access and addressing disparities affecting people with disabilities, and building our capacity to assess equity and remove barriers faced by communities with environmental justice concerns.
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To address the identified barriers for equitable, meaningful, and improved health and to achieve equity outcomes for people with disabilities, EPA will:
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To address disability - based health and environmental disparities, EPA will:
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Disabled
Progress in addressing public disability access barriers will be measured by:
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Disabled
Progress in addressing disability - based health and environmental disparities will be measured by:
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Disabled
Long - term outcomes in addressing public disability access barriers:
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Disabled
Improved process for ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities based on number of accessibility complaints received and resolved.
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Long - term outcome in addressing disability - based disparities:
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Expanded capacity of communities and local, state, Tribal, and federal governments to share in embracing community science as a valued and routine asset in environmental management as a result of support for community science policies, methods, and data.
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Disabled, Veterans
EPA recognizes that our ability to conduct equity assessments (i.e., to understand the impact of our policies on equity outcomes) and identify and remove barriers faced by communities with environmental justice concerns is contingent on gathering and analyzing the necessary data. Disaggregated data, which can be broken down and analyzed by race, ethnicity, gender, disability, income, veteran status, age, or other key demographic variables, is essential to this task. This strategy intends to remove barriers to the availability and use of equitable data ³ 3 (including limitations on the disaggregation of data) within the Agency.
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Disabled
With the 2023 Equity Action Plan, we set forth a clear and ambitious mandate to guide EPA's commitment to equity. Together, we will elevate the focus and importance of advancing equity across America - to protect the health and environment of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, income, location, gender, or disability.
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Senior
Under the leadership of Administrator Michael S. Regan, EPA has deepened its dedication to making equity, environmental justice, and civil rights a centerpiece of the Agency's mission and efforts. Consistent with its FY 2022 - 2026 EPA Strategic Plan, Goal 2, to " " Take Decisive Action to Advance Environmental Justice and Civil Rights, " " and building on its 2022 Equity Action Plan, EPA identified key priority strategies to guide its programs, policies, and engagements in this updated and revised 2023 Equity Action Plan. Executive Order 14091 directs EPA and other federal agencies to further advance equity and embed environmental justice and external civil rights in a whole - of - government approach. Through following the science and incorporating feedback from community engagement, discussions with the National Environmental Justice Advisory Committee (NEJAC) and agency senior leaders, including the Interagency Lead on the Justice40 Initiative, EPA has identified eight priority strategies, which include four previously identified priorities carried forward from the 2022 Equity Action Plan and four newly identified strategies:
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Rural
Strategy # 5: Address Inequitable Access to Information and Resources to Improve Engagement and Health Impacts in Rural Communities.
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Disabled
Strategy # 6: Ensure Public Access to EPA Programs and Activities and Ensure Full Protection from Health and Environmental Harms for People with Disabilities.
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Rural, Senior
accessibility and performance outcomes for older devices, such as, and especially for mobile, rural, and low - bandwidth users.
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Minority Serving Institutions
Deliver Equitable, Accessible and Inclusive Digital Government to the American Public. This strategy supports the whole - of - government equity objectives of Economic Justice and Civil Rights; and it aims to address potential barriers and biases present in public interactions with civic tech. Key actions include advancing human centered design and community - informed user research practices, scaling language access, and ensuring responsible adoption and procurement of Al - enabled technologies. Advance Equity, Economic Security, Sustainability and Environmental Justice through Large - Scale Construction Projects and the Federal Buildings Footprint. This strategy supports the whole - of - government equity objectives of Economic Justice, Environmental Justice, and Housing Justice and Community Investment; and it aims to address barriers to community benefits realized through equitable and sustainable Federal development. Key actions are designed to improve planning and access to local opportunities - like good jobs and cleaner, more climate change - resilient communities, made possible by landmark Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act investments. Advance Equity and Effectiveness of Federal Programs Through Rigorous Review, Evaluation and Continuous Improvement. This strategy supports the whole - of - government equity objectives of Civil Rights, Health Equity, Economic Justice, Global Equality; and it aims to ensure Federal programs are working as intended, particularly programs that provide critical support to the public during emergencies and recovery after disasters. Key actions include scaling the Federal Government's use of evaluations to surface important findings and areas of improvement in the design and delivery of Federal programs. Advance Equitable Access to Opportunity and Federal Resources for Local Communities and Minority Serving Institutions. This strategy supports the whole - of - government equity objectives of Civil Rights and Economic Justice; and it aims to reduce barriers to access for institutions that, through Federal resources, help close critical gaps in capacity and infrastructure for the local communities they serve. Key actions include conducting proactive civil rights compliance reviews of the Federal Surplus Personal Property Donation Program and broadening partnerships - including contracting agreements - between Federal agencies and Minority Serving Institutions.
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Alaskan, Disabled
Strengthen relationships with underserved user communities and build capacity for research operations. Governmentwide customer experience efforts focus on improving the digital interactions of communities and individuals with accessibility needs such as physical or mental disabilities and those experiencing major life events such as recovering from disasters, emergencies or financial shock, new and expecting parents, and those planning for retirement. GSA will continue integrating usability testing and research operations capabilities, including the expansion of user compensation pilots, 6 to directly track how well our digital services are working and meeting the diverse needs of the public. Modernize GSA's high - impact service providers to improve digital accessibility and language access. GSA's public - facing digital assets like USA.gov, Login.gov and Vote. gov connect tens of millions of Americans to Federal services and information. GSA will continue modernization efforts to make our digital services more accessible, understandable, and easy - to - use. This includes platforming new language translations and designing from native speaker experiences, like USAGov en Español, as well as driving universal design standards in partnership with U.S. Web Design System. Develop a plain - language accessibility checklist in collaboration with the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP). This will enable any team developing cloud - based services and digital solutions to incorporate accessibility into their process, regardless of their expertise. Operationalizing accessibility knowledge and evaluation for Federal employee use helps improve overall digital government
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Native American
increased diversity in the supplier base, including broadened participation from Tribal and disadvantaged businesses contracted to Federal construction projects and increased total dollars awarded to these businesses as a percentage of project value increased number of small and socioeconomic businesses, including new entrants, awarded contracts in the region where Federal projects are located increased number of Project Labor Agreements executed overall improved job and jobsite quality scores across GSA portfolio projects increased and more accessible pathways to training and employment opportunities in regions where GSA projects are located increased initiation and execution of community development goals established during Planning Outreach and Partnership engagements number of GSA community stakeholders who are awarded place - based assistance grants through Thriving Communities opportunities; indicators of reduced burden in disadvantaged Census tracts with GSA environmental justice ameliorations
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Disabled, Minority Serving Institutions, Veterans, Women
In FY 2022, $ 2.8 billion of GSA contracting obligations went to small businesses, including 21.4 % to small disadvantaged businesses (SDBs); In FY 2023, GSA increased its small business contracting obligations to $ 3.3 billion, representing over 50 % of the agency's eligible spending. Launched a new Supplier Base Dashboard to provide more transparency and public reporting on Federal efforts to increase the number of new entrants to the Federal marketplace and reverse the general decline in the small business supplier base. Signed a new 8 (a) partnership agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration to increase 8 (a) contracting opportunities and make it easier for Federal agencies to buy from 8 (a) businesses for common goods and services needs. Established new contracting pools in the growing Federal marketplace of Information Technology services and solutions to bolster participation of Women - Owned Small Business, Service - Disabled Veteran - Owned Small Business, and small businesses located in Historically Underutilized Business Zones. The 8 (a) STARS III contracts have been awarded to 1,111 SDB. 290 " " rising stars " " have received their first awards exceeding $ 925 million in obligations. Expanded tools to support Minority Serving Institutions with training and technical assistance to achieve success in the Federal contracting marketplace. Established a Post - Award Engagement strategy to support disadvantaged and socioeconomic small businesses, which oftentimes still face challenges in successfully earning sales after being awarded a GSA contract. Published the first - ever Supplier Diversity Plan to support Federal marketplace participation of SDB. Updated the Multiple Award Schedule Welcome Package and Roadmap to improve information access and assist new contractors with success in marketing and managing their contracts.
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Minority Serving Institutions
Increase the number of eligible HBCUs and MSIs on the GSA Multiple Award Schedule. The MAS is a long - term contract with commercial entities that provides Federal agencies with billions of dollars in annual access to common products and services needed by the government. GSA plans to conduct outreach to eligible institutions currently without MAS contracts, conduct training and provide technical assistance on how to get on the MAS, and host HBCU - focused industry days, matchmaking events and other strategic engagements to raise awareness and help better position HBCUs and MSIs to successfully do business with the Federal Government Launch and scale adoption of new GSA public digital resource for MSIs. GSA's new public website to support Minority Serving Institutions will aggregate information and resources that help both Federal agencies and MSIs develop and sustain partnerships or contracting agreements. Resources include market research, capabilities assessments, support for exploring joint venture and other contractor team agreements and data tools to help advance supplier diversity across Federal Government procurement
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Minority Serving Institutions
number of completed civil rights SASP compliance reviews increased number of people, communities, and MSIs reached by engagement and public outreach actions increased number of underserved communities, organizations, or geographic areas that that seek to participate in the Federal surplus goods program indicators of reduced burden and improved access where program compliance reviews and any required updates have been implemented Increased number of MSI and HBCUs participating in Federal contracts Increased number of overall Federal contracting dollars obligated to MSIs and HBCUs
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AAPI, Alaskan, Hawaiian, Pacific Islander
Launched an Equity Study on Remote Identity, recruiting 4,000 Americans, to understand potential barriers and demographic disparities in identity verification technologies that are commonly used by the public when accessing Federal services and benefits. Developed and started implementing a roadmap for USAGov and USAGov en Español to streamline content and make it easier for the public to find and access Federal benefits and services across a digital platform that connects people with government information more than 117 million times a year. Vote.gov worked to expand access to voter registration information in communities that, due to language barriers, have not been historically part of the electorate. The platform added several Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) languages including: Bengali, Khmer, Korean, Hindi, Tagalog, and Vietnamese, with Chinese (both simplified and traditional) and its first Alaska Native language, Yup'ik - Akuzipik. Login.gov partnered with Federal agencies and State governments to provide secure, accessible identity verification services for benefits and emergency assistance programs. As an example, the U.S. Department of Labor pilot in Arkansas, helping more than 19,000 citizens of the State verify their identities while applying for unemployment benefits. Advanced public participation and equitable user research practices through user compensation pilots and increased outreach efforts to community - based organizations. Partnered with the U.S. Web Design System to launch new Inclusion Pattern Guidance, a library of design guidance and examples focused on reducing the public's barriers in key digital government interactions and fostering effective, inclusive, and equitable digital experiences.
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Disabled, Native American, Veterans, Women
U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency. 2 Includes SBA certified socioeconomic set - aside categories: 8 (a) Small Disadvantaged Businesses, Women - Owned Small Businesses, Service - Disabled Veteran - Owned Small Businesses, Tribes and Tribal - owned businesses, and small businesses located in Historically Underutilized Business Zones
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Disabled
Create new sustainability - focused markets in coordination with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Defense. Climate risk adaptation efforts and Federal sustainability goals are positioned to deploy hundreds of millions of dollars in new acquisition opportunities, including those available to small businesses, over the near / medium term. GSA is driving new and emerging market successes in Low Embodied Carbon building materials, Zero - Emission Vehicles and supply equipment, scaling of eco - labels to reduce per - and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and expediting procurement availability of environmental technologies. Finalize solicitations and awards for new Polaris and OASIS + contracts. 3 These newly launched governmentwide IT and professional services contracts offer more opportunities for small businesses to compete for prime contracts, including small business and socioeconomic set - asides. Since 2015, GSA's current OASIS vehicle has helped Federal agencies obligate more than $ 67 billion. Improve accessibility and reduce administrative burden. GSA committed to reviewing 37 Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) forms and identifying six design changes to appearance and layout (e.g., limiting use of capitalization and italics, continuity of 12 - point font and bolded text for readability) that could make the standard forms easier to navigate for people with dyslexia, limited vision and intellectual disabilities. GSA will redesign FAR forms and launch a public awareness campaign about the updates. For FY 2024, GSA will also increase its pledge to the AbilityOne program, a critical source for buying goods and services from suppliers who support the employment of people with disabilities. Further implement and enhance the Post - Award Engagement (PAE) Strategy. Fiscal Year 2023 sales data for SDBs and SESBs will serve as the Year 1 baseline to evaluate the efficacy of PAE plan activities. Based on analysis, GSA will update actions for post - award interventions that address the phenomena of persistent low or no sales, including: targeted training, matchmaking industry days and technical assistance.
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Alaskan, Native American
Support for Tribes and Native Communities
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Minority Serving Institutions
Strategy # 5: Advance Equitable Access to Opportunity and Federal Resources for Local Communities and Minority Serving Institutions
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Minority Serving Institutions
Advance procurement opportunities and partnerships between Federal Agencies and Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions.
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POC, Women
From Arizona to Ohio, I've heard from workers that are proud to be part of this national transformation and that they see the benefits to their families, their communities, and American businesses. I've met with trade labor unions, workers, and leaders in the building and construction industry, all of whom have shared with me how they're committed to these same goals. They're recruiting more women and people of color and training them in the tools and technologies we need to implement billions of dollars in investments. They know what we know: these investments will create pathways to the middle - class, strengthen communities across the country, and build a stronger and more prosperous future for everyone.
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Projects implemented under the nearly $ 7 billion made available to GSA through historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) investments are poised to bolster economies with small and local business participation, improve job and jobsite quality for workers and trade labor, address sustainability and environmental justice concerns, and strengthen relationships between levels of government, Tribes, and communities.
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Minority Serving Institutions, Native American, Rural
Rural, socioeconomically underserved, and historically disinvested communities, including Tribes and institutions that serve disadvantaged and minority populations like Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), disproportionately rely on Federal goods and services to bridge critical resource gaps. 15 Yet barriers to information, administrative burdens in navigating government processes, capacity and infrastructure gaps to meet government requirements, and equitable access to resource pathways prevent communities from fully realizing the available benefits from Federal support and partnership.
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Minority Serving Institutions, Native American, Veterans
Administered by GSA, the program enables certain non - Federal organizations to obtain personal property that the Federal Government no longer needs. This property includes computers, office equipment and furniture, motor vehicles, aircraft, vessels, scientific devices and heavy machinery. GSA facilitates the distribution of millions of dollars in surplus Federal goods annually and the program is administered in each of the 56 States and territories by a State Agency for Surplus Property (SASP). In addition, State agencies, cities, local governments, Tribal governments, and non - profit organizations for the purposes of public health or education or services to veterans may obtain Federal surplus personal property through the donation program. Examples of recipients of property donations include, but are not limited to: public works departments, public health departments, childcare centers, homeless shelters, school districts, food banks, and HBCUs or other Minority - Serving Institutions (MSIs).
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Minority Serving Institutions
HBCUs and MSIs provide vital support to communities through higher education, cutting edge research, public health ecosystems, pathways to quality employment, and well - being for economically and socially underserved Americans. The Federal Government can better benefit from the deep and rich expertise of these institutions and can improve pathways to more robust and meaningful partnership with them, including through Federal contracting.
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AAPI, Alaskan, Hawaiian, Pacific Islander
GSA's work delivering " " services that are simple to use, accessible, equitable, protective, transparent, and responsive for all people " " is evident in our digital capabilities as well. Our public - facing websites are 508 compliant, support assistive technology, and are available in multiple languages. In fact, Vote.go has recently added its first Alaska Native language and multiple Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander languages to increase accessibility while supporting cultural vitality. We're also
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Disabled, LGBTQ+, POC, Rural, Veterans, Women
We've been partnering across the government as well. Our Office of Government - wide Policy IT Accessibility team helps agencies meet Federal compliance standards while our U.S. Web Design Services offers toolkits and best practices to ensure that Federal websites are accessible for everyone - that includes providing specific resources to support customers in varying socio - economic communities. Through our work with the Department of Labor's Good Jobs Initiative, we're helping improve job quality and create access to good union jobs free from discrimination and harassment for all working people, with an emphasis on people of color, LGBTQ +, women, veterans, immigrants, individuals in rural communities, and individuals with disabilities.
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Alaskan, Native American
Finally, we've been committed to strengthening ties and trust between Tribal Nations and the United States. From attending the Reservation Economic Summit and hosting our first Native Nations Industry Day at GSA Headquarters to holding nation - to - nation consultations and visiting with Tribal leaders and communities, we're building Nation - to - Nation partnerships so that our work in Indian Country strengthens businesses and communities.
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Native American
In response to Executive Order 14091 on Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, the U.S. General Services Administration has undertaken an agenda to operationalize equity across its public - facing mission critical programs and services. Not only do these updated strategies build on the successes and learnings from our 2022 Equity Action Plan, they further integrate cross - cutting equity goals in important and impactful ways. Deeper synergies are possible to realize across priorities related to economic justice, sustainable and equitable development, customer experience and digital government, gender equity, environmental justice, protecting civil rights, and support for an ecosystem of sociodemographic community groups, Tribes, and institutions.
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Native American
GSA has prioritized engaging in Tribal Consultations in a proactive and meaningful manner throughout Fiscal Year 23. In addition to robust Tribal engagement as part of BIL project planning, GSA hosted the agency's first formal in - person Tribal Consultation event at the Reservation Economic Summit (RES) in April 2023. Over 100 participants joined Administrator Carnahan and GSA leaders for discussions on major topics of interest to Indian Country, including GSA's support of tribes, small business contracting, partnering with GSA to procure electric vehicles, and a pilot program to support Federal buying of carbon pollution - free electricity from Tribal organizations. Also, GSA issued a Guide to Using GSA Solutions and debuted a new search feature that enables buyers to search for Native American business categories in the GSA Advantage! R, GSA eBuy and GSA eLibrary e - tools to find commercial products and services. This will foster greater Native American business participation in the Federal marketplace, help customers more easily meet Buy Indian Act needs, and strengthen the ability for tribes to pursue intertribal commerce efforts.
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Native American
GSA is committed to institutionalizing the principles of Justice40 - ensuring that the benefits of Federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution, advancing equitable and sustainable development, and mitigating the disproportionate burdens faced by underserved communities in the climate crisis. Our Good Neighbor Program helps construction project teams, local governments and communities address common environmental justice challenges - like flooding from aging water systems, heat islands caused by lack of tree canopy, and air pollution from commercial traffic patterns - during the urban planning process. GSA's Environmental Justice Scorecard highlights include 27 Tribal Consultations related to environmental justice from January 2021 to September 2022 and improving environmental justice literacy through training provided to GSA's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Network.
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Senior
Although technology continues to rapidly evolve, persistent inequities in technology design and delivery - like higher false rejection rates, completion failure rates, and time burdens - disproportionately negatively impact those from historically and socially marginalized communities. Additionally, digital services very often fail to prioritize human - centered design and usability beyond compliance. This means that Americans who likely have a critical need to connect with government information and services through digital platforms also are likely to have the hardest time doing SO. Examples include both lack of access to the newest hardware or good internet, which often means newer digital platforms do not perform as well (because they are not built for older devices or don't work with low bandwidth connections), or software that is not designed to work across all populations, such as lack of plain language impacting populations with limited English proficiency or poorly trained Al models causing biometric systems to perform worse for people with different ages or skin tones. GSA - through its consulting and fellowships offerings such as the Centers of Excellence and the Presidential Innovation Fellows, shared services such as Login.gov and the US Web Design System, and Federal partners in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and United States Digital Service - plays a central role in the responsible development, deployment, and procurement of technologies used by the Federal Government to communicate or interact with the public. 4 GSA is committed to delivering high - impact digital services and products in a manner that improves customer experience, reduces burden, broadens access, and advances civic tech practices that are intrinsically equity - aware and community - informed.
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Alaskan, Disabled, Rural, Senior
Mitigate bias and advance responsible adoption of civic technologies, including machine learning - enabled and emerging technologies. GSA's own internal product testing processes, as well as publicly available, peer - reviewed technical research studies from academic institutions and government research partners - like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) - have identified user experience disparities and efficacy gaps in machine learning and Al - enabled technologies that adversely impact users, including: people with darker skin tones, people in rural areas with low bandwidth, people using older electronic devices, nonbinary and transgender people, people with disabilities, and people whose native language is not English. 5 The negative impacts listed above compound for government websites and digital services, including services that have the potential to impact rights (like access to benefits or other government services). For example, a user with darker skin tone who is more likely to live in a neighborhood with low - bandwidth internet access and have an older device is thus more likely to experience increased friction in their attempt to use a government website or service.
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Native American, Rural, Women
Preventing Child Welfare System Involvement: We understand that families in poverty and those in Tribal and other communities are impacted by the child welfare system more than others, in some cases largely because they lack sufficient access to economic resources and community networks. Our efforts will be directed at connecting families in need to supports that enable them to stay together and preventing discriminatory and other practices that make it difficult for children, youth, and families to heal when child welfare is involved. Promoting Accessible and Welcoming Health Care: A lack of health insurance coverage and social and geographic barriers to care mean that not everyone is receiving health care that meets their needs within their communities. Our actions will promote access to comprehensive insurance coverage and quality care designed to meet the diverse needs of Americans so everyone can benefit from preventive care and effective treatments. Improving Maternal Health Outcomes: Too many women, particularly racial and ethnic minority populations, and those in rural areas, are losing their lives or health during pregnancy or after giving birth. Our actions will address gaps in insurance coverage and the birthing care infrastructure to ensure better maternal health outcomes. Meeting Behavioral Health Needs: The impact of the COVID - 19 pandemic increased mental health and substance use challenges for all populations, but disproportionately exacerbated the already existing behavioral health disparities among underserved racial, ethnic, and sexual minority populations. The rising rates of suicide, depression, anxiety, and substance misuse among youth and adults are impacted by a decreasing workforce, limited resources, underinsurance, and lack of culturally competent care. Our actions will improve access to behavioral health care coverage and ensure that prevention and treatment are accessible and meet the needs of all populations. Advancing Clinical Innovation: To increase our understanding of what treatments are most effective for which populations, we need to increase the diversity of our research and clinical trials to inform that science. Our actions will engage a more diverse set of populations in informing our efforts and participating in clinical research so that we can innovate to improve health and well - being outcomes.
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LGBTQ+
Increase evidence - based prevention programs, services and supports to children and families leveraging the Family First Prevention Services Act to enable more children to be supported in their own homes. Provide increased guidance to regulated agencies and enforce nondiscrimination provisions to better educate agencies of their responsibilities and available resources to facilitate intact family support and reunification for all families. Intensify technical assistance efforts and issuance of policy guidance to states on ways to disentangle poverty from states ' considerations of child neglect to reduce unnecessary CPS interventions and trauma allowing more children to stay safely within their own families and communities. Provide policy options and practice expectations for child welfare agencies on how they can ensure the most appropriate, stable, family - like and caring placements for children, including appropriate placements for LGBTQI + youth and kinship care, to protect their well - being in foster care and expedite return to their families when feasible / appropriate.
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Native American
Increased number of states and Tribes with Title IV - E prevention plans with culturally relevant interventions to reduce disparities in foster care for children Increased proportion of federal spending on Title IV - E Prevention Activities relative to Title IV - E foster care Increased voluntary adoption by state child welfare agencies of practices to protect families and children from discrimination
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Native American
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) hosted nine cross - sector summits in 2022 to build knowledge among partners about the economic mobility challenges facing their communities. All regions engaged their state leaderships in promoting intentional engagement of parents and others with lived experience to inform their policies and practices. ACF and states will continue partnering to engage communities ongoingly about child welfare through the Child and Family Service Reviews. This process ensures meeting federal child welfare requirements, determining what is happening to children and families as they are engaged in child welfare services, and assists states in enhancing their capacity to help children and families achieve positive outcomes. Through these reviews, states and ACF engage impacted communities - including youth, parents, foster parents, Tribes, courts and child welfare workers - to review data on performance and identify strengths and areas needing improvement within their agencies and programs.
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Alaskan, Disabled, LGBTQ+, Native American, Rural
Certain populations continue to face barriers to quality, affordable health services, including those with low - incomes, rural communities, households with a primary language other than English, immigrants, Tribes / Native Americans, racial and / or ethnic minority communities, LGBTQI + populations, and persons with disabilities. Certain populations experience biased treatment and care. The health care workforce needed to provide care in underserved areas needs additional supports to facilitate improved health care access and quality for populations that historically face barriers to care. There continues to be an unequal distribution of physicians coupled with a physician shortage, especially for certain specialties including primary care, dental health, and mental health practitioners.
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Alaskan, Native American, Rural
Lack of health insurance coverage continues to be a large barrier to accessing health care services, and unequal distribution of coverage contributes to health disparities. 9,10,11 Studies show that having health insurance is associated with improved access to health services and better health monitoring. 12,13,14 Social, economic, cultural, and geographic barriers continue to affect access to care, especially for rural and Tribal communities, Native Americans, racial and ethnic minority, and low - income populations. 15,16
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Rural
9 Institute of Medicine (U.S.) Committee on Understanding and Eliminating Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care (2003). Unequal treatment: Confronting racial and ethnic disparities in health care (B. D. Smedley, A. Y. Stith, & A. R. Nelson, Eds.). National Academies Press. 10 Call, K. T., McAlpine, D. D., Garcia, C. M., Shippee, N., Beebe, T., Adeniyi, T. C., & Shippee, T. (2014). Barriers to care in an ethnically diverse publicly insured population: Is health care reform enough? Medical Care, 52 (8), 720 - 727. 11 Tolbert J., Drake P., Damico, A. (2022). Key Facts about the Uninsured Population. Kaiser Family Foundation. https: / / www.kff.org / uninsured / issue - brief / key - facts - about - the - uninsured - population / #:: text = One % 20in % 20five % 20uninsured % 20adults, health % 20conditions % 20and % 20chronic % 20disea ses. 12 Baicker, K., Taubman, S. L., Allen, H. L., Bernstein, M., Gruber, H., Newhouse, J. P., & Finkelstein, A.N. (2013). The Oregon experiment - effects of Medicaid on clinical outcomes. New England Journal of Medicine, 368 (18), 1713 - 1722. 13 McWilliams, J. M., Zaslavsky, A. M., Meara, E., & Ayanian, J. Z. (2003). Impact of Medicare coverage on basic clinical services for previously uninsured adults. JAMA, 290 (6), 757 - 764. 14 Buchmueller, T. C., Grumbach, K., Kronick, R., & Kahn,. G. (2005). Book review: The effect of health insurance on medical care utilization and implications for insurance expansion: A review of the literature. Medical Care Research and Review, 62 (1), 3 - 30. 15 Call, K. T., McAlpine, D. D., Garcia, C. M., Shippee, N., Beebe, T., Adeniyi, T. C., & Shippee, T. (2014). Barriers to care in an ethnically diverse publicly insured population: Is health care reform enough? Medical Care, 52 (8), 720 - 727. 16 Douthit, N., Kiv, S., Dwolatzky, T., & Biswas, S. (2015). Exposing some important barriers to health care access in the rural USA. Public Health, 129 (6), 611 - 620. doi: 10.1016 / j.puhe. 2015.04.001
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Women
According to Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) data, in areas where a health workforce shortage has been identified, the U.S. needs over 17,000 primary care practitioners, 12,000 dental health practitioners, and 8,200 mental health practitioners to address Americans ' current health needs. 17 Evidence indicates that a workforce diverse in its experiences, supports enhanced access to care for underserved areas and populations, including with locating services in underserved communities, patient acceptance of preventive care, patient to clinician trust, clinician and patient communication, and provision of culturally relevant care. 18,19,20,21,22,23 Implicit racial / ethnic bias among health care professionals can lead to differences in the quality of health care services received by certain racial / ethnic populations and perpetuate existing health disparities. 24,25 Women face individual - level barriers to accessing reproductive health care including lack of insurance, difficulty obtaining appointments or accessing a clinic, not having a regular physician, and fear of lack of confidentiality of services. 26,27,28
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Rural, Women
17 HRSA. (2023). Health Workforce Shortage Areas.https: / / data.hrsa.gov / topics / health - workforce / shortage - areas 18 Kington R, Tisnado D, Carlisle DM. Increasing racial and ethnic diversity among physicians: an intervention to address health disparities? In Smedley BD, Stith AY, Colburn L, Evans CH, (eds.). The Right Thing to Do, The Smart Thing to Do: Enhancing Diversity in the Health Professions. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2001. 19 Alsan, Marcella, Owen Garrick, and Grant Graziani. 2019. " " Does Diversity Matter for Health? Experimental Evidence from Oakland. " " American Economic Review, 109 (12): 4071 - 4111. DOI: 10.1257 / aer. 20181446 20 Street R.L., O'Malley, K., Cooper, L., & Haidet, P. (2008). Understanding Concordance in Patient - Physician Relationships: Personal and Ethnic Dimensions of Shared Identity. The Annals of Family Medicine, 6 (3) 198 - 205; DOI: 10.1370 / afm. 821 21 Gonzalez H.M., Vega W.A., and Tarraf W. (2010). Health Care Quality Perceptions among Foreign - Born Latinos and the Importance of Speaking the Same Language. The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, (6) 745 - 752, DOI: 10.3122 / jabfm. 2010.06.090264 22 Hoffman KM, Trawalter S, Axt JR, Oliver MN. (2016). Racial bias in pain assessment and treatment recommendations, and false beliefs about biological differences between blacks and whites. Proc Natl Acad Sci, 113: 4296 - 4301. 23 Goodfellow, Amelia; Ulloa, Jesus G. MD, MBA; Dowling, Patrick T. MD, MPH; Talamantes, Efrain MD, MBA, MSHPM; Chheda, Somil; Bone, Curtis MD, MHS; Moreno, Gerardo MD, MSHS. (2016) Predictors of Primary Care Physician Practice Location in Underserved Urban or Rural Areas in the United States: A Systematic Literature Review. Academic Medicine 91 (9): p 1313 - 1321, DOI: 10.1097 / ACM. 0000000000001203 24 Burgess DJ, Fu SS, Van Ryn M. (2004). Why do providers contribute to disparities and what can be done about it? J Gen Intern Med., 19 (11): 1154 - 1159. 25 Hall WJ, Chapman MV, Lee KM, Merino YM, Thomas TW, Payne BK, Eng E, Day SH, Coyne - Beasley T. Implicit Racial / Ethnic Bias Among Health Care Professionals and Its Influence on Health Care Outcomes: A Systematic Review. Am J Public Health. 2015 ec; 105 (12): e60 - 76. doi: 10.2105 / AJPH. 2015.302903. Epub 2015 Oct 15. PMID: 26469668; PMCID: PMC4638275. 26 Ralph LJ, Brindis CD. Access to reproductive healthcare for adolescents: establishing healthy behaviors at a critical juncture in the lifecourse. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2010;22 (5): 369 - 374. doi:: 10.1097 / GCO. 0b013e32833d9661 27 Decker MJ, Atyam TV, Zárate CG, Bayer AM, Bautista C, Saphir M. Adolescents ' perceived barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health services in California: a cross - sectional survey. BMC Health Serv Res. 2021;21 (1): 1263. loi: 10.1186 / s12913 - 021 - 07278 - 3 28 Grindlay K, Grossman D. Prescription birth control access among US women at risk of unintended pregnancy. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2016;25 (3): 249 - 254. i: 10.1089 / jwh. 2015.5312
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LGBTQI + populations face challenges accessing health care services resulting in worse health outcomes due to stigma, discrimination, inequality in the workplace, and other barriers. 29 Additionally, changes in laws and policies have made it more difficult to access services, including gender affirming care, in certain parts of the country. American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal communities face historical challenges in accessing timely and quality health care services due to chronic underfunding and staffing for healthcare services, discrimination, poor infrastructure including limited cellular and broadband access, remote locations, and living in health - care deserts with long - standing structural and socioeconomic inequities among other barriers. ¹ 1 A variety of evidence shows that a diverse workforce supports access to care including with preventive care, patient to clinician trust, clinician and patient communication and culturally relevant care. 32,33,34,35,36
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Disabled
Published draft rules on language access in all health programs and activities funded by the Department. On August 4, 2022, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), proposing comprehensive updates revisions to the Department's regulations implementing Section 1557, the nondiscrimination provision of the Affordable Care Act. See proposed rule. The proposed rule restores and strengthens civil rights protections for patients and consumers in certain federally funded health programs and affirms protections against discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity, age, and disability. Created a comprehensive structure for implementing HHS's action plan and practices for language access. The Department relaunched the HHS Language Access Steering Committee (LASC), which is comprised of representatives from every HHS agency. The LASC will facilitate the sharing of effective practices and procedures for enhancing language access. Ensured state compliance with language access and effective communication obligations during and after public health emergencies. On April 5, 2023, OCR dispatched a letter to state health officials reminding states of their language access and effective communication obligations under federal civil rights laws to ensure that individuals and families continue to have access to Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage upon the expiration of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act continuous enrollment condition.
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Alaskan, LGBTQ+
29 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2020. Understanding the Well - Being of LGBTQI + Populations. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https: / / doi.org / 10.17226 / 25877. 30 Dawson, L., Kates, J., Musumeci, MB. (2023). Youth Access to Gender Affirming Care: The Federal and State Policy Landscape. Kaiser Family Foundation. https: / / www.kff.org / other / issue - brief / youth - access - to - gender - affirming - care - the - federal - and - state - policy - landscape / 31 Smith, M. (n.d.) Native Americans: A Crisis in Health Equity. https: / / www.americanbar.org / groups / crsi / publications / human rights magazine home / the - state - of - healthcare - in - the - united - states / native - american - crisis - in - health - equity / 32 Smedley BD, Stith AY, Colburn L, et al.; Institute of Medicine (US). The Right Thing to Do, The Smart Thing to Do: Enhancing Diversity in the Health Professions: Summary of the Symposium on Diversity in Health Professions in Honor of Herbert W.Nickens, M.D.. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2001. Increasing Racial and Ethnic Diversity Among Physicians: An Intervention to Address Health Disparities? Available from: https: / / www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov / books / NBK223632 / 33 Alsan, Marcella, Owen Garrick, and Grant Graziani. 2019. " " Does Diversity Matter for Health? Experimental Evidence from Oakland. " " American Economic Review, 109 (12): 4071 - 4111. DOI: 10.1257 / aer. 20181446 34 Street RL Jr, O'Malley KJ, Cooper LA, Haidet P. Understanding concordance in patient - physician relationships: personal and ethnic dimensions of shared identity. Ann Fam Med. 2008 May - Jun; 6 (3): 198 - 205. doi: 10.1370 / afm. 821. PMID: 18474881; PMCID: PMC2384992. 35 González HM, Vega WA, Tarraf W. Health care quality perceptions among foreign - born Latinos and the importance of speaking the same language. J Am Board Fam Med. 2010 Nov - Dec; 23 (6): 745 - 52. doi: 10.3122 / jabfm. 2010.06.090264. PMID: 21057070; PMCID: PMC2995948. 36 Hoffman KM, Trawalter S, Axt JR, Oliver MN. Racial bias in pain assessment and treatment recommendations, and false beliefs about biological differences between blacks and whites. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2016;113: 4296 - 4301
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Native American, Rural
Improve access and address barriers to care by engaging community health workers and trusted partners in rural communities, Tribal Communities, and other underserved communities Support continuity of coverage during Medicaid unwinding by working with states and external partners on renewals and connections to other forms of health coverage. Develop resources or programs to increase the number of culturally appropriate and informed health care materials and information available in - language for providers and partners. Advance social determinants of health (SDOH) research and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) research to better identify and address structural barriers to healthcare access and influence positive outcomes.
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Rural
Maternal health outcomes vary by race, ethnicity, and rurality across the U.S. Key drivers of poor maternal health outcomes include lack of provider and service availability, lack of tailored interventions, cultural bias and relevant evidence on the safety and effectiveness of technological innovations, data lags, and inadequate preventive and supportive care. Social and environmental determinants of health such as income, housing, nutrition climate - related exposures such as extreme heat and air pollution, underlie many of the risk factors that contribute to poor maternal health outcomes.
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Black, Hawaiian, Latinx, Pacific Islander, Rural, Women
According to the CDC Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System, women in rural areas are 60 % more likely to die during the perinatal period than women in urban areas. 37 Pregnancy related death rates are three times higher among Black individuals and two times higher among AI / AN individuals compared to White individuals. 38 Although Hispanics / Latinos have lower rates of maternal mortality, they have higher levels of severe maternal morbidity than non - Hispanic White populations. Additionally, although data are limited, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (NHOPI) populations also have higher rates of both maternal mortality and morbidity. 40 According to the CDC - supported Maternal Mortality Review Committees data from 2017 - 2019, more than 80 % of maternal deaths are preventable, meaning that a " " reasonable change to patient, community, provider, facility or system factors " " could have averted death. 41 Environmental exposures related to climate change have a disproportionate effect on pregnant women through influencing food and water security, civil conflicts, extreme weather events, and the spread of disease. 42
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Native American, Rural
Increase access and use of health care services by continuing to promote state implementation of 12 - month postpartum coverage extension in Medicaid and CHIP to improve health insurance coverage for postpartum people, including the 40 percent of U.S. births covered by Medicaid and CHIP. Increase screening for maternal depression and substance use disorder (SUD) during the postpartum period to decrease maternal mortality. Address maternal / birthing care deserts and the maternity / birthing care safety net by strengthening birthing care infrastructure, including a focus on obstetrics (OB) readiness, especially in rural communities and Tribal communities. Build a competent and diverse workforce for maternal care pre - and post - birth, including midwives, doulas, promotoras and other non - OB (non - stigmatizing) community - based settings. Establish a task force focused on maternal mental health and perinatal mental health. Increase funding for economic development and social mobility for Tribal communities and families through grants and training and technical assistance.
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Native American, Rural
Changes in maternal mental health, mortality rates, and other health indicators Number of partnerships established in Tribal communities, rural communities, low - income and low - resourced communities, and other high need areas Changes in access to primary care across the perinatal spectrum Number of states and territories that extend Medicaid coverage for a full 12 months Changes in impact and number of people who benefit from expanded Medicaid postpartum care Changes in number of hospitals with " " birthing friendly " " hospital designation Changes in number of conversations with the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline counselors Changes in the number of health center obstetrician / gynecologist and certified nurse midwife full - time equivalents and the number of clinic (in - person) and virtual visits to those providers Changes in prenatal care provided directly to health center patients or by referral Changes in the percentage of mothers enrolled in home visiting prenatally (or within 30 days after delivery) who received a postpartum visit with a healthcare provider within 8 weeks of delivery Changes in the percent of primary caregivers enrolled in home visiting who are screened for depression within 3 months of enrollment or delivery
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Disabled, LGBTQ+, Rural, Senior
Some populations are at higher risk of experiencing behavioral health challenges and some also face barriers to accessing mental and behavioral health care services, including racial and ethnic minorities, American Indian and Alaska Natives, rural populations, persons with disabilities, LGBTQI + adults and youth, older adults, and other populations. There continues to be several workforce challenges among mental and behavioral healthcare providers, including shortages, geographic maldistribution, lack of diversity, and burnout.
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AAPI, Alaskan, Black, Disabled, Latinx, LGBTQ+, Native American, Senior, Women
Youth behavioral health has worsened. In the past decade, the percentage of students across every Tribal, racial and ethnic group feeling persistently sad or hopeless increased. 43 Female students, LGBTQI + students, and students who had any same - sex partners were more likely than their peers to experience poor mental health and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. 44 Behavioral health challenges are especially acute for the American Indian and Alaska Native population. The percentage of AI / AN persons aged 12 or older in 2021 with a past year substance use disorder (27.6 %) was higher than among other racial or ethnic groups. Percentage of AI / AN persons aged 18 or older in 2021 with any mental illness (26.6 %) was higher than among almost all other racial or ethnic groups. According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the percentage of adults with any mental illness in the past year who received mental health services was lower among Asian (25.4 %), Hispanic or Latino (36.1 %), or Black or African American adults (39.4 %) than among White (52.4 %) adults. 47 Adults with disabilities, compared with those without disabilities, experience more mental distress and are more likely to experience factors associated with a higher occurrence of mental disorders, including poverty and limited health care access. 48 Preventing adverse childhood experiences is key to reducing behavioral health challenges. 49 As adverse child experiences and their social drivers are interdependent, comprehensive and
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AAPI, Alaskan, Black
SAMHSA and the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) convened a Summit on AANHPI Mental Health in July 2023. Four key issues emerged: Anti - AANHPI Hate, Language Justice, Behavioral Health Workforce, and Engaging with 988. Partners in this meeting made commitments to these Action Plans. SAMHSA hosted a follow - up working meeting of AANHPI leaders from communities, advocates, practitioners, researchers, national organizations, foundations, technology companies, and federal partners to develop action plans on the four themes. SAMHSA sponsored a Behavioral Health Equity Challenge focused on innovative outreach and engagement strategies that connect communities to behavioral health services in underserved communities. From 426 entries, ten community - based organizations were selected as winners of the challenge in August 2023. These winners presented and documented the impact of their innovative strategies in mental health, substance use prevention, and substance use treatment across historically underserved communities. Recognition will be given to these winners through various presentations and showcases sponsored by SAMHSA. SAMHSA hosted a Policy Academy on Black Youth Suicide to develop a strategic plan to address high rates of suicide among Black youth. Teams from 8 states (GA, IN, KY, LA, MD, OH, OR, PA) convened to address their specific state's needs, work with experts in suicide prevention, and develop policy strategies to take back to their states. They will continue to receive technical assistance sponsored by SAMHSA and report back. Since 2022, Secretary Becerra and HHS leaders have been traveling across the country to hear directly from Americans about the mental health challenges they're facing and engage with local leaders to strengthen the mental health and crisis care system in our communities.
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Disabled, LGBTQ+, Senior, Women
Racial and ethnic minority populations, AI / ANs, older adults, women, pregnant and lactating individuals, LGBTQI + adults and youth, and persons with disabilities continue to be underrepresented in clinical trials, stifling health care innovation, and hindering the generalizability of effective treatments. Lack of diversity in clinical research has the potential to hinder innovation. Including populations that have been underrepresented in clinical trials and medical studies can help researchers better understand variation in the safety and effectiveness of interventions, identify new biological processes, and lead to new discoveries that can benefit other populations. 55 Evidence from clinical studies help inform health recommendations, insurance coverage, and reimbursement of healthcare services. Without representation of specific groups in trials and studies, we may lack confidence about how new therapeutics will impact all populations. A lack of representation in clinical studies can impede access to effective medical interventions for underrepresented groups if they are not included to build the evidence base to begin with. 56 56 Additional barriers contributing to underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minority patients ' participation in clinical trials include mistrust or fear and stigma of participation, lack of comfort with the clinical trial process, lack of information about clinical trials, time and resource constraints associated with clinical trial participation, and lack of clinical trial awareness. 57
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Women
55 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Policy and Global Affairs; Committee on Women in Science, Engineering, and Medicine; Committee on Improving the Representation of Women and Underrepresented Minorities in Clinical Trials and Research; Bibbins - Domingo K, Helman A, editors. Improving Representation in Clinical Trials and Research: Building Research Equity for Women and Underrepresented Groups. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2022 May 17. 2, Why Diverse Representation in Clinical Research Matters and the Current State of Representation within the Clinical Research Ecosystem. Available from: https: / / www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov / books / NBK584396 / 56 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Policy and Global Affairs; Committee on Women in Science, Engineering, and Medicine; Committee on Improving the Representation of Women and Underrepresented Minorities in Clinical Trials and Research; Bibbins - Domingo K, Helman A, editors. Improving Representation in Clinical Trials and Research: Building Research Equity for Women and Underrepresented Groups. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2022 May 17. 2, Why Diverse Representation in Clinical Research Matters and the Current State of Representation within the Clinical Research Ecosystem. Available from: https: / / www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov / books / NBK584396 / 57 Clark, L.T., Watkins, L., Piña, I.L., Elmer, M., et al. (2019). Increasing Diversity in Clinical Trials: Overcoming Critical Barriers, Current Problems in Cardiology, 44, (5), 148 - 172, 0146 - 2806. https: / / doi.org / 10.1016 / j.cpcardiol. 2018.11.002 58 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2022. Improving Representation in Clinical Trials and Research: Building Research Equity for Women and Underrepresented Groups. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https: / / doi.org / 10.17226 / 26479.
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Ensure people most affected by health challenges are represented in studies and clinical trials and medical products / device testing to better reflect the full spectrum of populations who are affected by the disease or condition for which a product / treatment is being developed, if approved. Engage communities throughout the entirety of the research process and study design to build trust and improve transparency and accountability. Engage Tribal communities throughout the research process to ensure honoring of tribal sovereignty, data sovereignty, and to engender trust, transparency, and accountability. Advance engagement with diverse communities to build trust and improve representation in clinical trials and studies by providing education, creating collaborative research opportunities, and hosting public meetings and webinars. Engage a more diverse set of populations in informing our efforts and participating in clinical research, respecting tribal sovereignty and data ownership, so that we can innovate to improve health and well - being outcomes.
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Trends in recruitment and report clinical trial demographics, including sex, age, race / ethnicity and sexual orientation and gender identity data, compared to populations affected by the disease or condition being studied Increase in the number of community group and research / medical center partnerships with those who have experience working with the populations impacted by the disease or condition being studied Increase in the number of clinical research studies with enrollment addresses of the populations affected by the disease or condition being studied Increase in the number of engagements with communities, including Tribal communities, throughout the research process to engender trust, transparency, and accountability Increase in the development and use of culturally and linguistically tailored materials and information, patient navigators, and community health workers
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Disabled, LGBTQ+, Minority Serving Institutions
Guidance on Nondiscrimination in Telehealth for people with disabilities and limited English proficient persons: HHS and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a joint guidance document on the protections in federal nondiscrimination laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Section 1557 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, regarding access to telehealth for people with disabilities and limited English proficient persons. This document reminded healthcare providers that while telehealth expands healthcare opportunities for individuals who would otherwise be unable to receive healthcare in person, it must be provided in a manner that is accessible to individuals with disabilities. LGBTQ + Behavioral Health Equity Center of Excellence: The Center of Excellence on LGBTQ + Behavioral Health Equity (CoE LGBTQ + BHE) mission is to bring information and resources to the behavioral health field to enhance culturally responsive care and decrease disparities for this population and does so by providing training and technical assistance opportunities for behavioral health professionals. Established HBCU - Connect, a new initiative with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, an Institute within NIH, developed the initiative to inspire the development of environmental health science leaders from diverse backgrounds. HBCU - Connect is a multifaceted effort to strengthen ties between the institute and faculty and students at academic institutions that are often underrepresented in the sciences.
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Alaskan, Black, Disabled, LGBTQ+
Families who are experiencing poverty are more likely to be reported to child protective services (CPS) for neglect compared to families with more resources. The strategy seeks to better resource families so that CPS intervention and foster care, which destabilizes families, is not necessary. Certain populations of children and families experience structural barriers to resources and services that meets their unique well - being needs - namely Black families, American Indian and Alaska Native (AI / AN) families, LGBTQI + youth, children and parents with disabilities and parents with limited English proficiency.
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Alaskan, Black, Latinx, LGBTQ+
Families with lower income and those in historically underserved communities are overrepresented in the population of people reported to CPS agencies for neglect. ¹ A significant body of research has documented the overrepresentation of certain groups, particularly Black, Hispanic / Latino, and American Indian / Alaska Native children and families, in the child welfare system relative to their representation in the general population. Research shows that even modest increases in resources provided through several mechanisms such as earned income tax credits (EITC), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits, can reduce CPS involvement and the incidence of neglect. 3,4,5 Interventions that provide economic supports and concrete services have been shown to reduce child maltreatment reports and foster care entry. 6 LGBTQI + youth are overrepresented in foster care, often due to family lack of acceptance, and experience more trauma, disruption in placements and extended stays in foster care than non -
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Disabled, LGBTQ+
LGBTQI + youth. Child welfare agencies who actively identify and ensure access to foster homes that provide stable, supportive, and safe families for LGBTQ + youth can nurture positive outcomes for such youth. HHS civil rights cases show a continuing trend of discrimination in complaints against child welfare agencies brought by or on behalf of children and / or parents with disabilities, including those with substance use disorders.
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Strategy # 3: Improve Maternal Health Outcomes for Rural, Racial and Ethnic Minority Communities
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We have identified these action areas through visits to communities, listening sessions and roundtables with people impacted by these issues, grantee and research community discussions, Tribal
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Access to care continues to be an issue. In 2021 fewer than half of people with a mental illness were able to access timely care. 51 Rural areas and economically disadvantaged cities have less behavioral health care providers serving the community, 52, 53 and many behavioral health providers report burnout which can further challenge quality care. 54
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Disabled, LGBTQ+, Senior, Women
Racial and ethnic minority populations and AI / ANs continue to be underrepresented in clinical trials and clinical research. Older adults, women, children, pregnant and lactating individuals, LGBTQI + populations, and persons with disabilities remain underrepresented and may be impacted by enrollment criteria that limit their ability to participate in research. 59
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Provided practical and hands - on guidance to HHS offices on identifying actions to ensure opportunity for all. To ensure all staff and offices understand how to assess for opportunities to deliver our services equitably, HHS created learning opportunities and tools for internal use. These include resources for engaging communities and people with lived experience and requirements and opportunities to improve access for people with disabilities. Our assessment tools helped HHS surpass our 2022 - 2023 Agency Priority Goal on equity. Many tools are available publicly, including resources on conducting equity assessments and equity in research and analysis.
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Disabled, Senior
Advancing Equity Through Key Legislation: HHS has key responsibilities in implementing the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) ' s provisions related to prescription drug costs. HHS is working to ensure that all eligible individuals, particularly seniors and people with disabilities, can feel the benefits of the IRA's health care cost - saving provisions and will be engaging with communities on IRA implementation. HHS along with the Departments of Labor and Treasury, is implementing the No Surprises Act provisions which reduce surprise medical billing. HHS is conducting outreach to ensure that all consumers are aware of their rights and protections under the Act, including making resources available in multiple languages to reach all communities.
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8 Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2021). Supporting LGBTQ + youth: A guide for foster parents. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau. https: / / www.childwelfare.gov / pubs / LGBTQyouth /
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Alaskan, Black, Latinx, LGBTQ+, Native American
Advance sustainable homeownership and wealth generation by reducing appraisal bias and expanding access to homeownership: HUD is dedicated to ensuring all people have access to affordable homeownership and the opportunity to build generational wealth. To better serve individuals and families, HUD has expanded the Family Self Sufficiency program for HUD - assisted residents to initiate a path to realizing their homeownership dreams. HUD will also support current homeowners by combatting the historic impacts of racial bias in the home appraisal process that erodes equity and robs Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities of the opportunity to maintain and grow generational wealth. Reduce barriers and enhance support for protected classes by enforcing fair housing regulations, advancing housing justice, and improving rental assistance: HUD's primary focus in advancing housing justice is to expand the Department's role in proactively supporting and protecting underserved communities through increased Fair Housing Law enforcement and compliance. As detailed within this Equity Action Plan, HUD will enact a dedicated training curriculum to national fair housing partners to ensure that knowledge of Fair Housing protections is widespread and actionable in local communities. Similarly, HUD will employ targeted efforts to engage with key populations, including those impacted by gender - based violence, LGBTQIA + communities, and people impacted by the criminal justice system, to improve the administration and delivery of HUD - assisted programs and services. Reduce racial and ethnic disparities in homeless systems through identifying and addressing barriers to engagement by underserved populations: Promoting equity is a key component in reducing homelessness. People experiencing homelessness are among the most underserved and overlooked - most especially Black, Hispanic, and Native American or Alaska Native people, who experienced increases in homelessness and are significantly overrepresented among this population. Through specialized research and data gathering initiatives, the Agency will continue to improve its ability to better identify, engage, and re - house Black, Brown, Indigenous and other systematically disadvantaged people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. In addition, HUD will expand its work with program and community partners to incorporate the voice and leadership of people with lived experience to create tailored, equitable solutions for individuals ' needs to accentuate a new approach to homelessness relief and further equal access to eviction protection resources. Advance sustainable communities by strengthening climate resilience and energy efficiency, promoting environmental justice, and driving the creation of good - paying jobs: Climate change is a worsening crisis that impacts communities across the United States and the world. Due to historic discrimination and disinvestment, systemically underserved communities often suffer climate change's consequences most acutely, deepening pre - existing societal inequities. The importance of addressing this crisis is reflected in HUD's efforts to create and expand programs that reduce assisted resident exposure to climate - related hazards. While doing so, HUD will improve energy efficiency in HUD - assisted housing and create pathways to good paying jobs. HUD will also improve the Agency's critical disaster recovery assistance through a strategic, data -
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consideration the unique context of creating a pathway for homeownership on trust land as well as urban areas. Counselors will provide culturally competent homebuyer education and counseling and help tribal members make informed housing decisions, develop financial assets, and create wealth through homeownership. HUD will evaluate the effectiveness of the Moving To Work (MTW) expansion's asset - building cohort and application of lessons learned to future HUD program design. MTW is a demonstration program for PHAs that provides them the opportunity to design and test innovative, locally designed strategies that use Federal dollars more efficiently, help residents find employment and become self - sufficient, and increase housing choices for low - income families. This cohort of the MTW Expansion will evaluate policies that seek to encourage savings and improve credit for assisted households. HUD is continuing to refine the loss mitigation options available to help borrowers who fall behind on their mortgage payments to get back on track and preserve homeownership. HUD will maximize homeownership for creditworthy first - time homebuyers and preserve homeownership for existing homeowners. Historical data collected from the FHA Annual Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund report, has shown that FHA has consistently maintained an 80 percent or above single - family purchase endorsement for borrowers that are first - time homebuyers. This report has also shown that FHA has maintained a sub 30 percent re - default rate after a loss mitigation action. To continue this trend and improve these metrics, HUD will maximize homeownership for creditworthy first - time homebuyers and preserve homeownership for existing homeowners. By September 30, 2025, HUD will maintain a first - time homebuyer rate of at least 80 % for newly endorsed FHA - insured purchase mortgages and a re - default rate for seriously delinquent homeowners who received a loss mitigation action that is below 30 %.
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Increase participation of Tribal entities in the housing counseling program in connection with the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) and the Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) programs. Train 30 counselors by the HUD - HBCU and MSI partnerships during FY 2024 - 2025.
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Black, Disabled, Latinx, Women
HUD's FHEO Annual Reports on Fair Housing document the number of complaints filed with HUD and Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) agencies each year. HUD and FHAP agencies consistently receive more than 10,000 complaints per year (11,741 in FY 2022), with disability as the most common basis for alleged discrimination, followed by race and sex. For more than 40 years, HUD's Housing Discrimination studies have documented the persistence of housing discrimination among protected classes. For example, HUD's 2017 study of Rental Housing Discrimination on the Basis of Mental Disabilities found that individuals with mental illness and intellectual or developmental disabilities experienced significant levels of adverse differential treatment in the rental market, including being less likely to receive a response to their inquiries and less likely to be told a unit was available. A 2021 study of Housing Discrimination Against Same - Sex Couples and Transgender Individuals found that housing providers treated lesbians comparably to heterosexual women seeking rental housing, told gay men about fewer available rental units than they told heterosexual men, and told transgender testers about fewer units than they told cisgender home seekers. The pervasive use of criminal background checks during tenant screening can create a barrier to renting housing, even though that information may be incomplete or inaccurate and information about past criminal history is not necessarily a reliable predictor of housing success. Studies have also found that Black and Hispanic communities, are disproportionately affected by tenant screening practices that include a criminal background check. A growing body of evidence shows that the provision of housing assistance, particularly when accompanied with supportive services, can help reduce recidivism and decrease involvement in the criminal justice system, thereby strengthening public safety. HUD's forthcoming study of the Housing Needs of Survivors of Human Trafficking finds that survivors of human trafficking and those at risk of trafficking, both highly vulnerable populations, face substantial hurdles in finding affordable housing related to landlord screening for criminal background, credit history, and rental history.
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Collaborate with Federal, State, local, Tribal, and nonprofit partners (e.g., Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) organizations) to ensure nationwide efforts are implemented in accordance with communities ' localized needs. Additionally, customer understanding, communication, and outreach efforts will inform HUD's tailored support to communities to fight discrimination. Embed stakeholder feedback in program and policy decision - making processes by evaluating satisfaction of discrimination complainants that have obtained resolution through conciliation.
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LGBTQ+, Senior
HUD will address the high rates of housing instability, homelessness and discrimination faced by LGBTQIA + youth seeking housing and shelter. To do this, HUD will conduct listening sessions with directly impacted youth and advocates, educate grantees about their legal responsibilities, document best practices to address barriers to shelter and housing for LGBTQIA + youth, and put forth guidance clarifying commonly asked questions related to addressing barriers experienced by LGBTQIA + youth. Because of HUD's existing portfolio of programs that focus on the needs of youth experiencing housing instability, including the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program and the Foster Youth to Independence pilot program, HUD is uniquely equipped to educate LGBTQIA + youth about their rights and providers about their responsibilities under the Equal Access Rule and Fair Housing Act, in addition to promoting best practices for improving accessibility to housing and shelter for LGBTQIA + youth. HUD will prioritize regional engagement, focusing on travel by senior leaders to areas that have demonstrated best practices and areas where LGBTQIA + youth are experiencing discrimination and additional clarification of federal laws and best practices are needed. HUD's program leadership will prioritize incorporating education and discussion of barriers experienced by LGBTQIA + people, including youth, into their already planned travel and will also identify specific sites to visit to listen to directly impacted youth experiencing housing instability and providers serving those communities. HUD will develop and promote a website focused on LGBTQIA + equity and housing.
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Ensure full enforcement of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Access Rule to combat discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Provide updated Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) complaint forms to grantees and conduct training and guidance on using the forms by January 2024. Provide training and technical assistance to grantees and victim service providers about the housing rights of survivors under VAWA and related laws, including information on HUD's resources on credit - building, asset - building, homeownership, and financial literacy. Encourage PHAs and HUD - assisted housing owners to adopt marketing and admissions policies, practices, and services connections or partnerships that proactively reach underserved populations and communities.
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Number of fair housing cases referred to HUD and Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) agencies by Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) organizations. Increase in percentage of cases referred to HUD and Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) agencies each year and the FHIP - referred cases in the inventory that result in a recommendation of a cause finding of discrimination or conciliation of the case. Conduct a review of policies relating to program admissions criteria and the exercise of discretion to ensure equity. Benchmark the feedback received from the national listening sessions with LGBTQIA + youth experiencing housing instability and / or providers serving those communities, in addition to feedback collected during a hybrid virtual / in - person convening focused on LGBTQIA + youth homelessness.
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AAPI, Alaskan, Black, Latinx, Native American, Women
HUD's 2021 Annual Homeless Assessment Report finds that 10 percent of Black heads of households in poverty and 12 percent of Native American or Alaska Native households in poverty experienced sheltered homelessness at some point in 2021, compared to 3 percent of all households in poverty. That Black and Brown people experience homelessness at higher rates than white households is consistent with HUD's research on Worst Case Housing Needs, which finds that Black and Hispanic households are more likely to be very low - income, renters, and paying more than 50 percent of their income on rent than other groups. These statistics highly correlate with higher probably that someone will experience homelessness. Research suggests that Black and Brown households, particularly low - income renter households headed by Black women, experience evictions at disproportionately high rates. Evictions contribute to long - term housing instability and homelessness. Other factors contributing to disproportionate rates of homelessness among Black and Brown people, include criminal justice histories and discrimination from landlords and employers. In their report, Coordinated Entry Systems: Racial Equity Analysis, C4 Innovations found that race is a predictor of the score that individuals experiencing homelessness receive on commonly used vulnerability assessment tools meant to help homeless services providers prioritize housing resources. For example, the study finds that non - White individuals were 32 percent less likely than White individuals to receive a high prioritization score, meaning that non - White individuals may be less likely to be prioritized for permanent supportive housing or Housing First. An eight - city study of structural racism and homelessness conducted in 2016 found that race was a predictor of the likelihood of returning to a homeless situation after leaving a shelter or other program. They found that Black young adults were 69 percent more likely to exit back into homelessness than their white counterparts, and Native and Asian young
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adults were 56 percent and 70 percent less likely to exit into a permanent housing situation than their white counterparts. The Report and Recommendations of the Ad Hoc Committee on Black People Experiencing Homelessness, sponsored by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, found that although the coordinated entry system - the community's strategic access point to services - appears to place Black people experiencing homelessness into housing at proportional rates, Black people served through permanent housing interventions experienced a higher rate of returns to homelessness than all other race and ethnic groups.
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Black, Latinx
Between 2019 and 2021, the prevalence of worst case housing needs among very low - income renters increased by 3.2 percentage points for non - Hispanic Black households and by 2.3 points for Hispanic households, compared to an increase of 0.4 points for non - Hispanic White households. Research into the cause of the affordable housing shortage finds that the biggest impediment to building more affordable housing is the availability and cost of land; thus addressing the costs and constraints of developing land is a key step to improving equity. Restrictive land use and zoning laws are major drivers of the national housing shortage preventing development of moderately priced housing stock and driving up prices and rents. Land use and zoning restrictions also have long been used to reinforce racial, ethnic, and class - based segregation. As costs increase and housing options narrow, Black and Brown households experience longer commutes, less access to resources and opportunities, and greater housing instability. HUD recently summarized this research and identified promising practices for pro - housing land use and zoning reforms.
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Black, Disabled, Women
burden of pollution and exposure to the impacts of climate change are found in Black and Brown communities which may present civil rights issues. Affordable housing (including but not limited to public and assisted housing) is increasingly at risk from both extreme weather events and sea - level rise. Low - income communities, Black and Brown communities and protected class groups experience disproportionately large impacts from climate change and environmental hazards due to a history of disinvestment and discrimination, which may present civil rights issues. Green investments create high - quality employment opportunities, but women, people with disabilities, youth, and people impacted by the criminal legal system face hiring discrimination and inequitable employment opportunities.
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Black, Disabled, Women
A large body of literature has investigated the relationship between environmental toxins, race, and poverty. Most notably, the 1987 landmark study by Robert Bullard " " Toxic Waste and Race in the United States " " that demonstrated a correlation between the placement of toxic waste facilities and low - income Black and Brown communities Since then, several studies from interdisciplinary approaches continue to asses environmental injustices as demonstrated in Environmental Justice: The Economics of Race, Place, and Pollution or seen in the legacies from redlining and pollution. Researcher Diana Hernandez demonstrates in two papers how weatherization can be a catalyst for reducing the energy burden affecting low - income individuals and ultimately improve health and social outcomes among African Americans. Through the publications Climate Justice Starts at Home: Building Resilient Housing to Reduce Disparate Impacts From Climate Change in Residential Settings and Energy efficiency as energy justice: addressing racial inequities through investments in people and places she finds that Black households, even when disaggregating income, are more likely to live in less - efficient homes, demonstrating the legacy of housing segregation, redlining, and lack of equitable access to financing. These additional energy costs affect utility costs. She poses not just utility assistance but weatherization and green energy improvements as mechanisms to reducing environmental and economic injustices. To complement the body of literature on this topic, the White House Council on Environmental Quality developed the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) using nationally consistent data and an approach that combines environmental and demographic indicators to identify historically disadvantaged communities through an interactive map. The tool measures burdens in eight categories: climate change, energy, health, housing, legacy pollution, transportation, water and wastewater, and workforce development. Individuals seeking careers in the green construction industry often face barriers in accessing training opportunities (including apprenticeships) to become certified and / or qualified for the employment opportunities. The Center for Law and Social Policy asserts that " " women, people with disabilities, youth, and people impacted by the criminal legal system face especially egregious hiring discrimination and inequitable employment opportunities " " and that green investments can create high quality employment opportunities.
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Percentage of GRRP funds allocated to historically disadvantaged communities as defined by the Climate and Environmental Justice Screening tool as compared to all funds disbursed. Analysis of year over year improvement of funding distribution. Percentage of entities receiving CDBG - DR funds submitting complete and accurate data to CDBG - DR funding trends that can identify access barriers to equity in HUD disaster recovery programs. Analysis of year over year improvement of data participation and quality statistics and resulting improvement of trend analysis. (Baseline in FY22: 8,794 homes rehabilitated, reconstructed, constructed, or elevated using CDBG - DR and CDBG - MIT funds.) Increase number of Weatherization pilot sites from 4 to 10 nationally, with a special focus on establishment of pilot sites in Tribal nations and in Puerto Rico. (Current sites include Chicago IL; Roanoke, VA; Warner Robins, GA; and South Middlesex, MA.)
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Black, Latinx
An important aspect of equitable economic development is increasing opportunities for homeownership, as homeownership is a major vehicle for household wealth generation. Research attests to the racial gap in homeownership, particularly for Black and Hispanic households and persistent undervaluation of properties in majority Black neighborhoods. A 2017 study of four Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), which receive HUD funding and implement HUD's programs, found that over three quarters of its residents had no savings, while just four percent of residents had savings of $ 500 or more. Additionally,
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Alaskan, Black, Hawaiian, Latinx, Native American, Women
given that three out of four heads of households in HUD's programs are women and 79 percent of HUD - assisted individuals identify as Black or Hispanic, asset building for these renters can help close existing gender and racial wealth gaps. HUD's Assessment of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian Housing Needs, conducted between 2011 and 2016, documents the substantial housing affordability, housing quality, and economic development challenges facing tribal areas. These needs are exacerbated by remoteness, lack of infrastructure, and constraints related to land ownership in tribal areas.
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AAPI, Black, Latinx
In August 2022, HUD released an economic justice agenda outlining actions the Agency will take to help low - income renters develop credit, save resources for homeownership, access housing counseling, and build wealth. Secretary Fudge has noted that this economic justice agenda is part of HUD's efforts to address systemic racism and to better include and serve those who are historically underserved by government. The agenda aims to help HUD - assisted renters take critical steps toward financial well - being and potential homeownership through saving, credit building, and banking. In July 2023, HUD released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for $ 126 million for the Family Self - Sufficiency (FSS) program to help HUD - assisted families increase earned income and improve their financial stability. The FSS Program advances equity in the rental assistance portfolio by utilizing HUD - assisted housing as a platform to improve the lives of residents. Black and Brown peopleare overrepresented in HUD - assisted housing, and the majority of FSS participants are Black, Latino, and Asian. FSS provides a critical link between HUD - assisted residents and community partners who enhance the quality of life of residents with childcare, transportation, basic adult education, job training, employment counseling, substance / alcohol abuse treatment, financial empowerment, asset building skills, and homeownership counseling. This funding opportunity allows for the Agency to seek new FSS programs for residents in public, voucher, and multifamily housing, by adding additional grant opportunities a greater number of HUD - assisted residents will have an opportunity to build assets, which may lead to homeownership. New FSS awards will be announced in early 2024.
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Latinx, Minority Serving Institutions, Native American
To facilitate FHA financing for borrowers in search of achieving homeownership for the first time, FHA has issued multiple policy changes. These policies include: Calculating Effective Income After a Reduction or Loss of Income for Borrowers Affected by Presidentially Declared COVID - 19 National Emergency ML 2022 - 09 Consideration of Positive Rental Payment History for First Time Homebuyers in Forward Mortgage Purchase Transactions ML 2022 - 17 Revisions to Rental Income Policies, Property Eligibility, and Appraisal Protocols for Accessory Dwelling Units ML 2023 - 17 HUD awarded $ 5.5 million in grants to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and $ 10.5 million in grant awards to four Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) to establish research Centers of Excellence (COEs) to conduct housing and community development research. The awarded COEs will conduct innovative research addressing housing, economic development, and the built environment in underserved communities. HUD's Office of Housing Counseling has launched an initiative focused on building direct relationships with HBCUs and their surrounding communities to increase knowledge of housing counseling services and affordable housing programs. This effort is part of a larger ongoing initiative to grow partnerships with HBCUs and other Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) to train the next generation of housing counselors and to empower the next generation of homeowners. The type of activities that will take place through this initiative include: education workshops to inform students on the potential impact of student loans on future housing choices and opportunities; counseling and education, including ways to build credit, to increase homeownership rates of students, faculty, parents, and residents of the greater community; Counseling and education to students, instilling an understanding of the responsibilities of tenancy in off - campus rental housing and internships and training for students to become housing counselors. HUD continues to break barriers as part of HUD's leadership of PAVE to address housing - related barriers to wealth generation. Specifically, the interagency initiative continues to combat bias in home appraisals. FHA is now contributing its appraisal data to FHFA's Federal Shared Appraisal Database, the nation's first publicly available datasets of aggregate statistics on appraisal records. FHA is also working to ensure that any borrower who suspects they have been a potential victim of appraisal bias be informed of their options, including the right to request a Reconsideration of a Value (ROV) on the appraisal. Through HUD's new partnership with the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), the Agency will work to increase education and outreach, and take a bold step toward remedying appraisal discrimination, closing the wealth gap, and advancing racial equity. As a result of interactive consultation and multiple listening sessions which serve to strengthen the nation - to - nation relationship between HUD and Tribal communities, HUD's Office of Housing Counseling is working to expand access to homeownership by increasing the number of certified housing counselors serving Tribal communities. A Tribal member working with a HUD - certified Tribal housing counselors will benefit from working with an unbiased, trained professional that can provide counseling that into
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LGBTQ+
Ensure Rights to Housing Assistance for LGBTQIA + Communities and focus HUD's efforts to address specific discriminatory concerns.
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Minority Serving Institutions
Homeownership Education and Access: Following the success of the Secretary's virtual House Party in November 2022, and the in - person House Party 2.0 held on the National Mall in June 2023, HUD continues to perform localized events in partnership with elected officials, advocacy organizations, HUD - approved housing counseling agencies, HBCUs, and local financial institutions to increase access to resources and education on homeownership with targeted communities. In addition, HUD performed over 70 homeownership related events nationally via housing fairs, educational webinars, and roundtable discussions over the course of FY 2023.
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Seeking Public Comment on PAVE and Appraisal Valuation Efforts: Building off of HUD's January 2023 draft mortgagee letter discussing proposed processes for receipt and handling of borrower requests for review of appraisal results, HUD and FHFA have initiated a working group to increase coordination and develop more consistent standards for the ROV processes of HUD's Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac lenders. Collectively, FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac represent approximately two - thirds of new originations in the mortgage market. HUD has also sought feedback on a proposed policy for Reconsideration of Value (ROV) Requests Initiated by the Borrower specifically to better understand the impact on historically disadvantaged communities in recognition that clear ROV policies are an important tool in addressing appraisal bias. HUD, in partnership with the Federal Housing Finance Agency, USDA, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, will contribute full appraisal reports covering all the data elements per the data that FHA is now contributing to FHFA's Federal Shared Appraisal Database. This effort will provide the first publicly available datasets of aggregate statistics on appraisal records, giving the public new access to a broad set of data points and trends found in appraisal reports and could facilitate new research related to property valuation.
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Whole - of Government Equity Objectives: 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.
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Invest in the success of historically underserved communities by increasing the supply of affordable housing and promoting equitable economic development: Housing is a cornerstone in the economic development of a community and plays a key role in improving lives. Implementation of federal policies that serve to eliminate systemic discrimination and promote equity in accessing affordable housing is an important pillar for inclusive and sustainable communities. HUD's Equity Action Plan intends to expand the reach and impact of economic development at the community, municipal, Tribal, and state levels to find solutions where the demand for affordable housing exceeds the available supply. In further support of these actions, HUD also plans to promote greater financing options and provide new avenues for technical assistance to program partners for the creation of innovative housing development to increase availability and affordability.
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Barriers to Equity: Legacies of residential segregation and discrimination, which federal, state, and local laws, regulations and policies and have contributed to and exacerbated, persist in our society. Historic disinvestment in people and places have contributed to segregated neighborhoods, mortgage redlining, and lending discrimination, and inhibited wealth - building opportunities for Black and Brown people, immigrants, women, individuals with disabilities, and people who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual or other (LGBTQIA +), survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault; survivors of human trafficking; and people involved in the criminal justice system.
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LGBTQIA + youth, especially transgender young people, Black, Brown, and Indigenous young people experience homelessness at disproportionately high rates. Service providers and cities are not always aware of the housing barriers LGBTQIA + youth face in accessing shelter and housing, and they do not always tailor their programs appropriately.
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Implement and Enforce the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) which provides housing protections for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and / or stalking. The 2022 reauthorization of VAWA includes new requirements that HUD safeguard survivors ' housing rights and ensure that program participants comply with those requirements. VAWA's protections apply regardless of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
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Benchmark and monitor trends in housing discrimination complaints by individuals protected by the Violence Against Women Act protections.
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Advance Notice of Proposed Rule Making (ANPRM) Public Comments: In FY 2023, HUD published the Advance Notice of Proposed Rule Making (ANPRM): Nondiscrimination Based on Disability in Federally Assisted Programs and Activities of HUD updating regulations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504), seeking the public's input on changes that the Agency is considering to its implementing regulations federally assisted and HUD conducted programs and activities. HUD is reviewing over 300 comments received in response to the ANPRM. After full review, HUD anticipates publishing a NPRM under Section 504 by Spring 2024. Related to this rulemaking, HUD will also publish an NPRM: Adoption of Updated Accessibility Standard for the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA).
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Senior
Gender - Based Violence Philanthropic Roundtable: In May 2023, HUD, for the first time, held a philanthropic roundtable focused on the intersection of gender - based violence prevention and housing. The event, organized with the Women's Funding Network and Blue Shield Foundation of California, featured speakers from national and community - based organizations focused on combatting gender - based violence and addressing the housing needs of survivors, as well as senior leaders of foundations seeding change through strategic investments at this intersection.
HUD 2023 Text 139
Women
Gender - based Violence Prevention and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Listening Sessions: In February 2023, HUD convened national and community - based organizations that advocate on behalf of survivors to collect feedback on the challenges, implications, and impact of HUD's policy change to the Federal Housing Administration's Single Family Housing Policy Handbook that helps to ensure that domestic violence survivors who own their homes can access loss mitigation programs to assist in retaining their homes and avoid foreclosure. In June 2023, HUD hosted listening sessions with survivor advocacy organizations and housing industry groups to collect feedback on HUD's implementation of VAWA. Further, since the spring of 2022, as required by the 2022 reauthorization of VAWA, HUD has led a study effort that will provide an assessment of trafficking survivors ' housing needs. As part of this work, HUD has engaged extensively with stakeholders in the trafficking, gender - based violence, housing, and direct services communities, including partners from the government, advocacy, policy, and research sectors. Additionally, HUD is centering the knowledge, insight, and involvement of labor and sex trafficking survivors by engaging with survivors in listening sessions, roundtables, and ongoing collaboration throughout the analysis and report writing stages of a study titled Housing Needs of Survivors of Human Trafficking that will be delivered to Congress.
HUD 2023 Text 141
Rural
Whole - of - Government Equity Objective: Housing Justice and Community Investment: Invest in communities where Federal policies have historically impeded equal opportunity - both rural and urban - in ways that mitigate economic displacement, expand access to capital, preserve housing and neighborhood affordability, root out discrimination in the housing market, and build community wealth.
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Veterans
Collaborating Agencies: U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Education
HUD 2023 Text 143
Black
Barriers to Equity: The main driver of homelessness is the inability to afford housing, the result of intersecting issues of poverty and rising housing costs in communities around the country. While the experience of homelessness is not limited to one group or geography, Black and Brown people experience homelessness at a disproportionate rate.
HUD 2023 Text 151
Black
HUD works with Continuums of Care (CoC) nationally that prepare community plans to organize and deliver housing and services to meet the specific needs of people who are homeless as they move to stable housing and maximum self - sufficiency. As part of our equity focus, SNAPS conducted its second Coordinated Entry Equity Demonstration, deploying teams of technical assistance coaches to 15 Continuums of Care covering a broad range of communities. The goal of the demonstration was to design a more equitable assessment and prioritization process to improve conditions and outcomes for all Black and Brown people. The technical assistance coaching teams included providers with experience in racial equity and housing justice work, coordinated entry design, lived experience of homelessness, and navigating homeless systems and other related disciplines. In partnership with Black and Brown people as well as people with lived expertise of homelessness, CoCs identified system disparities through analyzing local data, agreed upon focus areas, and tested racially equitable coordinated entry system processes in service of significantly transforming the experience and housing stability of those disproportionately represented in local homeless responsive systems. HUD will publish guidance documents created from the learnings in the second demonstration on the HUD Exchange Homelessness Assistance website, and SNAPS will share a synopsis of the findings from the prior two cohorts to scale future improvements and interventions nationally.
HUD 2023 Text 154
Latinx
Update Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) to support data collection of equity - related identifiers. HUD is reviewing the HMIS data standards to ensure that there is a representative range of race / ethnicity options for people who are experiencing homelessness to self - identify. HUD has added response options in HMIS for " " Middle Eastern or North African, " " changed " " Hispanic / Latin (a) (o) (x) " " to " " Hispanic / Latina / e / o, " " and added a text box to add any additional race and / or ethnicity detail from client. HUD will also develop and disseminate resources to help communities incorporate a more trauma - informed approach in their data collections efforts of this important and sensitive data.
HUD 2023 Text 155
Black
Further equal access to eviction protection resources through Eviction Protection Grant Program (EPGP) funding. Through a new contracted evaluation of the EPGP program, HUD will expand the evidence base around eviction diversion programming as local, state, and federal policymakers consider new ways to support tenants and landlords and build new eviction systems and processes. As of June 30, 2023, EPGP grantees have provided legal assistance to over 19,000 households through the program. The majority of tenants served are Black and Brown people and nearly half are from Black households. All households served by the program are low - income, living below the poverty line, and approximately 2 in 3 tenants served have extremely low incomes.
HUD 2023 Text 167
Native American, Rural
Whole - of - Government Equity Objective: Environmental Justice: Secure environmental justice and spur economic opportunity by addressing disproportionate and adverse health and environmental impacts, including from climate change and cumulative impacts, on marginalized and overburdened communities. Implement the Justice40 Initiative to ensure 40 % of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments, e.g., in clean energy, climate, pollution reduction, and critical infrastructure, flow to historically disadvantaged communities across rural, urban, and Tribal areas.
HUD 2023 Text 169
Black
The long - term effects from redlining, segregation and environmental racism continue to disproportionately impact Black and Brown communities. Further, a disproportionate
HUD 2023 Text 18
Native American
Since the inception of the Agency's first Equity Action Plan, HUD has performed several key initiatives to move the mission of the Agency forward and to improve program delivery and accessibility for all people. Specifically, HUD has made great strides since FY 2021 in improving equitable access to wealth building opportunities by supporting new pathways to government contracting and homeownership for historically disadvantaged groups. Similarly, HUD has made improvements in equitable access to the Agency's protections of historically discriminated populations through our housing justice programs. HUD will also continue to work to make homelessness rare, brief, and non - recurring, while strengthening Federal, State, Tribal, and community implementation of evidence - based practices, such as Housing First, to address homelessness.
HUD 2023 Text 25
Black
Further supporting this data collection effort, CPD is currently working on resources to help communities have a more trauma - informed approach to collecting this important but sensitive data. A series of short videos that incorporate virtual reality capability is on track to be finalized and released December 2023. The videos are training tools for front - line staff workers who are collecting the data to do SO in a trauma - informed way. This builds on CPD's Coordinated Entry Equity Demonstration, which worked with communities in eight locations nationally to design more equitable coordinated entry processes, especially assessment and prioritization processes, to significantly improve customer experience and, ultimately, housing stability outcomes for all underserved communities, including Black and Brown people. Communities that participated in the demonstration use their data as criteria to assess the impact of their equity work on the housing stability outcomes for Black and Brown people.
HUD 2023 Text 3
Native American
Under the Biden - Harris Administration, HUD's work to advance equity has aligned with the following strategic goals: promoting equitable development and increasing the supply of affordable housing; advancing sustainable homeownership and wealth generation; reducing barriers and enhancing support for protected classes of people by enforcing fair housing regulations, advancing housing justice, and improving rental assistance.; reducing racial and ethnic disparities in homeless systems through identifying and addressing barriers; and advancing sustainable communities by strengthening climate resilience and energy efficiency, promoting environmental justice, and driving the creation of good - paying jobs. In advancement of our goal to promote equitable development, we have released funding to ensure communities can pair housing investments with infrastructure projects; strengthened our nation - to - nation relationships with Tribal Leaders on housing; conducted research on the impacts of zoning laws; and launched initiatives to bridge the racial wealth gap.
HUD 2023 Text 30
Black, Latinx, Native American
COVID - 19 had a negative impact on many businesses resulting in the laying off or reduced work hours for many FHA - insured borrowers. As the reduced income directly impacted a borrower's ability to make their mortgage payments, many fell behind in their payments and needed a loan modification or some other type of loss mitigation action. As the economic impacts of COVID - 19 affected Black and Brown people the most, per a Forbes article referencing a survey, about one third of Latino households are facing serious problems paying their mortgage or rent, and nearly 30 % of Black households and a quarter of Native American households reported the same difficulties. SFH lowered costs for borrowers by reducing its Annual Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) Rates and established a 40 - Year Loan modification to better assist struggling homeowners from losing their assets to foreclosure, particularly Black and Brown households. This action supports the Biden - Harris Administration's goals of making homeownership more accessible and affordable for the nation's working families, particularly Black and Brown households for whom FHA - insured mortgages have been a cornerstone for access to homeownership. This action will help address historic disparities in homeownership, where Black and Brown homebuyers have been underrepresented. The nation's homebuyers will see immediate savings through FHA's mortgage insurance premium reductions, particularly Black and Brown borrowers who often rely on FHA - insured mortgages to attain homeownership.
HUD 2023 Text 32
Native American
A proposed rule was published in January 2023 which facilitates greater participation of Tribal entities in the housing counseling program in connection with the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) and the Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) programs. Having counselors who understand the unique needs of those residing in Tribal communities will help increase access to homeownership for Tribes whose members have long been underserved by the mortgage market. This rule is the result of engagement between HUD's Office of Native American Programs with Tribal representatives during the consultation sessions. As a result,
HUD 2023 Text 33
Native American
HUD arrived at a set of proposals to integrate the unique needs of Tribal entities more fully into our housing counseling certification and approval processes.
HUD 2023 Text 38
Rural
Opportunity (NOFO) template for all programs. Where applicable, HUD will require NOFO applicants to demonstrate experience and capacity to promote racial equity. HUD's programs also address energy equity within public housing communities and provide incentives to invest in energy and water efficiency infrastructure and renewable energy programs, including the Energy Performance Contract, Rate Reduction Incentive, Small Rural Frozen Rolling Base, and Utility Partnership Program.
HUD 2023 Text 4
LGBTQ+, Women
To fortify support for fair housing, rental assistance, and civil rights, we have greatly increased assistance through housing vouchers, while expanding choice for renters; clarified our authority under the Violence Against Women Act and delivered new resources for survivors; taken direct action to address bias in the home valuation and appraisal system; issued new guidance related to housing for those with criminal records; and encouraged work to better serve lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA +) youth experiencing homelessness and housing instability.
HUD 2023 Text 41
Women
Effective October 1, 2022, FHEO and HUD's Office of General Counsel began enforcing the housing protections of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) using the same processes that are used to enforce the Fair Housing Act. HUD is currently preparing to issue a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) to fully implement the compliance review mandate of VAWA 2022. HUD further supported this commitment with issuance of FHEO Notice 2023 - 01 which announced that FHEO will implement and enforce the housing provisions of the Violence Against Women Act consistent with, and in a manner that provides, the same rights and remedies as those provided for in the Fair Housing Act.
HUD 2023 Text 43
LGBTQ+
In its most recent effort in FY 2023, HUD also developed an LGBTQIA + Fair Housing Toolkit to educate housing providers, tenants, applicants, and other housing consumers about LGBTQIA + fair housing protections, with the goal of advancing housing equity for the LGBTQIA + community. The toolkit, comprised of five online modules, provides an overview of key fair housing laws, regulations, and executive orders related to LGBTQIA + protections, describes specific protected housing rights of LGBTQIA + individuals. The toolkit has been shared through HUD's technical assistance outreach, resulting in stakeholder promotion of the resource. In addition, HUD FHEO has also shared the toolkit on social media, and at fair housing conferences, and at stakeholder meetings.
HUD 2023 Text 48
Black, Latinx, Native American
Barriers to Equity: For most communities across the country, the demand for affordable housing far exceeds the supply and the problem has been getting worse. HUD's most recent Worst Case Housing Needs report shows that in 2021, only 57 housing units were affordable and available for every 100 very low - income households, and more than 8.5 million households had worst case housing needs, meaning they have very low incomes, lack housing assistance, and have either severe rent burdens or severely inadequate housing (or both). Black, Brown, Indigenous and other systematically disadvantaged people experience worst case housing needs at a higher rate as they are more likely to rent rather than own, more likely to be very low income, and more likely to have severe rent burden. In 2021, 12 percent of all Hispanic households and 11 percent of all non - Hispanic Black households experienced worst case housing
HUD 2023 Text 49
Black, Latinx
needs, compared to just 4 percent of non - Hispanic White households. In the context of broadly insufficient nationwide supply, house prices and rents are exacerbated for Black and Brown households who face the additional barriers associated with segregation, discrimination, disinvestment, and legacies of redlining in Black and Brown communities. Unaffordable housing and lack of community investment cause families to struggle to afford housing and generate savings and have reduced access to homeownership and good jobs.
HUD 2023 Text 50
Black, Native American
Historically, local land - use policies, and specifically exclusionary zoning, have prevented Black, Brown, Indigenous, and other systematically disadvantaged people's abilities to secure stable, affordable housing and leverage housing mobility options. Barriers to affordable housing can look different in every community, but they can be caused by zoning decisions, land use policies, or regulations; inefficient procedures; gaps in available resources for development; deteriorating or inadequate infrastructure; lack of neighborhood amenities; or challenges to preserving existing housing stock such as increasing threats from natural hazards, redevelopment that reduces the number of affordable units, or expiration of affordability requirements.
HUD 2023 Text 71
Black, Latinx
A March 2023 report analyzed available data on the ownership of real estate firms and estimated that only 0.4 percent of real estate developers in the U.S. are Black and only 0.2 percent are Hispanic. Structural inequities in our financial systems have had long - term impacts on where investments are made and who can access public and private capital. HUD has launched a series
HUD 2023 Text 74
Rural
Housing Justice and Community Investment: Invest in communities where Federal policies have historically impeded equal opportunity and choice - both rural and urban - in ways that mitigate economic displacement, expand access to capital, preserve housing and neighborhood affordability, root out discrimination in the housing market, and build community wealth.
HUD 2023 Text 76
Black, Latinx, Native American
Barriers to Equity: There are multiple barriers that prevent families from becoming homeowners. Those barriers include lack of capital for the down payment and closing costs; challenging credit history and lack of access to credit; lack of understanding and information about the homebuying process, especially for families for whom English is a second language; and regulatory burdens imposed on the production of housing. Additionally Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous communities, face continued housing discrimination in getting a mortgage. According to Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data, Black and Hispanic home seekers have the highest denial rates for purchase, refinance, and home improvement loans. In 2020, 16.1 percent of all mortgage applications in 2020 were denied. Among Black borrowers the denial rate was found to be 27.1 percent, whereas the denial rate for white borrowers was 13.6 percent.
HUD 2023 Text 77
Black, Latinx
Per a Review of the State of and Barriers to Minority Homeownership before the Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development, and Insurance, Committee on Financial Services, U.S. House of Representatives, Black and Hispanic households have been disproportionately affected by overly tight mortgage lending standards - and they constitute a surprisingly large share of the 6.3 million loans that were not originated because of tight credit during the 2009 to 2015 period.
NASA 2023 Part Of Layout List 10
Disabled, Minority Serving Institutions, Veterans, Women
Implement the following recommendations from NASA's SDB tiger team to meet and exceed SDB goals and promote equity in procurement awards: Set - aside or reserve all construction requirements from the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) ($ 250K) to $ 5M to the 8 (a) Business Development (BD) Programs. Continue to work throughout the Agency to improve processes to ensure NASA's forecasting tool is as accurate as possible to minimize " " missing " " upcoming acquisitions. Develop an SDB Campaign and Communication Plan. Develop a dashboard which would provide NASA's programs and projects with total amount of SB / SDB dollars their organization is obligating (currently this information is only available at the Center level). Pursue statutory / regulatory changes to permit AbilityOne contractors to be considered SDBs. Increase focused outreach, training, and community engagement in underserved communities (SDB, Women - Owned, Service - Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses; Historically Underutilized Business Zones; HBCU and MSIs) to meet federally mandated small business goals. Develop a Small Business Training Program to expand training for the acquisition workforce to increase knowledge of underserved communities and small business programs, and the specific procurement - related challenges they face. Set aside Product Service Line (PSL) requirements for small businesses, AbilityOne contractors, and the SBA 8 (a) Business Development Program. Develop a strategic plan to address process and / or policy barriers identified by the public in response to RFIs. Implement small business listening sessions. Promote NASA's Acquisition Forecast and Active Contracts Lists to help underserved communities find opportunities.
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Minority Serving Institutions
Expanded Reach: NASA will target a two percent increase in participation in NASA Grants Policy and Compliance - led engagement events over past events in institutions and organizations serving at least two of the underserved communities ' categories as identified in Executive Order 13985, such as HBCUs, Non - HBCU MSIs, or minority owned businesses. Reciprocal Engagement: NASA will target a two percent increase in the number of selected proposals submitted by institutions from underserved communities and the success of new recipient's selected proposals in remaining compliant with federal and NASA regulations through continued partnership throughout the award's lifecycle. Relationship and Trust Building: Positive training session survey feedback. Dual - Anonymous Peer Review (DAPR): In 2023, a new DAPR process was piloted to include a more comprehensive evaluation of the applicant's background, research, and accomplishments, thus creating equity in the solicitation process. At least 30 of the ROSES 2023 program elements used DAPR, and NASA anticipates broader adoption of DAPR across the agency in the coming years. In addition, two Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) programs (Early - Stage Innovation, and TechFlights) and one Space Operations Mission Directorate (SOMD) program, Human Exploration Research Opportunities, will also implement DAPR.
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Alaskan
NASA will continue outreach efforts to underserved communities, ensuring new connections are made and existing connections are maintained. For example, in March 2023, the Agency held an " " Ask NASA " " event for those looking to partner with NASA. Part two of the " " Ask NASA " " series, held in October 2023, provided a forum for novice recipients on proper award management once an award from NASA has been issued. The Agency established a NASA Grants and Cooperative Agreements Playlist on the NASA YouTube channel to broaden the reach of NASA's grants brand. This channel will feature training sessions and informative talks related to grants and cooperative agreements. To encourage broad participation, NASA will engage with potential proposers through events targeting large multidisciplinary and multicultural STEM events in the U.S. For example, SMD Bridge Program team members contributed to two proposed sessions during the October 2023 Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science program. NASA is also piloting the Research Initiation Award program to provide faculty at emerging research institutions that have not received Agency funding over the previous five years with resources to build a competitive, NASA - relevant research program.
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Black
The Office of Procurement (OP) and Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) found through Requests for Information (RFIs), polling, and survey feedback that understanding how to initially engage with NASA acquisition points of contacts and awareness of subcontracting goals to potentially pursue subcontracting opportunities were barriers to participation. An example of feedback received: " " Partner with non - profit organizations that work towards fostering specific skills and leadership in underserved communities. Organizations like Black Girls Code, * Code2040, and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) are excellent examples of organizations focused on increasing the representation of underserved communities in STEM fields. " " OP / Grants Policy Compliance (GPC) analyzed proposal submission data from 2019 - 2021 to determine if there was support for feedback received in the June 2021 RFI. The data indicated only 14 percent of proposal submissions were from underserved communities. This submission rate validates limited engagement due to a lack of access and knowledge as a barrier, as identified in the RFIs on barriers in NASA grants and cooperative agreements published in the Federal Register. Overall, NASA issued three RFIs (June 2021;
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Native American
The ongoing UNBOUND series of workshops, listening and learning from current Equity and Environmental Justice (EEJ) projects and the Indigenous Peoples Initiative provided insight into barriers that will inform future work. This includes defining specific ways to address common challenges in data discoverability, exploration, and use, arising from discussions with these targeted communities around the use of data to address critical environmental challenges, like air quality. Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) has program - level and project - level evaluations. Advancing NASA's Climate Strategy highlights GLOBE as a program that promotes climate and environmental literacy to prepare the workforce of the future and will continue to inform actions to achieve equity. The Science Activation (SciAct) projects are guided by independent evaluators and work toward reaching specific underserved audiences based on specific needs. Evaluation data helps to identify barriers to accessing and using scientific data and validate strategies that reduce these barriers so that NASA can empower individuals to play an active role in addressing issues of importance to them.
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Immigrant, Native American, Rural
Provide trainings to increase awareness, accessibility, and use of NASA Earth information, particularly for underserved or overburdened2 groups who face unequal access to scientific data and education needed to address environmental challenges within their communities. Continue Transform to Open Science (TOPS), NASA's ambitious five - year plan to accelerate adoption of open science, unrestricted sharing of software, data, and knowledge as early as possible in the scientific process. TOPS will create more advanced and inclusive research, build a more just and equitable world, and ensure everyone can participate in science. NASA will release a new curriculum to increase adoption of open science. Advance Visualization, Exploration, and Data Analysis (VEDA), an open - source, cloud - based Earth Science platform that promotes more inclusive, accessible, and reproducible NASA science. VEDA provides interactive storytelling for environmental changes using Earth observation data and socioeconomic data to study areas such as EJ, greenhouse gases, sea - level rise, and air quality. Through migration of new datasets onto the cloud and continued development of visualization, analysis, and storytelling capabilities, VEDA will broaden user engagement with students, researchers, policymakers, and the general public. VEDA lowers the barrier for entry into science and supports capacity building. Continually refine nine Earth - focused projects in the SciAct portfolio, which offers authentic science experiences. This includes interaction with data, hands - on learning, camps, and online learning resources. SciAct projects increase equity by focusing on underserved audiences such as rural, tribal, and immigrant communities, as well as neurodiverse learners. Reach new audiences with the EIC. Specifically, support additional installations and continue to raise awareness of EIC resources that allow users to see how our planet is changing and provide easy - to - use resources to support decision makers in developing the tools they need to mitigate, adapt, and respond to climate change. Maintain and expand the GLOBE Program, a worldwide science and education program that provides opportunities for students, educators, scientists, citizen scientists, and partners to better understand, sustain, and improve Earth's environment at local, regional, and global scales. GLOBE is currently implemented in 127 countries and the program will continue to collect participant data to assess the program's reach and impact.
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Minority Serving Institutions, Native American
Justice40: The current EEJ landscape analysis projects that will be completed in 2023 will inform the next EEJ solicitation. The outputs of these projects will include reports, community engagement activities, Geographic Information System (GIS) - enabled tools and data such as the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool, and other products that can be used by decision makers in EJ communities, enhancing equity and reducing the unequal burdens they face in access to and use of Earth data. These products will be finalized between June 2023 to early 2025. Outcomes under both Community Action and Climate & Resilience, including metrics such as number of individuals and institutions engaged, geographic extent of impacts, project results, etc., will be shared at various conferences, meetings, and workshops. The Indigenous People's Initiative will conduct three remote sensing trainings, seven outreach presentations, and two learning (Indigenous yarning3) sessions with Indigenous communities. TOPS: NASA TOPS will advance the understanding and adoption of open science with the roll out of an open science curriculum (target 2,000 people to earn a NASA " " Open Science Badge " " designation), and broaden participation in historically excluded communities, including minority serving institutions, through awards, prizes, challenges, and hackathons. VEDA: NASA will increase the number of datasets relevant to climate and EJ from 10 to 15, conduct four community outreach events, and create four new relevant stories (discoveries). SciAct: NASA will continue to increase the projects ' reach (52 million learner interactions in 2022). EIC: The EIC will produce two stories that highlight environmental and climate issues that impact underserved communities and will enable easy access to Earth system data via its virtual website. The EIC will expand to reach new audiences through additional installations in public places.
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Native American, Women
NASA will continue to solicit, consider, and act on community feedback through ongoing public listening sessions, as well as targeted workshops with diverse user communities, such as the Indigenous Peoples listening and knowledge sharing sessions, that will continue to assist in land management decisions and actions. NASA will design a citizen science challenge focused on underserved women in emerging economy countries. It will also solicit projects under Equity and Environmental Justice and Climate & Resilience, all oriented towards engaging the communities they impact. GLOBE is forming a U.S. GLOBE Evaluators Community of Practice, where GLOBE evaluators will share resources, experiences, and best practices to evaluate the outcomes of GLOBE activities.
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Latinx
To further develop and implement this strategy, NASA will continue to engage in virtual listening sessions with stakeholders in the civil rights and language access advocacy communities. NASA will continue to expand its reach to the Latino / Hispanic populations by leveraging partnerships with Hispanic - led organizations that will provide opportunities for Spanish - speaking NASA subject - matter experts to be a part of public facing events, such as conferences and panels.
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Women
Diversity Deep Dive Study assessed the extent to which NASA investments broadened participation of groups historically underrepresented in STEM: data for the years studied indicated that enrollment data by individuals from underrepresented races and ethnicities exceeded national averages while enrollment data by women was lower than the national average. Internship Outcome Assessment Phase II measured students ' immediate outcomes of participating in NASA Internships and assess how and to what extent interns are contributing to NASA's missions: data indicated that interns from underrepresented and underserved groups experienced greater gains from an internship experience. Workforce and Career Readiness Evaluation Study examined the extent to which NASA programs broaden the NASA STEM workforce and the career readiness of early career NASA STEM professionals: data showed that mentorship is essential for a meaningful internship experience and that technical, communication, and project management training as well as learning the NASA values and organizational structure are valued. K - 12 Stakeholder Needs Assessment examined how stakeholders used NASA K - 12 resources and assessed stakeholders ' perceptions of NASA K - 12 resources including how the resources met the needs of students from underrepresented groups: respondents cited the need for more multilingual resources, culturally relevant pedagogy, and outreach to diverse populations. MUREP Program - Level Evaluation Phase II studied how and to what extent the MUREP activities were achieving intended goals and objectives particularly in the areas of student engagement, partnerships, and competitiveness. Sparking STEM Interest Study identified factors that spark a student's interest in STEM, including groups historically underrepresented in STEM which included socially and culturally appropriate contexts and role models of a variety of real and diverse people.
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Minority Serving Institutions, Women
Implement findings strategically from the Internship Process Evaluation regarding barriers in the registration and application system for NASA STEM Internships: NASA uses internships to build a diverse pool of top talent for the future STEM workforce, actively growing the skills necessary through experiential learning opportunities that impact NASA's mission. The Internship Process Evaluation will inform areas where NASA can create actionable items to insure full and equal participation of individuals from underrepresented communities in the internship program. Annually NASA has approximately 2,200 STEM interns, 39 percent of which are women and people from underserved communities. This program will continue to offer a range of options including in - person, hybrid, and virtual internships to meet the needs of students. The program increased mentor training to assist mentors in understanding the significance of mentorship, awareness of unconscious bias, and considerations of cultural differences. Continue the inaugural MUREP INCLUDES cohort efforts to identify and implement successful approaches to broaden participation, document lessons learned, and conduct evaluations to inform the establishment of a new cohort in 2025: MUREP INCLUDES facilitates the formation of MSI - led coalitions to enhance student participation in engineering - related disciplines and fields. Implementation strategies of this grant opportunity encompass capstone projects, engineering challenges, infusion of NASA content into courses, and relevant programming. Increase K - 12 Opportunities: NASA's K - 12 efforts aim to spark and sustain student engagement in STEM via mission - driven educational resources and learning opportunities. Collaborate with the U.S. Department of Education's 21CCLC program: In support of the MOU signed between NASA and ED, NASA will leverage the ED 21CCLC network to provide NASA content and technical assistance and academic enrichment opportunities to ED - selected sites primarily in high - poverty, low - performing schools. Programming is typically conducted during non - school hours where studies show students benefit from increased access to STEM experiences. Relaunch a redesigned Sparking Participation and Real - world Experiences in STEM (SPARX) in STEM: The Next Gen STEM (NGS) SPARX activity enables broader participation in a NASA challenge by reducing barriers to entry through educator training and support. SPARX is targeted for students with low STEM identity and little STEM experience. Conducted in formal and informal education settings, SPARX emphasizes the engineering design process to connect students to STEM. The activity seeks to reach populations in diverse or underserved communities. Implement a third cohort of Community Anchor Awards: The NGS Community Anchor cooperative agreements strengthen the ability of informal institutions to serve as local
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Alaskan, Women
Create unique opportunities for diverse and inclusive students to contribute to NASA's work in exploration and discovery. Metrics: Advance higher education students ' STEM skills by supporting the release of at least 2,200 paper presentations and peer - reviewed research publications through engagement investments; and conduct a MUREP Outcome Assessment. Build a diverse future STEM workforce by engaging students in authentic learning experiences with NASA's people, content, and facilities. Metric: Meet or exceed targets for two of four categories: Provide STEM engagement opportunities to higher education students for both virtual and in - person STEM engagement activities: (1) racially or (2) ethnically underrepresented students (Hispanics and Latinos, African Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders), (3) women, and (4) students across all institutional categories and levels (as defined by the U.S. Department of Education). Attract diverse groups of students to STEM through learning opportunities that spark interest and provide connections to NASA's mission and work. Metric: Measure (baseline) the number and diversity of K - 12 students exposed to NASA STEM engagement opportunities designed to spark student interest in STEM.
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Disabled
In Fiscal Year (FY) 2022, NASA's OSBP increased outreach events by 80 percent from FY 2021, surpassing the goal of 50 percent by 2029, and saw an increase in participation from businesses in underserved communities by ten percent. NASA's Small Business Learning Series webinar attendance increased by 20 percent from FY 2021 to FY 2022, and is the only Federal agency with a Small Business app. From FY 2021 through FY 2022, NASA obligated $ 1.9 billion in contracts under the product service line set - asides for small business categories and AbilityOne programs, the largest source of employment for individuals with disabilities.
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Minority Serving Institutions
NASA's GPC completed phase one of its barrier analysis in the fourth quarter of 2022, and took the following actions to address identified barriers: Developed NASA grants resources, including facts sheets. Expanded the posting of Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) to the Agency's Minority Serving Institutions ' Exchange newsletter to enhance accessibility. Standardized NASA NOFO template to ensure consistency and compliance with Federal regulations while reducing the administrative burden on grant applicants. Increased the grant award amount to HBCUs between FY 2021 and FY 2022 by 39.9 percent, or $ 1.36 million. Increased public participation in NASA outreach events to underserved communities between September 2022 and March 2023 by 70 percent. NASA's SMD expanded its Dual Anonymous Peer Review (DAPR) to 19 science solicitations for NASA's Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES), which helps maintain an equitable proposal process. Launched the Bridge Program to increase diversity in NASA's STEM workforce and build capacity at HBCUs and minority serving institutions.
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Minority Serving Institutions
NASA awarded 39 environmental justice proposals totaling $ 6.9 million for up to three years. These proposals included topics of air quality, climate hazards, and extreme heat. As of December 2022, the Agency migrated 75 environmental data sets to the cloud, surpassing the goal of 50 for 2022, to make the data more accessible to the public. Since January 2022, the Agency Applied Remote Sensing Training program has trained almost 28,000 people from all 50 states, three territories, and 159 countries on how to use NASA data to address key environmental issues, surpassing its annual goal of 3,000 people by more than nine - fold. NASA awarded 16 proposals totaling $ 6.5 million over three years for education and training in open science to enable transparent research and data for everyone. As part of NASA's Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) Data Equity Access program, the Agency awarded eight proposals totaling $ 11 million over three years to HBCUs to build data science networks with Earth science data. NASA's Community Action and Climate & Resilience programs were added to the Justice40 initiative. These programs help NASA ensure underserved communities have access to resources to combat the effects of climate change and promote an environment free of toxins and pollutants, all part of the NASA's Climate Strategy. NASA opened its first Earth Information Center, providing accessible resources, user - friendly information, and data both online and on - site that can be used immediately by the public and decision makers. This action will help address the barrier of unequal access to Earth information in many underserved communities.
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Black, Disabled, LGBTQ+, Native American, Rural, Women
C. Additional Efforts to Advance Equity: Examples of recent accomplishments and engagements from which feedback was used to inform this EAP and advance NASA's equity efforts include: ACCESSIBILITY: Among NASA's efforts to increase accessibility are initiatives at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and Space Center Houston for Sensory Friendly Hours at visitor centers and numerous STEM materials and programs for students with disabilities. In July 2023, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex was named a Certified Autism Center. EQUITY for LGBTQI + COMMUNITIES: NASA's Office of Procurement held its first virtual LGBTQI + Vendor Equity Forum, connecting more than 220 industry stakeholders and businesses with Federal procurement experts. The Agency also collaborated with Google Arts & Culture to showcase contributions of LGBTQI + employees. EQUITY FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES: NASA's Earth Science Division embarked on an agriculture - focused tour of Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma to learn how satellite data is used, as well as launched NASA Acres which links scientists with agriculture leaders. Other communication tools include a NASA Harvest website, and SMD's " " 3D Thursdays " " Rural Educator Series. EQUITY IN SPACE: NASA's Artemis missions will launch the first woman and first person of color to orbit the Moon. In 2022, NASA Astronaut and U.S. Marine Corps Col. Nicole Mann became the first Indigenous woman to go to space, while NASA Astronaut Dr. Jessica Watkins became the first Black woman to serve a long - duration mission aboard the orbiting laboratory. NASA also produced and released a documentary The Color of Space, which features a conversation between seven current and former Black NASA astronauts. EQUITY FOR TRIBAL NATIONS: NASA held its inaugural Tribal Nations Forum open to all 574 federally recognized tribes as part of our Tribal Consultation Plan. NASA continues to conduct STEM events with Tribal youth, including the First Nations Launch and a partnership with the Choctaw Nation to support science education. GENDER EQUITY: NASA expanded the use of Dual Anonymous Peer Review to minimize the impact of implicit or unconscious bias in the evaluation of proposals. We redesigned space suits to better accommodate women, and launched NASA Women in STEM which mobilized the women of NASA to participate in student engagement activities in their communities. D. Advancing Equity Through Key Legislation: As NASA implements specific legislative requirements, we are embedding equity throughout key processes and points of access, including areas of NOFOs. The Agency has also established an Evidence - Based Policy Making Act web page.
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Research into hidden bias has revealed how the unconscious cognitive processes humans use to filter information can lead to subjective and unequal evaluations. Analysis of fifteen years of solicitation data from NASA's Hubble General Observer Program found that male - led proposals had consistently higher selection rates than female - led proposals. After a Dual - Anonymous Review Process was implemented to reduce unconscious bias within the proposal evaluation process, the disparity between male - led and female - led proposals was reduced by more than 70 percent.
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Continue to contribute to the Justice40 Initiative through the Community Action and Climate & Resilience programs to reach disadvantaged communities disproportionately impacted by underinvestment. Community Action includes EEJ, Indigenous Peoples Initiative, and Prizes & Challenges.
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2 Overburdened Community is defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as: " " Minority, low - income, tribal, or indigenous populations or geographic locations in the United States that potentially experience disproportionate environmental harms and risks. This disproportionality can be as a result of greater vulnerability to environmental hazards, lack of opportunity for public participation, or other factors. The term describes situations where multiple factors, including both environmental and socio - economic stressors, may act cumulatively to affect health and the environment and contribute to persistent environmental health disparities. " "
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Justice40: The products and lessons learned from each, including GIS - enabled tools, will be publicly available and used by underserved communities as well as their partners to inform EEJ - related decision - making at all levels. Fair, equitable engagements with Indigenous communities will be strengthened. Indigenous communities will be empowered to use Earth observation information for their decisions and actions. NASA will incorporate Indigenous knowledge in future work.
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Broadening participation is a fundamental prerequisite for making high - quality STEM education accessible and will maximize the creative capacity of tomorrow's workforce. 10 Furthermore, although the number of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities who participate in and earn degrees in STEM fields has grown over the past several decades, these populations are still underrepresented in STEM careers. That is, their representation in the STEM workforce is smaller than their representation in the national population. 11 The reasons for this are numerous, complex, and systemic. They include factors such as disparate access to high - quality STEM education and a lack of diverse role models. 12
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hubs bringing NASA STEM and space science to youth and their families in underserved communities. The activity increases the geographic reach of these financial awards, including in rural and urban areas. Informal Education Learning Cohorts enable awardees to learn from each other and share resources and best practices as well as engage with NASA subject - matter - experts.
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Minority Serving Institutions, Native American
Engagement: Throughout the year, NASA engaged the public through numerous methods to identify and gain insight on the barriers outlined in this plan and best practices to increase access to NASA programs and information, which informed the development of strategies to overcome these barriers and develop this EAP. Since the development of our 2022 EAP, NASA has held multiple small business listening sessions and solicited feedback through RFIs (June 2021, April 2023, June 2023). Through OSTEM, we hosted an Equity Action Plan K - 12 Stakeholder Town Hall, the Better Together Conference, and expanded our annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) - Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) Technology Infusion Road Tour. In January 2023, we hosted a Tribal Consultation forum open to all 574 federally recognized tribal nations. NASA also participated in and received feedback from the Language Access Stakeholder Listening Session hosted by the U.S. Department of Justice. Our Earth Science Division (ESD) led public sessions such as Understanding Needs to Broaden Outside Use of NASA Data (UNBOUND) for Environmental Justice, and captured feedback
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from projects including the Indigenous Peoples Initiative. In October, NASA's SMD hosted a community workshop with potential partners to help co - create the new Bridge Program. Through these interactive and inclusive discussions, NASA captured feedback to formulate this living document, which serves as NASA's blueprint as the Agency strengthens efforts to reduce barriers and increase access while continuing to engage our external stakeholders and partners.
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Collaborating Agencies: An MOU with the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) to leverage MBDA access to diverse businesses, is scheduled to be signed in 2023 by the NASA Deputy Administrator and Under Secretary of Commerce for MBDA. NASA is also engaging with the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities to learn best practices and strategies to increase awards to HBCUs. NASA is collaborating with the U.S. Small Business Administration to strengthen the partnership and achievement of Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) goals.
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Minority Serving Institutions
Lack of access to NSF staff and solicitations for NSF procurement actions hinder the creation of an equitable and inclusive contracting environment for MSIs and small businesses. The complexity of the Federal contracting framework hinders existing and new entrants from accessing the Federal acquisition process. Entities must be familiar with Federal Acquisition and all supplemental agency guidance. Existing category management practices and best - in - class solutions can negatively impact the ability of disadvantaged entities and new entrants to position themselves for access to compete and secure awards. Data used to validate the application of category management principles demonstrates that small businesses under category management have received a proportionally lower share of spending than others. Large contracts can increase the efficiency of contract spending, eliminate redundant agreements, and reduce administrative burdens; however, this action could adversely impact contracts available for small and disadvantaged entities and equity goals for Federal acquisitions.
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Minority Serving Institutions
The NSF Acquisition Career Manager, working with the NSF OSDBU, has hosted several training sessions for NSF's Acquisition Workforce on effective market research and acquisition planning. Additional training will be provided this fiscal year. Increase public notifications, known as " " Sources Sought " " notices, to identify potential sources, including MSI and small business concerns.
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Minority Serving Institutions, Senior
The NSF Senior Procurement Executive (SPE) and NSF OSDBU will publish a list of engagement opportunities on SAM.gov in October, where MSIs and socioeconomic business concerns can receive information on how to do business with NSF, identify barriers, discuss potential solutions, and provide feedback on their experiences. The NSF will attend third - party conferences and outreach events for MSIs and socioeconomic business concerns to receive feedback and discuss barriers and solutions.
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Disabled
An NSF Office of the Inspector General review (OIG Report No. 22 - 6 - 003) of NSF's use of remote VS. in - person merit review panels found that NSF does not have sufficient demographic data on reviewers to determine if virtual panels reduce a barrier to participation. Published statistics on the demographic characteristics of Pls showed a significant increase in a) non - response and b) respondents who declined to provide demographic data, which prompted NSF to implement strategies to improve the collection of demographic data from Pls. In FY 2017, 59 percent of grant proposals submitted to NSF included complete data about the gender, ethnicity, race, and disability status of the PI. This number decreased to 43 percent in FY 2021. Analysis of FY 2021 - 22 activities to improve PI response rates demonstrated the success of the strategy outlined in this plan. Among Pls, complete demographic data increased to 75 percent of grant proposals from the baseline of 43 percent in FY 2021. An additional 15 percent included partial data. Based on these results, NSF is expanding its strategy to the
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LGBTQ+
NSF anticipates engaging the researcher community in developing and testing prototype questions for collecting SOGI data. This may include listening sessions, formal requests for information, or other mechanisms. NSF anticipates releasing at least one funding opportunity highlighting NSF's interest in receiving proposals for workshops, colloquia, and other activities focused on gathering from the NSF - supported community perspectives regarding promising research, education, and other potential areas of interest related to promoting equity for LGBTQI + individuals.
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Disabled, Rural
Civil Rights: Protect the civil and constitutional rights of all persons, such as the right to vote, language access, and prohibitions on discrimination based on race, sex, disability, and other relevant factors. Promote equity in science to eliminate bias in the design and use of innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence. Educational Equity: Pursue educational equity so that our Nation's schools put every student on a path to success. Economic Justice: Build a strong, fair, and inclusive workforce and economy. Ensure equitable procurement practices through small, disadvantaged businesses contracting and the Buy Indian Act (25 U.S.C. 47). Build prosperity in rural communities.
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Latinx, POC, Women
Sexual and other forms of harassment are barriers to full participation and contribution to the scientific enterprise by underrepresented groups. In response to concerns brought forth by US Antarctic Program (USAP) Community members, NSF enlisted independent subject matter experts to examine sexual harassment and sexual assault in the USAP and identify corrective actions for areas of concern revealed by the assessment. - The assessment, which consisted of surveys and interviews, indicated that sexual harassment is an ongoing issue faced by the USAP community. - Report: Sexual Assault and Harassment Prevention and Response in United States Antarctic Program Individuals who experience sexual harassment experience a host of effects, which may include reduced job satisfaction and performance, lower academic achievement, reduced earning power, and harm to physical and mental well - being. The negative impacts of sexual harassment extend across all disciplines, races, and classes. - Sexual Harassment of Women: Climate, Culture, and Consequences in Academic Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine I The National Academies Press - (Please see, e.g., Chapter 4, Job and Health Outcomes of Sexual Harassment and How Women Respond to Sexual Harassment, p. 68 - 69). Universities that have conducted climate surveys report that a concerning number of students, faculty, and staff report having experienced or witnessed sexual harassment. - According to NASEM, between 20 and 50 percent of female science, engineering, and medicine students experienced harassment, often from faculty and staff. This report also states, " " Although white (non - Hispanic) students reported greater incidence of sexual harassment by faculty / staff, students of color and white Hispanic students who experienced sexual harassment by faculty / staff generally perceived their campus as less safe than the other female STEM students. " "
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- In June 2017, the National Postdoctoral Association surveyed workplace sexual harassment among postdoctoral scholars, which included 2,734 responses. Ninety percent of respondents were sexually harassed as trainees (53 percent as graduate students and 35 percent as postdocs). - According to the American Association of Universities 2019 Climate Survey on Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct, 41.8 percent of students reported experiencing at least one sexually harassing behavior since enrolment. - Sexual Harassment of Women: Climate, Culture, and Consequences in Academic Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine The National Academies Press
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NSF conducted significant outreach to various federal and international partners on promising policies, practices, and procedures. Held in - person Listening Sessions at McMurdo Research Station (Antarctica) and a series of virtual listening sessions open to all current and former United States Antarctic Program (USAP) community members. Special sessions were reserved for the South Pole and Palmer Research stations, vessels, individuals who experienced sexual assault in the USAP program, and early - career individuals. Recent reports and legislation (CHIPS and Science Act) indicate harassment is pervasive in institutions of higher education and a deterrent to participation in STEM. Sexual Harassment of Women: Climate, Culture, and Consequences in Academic Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine The National Academies Press, see e.g., p. 40 - 41. Scientific studies / literature and NSF - funded research reflect that remote field work areas / sites are uniquely challenging from a harassment context due to various factors, including difficult physical conditions, layered or otherwise confusing reporting mechanisms, social isolation, and limited communication methods. Dear Colleague Letter: Research on Sexual Harassment and Other Forms of Harassment in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Contexts (nsf19053) NSF - National Science Foundation Clancy KBH, Nelson RG, Rutherford JN, Hinde K (2014) Survey of Academic Field Experiences (SAFE): Trainees Report Harassment and Assault. PLoS ONE 9 (7): e102172. Gendered Barriers to Australian Antarctic Research and Remote Fieldwork PLOS ONE Independent Review of Workplace Culture and Change at the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) - DCCEEW
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Minority Serving Institutions
Climate survey data and other information gathered via compliance activities. OECR - Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 Compliance Program NSF - National Science Foundation NSF conducted an initial evaluation of community awareness of the terms and conditions and conference proposal requirements, which informed the next phase of our evaluation strategy. This strategy is discussed under Proposed Metrics. The evaluation of NSF's harassment prevention efforts focused on the Harassment Notification Terms and Conditions and the conference policy. The communications analysis showed that, on average, universities submitting proposals to NSF have adopted an anti - harassment policy and disseminated it through their websites. The analysis also showed that NSF's conference policy positively impacted adherence to the guidance provided by NSF. This finding holds overall and by type of institution (R1 versus R2), but not for all Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). NSF Anti - Harassment Findings Technical Appendix
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Minority Serving Institutions
In the current phase of NSF's evaluation of the terms and conditions and conference proposal requirements, NSF evaluates community understanding, experiences with, and implementation of the terms and conditions and conference requirements through direct engagement with relevant stakeholders. Subject matter experts will interview stakeholders at various Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) and send a survey to all academic institutions that currently receive NSF funding. Findings will serve to improve understanding, experiences, and implementation over time. Monitoring changes in harassment claims to NSF Office of Equity and Civil Rights. The overall number of claims is anticipated to initially increase in response to communications and outreach relevant to establishing the new SAHPR Office and then stabilize over time. Marked deviations or " " spikes " " in the number or types of claims will inform future strategies. Increased usage of NSF SAHPR informational resources (via web metrics), NSF Antarctic Helpline, and USAP Victim Advocate services. The USAP Climate Survey on sexual harassment will serve as a baseline for measuring improved experience in the USAP over time. Number of grant applicants that submit a plan for creating and maintaining a safe and inclusive working environment as a part of pilots to assess and evaluate NSF's off - campus and off - site research proposal requirement that extends beyond self - certification. The recently enacted CHIPS and Science Act requires NSF to undertake a follow - on study to the 2018 NASEM study to examine the influence of sexual harassment in institutions of higher education on the career advancement of individuals in the STEM workforce and assess progress in implementing recommendations from the 2018 report.
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Disabled, Minority Serving Institutions, Women
NSF and NSB evidence: National Science Board: Vision 2030 (nsf.gov); Diversity and STEM: Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities 2023 NSF - National Science Foundation; and Reports, Studies and Analyses - Broadening Participation in STEM NSF - National Science Foundation - For example, the US National Science Board describes the gap in STEM talent that is needed for the US to remain a world leader in science and engineering, while biennial reports to Congress submitted by the Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering (CEOSE) address challenges to broadening participation, inclusion, and access in STEM. The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine has produced multiple reports that address barriers and challenges such as Minority Serving Institutions: America's Underutilized Resource for Strengthening the STEM Workforce I The National Academies Press; Barriers and Opportunities for 2 - Year and 4 - Year STEM Degrees: Systemic Change to Support Students ' Diverse Pathways The National Academies Press; and Summary Call to Action for Science Education: Building Opportunity for the Future The National Academies Press.
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Minority Serving Institutions
Broaden the STEM Ecosystem by expanding NSF's programmatic efforts and highlighting existing funding opportunities to under - resourced and underserved communities (K - 12, undergraduate, graduate, and post - doctoral students) using Dear Colleague Letters, Program Solicitations, and other funding mechanisms. Strengthen educational institutions through collaborative programs and partnerships by augmenting leadership development and advancement opportunities for faculty at minority - serving institutions and other emerging research institutions to foster PI and institutional success through initiatives such as Growing Research Access for Nationally Transformative Equity and Diversity (GRANTED) and other directorate - specific activities. Accelerate inclusion and access in NSF's research portfolio by increasing and strengthening institution and faculty engagement in NSF's many research programs and activities from those institutions not currently well represented in NSF's research programs via the GRANTED, EPSCoR, and other targeted program efforts.
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AAPI, Alaskan, LGBTQ+, Minority Serving Institutions
The National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Asian American Foundation collaborated to support the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders by introducing the " " Demystifying Federal Grants " " webinar series. This series was created to provide valuable knowledge and practical advice to assist community - based organizations in successfully applying for federal grants and accessing resources. NSF's chief diversity and inclusion officer (CDIO) has collaborated with a dedicated team of program directors (PDs) to leverage its review and awards process to ensure the Foundation's funded programs can reach the broad pool of untapped scientific talent. These discussions have yielded critical insights into how NSF can better support the inclusion of underrepresented scientists by emphasizing the importance of more general impact statements in grant applications, ensuring diversity within review panels, and increasing participation of researchers from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). Under the June 2022 Executive Order 14075, Advancing Equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI +) Individuals, the Office of the Chief Statistician of the United States provided recommendations for Federal agencies on best practices to collect self - reported sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data in federal statistical surveys. In an effort led by the CDIO, a dedicated team of individuals across the agency has developed a pilot survey to collect voluntary, non - personally identifiable SOGI data from within the NSF workforce. These efforts are taking place in concert with the National Council of Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) efforts to pilot the collection of SOGI data in their national surveys. D. Advancing Equity Through Key Legislation: NSF is committed to the principle that a diverse scientific workforce is vital to promoting advances in knowledge, innovation, and the global competitiveness of the U.S. scientific enterprise. Under the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, NSF appointed its first CDIO in December. The office of the CDIO is responsible for guiding and leading the Foundation's strategic plans to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) in all NSF - funded activities. In addition to advocating for DEIA within the Foundation's workforce and funded programs, the CDIO is partnering with other agencies and thought leaders to advance the mission of broadening participation in the U.S. science and technology enterprise. The CDIO is guided by the principle that diversity, in all forms, enriches the scientific community, drives breakthroughs, and brings forth lasting solutions to urgent problems.
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Minority Serving Institutions
Increased outreach to MSIs and Small Businesses
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Since September 2022, NSF has obtained input from thousands of individuals on its open science and public access activities, including developing and implementing NSF's Public Access Plan. This includes feedback from webinars and listening sessions with nearly 700 unique individuals representing approximately 300 unique academic institutions (from schools representing 14 different Carnegie classifications), commercial businesses, Tribal governments, and other Federal agencies. In addition, NSF has met with scientific societies, publishers, Pls, and other entities; scores of outreach efforts at conferences; and numerous conversations with other international, national, and subnational research funding entities. Examples of selected engagements are presented on the Public Access Initiative's webpage. The reaction to NSF's goals has been variable, with many in the community applauding openness and NSF's commitment to equity as part of current and ongoing public access / open science activities and others expressing skepticism regarding how the costs will be covered.
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NSF has identified the following barriers based on its outreach activities with Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and small businesses. The small business category includes several socioeconomic
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population groups, such as Small Disadvantaged Businesses, Women - Owned Small Businesses, Service - Disabled Veteran - Owned Small Businesses, and Historically Underutilized Business Zones, all of which have experienced the following barriers:
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Minority Serving Institutions
The NSF's Division of Acquisition and Cooperative Support (DACS) and the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Utilization (OSDBU) will announce outreach sessions through Special Notices on SAM.gov to raise awareness for socioeconomic business concerns and MSIs.
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Based on market research results and engagement with potential offerors, the NSF Acquisition Function and OSDBU will establish small business participation goals for specific awards to allow for small business inclusion in that industry. This will also enable MSIs and small businesses to offer services and supplies while building experience and capacity to perform as prime contractors for federal awards.
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Together, these efforts will allow NSF to conduct analyses of administrative data and related information to examine and understand more thoroughly any differences in the rates of participation in NSF activities of members of different demographic groups. This will enable NSF to focus future activities to advance equity for individuals who are members of groups underrepresented in STEM, including women and LGBTQI + individuals.
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Create Opportunities Everywhere (COE) incorporates all NSF directorates and offices and surpasses prior efforts by striving to ensure equity in program delivery while building on the concept of the " " Missing Millions. " " The National Science Board (NSB) conceptualized the Missing Missions as the difference between the demographics of the research community and the nation's demographics. It charged NSF with reducing this talent gap across all demographic groups, including gender, race and ethnicity, and persons with disabilities. 1 COE strives for equity in program delivery and expanding access and inclusion in STEM to reduce the national talent gap and reach the missing millions. Strategy # 5 represents a subset of the NSF COE effort and will focus on creating opportunities for undergraduate, graduate, and post - doctoral students who are underrepresented and underserved in
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Near - to Medium - Term (Likely to be mainly outputs): These metrics will be measured against the FY 2023 baseline as part of the Agency Priority Goal: (1) Increase the proportion of proposal submissions from minority - serving institutions (MSI) (2) Increase the proportion of proposal submissions from diverse Pls.
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Program Metrics: (1) Increase the number of K12, undergraduate, and graduate students reached by NSF awards designed to increase student success in STEM and STEM education from all NSF directorates and offices (2) Increase the number of postdoctoral associates and senior researchers reached by NSF awards (3) Increase the numbers and types of awards that focus on developing and sustaining pre - and post - award administration services at ERIs (4) Increased awards and obligations across NSF made to institutions in EPSCoR jurisdictions such that 15.5 % (FY23) of NSF's obligations are made to these institutions. 45
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Minority Serving Institutions
Under EO 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, and other directives, NSF continues to remediate federal acquisition process complexity and lack of access to procurement and program staff. NSF will improve outreach efforts, market research, and acquisition planning to increase access and participation in FAR - based solicitations and awards for disadvantaged entities such as Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and other similar groups.
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Minority Serving Institutions
Some communities have historically been underrepresented in the Federal government workforce. The government is having challenges in securing early career talent and many recent graduates are uninterested in or are unaware of Federal government jobs. Some students and recent graduates from high schools, college students from underserved communities, HBCUs, and other MSIs have expressed a lack of awareness around availability of government jobs and guidance on how to apply for Federal jobs. Many candidates who might consider Federal service are prevented from entering early career talent pipelines as they are unable to accept unpaid Federal job opportunities due to financial concerns.
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Minority Serving Institutions
According to a participant survey following the pilot " " Level Up to Public Service " " event, 63 % of the students expressed interest in pursuing a career in the Federal government before the event, and this figure rose to 78 % after the event. This 15 percentage - point increase in interest indicates that this event enhanced awareness of and fostered interest in careers within the public service sector among college students from underrepresented communities. Students who are aware of Federal job opportunities face challenges with the application process. OPM's ODEIA has partnered with institutions of higher education, including HBCUs and other MSIs, and have collected reports from student participants that have indicated there are challenges accessing and support in submitting applications for Federal internships and early career positions. Specifically, the following challenges have been reported to various Federal Chief Diversity Officers government - wide: Students have limited exposure to or awareness of public service opportunities; Students are experiencing challenges finding appropriate internships that support individual career goals; Students need specific training to complete the Federal application process; Students prefer internship opportunities that support their career goals, while also meeting their financial obligations. OPM, the Department of Labor, and OMB recently developed and launched a new portal on USAJOBS for prospective Federal interns. President Biden also expressed a strong commitment to paid internships as an equity issue in White House Executive Order 14035 and the Guidance on Promoting Internship and Other Student and Early Career Programs in the Federal Government. Additional actions that expose students and recent graduates from diverse backgrounds to Federal career opportunities and provide them with the necessary resources and support to apply for those positions are needed to build a robust pipeline of early career talent.
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Minority Serving Institutions
Conduct outreach events for high school and college students from underserved communities, HBCUs, and other MSIs detailing the availability of Federal jobs and providing guidance on how to apply for them. Conduct a qualitative research study and engage with focus groups that include under - represented candidate audiences. OPM will conduct this study to better understand the motives behind seeking government work, job seeker behavior, applicant needs, and barriers to entry (e.g., distrust, fatigue, clearance debt, incarceration, citizenship issues).
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Disabled, Minority Serving Institutions
Create an agency - facing microsite to support Federal agencies seeking to hire applicants from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), Persons with Disabilities, and Formerly Incarcerated Individuals. Conduct a survey for participants from institutions that OPM partners with, and community outreach events to better understand how people from partner institutions and organizations experience the Federal application process and timeline for Federal jobs. Launch a media campaign to engage and increase awareness of Federal job opportunities among underserved communities and drive traffic to the newly created Candidate Landing Page, a tailored USAJobs application page. Create government - wide technical assistance to support Federal agencies who are engaging with MSIs. FEBs are a forum for communication and collaboration among Federal agencies outside of Washington, DC. Approximately 85 percent of all Federal employees work outside the National Capital Region. By establishing an action plan to partner with institutions and community organizations from all 31 geographic FEB locations, OPM will ensure it has a roadmap in place to increase representation of the Federal workforce from every part of America. Encourage Federal agencies to increase their use of paid internships by making them more accessible to early career talent from underrepresented group. To further support this strategy, OPM will continue working towards the commitments that have been outlined in the Alternatives to Re - entry Strategic Plan including: Leveraging the Chief Diversity Officers Executive Council and Chief Human Capital Officers to work closely with other Federal agencies to prioritize and assist them with their efforts to recruit, hire, and retain qualified individuals from underserved communities; Ensure effective implementation of the Fair Chance Act Rule which was published in September 2023; and Promote Federal Hiring opportunities by, as appropriate, partnering with nonprofit service organizations that specialize in recruiting and supporting students from underrepresented groups with paid internship opportunities.
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Near - to Medium - Term: Increase outreach events with more MSIs. Increase representation of MSI candidates among USAJOBS profiles, internship and job applications. Improved perceptions of and satisfaction with Federal job opportunities and the Federal hiring process. OPM will measure participant perceptions of and satisfaction with events through a Level Up survey. OPM will survey different stakeholders including K - 12, post - secondary, and community organizations and will use the data to strengthen future events.
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Disabled, Minority Serving Institutions
OPM has launched " " The Level Up to Public Service " " pilot and has directly engaged with the high school and college students from underserved communities through creating events at schools that serve these populations such as HBCUs and MSIs. The pilot provides guidance about Federal jobs and how to apply for them and will be further expanded in the coming year. To support this strategy, OPM has conducted key informant interviews (KIIs) and other research and engagement with leaders of affinity groups. In 2024, OPM will launch a media campaign that will engage with the general public and will get feedback from focus groups and relevant stakeholders about Federal jobs among underserved populations, including but not limited to people with disabilities, the formerly incarcerated, and those affiliated with MSIs. OPM will focus on engaging with underserved communities from MSIs (EO 14035, Section 7a), persons with disabilities (EO 14035, Section 2a), and formerly incarcerated individuals (EO 14035, Section 2a). OPM will also inform and integrate with complementary efforts including those from the President's Management Agenda.
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Federal employees and retirees face increasing health care premiums (as a percentage of income) and difficulty affording paying their share of premiums, as well as health plan copayments and coinsurance. These increases disproportionately impact lower wage Federal employees and retirees as there is no adjustment to reflect differences in family incomes. The government contribution toward FEHB enrollee premium is set in statute. These contributions are the lesser of 72 percent of the weighted average premium of all plans or 75 percent of the premium of the plan chosen by the enrollee. The government contribution formula makes no distinction between the grade or salary level of the Federal employee or the amount of the annuitant's annuity payment. In other words, a Senior Executive enrolled in Blue Cross Basic pays the same self only premium as the GS - 5 enrolled in the same plan, even though the Senior Executive may earn three times the pay of the GS - 5. Similarly, health plan cost sharing at time of service, deductibles, and the maximum out of pocket payment allowed are not adjusted based on enrollee income or grade. The FEHB Program does not currently have information on the family income of individual employees or retirees to enable targeting of the FEHB benefit to those with lower incomes, and further research is needed to understand what factors affect non - enrollment and how employees perceive affordability.
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Senior
Those who are in lowest graded positions are approximately four times as likely to decline FEHB coverage than those in the highest graded tier. According to the Federal Employee Benefits Survey (FEBS), OPM understands that the primary reason Federal employees decline FEHB coverage is because they have coverage through TRICARE or their spouse's employer - based insurance. However, FEBS results also show that those in the lowest wage categories are less likely to be covered by another person's health insurance or TRICARE than those in higher wage categories. Based on responses to the FEBS, OPM understands that employees at lower grade levels are more likely to report that they are not enrolled because " " health insurance through the FEHB is too expensive: " " Federal Wage System (hourly employees) - 15.3 % GS 1 - 6 - 5.6 % GS 7 - 12 - 4.8 % GS 13 - 15 - 2.2 % Senior Executive Service, Senior Leader (SL) - 0 %
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Black, Native American, Rural, Women
As stated in the White House Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis, Women in the US die from pregnancy - related causes at a higher rate than any other developed nation in the world. The maternal mortality rate is even worse for Black women, Native American women, and women who live in rural areas - all are significantly more likely to die due to pregnancy - related complications. This crisis has been worsened by the COVID - 19 pandemic, which has increased rural maternal healthcare deserts. Barriers OPM seeks to address are also identified by the White House Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis and maternal health literature include access to prenatal care (particularly for marginalized communities), inadequate reimbursement for services offered by appropriate providers (e.g. midwives and doulas), and providers insensitive to the needs of women of color regardless of income.
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Black, Native American, Rural, Women
According to the White House, Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy related causes, Native American women are more than two times as likely, and women who live in rural areas are 60 % more likely to die. Over 80 % of pregnancy - related deaths are preventable. Maternal mortality is highest in the first 42 days postpartum, representing 45 % of total maternal mortality.
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POC
Strengthen coverage, benefits, and services around maternal healthcare, especially in support of prenatal and postpartum care, such as improving reimbursement and coverage of perinatal support visits and providing coverage of self - measured blood pressure cuffs and associated services to prevent hypertension. Adopt the Hear HerTM campaign to educate providers on how best to support pregnant people of color. Adopt in this action means to provide funding for this provider education campaign for the medical providers in the FEHB plan provider networks.
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POC, Senior
A poll on awareness of a state paid leave policy showed that individuals with a potentially greater need for paid parental leave, such as those with less education and people of color, may not have awareness of the benefits available to them. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's study of paid leave, first - time mothers who use paid parental leave are less likely to leave the workforce, but those who use the benefit are more likely to be older, white, married, and have a higher educational attainment. Multiple studies have shown that parents often do not take advantage of the full duration of their paid parental leave benefit, with men and people of color reporting less leave use. Research suggests that the longer the leave for mothers, the greater the
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Disabled, LGBTQ+
Employee Resource Group (ERG) and Affinity Group Summit: OPM convened the first - ever government - wide Employee Resource Group (ERG) and Affinity Group Summit in April 2022. It was held again in May 2023. This ongoing and annual event is designed to equip Federal employees in ERGs and affinity groups to better support agency efforts to strategically advance DEIA and increase participation in the OPM Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS), an organizational climate survey that assesses how employees jointly experience the policies, practices, and procedures characteristic of their agency and its leadership. DEIA Summit: In December 2022, OPM convened a three - day national event, " " DEIA Summit 2022: A Whole - of - Government Approach to Disability Employment " " to discuss promising practices and strategies to improve employment for people with disabilities in the Federal workforce. DEIA Learning Community for all Federal Agencies: Since July 2021, OPM has led a DEIA Learning Community to support all Federal agencies with implementing promising practices, and worked with agencies as they self - assessed the strengths and challenges related to DEIA practices within their own organizations. Learning community offerings are open to all Federal employees and include webinars, newsletters, office hours, and 24 - hour access to online resources, videos, and templates. DEIA Annual Report: In February 2023, OPM released Government - wide DEIA: Our Progress and Path Forward to Building a Better Workforce for the American People, the inaugural annual report providing a government - wide perspective of DEIA progress. Chief Diversity Officers Executive Council: In September 2022, OPM established the Chief Diversity Officers Executive Council as a coordinated effort to embed DEIA principles across the Federal government. Support for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals: OPM supported formerly incarcerated individuals, justice - involved youth, and those with lived experiences by partnering with organizations to provide information sessions and existing resources on Federal application process and personnel vetting process. During Second Chance Month in April 2022, OPM posted a " " Guide to Federal Employment for Second Chance Applicants. " " LGBTQIA + Gender Identity Guidance: OPM published Gender Identity Guidance to all agencies on Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31, 2023. Equitable Healthcare Coverage: Through the FEHB Program, OPM continues to emphasize the importance of equitable healthcare coverage for LGBTQI + employees, beneficiaries and eligible dependents, including advancing comprehensive coverage of gender - affirming care and services.
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Disabled, Latinx, Minority Serving Institutions
Early Career Talent Federal Internship Portal: In February 2023, OPM launched the Federal Internship Portal with a webinar featuring a panel discussion with former Federal interns from NASA, HHS, DOI, and EPA, and a live demo of the Portal. Over 1,880 individuals RSVP'd for the event and over 700 attended. The Federal Internship Portal aims to attract early career talent to join the Federal workforce. In rolling out the Portal, OPM conducted outreach to over 700 college and university counselors and academic coordinators to promote Federal internships and the intern experience program. Additionally, OPM focused outreach on minority - serving institutions and outside organizations, including 19 nonprofit organizations focused on promoting equitable access to jobs, higher education, or affinity groups. This has also been included in the OPM Gender Equity and Equality Action Strategic Plan. Guidance on Promoting Internships and Other Student and Early Career Programs in the Federal Government: In January 2023, OPM issued guidance on internships and similar programs including guidance to increase the availability of paid internships, and reduce the practice of hiring interns, fellows, and apprentices who are unpaid in accordance with EO 14035. Pathways Proposed Regulation: In August 2023, OPM proposed to modify the Pathways Program to better meet the Federal government's needs for recruiting and hiring interns and recent graduates. The Pathways Program consists of three programs: Pathways Internships, Recent Graduates, and the Presidential Management Fellowship. OPM is proposing changes to improve and enhance each of these programs, consistent with Executive Order 13562, and to strengthen the Federal government's efforts to recruit and retain early career talent. Federal Recruitment Engagements HBCU and FEB Recruitment Event: OPM convened an open dialogue and exchange of ideas on how Federal agencies can create or support pathways, pipelines, or curriculums to sustain Federal employment for students of HBCUs in partnership with the Atlanta Federal Executive Board (FEB) and the Atlanta University Center Consortium. The conversation included internship opportunities, best practices, challenges, and opportunities to improve recruitment for Federal jobs with the goal of gaining better insight on how Federal agencies can continue to establish, strengthen, and sustain partnerships between HBCUs and Federal agencies. OPM and Department of Commerce Roundtable on Equitable Recruitment and Hiring: In January 2022, OPM and the Department of Commerce hosted a roundtable Reinventing the Federal Workforce, A Roundtable Discussion on Making Government the Model Employer. The conversation included two HBCU Presidents and leaders from a Hispanic - serving and disability advocacy organization. The conversation focused on equitable recruiting and hiring,
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Alaskan, Native American, Veterans
Tribal Development and delivery of training modules and uniform standards on Tribal Consultation: On April 17, 2023, OPM in partnership with the Department of Interior held a Tribal Consultation on the development and delivery of training modules on Tribal Consultation as called for in the President Memorandum on Uniform Standards for Tribal Consultation. OPM is working to incorporate the input from the consultation in these training modules to ensure that the Federal government is upholding its nation - to - nation obligations in every tribal consultation. Additionally, OPM played a critical role in developing the Uniform Standards for Tribal Consultation that were detailed in the presidential memorandum. American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) Recruitment Event: For the first time, OPM hosted the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) Government Relations Council meeting to support recruitment of Native Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) talent to the Federal workforce and strengthen the agency's relationship with Native communities. OPM covered topics such as the DEIA EO, USAJOBS, and internships. Additionally, OPM will participate at the 2023 AISES National Conference by hosting a session on USAJOBS and helping convene a principals - level roundtable. A Customer Experience Approach to Understanding Tribal Nations Experiences Accessing Federal Grants on Performance.gov: In partnership with OMB's Federal Customer Experience team and the U.S. Digital Service (USDS), OPM used human - centered design to understand Tribal Nations ' experiences in accessing Federal grants. Established in Executive Order 14058, this cross - agency effort aims to improve customer experience and the delivery of government services to Tribal Nations. Military Spouse and Veterans Minimum wage Federal agency Implementation Guidance: Release of the $ 15 minimum wage Federal agency implementation guidance, which applies to and brings economic support to veterans and military spouses serving in Federal positions (January 2022). Hiring Guidance for Certain Military Spouse: OPM issued updated hiring policy guidance (Non - Competitive Appointment for Certain Military Spouses) and enabling human resource tools to enhance military spouse access to Federal service (Fall 2022 - Spring 2023). Outreach to the Veteran and Military Community for Feds Hire Vets: OPM continues to facilitate ongoing outreach to the veteran and military community, including the hosting of Feds Hire Vets website, a centralized
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POC
In this strategy, OPM will improve access to and quality of maternal health outcomes, especially for persons of color, by expanding the scope of covered prenatal and postpartum services, increasing reimbursement for targeted prenatal and postpartum supports, and including a broader range of service providers such as doulas and nurse midwives. This strategy is affiliated to the OPM Strategic Objective 1.1.
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Veterans
Collaborating Agencies: Departments of Health and Human Services, Veteran Affairs, and Defense
OPM 2023 Text 45
Minority Serving Institutions
OPM seeks to advance the Federal government as a model employer and lead efforts to build a strong Federal workforce. To lead as a model employer, OPM has analyzed barriers within recruitment and retention for early career talent in the Federal government, including the recruitment of students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). OPM partnered with Hampton University and a local high school district, Hampton City Schools, to pilot a one - day Federal career - readiness event called " " Level Up to Public Service. " " The evaluation of the post - event data revealed this event was successful in sparking interest in and improving student understanding of Federal
OPM 2023 Text 46
Latinx, Minority Serving Institutions, Native American
careers and internships. OPM will scale the original pilot program to include a cross section of HBCUs over the next year and will grow the effort to include Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribal Institutions, and community colleges.
OPM 2023 Text 47
Minority Serving Institutions
OPM will also create government - wide technical assistance to support Federal agencies which are engaging with MSIs and invest in a paid media campaign that all agencies can use to recruit early career talent from underserved communities. As a result of these efforts, OPM, in collaboration with the Chief Diversity Officers Executive Council and other relevant stakeholders, will address barriers that the Federal government currently faces with attracting and retaining early career talent from underserved communities.
OPM 2023 Text 48
Native American
OPM is committed to identifying barriers facing those eligible to enroll in the FEHB Program (Federal employees, annuitants, and Tribal employees). Available evidence suggests that lower waged Federal employees and retirees experience difficulty affording their share of premiums, as well as health plan copayments and coinsurance. OPM is conducting an FEHB Affordability Study to understand the root causes leading to employees choosing not to enroll in FEHB Program. This study will analyze enrollment patterns, the Federal Employee Benefit Survey, and focus group feedback. This affordability study will support efforts in advancing equity for underserved communities by identifying barriers to accessing affordable health insurance coverage offered through the FEHB Program and examining ways of overcoming those barriers to seek to ensure all Federal employees have access to health benefits.
OPM 2023 Text 49
Alaskan
Poor maternal health outcomes for Native Americans and African Americans far exceed those of other pregnant people, and these disparities persist at all income levels. OPM is committed to serving as a model employer by ensuring that all pregnant FEHB Program enrollees have access to high quality perinatal care, including more intensive services for high - risk pregnancies resulting from medical and / or social circumstances. OPM has strongly encouraged FEHB Program Carriers to expand coverage and services for prenatal and postpartum care that includes screening and treatment for postpartum depression; adopt the Hear Her Campaign enhancing communications between patients and healthcare providers; increase reimbursement and expand coverage for certified nurse midwives, birth centers, and perinatal support services such as doulas and nurse home visits; and contract with hospitals that have received HHS's " " Birthing - Friendly " " hospital designation. OPM will
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Disabled, Minority Serving Institutions, POC
removing application and hiring process barriers, and best practices specific for underserved communities, including people with disabilities, communities of color, and HBCUs and Minority Serving Institutions.
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Veterans
online website dedicated to informing veterans on how best to navigate the Federal hiring process and providing education for the special entry paths available to them.
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Black, Veterans
Since 1980, the number of banks has dropped from 14,400 to 4,600, leaving small businesses with fewer options to secure lending. 6 Studies have documented that underserved communities need better access to credit. For example, Black - owned startups are about three times less likely than the comparison group to report that their loan requests are always approved, even accounting for credit scores and net worth. In addition, loan requests are for smaller amounts. " " [ A ] larger share of veteran - owned businesses that applied for
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Black, POC
4 SBA Office of Advocacy, Minority - Owned Employer Businesses and their Credit Market Experiences in 2017 (July 5 Federal Reserve Banks, Small Business Credit Survey: 2021 Report on Firms Owned by People of Color (2021), Page 9, https: / / www.newyorkfed.org / medialibrary / FedSmallBusiness / files / 2021 / sbcs - report - on - firms - owned - by - people - of - color. 6 SBA Office of Advocacy, Effects of Small Loans on Bank and Small Business Growth (Mar 2021), Page 6, https: / / advocacy.sba.gov / wp - content / uploads / 2021 / 03 / De - Novo - Bank - Formation.pdf. 7 Fairle, Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, Financing Black - Owned Businesses (May 2017), https: / / siepr.stanford.edu / publications / policy - brief / financing - black - owned - businesses
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Black, Latinx
financing sought $ 100K or less compared to nonveteran - owned businesses. " " 8 For Black - and Hispanic - owned firms that applied for financing, one - quarter sought $ 25,000 or less. 9 Expanded access to loan programs could help a significant number of small business owners that are also justice - involved individuals. " " National estimates show that 3.8 percent of small business owners have a criminal record. This percentage corresponds to approximately 1.1 million small business owners. " " 10 These owners could benefit from a change in policy that expands eligibility for loan programs. Due to barriers to traditional employment such as exclusionary background checks, justice - involved individuals are more likely to seek pathways to entrepreneurship as a means to secure employment upon re - entry. Research shows that, " ".. justice - involved individuals are 50 percent more likely to become entrepreneurs than their counterparts who have never been incarcerated. " " ¹ Reducing barriers to federal loan programs for justice - involved individuals assists them in pursuing what is proven to be a more viable employment option.
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POC, Veterans
8 Federal Reserve Bank of New York and SBA, Financing Their Future: Veteran Entrepreneurs and Capital Access (Nov 2018), Page 14, https: / / www.newyorkfed.org / medialibrary / media / smallbusiness / 2017 / report - on - veteran - entrepreneurs - and - capital - access. 9 Federal Reserve Banks, Small Business Credit Survey: 2021 Report on Firms Owned by People of Color (2021), Page 23. 10 RAND Corporation, The Prevalence of Criminal Records Among Small Business Owners (2021), https: / / www.rand.org / pubs / research_briefs / RBA1295 - 1. html. 11 Hwang and Phillips, Columbia Business School, Entrepreneurship as a Response to Labor Market Discrimination for Formerly Incarcerated People (July 2020), Page 28, https: / / www.researchgate.net / profile / Kylie - dwang / publication / 340270406_Entrepreneurship_as_a_Response_to_Labor_Market_Discrimination_for_Form y_Incarcerated_People / links / 5e81410ba6fdcc139c13d52c / Entrepreneurship - as - a - Response - to - Labor - Market - Discrimination - for - Formerly - Incarcerated - People.pdf 12 The CA Pilot Program is a critical program that provides financing to low - income borrowers, borrowers from underserved communities, and SBA's Veteran - Owned Small Business Certification Program. CA was introduced as a pilot program in 2011, which allowed SBA to test the new program and ideas but limited the size and duration of the program. On April 12, 2023, SBA published a final rule which provides for grandfathering of current CA Pilot lenders to be licensed as CA SBLCs. Final Rule 2023 - 07181: https: / / www.govinfo.gov / content / pkg / FR - 2023 - 04 - 12 / pdf / 2023 - 07181. pdf
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Veterans, Women
1. Advance education programs and outreach to SDBs and small businesses in underserved communities through updates to the 7 (j) grant program. SBA will be able to target SDBs in the underserved communities and improve education and support of staff at SBA field offices and Resource Partners. This update to the grant program secures nationwide technical assistance, designed to provide one - on - one needs - based training and counseling to firms in these communities. These tailored services aim to elevate firms ' capabilities and readiness to improve their operations and sustainability in the federal marketplace. Further, SBA field offices and Resource Partners will provide a clear understanding to potential applicants of how to properly obtain and use the SBA certification set - aside programs (Women Owned Small Business (WOSB), 8 (a), HUBZone, and Veterans Certification). Achieving a better understanding of the various set - aside programs supports the development of a contract - ready pool of SDBs as potential contract awardees. 2. Leverage technology to modernize the application process (to apply for, maintain, and manage candidate SBA set - aside program certification and status) for its four certification programs. Modernize and harmonize the process firms use through automation and digitization. 3. Mitigate the impact of consolidated buying practices by proactively establishing line of sight best practices through portfolio management and early engagement
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Rural
As part of a comparative analysis of language translation during disaster, one study noted that the, " " Increasing cultural and linguistic diversity [ in the United States ] creates a demand for information to be available in multiple languages. This signifies a need for language translation to be a key element of disaster management. The Legal Aid Disaster Resource Center (LADRC) reported that " " many of the disaster management challenges in rural communities are related to the nature of the areas and the resources available to them. These challenges include longer travel distances for rural residents to reach commonly used community meeting spaces and access basic necessities. " " 21 The LADRC also cites research ² 22 that additional challenges for rural residents includes limited or lower quality online access. Rural residents are less likely than urban residents to have high - speed internet at home and to own a smartphone, tablet, or computer. " " 23 Per FEMA's 2020 National Household Survey, " " 91 percent of people who experienced a disaster reported they incurred a financial impact. Only 22 percent
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Alaskan, Black, Latinx, Rural
Community Advantage Small Business Lending Companies (CA SBLCs): Effective April 12, 2023, SBA used its regulatory authority to create a new type of SBLC called a Community Advantage Small Business Lending Company, which provided for the conversion of Community Advantage Pilot lenders to fully licensed CA SBLCs with permanent 7 (a) lending authority. The move to CA SBLC included measures borrower application requirements and making the application mobile friendly. Borrower data became integrated automatically and a high - quality customer service support system was made available. From FY 2022 to FY 2023, Community Advantage lending to underserved borrowers increased by 11 percent by total loan count and 23 percent by total loan dollars. Small Business Lending Company (SBLC) Moratorium Rule: On June 1, 2023, SBA opened a window for new applications for SBLC licenses. The application window remained open until July 31, 2023. SBLCs are a category of lenders that are directly regulated by SBA to provide SBA 7 (a) loans nationally. The new SBLCs will help target critical market gaps in SBA lending to underserved small businesses. These institutions have historically lent to businesses that have less access to capital, including to Black, Latino, Native, and rural entrepreneurs, at higher rates. Affiliation and Lending Criteria Rule: On August 1,, 2023, SBA published simplified program rules to increase access and participation.
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Rural
Roughly one in five rural small business owners indicate that access to capital as one of the top three challenges to maintaining or growing their business in their community. 25 Lack of access to technical assistance and a supportive network is a significant barrier for people trying to start and grow businesses. This barrier is particularly
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POC
prevalent among businesses owned by people of color and can be a serious barrier for people of color in starting and growing a business. Justice - involved citizens often report challenges due to the lack of knowledge around applying for a loan, incorporation, accounting, financial literacy, and tax filings, as well as management and leadership skills when aspiring to start their own businesses. ² 7
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Rural
Examining the unique opportunities and challenges facing rural small businesses, a report from the Small Business Majority notes that 59 percent of these businesses indicate they need more information on the types of capital sources available. ² 8 As highlighted by best practices for engaging with underserved communities, " " Broad approaches to engagement, financial assistance, and other programs may fail to reach those who need help most desperately, meaning that the best intentions often fall short of producing results. In other words, for assistance programs to be successful, governments must meet the targeted groups where they are. " " 29 A recent study on the extent of self - employment amongst U.S. justice - involved individuals, concluded that " "... training returning citizens on management and organizational practices may help improve the success of their entrepreneurial activities. " " 30
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Minority Serving Institutions, Native American, Rural
1. Reach rural and other underserved entrepreneurs with relevant, tailored outreach and educational resources by leveraging SBA Resource Partners ' technical assistance and training and delivering targeted campaigns via traditional marketing and online educational platforms. 2. Strengthen small business services for underserved entrepreneurs by partnering with more HBCUs, Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and MSIs - through SBA Resource Partner grant agreements and Agency strategic alliances.
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Rural
26 Kauffman Foundation, Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs: Removing Barriers 2023 Update (June 2023), Page 45, https: / / www.kauffman.org / wp - content / uploads / 2023 / 06 / Access - to - Capital - for - Entrepreneurs - Report - 2 - June - 2023. pdf. 27 Hwang, The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science (701 (1), 114 - 133), From Prison to Entrepreneurship: Can Entrepreneurship be a Reentry Strategy for Justice - Impacted Individuals (2022), citing Rieple (1998),, https: / / journals.sagepub.com / doi / full / 10.1177 / 00027162221115378? journalCode = anna 28 Small Business Majority, Examining the Unique Opportunities and Challenges Facing Rural Small Businesses (2019), Page 14. 29 ICMA, Engaging Marginalized Communities: Challenges and Best Practices (Sept 2021), https: / / icma.org / articles / pm - magazine / engaging - marginalized - communities - challenges - and - best - practices. 30 Finlay, Mueller - Smith, Street, Criminal Justice Involvement, Self - Employment, and Barriers in Recent Public Policy (2022), Page 31, https: / / kfinlay.github.io / pdf / FinlayMuellerSmithStreet2023. pdf.
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Minority Serving Institutions, Rural
Increased number of unique clients served in each specifically identified underserved community, including rural communities. Increased number of underserved small businesses receiving services through SBA Resource Partners located at HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs and / or number of strategic alliances created. Increased number of partnerships established with organizations that support the re - entry of justice - involved individuals to become entrepreneurs.
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Black, Women
As discussed in a National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) working paper, " " The ratio of debt to total capital (i.e., the leverage ratio) for Black - owned startups is persistently below that observed for their counterparts. Alternative sources of capital such as loans from friends and family, personal equity and credit cards do little to attenuate these differences. Black - owned startups also have lower levels of all other major sources of funding than the [ comparison group ]. " " 33 In 2021, 76 percent of woman and minority - owned firms raised venture capital funds. Only 1.4 percent of total U.S. - based assets under management (AUM) is managed by diverse - owned firms as of September 2021. 35 Gender - diverse investing teams are two times more likely to invest in gender - diverse founding teams, 2.6 times more likely to invest in women - led entrepreneur teams, and more than three times more likely to invest in a female CEO. 36 A 2010 study by the Minority Business Development Agency found that,. investment disparities between minority and non - minority firms were
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Black, Women
32 Across asset classes, minority - and women - owned firms are underrepresented relative to other firms. Knight Foundation, Knight Diversity of Asset Managers Research Series: Industry (Dec 2021), Page 4, https: / / knightfoundation.org / wp - content / uploads / 2021 / 12 / KDAM_Industry_2021. pdf. 33 Fairlie, Robb, Robinson, NBER, Black and White: Access to Capital Among Minority - Owned Startups (2020), Page 3, https: / / www.nber.org / system / files / working_papers / w28154 / w28154. pdf. 34 Fairview Capital, Women and Minority - Owned Private Equity and Venture Capital Firms: Capital Market Review 2021 (2021), Page 3, https: / / fairview.cdn.prismic.io / fairview / 397ab706 - dc64 - 4c31 - 981b - 9ded2e43c788_FairviewCapital_2021_MarketReview.pdf 35 Knight Foundation, Knight Diversity of Asset Managers Research Series: Industry (Dec 2021), Page 3. 36 Stone, Forbes, Diversity As $ uperpower: The (Well - Known) Data Against Homogeneous Teams In Venture Capital (Sept 2020), https: / / www.forbes.com / sites / committeeof200 / 2020 / 09 / 22 / diversity - as - uperpower - the - well - nown - data - against - homogeneous - teams - in - venture - capital /.
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Veterans, Women
SBIC Growth and Diversification Rule: Finalized on August 17, 2023, this rule encouraged expanded participation by a more diverse range of fund managers across the nation by establishing a new fund - of - funds license, aligning terms to fit with patient and growth strategies, enabling smaller - sized funds to receive support; and by simplifying and streamlining licensing rules. Greater diversity in funds is proven to increase the diversity of underlying investments. In FY 2022, SBA's efforts led to SBIC financing to women - owned, minority - owned, and veteran - owned small business increasing by 29 percent compared to the previous year.
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Minority Serving Institutions, Native American, Rural, Veterans
Disaster Loan Program Modifications Rule: SBA completed rulemaking to increase the maximum allowable disaster loan amount to ensure the amount of disaster assistance is sufficient to help disaster victims complete a full recovery. Disaster Assistance for Rural Communities Act: SBA implemented statutory changes increasing the accessibility of disaster assistance for rural communities. SBA is actively piloting - and is preparing to fully adopt for all disasters - a new Unified Lending Platform that vastly reduces the amount of work for disaster victims and speeds up the process from application to approval. Leveraging a new " " Whole of SBA Approach, " " SBA is fostering an extensive network of partnerships to conduct deliberate customer service campaigns earlier in the disaster response cycle. These partners include local, state, and federal entities such as SBA Resource Partners like Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), Women's Business Centers (WBCs), the business mentoring organization SCORE, and Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs), as well as Community Navigators, economic development agencies, and emergency managers. Additionally, SBA works with mayors, Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), Minority Servicing Institutions (MSIs), Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Native American Tribal Nations to optimize recovery resource delivery.
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Black, Minority Serving Institutions, Native American, Rural
Nearly $ 45 million (32 percent of total) of funding allocated to SBDCs are now associated with investments at MSIs. In 2022, five new WBCs were selected to be operated at established MSIs, while 60 percent of WBCs are located in rural communities. In 2023, SBA created the Tribal College Small Business Achievement grant to support Native American economic development. The VBOC Program expanded by six centers (up to 28) and SBA hosted a Military Spouse Entrepreneur Virtual Summit. SBA hosted outreach events with various federal agencies, including the new Path to Prosperity series which served over 3,300 attendees from mostly rural areas. SBA signed a Strategic Alliance Memorandums (SAM) with the American Jewish Committee to combat antisemitism. SAMs were also signed with the National Pan Hellenic Council to promote SBA programs and services to Black entrepreneurs and with Operation HOPE to provide financial literacy and resources for their efforts to create one million Black businesses.
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Native American
SBA's Office of Entrepreneurial Development will also actively engage with SBA's Council on Underserved Communities, SBA's Small Business Digital Alliance, inter - agency hosted client forums, Tribal consultations, and White House initiatives focusing on underserved communities.
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POC, Women
The Biden - Harris Administration ushered in an entrepreneurial boom unlike any other in American history. Since January of 2021, Americans filed more than 14.6 million applications to start businesses, an unprecedented surge. People of color and women continue to open businesses at high rates, as they have for more than a decade. More than ever, SBA must help all our historically underserved small businesses thrive.
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Rural
In collaboration with local organizations, SBA's new Portable Loan Outreach Center (PLOC) initiative focused on providing support to underserved disaster survivors that might not otherwise have access to SBA assistance. In FY 2023, several rural areas have been served by PLOCs. For example, in Mississippi, 352 business contacts had 72 successful loan applications; in Florida, 248 contacts led to 132 accepted applications.
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AAPI, Black, Latinx
Entrepreneurs depend on financial capital to start and grow their business and often have difficulty accessing it. Those barriers disproportionately fall on certain groups. For example, Black - owned and Hispanic - owned firms are more likely to have been denied credit4 and Black, Asian, and Hispanic small business owners most likely have to use personal funds to sustain their business. 5
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Women
I. Message from Commissioner O'Malley 2 II. Advancing Equity Through Agency Mission 3 III. Executive Summary of Equity Action Plan 3 IV. Equity Progress Update and Accomplishments 5 V. Strategies to Advance Equity in FY 2024 10 Strategy # 1: Improve Access to the Supplemental Security Income Program for Women, Families, Individuals from Underserved Communities, and Other People Facing Barriers. 10 Strategy # 2: Improve Equity in Access to Our Programs for Our Customers Who Communicate Primarily in Languages Other than English. 12 Strategy # 3: Reduce Pending SSI Underpayments to Improve Equity in the Delivery of Payments to Our Customers Disproportionately Affected by Poverty 15 Strategy # 4: Increase Awareness of Survivors Benefits Eligibility for Children and Families, Same - Sex Couples, and People Disproportionately Impacted by COVID - 19. 18 Strategy # 5: Increase Race and Ethnicity Data Collection to Further Identify, Monitor, and Address Service Inequities. 20 VI. Endnotes 22
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Disabled, Minority Serving Institutions, Veterans, Women
1) In FY 2022, we received a grade ' A ' on our Small Business Procurement Scorecard from the Small Business Administration. We are very proud to have achieved and exceeded our overall Small Business Goal along with three of the four socio - economic goals: Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), Women Owned Small Business (WOSB), and Service - Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business. SSA has received an ' A ' on our scorecard every year since 2013. 2) In January 2023, we created a strategic outreach campaign using an agency - wide listserv of HBCUs, ISSCs, and professional organizations with diverse membership to encourage them to apply to our research funding opportunities. 3) In Spring 2023, we provided informational webinars to HBCUs and ISSCs about grants in advance of the Request for Application (RFA) publications. 4) In Summer 2023, we completed the Retirement and Disability Research Consortium (RDRC) recompetition for the five - year agreements (i.e., research grants) covering activities for FY 2024 - FY 2028. Six centers were selected to receive the awards. Five out of six centers include HBCUs or ISSCs as partners, with HBCU and ISSC staff leading the centers as directors or co - directors. 5) In September 2023, our OT participated in the " " The Future of Cyber Resilience - How HBCUs Can Change the Game " " panel. We discussed how HBCUs can strategically posture themselves to contribute to the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning space to increase cyber resilience.
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Alaskan, Disabled, Native American
1) Coordinated five in - person engagements with the Acting Commissioner and Tribal Leaders and Benefit Coordinators in Tribal and surrounding communities in the following locations: Anchorage, Alaska; Kansas City, Missouri; Chicago, Illinois; San Francisco, California; and, Pine Ridge, South Dakota. These engagements created opportunities to build partnerships with community organizations and to offer support to claimants seeking retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. 2) Received feedback from Tribal communities on recommendations for locations to implement video equipment to bridge the distance between their Tribal communities and field offices. 3) Implemented a pilot program in which SSA employees were flown to three remote communities in Alaska and provided services to community members at local health facilities. 4) Received valuable feedback from Tribal Nations and Urban Indian Organizations highlighting a barrier to services and a business need for SSA to provide training support to new Tribal Benefit Coordinators working in Urban Indian Centers and Indian Health Services in underserved communities. These Coordinators, who are not SSA employees, require programmatic policy training to provide awareness of eligibility to our programs and support to Tribal members by accompanying them to field office appointments. 5) Actively supported the OMB Workgroup to finalize deliverables for the Native Language Memorandum of Agreement with 24 Federal agencies, a 10 - year action plan supporting an All of Government approach, scheduled for release in November 2023.
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Disabled, Women
Although 80 percent of successful SSI internet applications were submitted on a smartphone, the internet application was challenging to navigate on mobile devices. Stakeholders provided significant feedback on the complexity of the SSI application process through our " " Always On " " survey, focus groups with beneficiaries, and the Disability Journey Team data collection efforts. Compared to men SSI recipients, women SSI recipients are more likely to be heads of households and receiving disability benefits, over 65, or relying on SSI for over 50 percent of their total income. 17 In this sense, women are more heavily relying on assistance from SSA than men.
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Disabled
Simplify the process for applying for SSI. Complete the Beyond Benefits Study, which explores the barriers to accessing community services to aid the return to self - sufficiency after disability benefits cease. Conduct SSI outreach including stakeholder listening sessions, marketing of program updates, and informing the public about policy updates that affect underserved communities. Centralize representative referral lists to ensure applicants have options to seek representation by an attorney or non - attorney representative. Continue to reach out to unrepresented claimants to prepare them for the hearing process and explain their right to representation. Using CX research practices, learn from our employees about their experiences with working with claimants as they apply to the disability programs. Develop, market, and assess effectiveness of informative materials, including priority language translations, to educate the public and other stakeholders on SSI eligibility and the application process. Complete our regulatory agenda 18 to simplify SSI, particularly our In - Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) policies. Under current policy, ISM refers to reported or estimated assistance with food and / or shelter provided to SSI claimants from others within or outside their households. We determine claimants ' eligibility for and amount of SSI payments, partially based on the amount of ISM they receive. Simplifying ISM policies will make the SSI program easier for the public to understand and less burdensome for us to administer, and reduce the potential for improper payments. Omitting Food from ISM Calculation: Removes food from the calculation of ISM. Food assistance received from others will no longer impact claimants ' benefit eligibility and amount. (NPRM. Feb. 15, 2023. 88 FR 9779.) Expansion of the Rental Subsidy Policy for SSI Applicants and Recipients: Expands rental subsidy exemption currently applicable in seven States nationwide, exempting claimants from ISM from other household members if they pay at least one third of the SSI benefit on rent. (NPRM. Aug. 24, 2023. 88 FR 57910.) Expand the Definition of a Public Assistance (PA) Household: Adds Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to the list of means - tested programs included in our definition of PA households; if every household member receives at least one of the specified types of assistance, we would not reduce SSI benefits due to ISM or deeming from other household members. (NPRM. Sept. 29, 2023. 88 FR 67148.)
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Disabled
1) In June 2022, we resumed publication of statistics on OASDI benefits in current payment status by race as Appendix E in the Annual Statistical Supplement. In August 2023, the Annual Statistical Supplement included updated sets of the 12 tables analyzing payments by race and ethnicity in the body of the publication under Summary 5. A Expanded by Race. We also published Modeling Income in the Near Term (MINT) projections, MINT fact sheets, and Retirement and Disability Research Consortium working papers, providing updated projections, including by race and ethnicity, to inform agency and academic research. 2) In August 2022, we added race and ethnicity questions to the online SSN application process (OSSNAP) used to obtain an SSN card, resulting in an increase, from August 2022 to August 2023, for voluntary reporting of race information from 46 percent to 52 percent, and of ethnicity information from 54 percent to 59 percent. 3) In FY 2023, we created the Race and Ethnicity Voluntary Reporting Tracking Dashboard to inform our collection strategies. 4) In June 2023, we provided public information materials in English and Spanish to encourage voluntary reporting of race and ethnicity data during new and replacement SSN card applications in select Social Security Administration (SSA) field offices. 5) In August 2023, we made form SS - 5 (Application for a Social Security Card) instructions available in 15 languages other than English and Spanish in local SSA field offices and Card Centers. The non - English instructions will help applicants with LEP complete the English - language form SS - 5. 6) In September 2023, we added race and ethnicity questions to the internet SSN replacement application process (iSSNRC) used to obtain a replacement SSN card through the my Social Security (mySSA) portal.
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Alaskan, Native American
For FYs 2018 through 2022, we received over 4.5 million requests through the Telephone Interpreter Services (TIS) for 194 languages. During that time, about 80 percent of the language requests were for Spanish, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Russian. For FYs 2018 through 2022, there were 20 languages that were often requested through our TIS that we were not able to provide. Nearly one in four American Indians and Alaska Natives have LEP or speak a language other than English at home. 19 For FYs 2018 through 2022, we received more requests for Navajo language than for German language assistance through the TIS. While two of our offices near the Navajo Reservation have employees who are proficient in Navajo language, we need TIS to provide service outside of this area. Through our Office of Native American Partnerships, we receive ongoing feedback from advocates in Tribal communities. Their recommendations to overcome complex applications and language barriers include: Assistance from Tribal Benefit Coordinators who understand the native language sufficiently to assist applicants. Assistance from a member from the Tribe, who understands the native language and Tribal health documentation sufficiently, in the absence of an Indian Health Service Coordinator to assist applicants. Outreach to inform Alaskan applicants that interpreter services may help them overcome barriers and improve application outcomes. This recommendation is based on research provided during the White House 10th Annual Native Language Summit in Albuquerque, NM. Through our LEP Steering Committee, we receive ongoing feedback and recommendations from advocates about ways to improve language access, analyze these recommendations, and take appropriate action, such as, reminding employees on how to use the TIS. As of July 2023, we have over 3,400 employees who were hired to work and communicate in more than one language.
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Alaskan
Improve language access by providing printed and online translated materials, language interpretation services, and culturally competent assistance throughout our administrative processes, for applicants to complete an application, file an appeal, and manage their benefits. Translate publications in multiple languages prioritized by need or population size. Improve stakeholder awareness of the process to request free interpreter services, in advance of an appointment (e.g., during a claim, scheduled hearing). Expand the Agency Language Access Plan to include more Native and other languages to provide a wider range of populations assistance with our administrative processes. Increase the usage our free TIS and language preference requests. Maintain ongoing communications with stakeholders and the advocate community to help us identify ways to improve access to our services for people with LEP. Train our employees and interpreters on how best to support our customers requesting interpreter services. Improve our use of relevant LEP data by language, location, and age to ensure we are aware of and can work to address any difficulties in supporting language access in specific regions or local field offices. Explore policy, processes, and procedures to collect, update, validate and analyze data regarding multilingual employees, and consider necessary long - term resource implications. Host advocate engagements to gather feedback and recommendations from the public.
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Disabled
In initial claim situations, underpayments stem from benefits that are due back to the date of onset2 ², the first day a claimant meets the definition of disability or statutory blindness. Once an initial claim is approved, the person receiving SSI is paid back to the date of their application or the date of onset if they meet the definition of disability or statutory blindness after they submit their application. These past - due benefits are considered underpayments and may be subject to installments. In post - entitlement situations, underpayments are generally the result of reporting delays. For example, people receiving SSI payments are required to timely report any changes in their medical or non - medical (i.e., income, resources, or living arrangements) circumstances that may impact their payments. When a person receiving SSI payments does not timely report changes that will affect their payment amount, the field office will update the record noting a discrepancy, which may cause an underpayment. If an underpayment exceeds three times the Federal Benefit Rate, the payment due to the recipient is subject to installments. 23
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Senior, Women
As of August 23, 2023, there were about 220,000 pending underpayments, of which more than 140,000 underpayments (with corresponding alerts) have been pending for a year or more or are priority cases. Our data show that nearly 86,000 recipients identified as having underpayments are children with dedicated accounts24 for past due payments. In 2022, 997,109 SSI recipients were children. 25 Our data show approximately 40,000 women aged 18 to 64, and 9,000 women aged 65 and older, have underpayments. 26
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Alaskan, Black, Latinx
Surviving spouses and divorced spouses, Same - sex couples, Guardians of surviving children, LEP communities, and Populations who were overrepresented in higher COVID - 19 mortality rates, including Black, Latino, and American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
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Alaskan, Black, Disabled, Latinx
Disproportionately, White spouses with disabilities on average are more likely to receive survivor benefits compared to other racial groups, according to our data. 29, 30 For people who have disabilities and lost a spouse to death, and receive survivors benefits, about 60 to 80 percent are White, nine to 25 percent are Black, 10 to 20 percent are Other, and less than 10 percent are Unknown. We are working to understand the driving factors and how we can ensure equitable access to our programs. There are approximately 980,000 same - sex couple households in the United States. 31 We are conducting proactive outreach to help same - sex couples that were previously denied spousal survivor benefits. At the beginning of the pandemic, Black, Latino, and American Indian and Alaska Native people were disproportionately represented in COVID 19 - asssociated deaths. 32 For example, in the summer of 2021, the CDC found that American Indian and Alaska Native people died from COVID - 19 at a rate 2.8 times higher than same - age White people. 33
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Alaskan, Black, Latinx, Native American, Women
Audit existing public information, including webpages, and revise materials using plain language to make the eligibility requirements clear and inclusive for women, same - sex couples and families; people from underserved communities; and others who access public benefits. Develop and enact a stakeholder outreach strategy to increase public understanding of survivors benefits, including among Black, Latino, and American Indian and Alaska Native communities that are disproportionately represented in higher mortality rates. Revise and publish online information on criteria for benefit entitlement to incorporate cultural nuance and reduce technical jargon. Design a culturally sensitive Tribal - focused Benefits Guide and training for the Indian Health Service (IHS) Tribal Benefit Coordinators. Provide a face - to - face presentation at the National Indian Council on Aging Elders Conference educating nearly 2,000 Tribal elders annually. Explore ways to simplify the process of accessing and applying for our benefits. Identify proactive ways to notify people about their entitlement to survivor benefits and provide them information to access our services in our initial communications.
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Native American
Track public engagement through our Communications Outreach Activity Reporting System by end of FY 2024. Track the streamlining of webpages to our updated website by end of FY 2024. Track engagement of publications we update to remove jargon by end of FY 2024. Track beneficiaries by demographic characteristics (e.g., gender, race, income) by end of FY 2024. Track feedback and engagement from IHS Tribal Benefit Coordinators who engage in SSA training with a focus on retirement and survivors benefits, with a breakdown by claims involving and not involving COVID - 19 by end of FY 2024.
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Black, Latinx, LGBTQ+, Native American
Identify additional third parties to provide annual SSA benefits training by working with the IHS, and navigators in Black, Latino, and LGBTQIA + communities. Publish a Tribal Benefits Coordinator Guide highlighting survivors benefits. Track annual presentations on survivors benefits eligibility criteria. Measure increases in survivor benefits applications by demographic characteristics (e.g., gender, race, income).
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Disabled, Native American
1) In FY 2023, to restore SSI applications closer to pre - pandemic levels, we launched a new SSI " " Basic Needs " " campaign in support of our FYs 2022 - 2023 Agency Priority Goal (APG) to increase SSI applications nationwide by 15 percent and increase applications from underserved communities by 25 percent, 1,758,656 and 127,749 applications, respectively. We have seen an increase in the overall number of SSI applications, nationally and in underserved communities. Since the campaign launched: a. Our digital marketing tactics generated 1.81 million referrals from our SSI website to the online SSI Protective Filing tool, yielding 345,000 SSI applications through September 3, 2023. The tool allows individuals and third - party helpers to establish a protective filing 10 online and request an appointment to file for benefits. b. Our marketing generated more than 1.9 billion impressions across all tactics and over 2.7 million website visits. C. Through September 29, 2023, we exceeded our APG target for SSI applications in underserved communities relative to the 2021 baseline by receiving nearly 135,000 applications. We were about one percent short of the nationwide SSI application target of increasing applications by 15 percent relative to the 2021 baseline, receiving about 1.74 million applications. d. We added a paper survey to 300,000 of the 2.1 million mailers and added an online survey for those who visited our English and Spanish vanity URL, or custom shortened link. We received 2,575 responses with as many as 81 percent of the respondents saying the information was either " " very helpful " " or " " helpful " ", among other key findings. 2) In FY 2023, we hosted several Outreach to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Kids Subgroup Meetings and listening sessions with advocates to gain a better understanding of external experiences related to SSI for children, and to hear fresh ideas on how to reach parents and caregivers. 3) In FY 2023, we mailed a notice to more than 323,000 SSI recipients between the ages of 14 and 17 (transition - aged youth) and their adult representatives, to provide more information about the changes that happen with SSI payments when youth turn age 18. 11 SSI " " Basic Needs " " Campaign Marketing Tactics The campaign's digital tactics included Search Engine Marketing, social media, online display ads, YouTube video ads, and an updated SSI webpage. Non - digital tactics included TV and radio public service announcements, radio ads, direct mail to 2.1 million households in underserved communities, convenience store posters, and drugstore bag inserts. 4) On October 4, 2022, we established the Office of Native American Partnerships, and published an accompanying press release. The office's mission is to elevate and centralize efforts to administer comprehensive programs and policies related to American Indians and Alaska Natives. The office also works to enhance our relationship with Tribes and serves as the primary point of contact on Tribal affairs. 5) In February 2023, we streamlined the Continuing Disability Review Report to make it easier to complete, by: a. Shortening form SSA - 454, Continuing Disability Review, from 15 to 12 pages, Simplified the questions, Removed free format narrative responses, and Removed the requirement for specific dates for medical sources. b. Creating an internet version (iCDR / i454) of the form.
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AAPI, Alaskan, Black, Latinx, LGBTQ+, Minority Serving Institutions, POC
1 SSA. FY 23 Equity Action Plan. Available at, https: / / www.ssa.gov / open / materials / SSA - EO - 13985 - Equity - Action - Plan.pdf 2 LGBTQIA + is an abbreviation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more. These terms are used to describe a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. Available at, https: / / gaycenter.org / community / lgbta / 3 SSA. Racial Equity Research, Statistics, and Data Resources. Available at, https: / / www.ssa.gov / policy / about / racial - equity - resources.html. 4 SSA (2023, November). SSI Monthly Statistics. Available at, https: / / www.ssa.gov / policy / docs / statcomps / ssi monthly / 2023 - 11 / table01. html. 5 CDC (2020). Health equity considerations and racial and ethnic minority groups. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services. Available at, https: / / stacks.cdc.gov / view / cdc / 91049. 6 Millett GA, Jones AT, Benkeser D, et al. Assessing differential impacts of COVID - 19 on black communities. Ann Epidemiol. Available at, https: / / www.sciencedirect.com / science / article / pii / S1047279720301769. 7 National Institutes of Health (2021). NCI study highlights pandemic's disproportionate impact on Black, American Indian / Alaska Native, and Latino adults. News Release. Available at, https: / / www.nih.gov / news - events / news - releases / nci - study - highlights - andemics - disproportionate - impact - black - american - indian - alaska - native - latino - adults. 8 Enumeration at Birth (EAB) process with States is an efficient way for parents to obtain an SSN for a newborn during the birth registration process. 9 We define " " underserved communities " " as ZIP codes with a 30 percent or more decline in SSI applications between FY 2019 and FY 2021 and either includes a majority of people of color and / or majority of people living at 150 percent or less of the Federal poverty threshold. 10 A protective filing date is the date that you initially notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) of an intention to apply for benefits. It can be the date you formally file the application, but it can also be established by a prior written or verbal contact by phone, by mail, in person or online. The protective filing date serves as the application filing date for purposes of paying benefits. See SSA Program Operations Manual System, https: / / secure.ssa.gov / poms.nsf / Inx / 0200204007. 11 SSA. What You Need To Know About Your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) When You Turn 18. Available at, https: / / www.ssa.gov / pubs / EN - 05 - 11005. pdf. 12 SSA Regulatory Agenda. Available at, https: / / www.reginfo.gov / public / do / eAgendaMain? operation = OPERATION, GET AGENCY RULE LIST & currentPub = true & agencyCo de = & showStage = active & agencyCd = 0960 & csrftoken = 658DD4794FA07AB6BC7441822FECE5065951E36836E75213B047ACB2F0F1 3DE8B13981D6794EF94B20891882FE03AE69B4C0. 13 National Center for Education Statistics (2007, November). Characteristics of Minority - Serving Institutions and Minority Undergraduates Enrolled in These Institution. Institutions were classified as minority - serving (MSIs) based on either one of two separate criteria: legislation or the percentage of minority student enrollment. SSA is moving away from using the term minority and will reference MSIs as Institutions Serving Students of Color. Available at, https: / / nces.ed.gov / pubs2008 / 2008156. pdf. 14 This action is also pursuant to EO 14031 (Advancing Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders), EO 14041 (White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity Through Historically Black Colleges and Universities), EO 14045 (White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics, and EO 14050 (White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans). Available athttps: / / www.federalregister.gov / documents / 2021 / 06 / 03 / 2021 - 1792 / advancing - equity - justice - and - opportunity - for - asian - americans - native - hawaiians - and - pacific - islanders, s: / / www.federalregister.gov / documents / 2021 / 09 / 09 / 2021 - 19579 / white - house - initiative - on - advancing - educational - equity -
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Alaskan, Black, Disabled
excellence - and - economic - opportunity - through https: / / www.federalregister.gov / documents / 2021 / 09 / 16 / 2021 - 20165 / white - house - initiative - on - advancing - educational - equity - excellence - and - economic - opportunity - for https: / / www.federalregister.gov / documents / 2021 / 10 / 22 / 2021 - 23224 / white - house - initiative - on - advancing - educational - equity kcellence - and - economic - opportunity - for - black, respectively. 15 U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility. Available at, https: / / www.federalregister.gov / documents / 2022 / 09 / 09 / 2022 - 18867 / public - charge - ground - of - inadmissibility. 16 SSA. Social Security Numbers for Noncitizens. Available at, http: / / www.ssa.gov / pubs / EN - 05 - 10096. pdf 17 SSA. Characteristics of Noninstitutionalized DI, SSI, and OASI Program Participants, 2016 Update. Available at, https: / / www.ssa.gov / policy / docs / rsnotes / rsn2022 - 01. html 18 SSA Regulatory Agenda. Available at, https: / / www.reginfo.gov / public / do / eAgendaMain? operation = OPERATION_GET AGENCY RULE IST & currentPub = true & agencyCo de = & showStage = active & agencyCd = 0960 & csrftoken = 658DD4794FA07AB6BC7441822FECE5065951E36836E75213B047ACB2F0F1 3DE8B13981D6794EF94B20891882FE03AE69B4C0. 19 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - The Office of Minority Health. Minority Population Profile: American Indian / Alaska Native. Available at, https: / / www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov / omh / browse.aspx? vl = 3 & lvlid = 62. 20 SSA (2023, November). SSI Monthly Statistics. Available at, https: / / www.ssa.gov / policy / docs / statcomps / ssi monthly / 2023 - 11 / table01. html. 21 SSA. Fiscal Year 2022 Title XVI Payment Accuracy Report. Available at, https: / / ogr.ba.ad.ssa.gov / files / ogr / reports / FY2: Title XVI Payment Accuracy Report 0. pdf. 22 See SSA Program Operations Manual System for an Overview of Onset Policy. Available at, http: / / policy.ssa.gov / poms.nsf / Inx / 0425501200. 23 See SSA Program Operations Manual System for SI 02101.020 Large Past - Due Supplemental Security Income Payments by Installments - Individual Alive. Available at, https: / / secure.ssa.gov / poms.nsf / Inx / 0502101020. 24 A dedicated account is a separate financial institution account that the representative payee of a disabled child under age 18 is required to open, when the child is eligible for large past - due payments (usually any payment covering more than six months at the current benefit rate). 25 SSA (2023, August). Fast Facts & Figures About Social Security, 2023. Available at, https: / / www.ssa.gov / policy / docs / chartbooks / fast facts / 2023 / fast facts23. pdf 26 SSA (2023, August). Fast Facts & Figures About Social Security, 2023. Available at, https: / / www.ssa.gov / policy / docs / chartbooks / fast facts / 2023 / fast facts23. pdf. 27 SSA. Notice of Class Action Order: Ely V. Saul. Available at, https: / / www.ssa.gov / ely / 28 SSA. Notice Of Class Action Order: Thornton V. Commissioner Of Social Security. Available at, https: / / www.ssa.gov / thornton / 29 The Social Security Administration recognizes the importance of identifying and addressing systemic inequities relating to race and ethnicity in the programs it administers. Reporting program - related statistics by race is a critical step toward fulfilling that objective. The tables in this expanded section respond to that imperative; however, the concerns about the collection of data by race still apply. Those concerns are summarized in " " Why Researchers Now Rely on Surveys for Race Data on OASDI and SSI Programs: A Comparison of Four Major Surveys. " " Available at, https: / / www.ssa.gov / policy / docs / rsnotes / rsn2016 - 01. html. 30 For people who either or both have disabilities and lost a spouse to death, and receive survivors benefits, about 60 to 80 percent are White, nine to 25 percent are Black, 10 to 20 percent are Other, and less than 10 percent are Unknown. Social Security Administration (2023, August). Annual Statistical Supplement, Summary Expanded by Race, 2023. Available at, https: / / www.ssa.gov / policy / docs / statcomps / supplement / 2023 / 5a - expanded.html.
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Black, Disabled
31 Walker, L., & Taylor, D. (2021). Same - Sex Couple Households: 2019. American Community Survey Briefs, U.S. Census Bureau (February 2021). Available at, https: / / www.census.gov / library / publications / 2021 / acs / acsbr - 005. html. 32 U.S. Government Accountability Office (2021). Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities - Before and During the Pandemic. Available at, https: / / www.gao.gov / blog / racial - and - ethnic - health - disparities - and - during - pandemic. 33 For people who either or both have disabilities and lost a spouse to death, and receive survivors benefits, about 60 to 80 percent are White, nine to 25 percent are Black, 10 to 20 percent are Other, and less than 10 percent are Unknown. Social Security Administration (2023, August). Annual Statistical Supplement, Summary Expanded by Race, 2023. Available at, https: / / www.ssa.gov / policy / docs / statcomps / supplement / 2023 / 5a - expanded.html. 34 SSA. SSA Equity Action Plan. Available at, https: / / www.ssa.gov / open / materials / SSA - EO - 13985 - Equity - Action - Plan.pdf. 35 SSA. Factors Underlying the Concerns About Race Data. Available at, https: / / www.ssa.gov / policy / docs / statcomps / supplement / 2022 / apne.html. 36 SSA. Why Researchers Now Rely on Surveys for Race Data on OASDI and SSI Programs: A Comparison of Four Major Surveys. Available at https: / / www.ssa.gov / policy / docs / rsnotes / rsn2016 - 01. html, 37 SSA. See Appendix E: Selected Statistics on OASDI Benefits in Current - Payment Status by Race. Available at, https: / / www.ssa.gov / policy / docs / statcomps / supplement / 2022 / apne.html.
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Disabled
6) In May 2023, we established the Office of Transformation (OT), which includes our Customer Experience (CX) team. The OT's mission is to facilitate the most critical business enhancements that serve the public and support our frontline employees. The mission is underpinned by CX to ensure equitable access to SSA's programs. The OT is undertaking the SSI simplification equity strategy and plans to include accessibility expertise to ensure greater disability equity in our initiatives. 7) On August 21, 2023, we removed the signature requirement for all versions of form SSA - 455, Continuing Disability Review, making it less burdensome for the public to complete and submit. 8) In September 2023, we implemented the new Upload Documents portal. This portal allows respondents to submit evidence and some SSA forms electronically through an Internet portal. In addition, we also are allowing eSignature of some forms through the Upload Documents portal. This new portal reduces the need for respondents to call or travel to a field office to submit forms or evidence.
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Disabled
1) In the Spring of 2023, we conducted community - based participatory research on barriers faced by people living in the U.S. with disabilities or impairments. We also formed a technical working group (TWG) consisting of people with disabilities who helped design the study, monitored the progress, and reviewed and provided comments on products. We compensated TWG participants while protecting participant eligibility in benefit programs, the first time a Federal agency has done this. Paying lived experience experts, per activity, fostered meaningful relationships with communities served by the Government, and offered unique opportunities for innovative improvements in policy and programming based on data rooted in and guided by lived experience. 2) In the Fall of 2023, we published a Regulatory Agenda ¹ 2 that prioritizes equity, including: a. SSI Simplification - Omitting Food from In - Kind Support and Maintenance Calculations b. SSI Simplification - Nationwide Expansion of the Rental Subsidy Policy for SSI Recipients C. SSI Simplification - Expand the Definition of a Public Assistance (PA) Household d. Intermediate Improvement to the Disability Adjudication Process: Including How We Consider Past Work e. Manner of Appearance at Hearings f. Use of Electronic Payroll Data to Improve Program Administration
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Disabled
1) A claimant may appoint someone to represent them in matters before SSA, such as appealing the denial of an application for disability benefits. Effective November 30, 2022, we increased from $ 6,000 to $ 7,200 the maximum fee amount a representative may receive using the fee agreement process (one of two mutually exclusive fee authorization processes). This was the first increase in 13 years, with the intent to incentivize representatives to take on more SSI claimants as clients. 2) In FY 2023, we exceeded our FY 2023 goals for targeted review of sample cases with denial determinations to ensure effective and uniform administration of the disability program by completing 25,157 cases. 3) In FY 2023, we continued to reach out to unrepresented claimants to prepare them for the hearing process and explain their right to representation.
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Disabled
Focus Area # 3: Ensuring Equitable Service for Unrepresented Claimants in the Disability Application Process
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Native American
Our new Office of Native American Partnerships accomplished the following actions:
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Women
Strategy # 1: Improve Access to the Supplemental Security Income Program for Women, Families, Individuals from Underserved Communities, and Other People Facing Barriers.
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Disabled
We are incorporating CX research practices into SSI accessibility and simplification to address the barriers for the public caused by complexity. For example, our analysis of the initial disability journey included several discussions with advocates and interviews with people from a wide variety of backgrounds. Through this approach we obtained input on complexities and pain points experienced by the public, which often led to challenges for employees. We are using public and employee input on complexities and pain points to design solutions.
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Disabled
Engaging with communities to provide opportunities for public participation and receive feedback is vital to our SSI accessibility efforts. As part of our human - centered design approach for the disability journey team, we will use survey and customer interviews to seek feedback from populations facing barriers, including people experiencing homelessness and non - English speakers. Additionally, to inform our research, we will conduct real - time observations of those applying for disability benefits online to determine pain points and solicit recommendations for improvement.
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Alaskan
For example, an American Indian or Alaska Native who may not speak English as a primary language may have a barrier to understanding the complex policy for Social Security or SSI benefits. There are many words in English that do not have precise translations in Native Languages, especially for legal or technical terms. This
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Alaskan, Immigrant, Native American
We work to remove barriers to services and benefits for individuals with LEP by identifying customers with LEP and taking appropriate action to provide meaningful access, in their preferred language, to understand and feel confident in how to apply for our programs and services. We will increase availability of translated materials and the number of languages in which those materials are offered, improve access to language interpretation services, and increase culturally attuned outreach to Native American and Alaska Native, LEP, and migrant communities. We will also introduce to agency employees SSA's first global Limited English Proficiency policy and revised Language Access Plan.
SSA 2023 Text 192
AAPI, Alaskan, Native American
To ensure language does not pose a barrier to apply for benefits and access our services, we will implement strategies that will support communities who need language access and translation services. We will engage in Tribal Consultations and Listening Sessions held in person and virtually to build partnerships with local Tribal community organizations. In addition, we will collaborate with the White House Task Force on New Americans, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, and the Multilingual Community of Practice, to learn from and understand the different needs in different communities. We will further publicize our interpreter services via fact sheets, blog posts, and media engagement. We will also survey our Regional Communications Directors for input on our language resources.
SSA 2023 Text 23
Disabled, Senior
Nearly a century ago, thousands of older people wrote letters to President Franklin D. Roosevelt and other national leaders to share their stories of hardship. Today, the Old - Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) program protects more than 181 million workers - and their families - in the event of loss of income due to retirement, disability, or death. In addition, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program helps to lift people receiving payments, including millions of children with disabilities, out of poverty.
SSA 2023 Text 26
Disabled, LGBTQ+, POC
We committed our subject matter experts to reduce administrative burdens for underserved communities, including people of color, LGBTQIA + 2 communities, and people living with disabilities. The less complex we can make our business process and policies, the easier they are to understand and manage. We published long - awaited data by race and ethnicity that provide us, and the public, better estimates of who receives our benefits. Our published data ³ help us prepare strategies over the long - term to ensure that those who are eligible for our program benefits receive them. Along with rebuilding our workforce, we are prioritizing our IT investments to make us more efficient and help us reduce the wait times for our services.
SSA 2023 Text 265
LGBTQ+, Native American, POC
trust, we will meet with widowed spouses, survivors, and communities of color. Additionally, we plan to hold regular Tribal Listening sessions with Tribal community - based organizations throughout the year. We will work with our LGBTQIA + stakeholder network to continue outreach on our updates to survivors benefits policy for same - sex couples.
SSA 2023 Text 30
Disabled
Social Security provides a financial safety net for millions of people. Our mission is to ensure equity and accessibility in delivering Social Security services by improving the customer experience and addressing systemic barriers to participation in our programs. We recognize that our administrative system may pose barriers to people who need our programs the most, including people living with disabilities, populations who have limited English proficiency (LEP), and households that need additional income support due to disability or death of a loved one. We are committed to administering our programs in a way that promotes equity by eliminating barriers to participation in our programs, reaching out to people who may be underserved, and improving service delivery.
SSA 2023 Text 32
Women
Improve Access to the Supplemental Security Income Program for Women, Families, Individuals from Underserved Communities, and Other People Facing Barriers.
SSA 2023 Text 33
Native American, Rural
The complexity of our SSI program - driven in part by legislative, regulatory, and sub - regulatory requirements - can create burdens for program applicants. Many of our customers may need help to complete the SSI application. Although we have more than 1,200 field offices across the country, some customers, especially those in rural areas or on Native American reservations, may not be able to get to a field office for in - person help. To meet our customers ' needs and advance equity, we are streamlining our regulations, simplifying the application process, and releasing digital tools for electronic form submission to improve an applicant's ability to complete the application process and receive the full benefits for which they are entitled.
SSA 2023 Text 34
Alaskan, Immigrant, Native American
Navigating our processes can be economically, socially, and culturally challenging due to complexities in the application and in the policy. Many applicants with limited English proficiency may have difficulty answering questions, which can lead to incomplete applications and technical denials. We are increasing availability of translated materials and the number of languages in which those materials are offered, improving access to language interpretation services, and increasing culturally attuned outreach to Native American and Alaska Native, LEP, and migrant communities.
SSA 2023 Text 38
Alaskan, Black, Latinx, Native American
The loss of a family member who contributed to the household income can be devastating both emotionally and financially. Increasing awareness of benefit and eligibility requirements for survivors benefits may increase economic security for children, families, and same - sex couples, as well as communities disproportionately impacted by COVID - 19, including Black, Latino, and Native American and Alaska Native communities. 5, 6, 7
SSA 2023 Text 40
POC
Since 1987, a significant decline in demographic data in our records made it more difficult for us to monitor the experience of people of color and other underserved communities in our programs. We will work with State partners to increase opportunities for the voluntary collection of race and ethnicity data through Enumeration at Birth (EAB) and other SSN card touchpoints, such as replacement applications. The increased data will help us determine whether different groups are underrepresented in our programs, provide insight into how different communities interact with our programs, and help us examine variability in program participation and benefit levels based on demographic makeup.
SSA 2023 Text 92
Minority Serving Institutions, POC
Focus Area # 5: Increasing Access to Our Research Contract & Grant Opportunities to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), Institutions Serving Students of Color (ISSC) ¹ ³, and Small and Disadvantaged Businesses (SDBs) 14
SSA 2023 Text 93
POC
We improved the services we use to conduct our business and serve the public equitably by broadening our sources to include more small businesses owned by people of color. Additionally, these accomplishments support the agency goals for advancing equity in research to improve our service delivery and programs.
STATE 2023 Part Of Layout List 1
Disabled, LGBTQ+
1. Pursue Diplomatic Efforts to Combat Hate and Protect Inclusive Democracy 2. Advance Racial Equity and Justice Globally 3. Protect LGBTQI + Persons Globally 4. Promote Respect for International Disability Rights 5. Advance Gender Equity and Equality Globally
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Senior
Amplify Summit for Democracy multilateral commitments that impact members of marginalized communities through Department senior leadership and initiatives, such as the Export Controls and Human Rights Initiative Code of Conduct. Work with partners to implement the suggested commitments of the youth democracy cohort of the Summit for Democracy to strengthen and support meaningful inclusion of youth at all government levels, strengthen transparent and inclusive electoral processes, and build capacity for youth in politics through civil society support and education and participation in the Youth Democracy Network. Promote the meaningful participation of youth from marginalized communities in peace building and conflict prevention, management, and resolution, as well as post - conflict relief and recovery efforts. Consult and partner with foreign governments, multilateral and regional organizations, and civil society through events, statements, and institutional mechanisms, like the Istanbul Process 16 / 18, to combat the rise in global antisemitism, Islamophobia, religiously, racially, and ethnically motivated violent extremism, homophobia and transphobia, and other regressive anti - rights movements. As the U.S. lead agency for coordinating efforts to combat global antisemitism, consult and partner with foreign governments, multilateral and regional organizations, and civil society to engage stakeholders to combat global antisemitism.
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Native American
Generations of discriminatory laws, regulations, and practices have built international, national, and local governance structures and community attitudes that compound systemic racism, discrimination, and xenophobia, which continue to have devastating outcomes for members of marginalized racial, ethnic, and Indigenous communities. These communities are often excluded from equitable access to political participation, employment, and education opportunities and can even face violent suppression and statelessness due to their race or ethnicity. U.S. foreign affairs efforts and national security interests are weakened by a lack of data, attention, and coordination with international partners to address the impact of systemic racism on institutional practices and entrenched norms that contribute to economic inequality, the climate crisis, rising authoritarianism, and other shared global challenges.
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Native American
UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent: In coordination with existing mechanisms, expert advice and recommendations to the Human Rights Council, the Main Committees of the General Assembly and organs, programs, funds and agencies of the United Nations aimed at addressing challenges of all the scourges of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance and all their contemporary forms and manifestations confronted by people of African descent and that impede the full and effective realization and enjoyment of all their human rights and fundamental freedoms. UN Fight Racism: In addition to People of African Descent and the descendants of the victims of the transatlantic slave trade, racism directly impacts the lives of many other communities and groups. UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues: Indigenous peoples frequently raise concerns about systemic discrimination and outright racism from their governments and their authorities. These forms of discrimination are often either difficult to quantify and verify, simply not documented by the authorities, or not disaggregated based on ethnicity.
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Native American
Revitalize and work to achieve the objectives of the 2010 U.S. - Colombia Action Plan on Racial and Ethnic Equality and the 2008 U.S. - Brazil Joint Action Plan to Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Discrimination and Promote Equality. Release a U.S. - New Zealand Bilateral Statement on Indigenous issues as part of the 2024 U.S. - New Zealand Strategic Dialogue, which will outline cooperation for addressing challenges and opportunities for Indigenous communities. Bolster and ensure robust U.S. support of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent and the United Nations Permanent Forum for Indigenous Issues. Work to achieve the objectives of the Declaration on the North American Leaders ' Summit for the United States, Mexico, and Canada to advance equity and racial justice.
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Native American
Increased number of U.S. public statements, media outreach activities, and private / public diplomacy efforts in support of specific racial, ethnic, and Indigenous groups under increasing threat of racist violence, discrimination, and xenophobia globally. Increased number of targeted community consultations and public engagement activities on U.S. foreign policy priorities with members of marginalized racial, ethnic, and Indigenous communities.
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Native American
Establish, revitalize, and build concrete actions of partnerships with civil society, bilateral, and multilateral partners around the world to advance a global agenda on racial equity and justice. Improved coordination and adoption of actions across the Department to identify specific and targeted policies and programs to reduce political, economic, and social inequities for racial, ethnic, and Indigenous communities.
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LGBTQ+
More than 60 countries worldwide criminalize homosexual status or conduct (Statement from President Joe Biden on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia), which leads to increased violence and discrimination against LGBTQI + persons in those countries. While there are 136 million intersex persons around the world, intersex persons face significant barriers to health equity and full inclusion in civic and social life. In particular, intersex children continue to experience medical interventions that cause lifelong physical and mental health challenges. Few countries provide a pathway for legal gender recognition for transgender and nonbinary persons creating barriers to critical services and enjoyment of fundamental freedoms.
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LGBTQ+
ILGA 2023 Annual Review: Europe - focused report which details increased anti - LGBTQI + rhetoric from political leaders and an increase in both occurrence and severity of violence, which has led to increased migration and asylum seekers. Europe, at least, is seeing some positive movement in ending harmful intersex surgeries on minors. Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: catalogues acts of violence, criminalization, and other abuses based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics. It includes country - specific examples of criminalization; violence and harassment; discrimination; status of legal gender recognition; involuntary or coercive medical or psychological practices; and restrictions on freedom of expression, association, or peaceful assembly. Human Rights Watch Country Profiles: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity: reports focused on legal activities countries are taking to advance or restrict LGBTQI + rights. Criminalization, legality of same - sex marriage, specific notable events around rights, and rights of intersex persons are focus areas of the reports. Outright International Country Overviews: focuses on whether same - sex relationships are legal, if legal gender recognition is available, and whether LGBTQI + advocacy groups can register in that country.
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LGBTQ+
Continue to develop a nondiscrimination rule for all grants and contracts. The first year of the Equity Action Plan, we focused on development of a nondiscrimination rule for all grants and contracts. In 2024, the Department will implement the rule and socialize it with relevant stakeholders. Institutionalize advocacy by all officers in the Department for the human rights of LGBTQI + persons. This effort will focus on developing strategies, toolkits, one - pagers, training, talking points, and other policy documents for three specific advocacy areas: decriminalization of homosexual status or conduct; legal gender recognition; and ending violence against intersex persons.
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LGBTQ+
Implement an action plan to end so - called conversion therapy. In the first year of the Equity Action Plan, we focused on development of an action plan to end so - called conversion therapy, as directed by President Biden's executive order. The Department is currently focusing on designing output and outcome measures and monitoring implementation. Strengthen and provide resources to LGBTQI + advocacy groups around the world. We will push for funding for local LGBTQI + advocacy groups through participating in relevant grant panels and advocating through bureau resource requests, focusing on funding intended to build sustainable advocacy groups / networks.
STATE 2023 Part Of Layout List 3
LGBTQ+, Women
Embassy Hanoi: Braille Project Brings English Learning Materials to more than 600 Blind Students U.S. Mission to NATO: Women in International Security, Brussels (WIIS Brussels) podcast series, " " Mini - series 2: WIIS Talks Climate Security " " Embassy Dhaka: OES Climate Grant Empowers Marginalized Coastal Communities Pilot Nature - Based Sand Dunes Regeneration Project in Cox's Bazar Embassy Kyiv: PEPFAR Ukraine Expands Access to HIV Pre - Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) During Wartime U.S. Mission to the Netherlands: Engaging on Racial Equity and Justice During Dutch Slavery Memorial Year U.S. Mission to Canada: Hosting a U.S. - Canada Chinatown Solidarity conference Embassy Athens: Supporting a Women in Law Enforcement and Security Series Embassy London: Championing Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math (STEAM) Inclusion Embassy Kingston: Forging new links between Jamaican law enforcement and the LGBTQI + community and protecting U.S. citizens visiting the island Embassy Sofia: Empowering young Roma women and girls through summer leadership camp U.S. Mission to Poland: Leading as Likeminded Embassies Coordinator on LGBTQI + issues as ally embassies to combat hate and promote an inclusive environment
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LGBTQ+
Nondiscrimination rule is codified and standard in all grants and contracts for foreign assistance awards unless there is an applicable waiver. Number of action plans, strategies, toolkits, one - pagers, trainings, or policy documents to support each of the three priority advocacy areas. Number of targeted community consultations and public engagement activities on U.S. foreign policy priorities with LGBTQI + persons. Number of U.S. public statements, media outreach activities, and private / public diplomacy efforts in support of LGBTQI + persons.
STATE 2023 Part Of Layout List 31
LGBTQ+
Three additional countries outlaw conversion therapy practices. Increased foreign assistance in support of the human rights of and inclusive development for LGBTQI + persons.
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Disabled
Inaccessibility of transportation, physical infrastructure of buildings, and digital infrastructure are tangible barriers for persons with disabilities seeking to access education, healthcare, public spaces, and employment. Governments and private sector cite a lack of capacity, technical expertise, and political will to make society more accessible and inclusive of persons with disabilities with very little mechanisms to hold such governments accountable. This is especially critical in moments of crisis. Social stigma and narratives in society surrounding persons with disabilities perpetuate attitudinal barriers about persons with disabilities ' abilities and roles in society. Traditional media and social media further perpetuate harmful social stigmas. Institutional barriers from rules, restrictions, requirements, routines, traditions, or habits within society that are seamlessly integrated into education, workplace, relational, and other subcultures are often unnoticed inhibitors to equity for persons with disabilities. Changing institutional barriers to provide greater equity is often met with resistance to change a tradition or habit with the excuse that it would harm the others for a few potential benefactors.
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Disabled
Analysis of the low participation of persons with disabilities in the labor market and higher education as compared to non - disabled persons in each country (see International Labor Organization database). A lack of or minimal academic research on persons with disabilities in health and medical literature (see UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities for the UN General Assembly report). Civil society outreach and literature on the ongoing barriers, discrimination, and harassment experienced by persons with disabilities. World Health Organization report on disability on the lack of services available to and obstacles faced by persons with disabilities.
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Disabled
Amplify Executive Order 14095 on Increasing Access to High - Quality Care and Supporting Caregivers outside the United States through initiatives led by the Special Advisor on International Disability Rights to ensure that persons with disabilities are included in the Care Agenda as receivers and givers of care. Draw attention internationally to the fact that gaps in care could occur that have a disproportionate impact on persons with disabilities. Strengthen and resource disability advocacy groups around the world by pushing for funding for local persons with disabilities advocacy groups through participating in relevant grant panels and advocating through bureau resource requests, focusing on funding intended to build sustainable advocacy groups / networks. Advocate for greater implementation of disability laws. As countries around the world ratify and implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), we must help ensure that they have the technical assistance and capacity to implement the CRPD and advance the livelihoods and promote independent living and self - sufficiency of persons with disabilities.
STATE 2023 Part Of Layout List 35
Disabled
Increased number of U.S. public statements, media outreach activities, and private / public diplomacy efforts to raise awareness, build capacity, promote disability - inclusive and accessible democratic frameworks that respect human rights, and promote accountability for violations and abuses of the rights of persons with disabilities. Increased number of dialogues led by the U.S. on accessibility, disability rights, and inclusion as a neutral foreign policy tool to navigate complex relationship dynamics and establish a strategic entry point for engagement on other human rights issues. Increased number of targeted community consultations and public engagement activities on U.S. foreign policy priorities with persons with disabilities.
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Disabled
At least six states parties to the CRPD note that as a result of U.S. support, they were able to better implement CRPD - aligned legal frameworks that protect the rights of persons with disabilities. A dedicated disability - inclusive democracy working group is institutionalized within the Global Action on Disability Network while the United States serves as the group's cochair, and the United States takes significant action to drum up support for a G7 Inclusion Summit. Improvement in access and inclusion gaps for emergency planning and crisis preparedness to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind during moments of crisis. Further, persons with disabilities should be included in recovery and peacebuilding processes to lay the foundation for a more accessible society for everyone.
STATE 2023 Part Of Layout List 38
Women
There is overwhelming quantitative evidence that women and girls ' empowerment and gender equality are associated with peace and stability in society. Promoting gender equality demonstrates American values of democracy, respect for human rights, and inclusivity and improves the effectiveness of U.S. foreign policy. Democracy, a governing system based on the will and consent of the governed, is founded on institutions that are accountable to all citizens, adherence to the rule of law, and respect for all individuals ' human rights, which requires that women and girls are safe and empowered. Both democracy and gender equality, longstanding U.S. values, are effective and successful in delivering long - term stability and prosperity. Despite decades of progress and long - standing multilateral instruments on advancing the rights and empowerment of women and girls, gains in gender equality are stalled or regressing around the world. The United Nations estimates that, at the current rate, it will take an estimated 286 years to close gaps in legal protection and remove discriminatory laws; 140 years for women to be represented equally in positions of power and leadership in the workplace; and 300 years to end child, early, and forced marriage.
STATE 2023 Part Of Layout List 39
Women
Enhance strategic communications in partnership with civil society, including clear, consistent, and tailored messaging on gender equality as fundamental to the advancement of human rights and democracy. Pursue targeted diplomatic engagement on the rights and empowerment of women and girls and the wide - ranging benefits to societies as core democratic principles and build coalitions with government partners to share information and align narratives and approaches. Strengthen integration of gender equality in the Department's efforts to counter corruption and racially or ethnically - motivated violent extremism, address the misuse of technology and disinformation, invest in data and evidence - based policymaking, and reinforce gender equality as a core tenant of the multilateral system.
STATE 2023 Part Of Layout List 4
Black, Disabled, Native American, Women
Embassy Harare: Increasing Women with Disabilities ' Political Participation in Zimbabwe Embassy Stockholm: Community and law enforcement agencies can work together for racial justice Bureau for Education and Cultural Affairs: Protecting Arctic indigenous Cultural Heritage U.S. Mission to Germany: Combatting antisemitism and Holocaust distortion and denial Embassy Rome: Amplifying the lived experiences of Afro - Italians during Black History Month Mission Brazil: Advancing the U.S. - Brazil joint Action Plan to Elimination Racial and Ethnic Discrimination and Promote Equality (JAPER) Embassy Bogota: Secretary Blinken announced the U.S. as the first International Accompanier to the Ethnic Chapter of the 2016 Peace Accord
STATE 2023 Part Of Layout List 40
Women
Expand support to, and meaningful engagement with women leaders, including by establishing the Department's first Women's Leadership Network; a diverse range of civil society organizations; and journalists to better understand, safely identify, and counter pushback on gender equality, with guidance for Department personnel on inclusive consultations. Enhance Department personnel capacity, training, and understanding of how to advance gender equality through policy development, diplomatic engagement, and foreign assistance programming, including through new and strengthened courses at the Foreign Service Institute.
STATE 2023 Part Of Layout List 41
Women
Number of community consultations and public engagement activities with women and girls focused on better understanding and countering anti - women's rights movements. Number of U.S. public statements, media outreach activities, and private / public diplomacy efforts on the intersections between gender equality and democracy, and their proven benefits to stability and prosperity. Number of joint bilateral and multilateral efforts to combat discriminatory national legislation and / or address the role of technology in global anti - rights movements. Establishment of the Women's Leadership Network and number of participants engaged. Number of Department personnel taking gender equality - focused courses at the Foreign Service Institute.
STATE 2023 Part Of Layout List 5
Disabled, Minority Serving Institutions
Build the PD Infrastructure to Embed and Sustain Equity Principles in PD Programs and Activities: The Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs ' Office of Policy, Planning, and Resources (R / PPR) is responsible for helping to build the capacity of the PD workforce to ensure PD practitioners have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to advance the equity agenda as they work to carry out their primary mandate - to inform, influence, and persuade foreign publics. R / PPR has established guidance, built the capacity of PD practitioners to help them plan and execute activities that incorporate intersectional equity principles, and leveraged data and technology to track equity in PD program participation. Enhance the Recruitment of Diverse Participants for PD Programs: The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) sponsored a third - party literature review assessment to increase understanding of the barriers underrepresented individuals experience in accessing exchange opportunities and better understand the context in which exchange programs are implemented. An ECA - wide programmatic strategic plan is being drafted to focus on embedding equity principles across the life - cycle stages of exchanges, including increasing and measuring underrepresented participant inclusion through the collection of demographic data across all ECA programs. Promoting Equity through Global Communications and Engagement Strategies: Global Public Affairs (GPA) has expanded its outreach and engagement with underserved communities to include providing live captioning services for deaf and hard of hearing and launching the inaugural Sign @ State Symposium and Minority Serving Institutions Conference. GPA has increased accessibility of U.S. government messaging on high - level policy priorities to underserved audiences worldwide by expanding the breadth of voices engaging with the media, deploying Regional Media Hub teams to more regional summits and events, and increasing translations of press releases and other informational products. GPA also continues to provide inclusive messaging guidance to PD practitioners throughout the Department. Finally, GPA issued guidance to Department communicators to increase access to information on the Department website for persons with disabilities.
STATE 2023 Part Of Layout List 7
Native American
The Bureau of Energy Resource's Power Sector Assistance project provided support such as national - level reviews of renewable integration plans, the launch of competitive international renewable energy tenders, and power system and ancillary services analysis support to renewable energy integration. Department support for U.S. efforts to combat the biodiversity crisis pledged $ 600 million to combat global environmental threats, combating nature crimes such as criminal forms of logging, mining, wildlife trade, and land conversion - all of which have a particularly devasting impact on Indigenous communities globally - and working bilaterally to support biodiversity conservation.
STATE 2023 Part Of Layout List 8
Disabled, Native American
The Special Advisor for International Disability Rights helped develop the first Disability Rights cohort within President Biden's Summit for Democracy initiative. In recognition of the disparities that exist in access to finance for certain groups and individuals, the Department and U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) developed a standing certification from the Secretary of State that authorizes DFC to provide support in upper middle - income countries for projects that provide access to finance for members of marginalized, Indigenous, and underserved populations. In December 2022, the Secretary's Office of Global Women's Issues (S / GWI) released the 2022 U.S. Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender - Based Violence Globally; and in January 2023, S / GWI released the first - ever U.S. Strategy on Global Women's Economic Security, in collaboration with USAID and the White House Gender Policy Council. In July 2023, the Department submitted its Action Plan for the U.S. National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality, pursuant to Executive Order 14020. In December 2022, the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs updated their Notice of Funding Opportunity template in an effort to be more inclusive of a wider range of foreign assistance implementers, while at the same time working to ensure project proposals meaningfully consider and integrate equity, inclusion, and intersectionality. In 2022, the GPA Spokesperson and the Press Office began to provide live captioning services for deaf and hard of hearing individuals during the Daily Press Briefing to advance equitable access for all.
STATE 2023 Part Of Layout List 9
LGBTQ+, Native American
The Special Representative for Racial Equity and Justice (SRREJ) joined the Secretary of State for the signing of the North American Partnership for Racial Equity and Inclusion at the 2023 North American Leaders ' Summit in Mexico City. SRREJ led the Department's international Indigenous issues with bilateral, multilateral, and civil society stakeholders and serves as liaison to the White House Council of Native American Affairs International Indigenous Issues Committee. The United States, represented by the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and the Special Envoy to Advance the Human Rights of LGBTQI + Persons, led a coalition of countries, along with the United Nations LGBTI Core Group, which called upon the United Nations Security Council to better integrate LGBTQI + human rights under its international peace and security mandate. President Biden rolled out the first - ever U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism at an event held at the White House for Jewish American Heritage Month. The strategy includes over 100 new actions the Administration will take to counter the recent spike in antisemitism. The Department is developing rules which would institute a comprehensive nondiscrimination policy in Department - funded foreign assistance contracts and grants. Additionally, the rules would ensure that employees paid with Department of State foreign assistance funds be hired following the same nondiscrimination policy.
STATE 2023 Text 114
Native American
Support the development and implementation of policies, programs, and processes to advance the human rights of members of marginalized racial, ethnic, and Indigenous communities, including people of African descent, and combat systemic racism, discrimination, violence, and xenophobia globally.
STATE 2023 Text 135
LGBTQ+
Support the development and implementation of policies, programs, and processes to advance equity for and eliminate discrimination against LGBTQI + persons.
STATE 2023 Text 136
LGBTQ+
Strategy 3: Equity Principal: U.S. Special Envoy to Advance the Human Rights of LGBTQI + Persons
STATE 2023 Text 156
Disabled
Advance the rights of persons with disabilities globally through a values - based approach to U.S. foreign policies, programs, and processes that respects human rights.
STATE 2023 Text 157
Disabled
Strategy 4: Equity Principal: Special Advisor on International Disability Rights
STATE 2023 Text 16
Senior
Each Equity Action Plan (" " Plan " ") strategy to advance equity focuses on technical leadership driven by the Equity Principals in the Department. Equity Principals are senior Department officials appointed to lead U.S. foreign affairs efforts to advance equity for specific populations marginalized or excluded from around the world. The strategies target challenges and opportunities for specific communities, including compounded and intersectional
STATE 2023 Text 179
Women
Bolster strategic messaging and diplomatic engagement on the rights and empowerment of women and girls in all their diversity as a fundamental principle of democracy and improve outcomes in gender equality.
STATE 2023 Text 39
Native American
The cornerstone of equity in foreign policy is direct action through the Department's Equity Principals who traveled the world to listen to and amplify the voices of marginalized populations. The Department produces numerous public reports that have strengthened their specific focus on equity, such as Human Rights Report, Trafficking in Persons Report, International Religious Freedom Report, and several equity - related Congressional reports. The Department also established its first Equity Agency Priority Goal (APG), outlined in the 2022 Plan, to advance equity in U.S. foreign policies, programs, and processes. As an example of how the APG drove significant organizational change by identifying outcomes and measuring results, the United States negotiated more than 50 United Nations outcome and / or consensus documents that expanded inclusive language of historically marginalized and underserved groups. This included United Nations General Assembly resolutions on the rights of Indigenous peoples, people of African descent, and eliminating gender - based violence.
STATE 2023 Text 4
Disabled, LGBTQ+, Native American, Rural, Women
The Department of State has a long track record of promoting equity globally because we know it will make the world more peaceful, more prosperous, and more stable - and that is good for everyone inside and outside the United States ' borders. To guarantee a consistent and systemic approach for all, we must continue to advance equity for members of marginalized racial, ethnic, and Indigenous communities; women and girls; persons with disabilities; refugees and internally displaced persons; members of religious minority groups; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI +) persons; rural residents; and those adversely impacted by environmental inequities, persistent poverty, or inequality. We have embraced the President's calls to action and are taking stock of the progress we've made, gathering the lessons we've learned, and using those insights to inform future efforts.
STATE 2023 Text 40
Disabled, LGBTQ+, Native American, Women
The implementation of equity and inclusion into foreign assistance programs, policy, and practice is being led by the Office of Foreign Assistance, in coordination with the Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, and key bureaus and offices across the Department. Chief to this effort is global tracking of Department and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) foreign assistance programs addressing the specific needs of marginalized racial, ethnic, and other underserved communities. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2022, planned foreign assistance investments totaled $ 56.8 million, spread across all geographic regions. This complements existing tracking of programs and planned investments for other marginalized populations, such as Indigenous groups, LGBTQI + communities, women and girls, persons with disabilities, children in adversity, young and emerging leaders, and religious minorities. Additionally, the Department is creating a Social Inclusion Analysis Tool outlined in the 2022 Plan to help Department officials integrate and operationalize equity and inclusion into externally - facing foreign affairs areas: foreign policy implementation, foreign assistance program design, and diplomatic statecraft. Focus group beta - testing in 2022 was essential to the tool's drafting, which is still in progress and will be custom - tailored for Department needs.
STATE 2023 Text 68
Women
The Department continued to advance the Women, Peace, and Security Act (WPS) of 2017 through its Plan to Implement the U.S. WPS Strategy and coordinated the drafting and submission of interagency progress reports released to Congress and publicly in 2022 and 2023. For the first time, the United States is cochairing with Romania the WPS Focal Points Network, which assists United Nations Member States and regional organizations, in close collaboration with civil society, to improve and strengthen the implementation of the WPS agenda.
STATE 2023 Text 70
Women
involved hundreds of consultations with local civil society organizations and peacebuilders, seeking out the perspectives of women, youth, members of faith - based communities, and marginalized groups, as appropriate, to consider their unique needs and identify efforts to advance their meaningful participation in conflict prevention, governmental reform, and peacebuilding efforts. The interagency Atrocity Prevention Task Force's revised Atrocity Risk Assessment Framework incorporates inclusion of the needs and perspectives of members of historically marginalized and oppressed communities and takes into account the risk of gender - based violence and other violence against women and girls. Atrocity prevention work incorporates the promotion and implementation of gender equality through consultations with diverse stakeholders.
STATE 2023 Title 10
LGBTQ+
Strategy 3: Protect LGBTQI + Persons Globally
STATE 2023 Title 11
Disabled
Strategy 4: Promote Respect for International Disability Rights
TREASURY 2023 Part Of Layout List 1
Native American
2. Scale capital delivery and technical assistance to support small businesses and community assets. Treasury will provide underserved communities the access to capital they need to continue growing markets and building neighborhood essentials. 3. Improve financial health of underserved individuals and communities. Treasury will work to promote financial health for underserved individuals and communities by creating and implementing a National Strategy for Financial Inclusion, providing resources for creating new businesses, and facilitating other capital investments to boost household finances. 4. Ensure all Americans receive income - boosting tax credits for which they are eligible. Treasury will evaluate tax systems, processes, and strategies to make it clearer to all Americans how and when they can take advantage of tax credits. 5. Increase procurement with underrepresented businesses. Treasury will continue efforts to expand procurement opportunities for small and disadvantaged businesses that want to do business with the federal government. 6. Ensure environmental benefits of IRA reach underserved and Tribal communities. Treasury will continue working to ensure low - income and underserved communities take advantage of credits and opportunities to generate clean energy, while providing access to well - paying green energy jobs.
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Alaskan, Native American
Listening sessions, such as the convening on leveraging SLFRF to support workforce inclusion. Meetings, such as the Deputy Secretary's roundtable discussion with ERA program grantees and calls with national advocacy and housing organizations. Beneficiary roundtables to discuss the impact that the ARP's historic investments in rental assistance have had for hard - hit communities. Tribal consultations, such as the consultations on the IRA's provision to expand clean energy incentives to Tribal governments. Conference sessions, such as the one at the U.S. Conference of Mayors ' 2023 Winter Meeting to provide an update on recovery programs. Collaborations with private enterprise, nonprofit organizations, and other federal agencies, as well as local, state, territorial, and Tribal governments to share best practices for reaching and serving vulnerable populations. Programs designed to address unique needs of Tribal governments and communities through increased collaboration with Treasury's Office of Tribal and Native Affairs.
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Rural
As described in this Urban Institute analysis, CDFIs have been successful at earning returns for investors while delivering access to capital and social benefits to underserved communities, yet CDFIs have struggled to keep up with demand for their services in ways that continue to benefit the underserved communities they aim to serve. While growth can sometimes help with efficiency, some CDFIs note those efficiencies don't always come with that growth. CDFIs often look to public - sector programs to help them balance the scale and size of their objectives, allowing them to originate smaller loans, for instance in hard - to - serve rural communities.
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Rural
Publish an updated CDFI certification application that will strengthen CDFIs ' focus on delivering high impact financial services in low - income and targeted communities. The CDFI fund will also establish a process for designating CDFIs as Minority Lending Institutions after reviewing public comments. Continue to approve plans for the SSBCI, which includes $ 2.5 billion in funding and incentives to support underserved small business owners, as well as technical assistance grants to help small businesses secure and maximize capital. Work with the ICIC to pilot the gathering and use of data from across ICIC agencies to better understand how federal investments flow into local communities in both urban and rural settings.
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AAPI, Hawaiian, Pacific Islander
White House roundtable to discuss how to expand access to capital for small businesses. Meeting with private sector and philanthropic leaders to discuss economic opportunity and access to capital. Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Small Business roundtable to discuss access to capital.
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Alaskan, Latinx, Native American
Treasury has established the Equity Hub within the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility to lead research and policy analysis that supports the Department in its effort to drive toward a more fair and equitable economy. In recognition of the sovereignty of, and our partnership with, Tribal Nations, Treasury's Office of Tribal and Native Affairs is responsible for advising on departmental issues related to Tribal governments and Native communities, including the administration of $ 30 billion in direct Tribal set - asides to the benefit of over 2.5 million Tribal citizens. The Office also conducts consultations with Tribes and coordinates outreach. As of June 2023, the Office has hosted over 45 formal consultations and 700 Tribal engagement sessions. Treasury has made significant efforts to engage with stakeholders and the public on topics related to equity. For instance, in December 2022, the Department held the first TACRE meeting, with subsequent meetings in March, June, and September 2023. Since their first convening, the Committee established cross - cutting principles and priorities and has submitted 13 recommendations to Treasury. Recommendations are currently under review and address issues such as data transparency, taxpayer access to Direct File, direct engagement with taxpayers who could benefit from tax credits and working with CDFIs to promote diversification through the certification and re - certification processes. The Department collaborated with 12 national Hispanic and Latino organizations to host the first Treasury Department summit on investing in the economic future of the Latino community in June 2023 to elevate challenges and opportunities facing that community. The Latino Economic Summit brought together nearly 100 leaders from the private, non - profit, and government sectors to identify opportunities to unleash the potential of the Latino community and the entire economy. Treasury's Office of Civil Rights and Equal Employment Opportunity (OCRE) continues to work with the White House to encourage the appointment of Latino staff and continues working with community lenders to unlock potential that had previously been sidelined. The result will be economic growth within the Latino community, as well as shared prosperity for everyone. Treasury launched a blog series detailing the origins of racial economic disparities and the implications for the national economy. OCRE has made significant efforts to increase civil rights compliance and equal opportunity throughout the Department with the implementation of a new external civil rights language access plan and complaint tracking system. OCRE also worked with the CDFI Fund to implement pre - award civil rights compliance reviews in their financial assistance award process. Specifically, the CDFI Fund began using a pre - award data collection form in August
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Historical exclusion from and lack of access to capital for individuals and communities of color, women, rural areas, and counties with persistent poverty, resulting in insufficient wealth to start businesses, purchase property, finance education or other investments that increase income, or to sustain economic downturns Historic exclusion from and lack of access to mainstream financial products and services, including affordable credit, savings tools, insurance products, and other financial products and services that facilitate full participation in the economy for individuals and communities of color, women, rural communities, and others Constraints of existing financial infrastructure in serving low - income consumers (for example, the digital divide inhibits access to financial products and services increasingly offered online; while real - time payments are growing more common, they are not universally accessible, etc.)
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Black, Latinx
The 2022 Survey of Household Economics and Decision - making indicates several challenges for Americans ' financial wellbeing, including data points such as 37 % who said they could not cover an emergency expense of $ 400 with cash, and 31 % who thought their retirement savings were on track, down from 40 % in 2021. According to the 2021 FDIC National Survey of Unbanked and Underbanked Households 11 % of Black households, and 9 % of Hispanic households lacked bank accounts. Persistent disparities are found in unbanked rates across all income levels. Over 14 % of households were " " underbanked, " " meaning respondents had a bank account but also used often - costly alternative financial services, such as check cashing or payday lending, within the past year to meet other financial needs. Underbanked households were more likely to belong to racial and ethnic minority groups, have lower incomes, or have a
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Black, Latinx
Beyond un - and under - banked rates, there are disparities among different groups in access to and use of financial products and services including tax - advantaged retirement accounts, stock market investments, insurance, and small business loans. (See, for example: Treasury blog post describing disparities in non - housing investments.) A novel study of the Black - white wealth gap, Wealth of Two Nations: The U.S. Racial Wealth Gap, 1860 - 2020, demonstrates disparities in wealth across races and highlights growing inequality. According to data from the Federal Reserve Board's most recent Survey of Consumer Finances, home equity and net business equity were the primary drivers of recent modest increases in wealth for Black and Hispanic households. Access to the financial system, including sources of credit, is a prerequisite for most households to pursue homeownership or business development opportunities.
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Alaskan, LGBTQ+, Native American, POC, Women
Develop a National Financial Inclusion Strategy as a catalyst for reducing disparities and ensuring that consumers, in particular those from underserved populations, including low - income communities, communities of color, women and others, have equitable access to financial information, products, and services that support them in meeting their financial needs and goals, such as by building financial security and wealth, including building financial security and wealth. Engage external and USG stakeholders on specific efforts to promote access to safe, low - cost bank accounts and other financial services and products for financially excluded populations, including justice - involved individuals, New Americans, and Tribal and Native communities. Engage with regulatory agencies, financial sector participants, non - profit, and other non - governmental organizations to explore ways to ensure existing financial regulatory policies and bank practices are responsive to the financial needs of formerly incarcerated individuals and people with criminal convictions. Support the FLEC in efforts to promote information on emerging areas in consumer finance such as digital and crypto - assets, and to improve financial well - being through education and literacy Manage ECIP, which is providing up to $ 9 billion to encourage low - and moderate - income community financial institutions to augment their efforts to support small businesses and consumers in their communities. Provide place - based incentives for solar and wind facilities built in low - income communities through the Low - Income Communities Bonus Credit Program. Finalize the development of the Treasury Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Action Plan to better identify the LGBTQIA + population and to ultimately better understand the impact of Treasury policies on this community.
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AAPI, Black, Latinx, Native American, Rural, Women
Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Treasury supported the economic recovery for communities and individuals impacted by COVID - 19 through the ARP. For example, the Department and the CDFI Fund have deployed historic amounts of capital to CDFIs and MDIs - institutions that have a demonstrated track record of reaching financially underserved borrowers. In addition, through the ECIP, Treasury has made close to $ 8.4 billion in investments in 170 community financial institutions, in addition to over $ 1.73 billion in grants through the CDFI ERP, and a historic $ 226 million investment in 68 Puerto Rican cooperativas, or cooperative community financial institutions. New ECIP reporting data made available in October 2023, reflecting lending in the final six months of 2022, showed that ECIP lenders originated a total of approximately $ 26 billion in loans, of which approximately 75 % went to low - and moderate - income borrowers, borrowers in rural communities and other categories of qualified lending. Approximately one third of their total originations, $ 8.6 billion, were " " deep impact " " loans, made to the hardest - to - serve borrowers, including those that are low - income, residents on Tribal lands and in US Territories and owners of very small businesses. Treasury leveraged the ERA program to create the first - ever nationwide infrastructure to prevent eviction, with more than 12.3 million household payments to families at risk of eviction as of June 30, 2023. This program has been particularly effective at reaching low - income and / or traditionally underserved renters, including Black and women - headed households. By reimagining how the IRS serves families, the IRS delivered half of the expanded Child Tax Credit (CTC) via monthly payments from July to December 2021. Treasury also collaborated with Code for America, a non - governmental non - profit, to build a streamlined, mobile - friendly portal in English and Spanish to make it easier for families to access the expanded CTC. New Census data released in 2022 showed that the expanded CTC was the leading driver behind a 46 percent decline in child poverty in 2021 - cutting the annual child poverty rate to its lowest - ever recorded level including record lows in Black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian, and white child poverty. Additionally, the permanent lifting of restrictions that prevented some Puerto Rican families from receiving the CTC led to 200,000 more Puerto Rican families receiving the credit when they filed taxes in 2022 compared to the year prior. As of September 2023, Treasury has approved 54 out of 56 state and territory applications for SSBCI Capital Programs totaling over $ 8.2 billion in allocations, and has announced approvals of up to $ 73 million corresponding to applications representing 39 Tribes. SSBCI
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Office of Tax Analysis study on Disparities in the Benefits of Tax Expenditures by Race and Ethnicity. While the IRS doesn't have access to race data, racial disparities in audit rates mean that Black taxpayers are audited at three to five times the rate of non - Black taxpayers. As described in a memo from the Commissioner of Internal Revenue Daniel Werfel to Senator Ronald Wyden, this disparate impact is believed to be driven by correspondence audits among taxpayers who claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Filing of tax returns accounts for 63 % of the annual federal paperwork burden, including costs for preparing tax returns, as well as filing through software or third - party preparers. Americans often miss out on tax credits for which they are eligible, such as the estimated 5 million individuals who miss out on the EITC, which is roughly 80 percent of those eligible.
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Develop and execute a strategic plan for outreach and stakeholder engagement among target audiences (including consumers, state and local governments, Tribal leaders, small business owners, and labor), who are least likely to have an awareness of and access to the capital and resources to take advantage of the IRA - related provisions. Work with the IRS to ensure that with its critical, long - term funding from the IRA, the IRS will: Modernize its legacy systems and improve upon antiquated processes to administer the green credits and associated tax provisions of the IRA efficiently and effectively. Improve services to help taxpayers meet obligations and receive tax incentives for which they are eligible by making interactions with the IRS easier and more convenient, improving communications between the IRS and taxpayers, and providing taxpayers with the tools needed to interact with the agency via their preferred communication channels. Quickly resolve taxpayer issues when they arise.
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Black, Senior
Provided educational briefings at state and local annual summer conferences, such as the National Governor's Association and the National Association of Counties. Participated in Bloomberg Philanthropies webinar for Mayors and senior staff. Participated in Rewiring America Elective Pay briefing with National League of Cities and New York University Tax Law Center with participants from Climate Mayors, the Urban Sustainability Directors Network, C40 Cities and others. Organized Treasury - led train - the - trainer webinar for our interagency partners. Participated at the U.S. Black Chamber of Commerce Convention. Briefed Communities First Infrastructure Alliance, a group focused on centering communities for racial & climate justice.
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AAPI, Alaskan, Black, Disabled, LGBTQ+, Veterans
VETS 2 National Conference for service - disabled veteran - owned small businesses White House Initiatives on Asian American, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders regional conference National 8 (a) Conference Women's Business Enterprise National Conference Association for Enterprise Opportunities Conference CelebrASIAN Conference US Black Chambers National Conference National LGBT Chamber of Commerce International Business & Leadership Conference
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Native American
Increase access and education to IRA resources through ongoing stakeholder engagement and partnership building. Provide credits to minimize costs associated with renewable energy: Implement the Low - Income Communities Bonus Credit Program as one of the provisions in the IRA directly intended to increase the adoption of and access to renewable energy facilities in low - income and other communities harmed by pollution. Implement novel provisions in the IRA like " " Elective Pay " " which significantly expands the reach of the IRA's credits by allowing many states, local, Tribal, tax - exempt, and other specified entities to invest, claim, and monetize credits directly. This will significantly expand the range of actors undertaking clean energy investments, as well as the range of projects and communities receiving associated benefits through the tax code. Explore options to address the Federal tax status of Tribally chartered corporations, which has been pending for thirty years and impacts Tribal access to clean energy tax credits. Increase access to well - paying, green energy jobs: Implement prevailing wage and apprenticeship provisions for key tax credits. Implement the energy community bonus to increase credit amounts for eligible investments, which will drive investment in coal communities, historical energy communities, and communities that have borne the brunt of pollution.
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Black, Native American, Senior
Organized and led Treasury / White House stakeholder webinars that reached over 5,000 participants, in addition to holding a Treasury Tribal Consultation on Elective Pay and a briefing for State and Local Recovery Program Office stakeholders Provided educational briefings at state and local annual summer conferences, such as the National Governor's Association and the National Association of Counties Participated in Bloomberg Philanthropies webinar for mayors and senior staff Participated in Rewiring America Elective Pay briefing with National League of Cities and NYU Tax Law Center with participants from Climate Mayors, the Urban Sustainability Directors Network, C40 Cities, and others Organized Treasury - led train - the - trainer webinar for our interagency partners Provided support for U.S. Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, and other Administration - led conversations and briefings about Elective Pay, including presenting at a Department of Commerce non - profit summit Participation at the U.S. Black Chamber of Commerce Convention Briefing Communities First Infrastructure Alliance, a group focused on centering communities for racial and climate justice
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POC, Rural, Women
COVID - 19 disproportionately impacted women, individuals of color, and communities of color in terms of their economic resilience, risk of foreclosure and housing stability, and access to capital. Individuals and communities of color, rural areas, and counties with persistent poverty have historically lacked investment in programs such as broadband access, necessary to jumpstart economic development and growth. This lack of access leads to higher costs among certain communities, and challenges in aspects of daily living, such as remote work, education, and telehealth.
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Black, Latinx, Women
Economic effects from the pandemic led to a 400 percent increase in the number of housing loans that were seriously delinquent, and threatened to undo increases in homeownership among women, Black, and Hispanic households over the decade prior. Treasury used data from public comment processes, stakeholder engagement sessions, beneficiary roundtables, process evaluations, and conferences to design Homeowner Assistance Fund programs. For instance, by incorporating feedback on how the states took on policy issues such as housing counseling, legal services, etc., the states can learn what programs were most effective. By studying the ways to most effectively reach homeowners, the program encouraged outreach resources to be used for more effective methods that aimed to increase uptake by underserved homeowners. Research on past economic downturns found that state and local government budget cuts were a drag on the overall economy during the Great Recession and that
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POC, Rural, Women
disadvantaged communities (people of color, women, rural residents) were those most impacted by these economic challenges. Joint Treasury / OES studies to understand how to effectively implement SLFRF including examining the experience of low - capacity governments with reporting and determining effective ways of communicating to recipients. Other research also examined the result of Treasury's equity focused efforts to help tenants through a study on equity in the distribution of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
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Native American, POC, Women
Approve additional state plans for the CPF, which is providing high - speed reliable broadband to communities currently lacking high - speed internet access, digital connectivity projects, and multi - purpose community facility projects; this will help to address the lack of high speed internet for the millions of households, small businesses, and communities with unreliable internet access. CPF also requires each sate to participate in the Federal Communication Commission's Affordable Connectivity Program, which provide discounts of up to $ 30 per month (or up to $ 75 per eligible household on Tribal lands) for internet access. Assist state governments in targeting their Homeowner Assistance Funds for eligible homeowners, in particular meeting the needs of low - income homeowners. Taken together with program features that permit payments for a wide range of expenses (including utilities and homeowners association fees), allow for a variety of supports for homeowners (legal services and housing counseling), and encourage culturally competent outreach strategies, this focus on assisting the most in - need homeowners makes addressing barriers to equitable access a key consideration in the program's implementation. Deploy any remaining unobligated SLFRF funds in ways that are aligned with Treasury's Equity and Outcomes Resource Guide to allow for greater investment in underserved communities who were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Reach the most vulnerable renters via the ERA program, including people of color, women, and families with children. The Department has developed an OCA Learning Agenda, which outlines the important equity - focused evaluation questions the Department is interested in pursuing to understand the impact of economic recovery programs and learn lessons for future similar efforts. Evaluation priorities include understanding the impact of recovery funds on low - income Americans, the long - term impact on housing stability for tenants and homeowners, and how the CPF is closing gaps in broadband access.
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Disabled
disability. For those unable to access the financial products and services they need, managing day - to - day finances can be difficult and expensive.
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Native American
Strategy # 6: Ensure environmental benefits of IRA reach underserved and Tribal communities
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Native American, POC, Rural, Women
When President Biden took office in January 2021, the COVID - 19 pandemic was causing immense economic hardship in communities across the country, particularly for women, rural communities, and communities of color. On March 11, 2021, the President signed the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) into law to help communities recover and put our economy back on the path to stable growth. The ARP tasked the Treasury Department with implementing major initiatives, such as the Child Tax Credit, Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program, State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), Capital Projects Fund (CPF), and Homeowner Assistance Fund. These initiatives have delivered much needed resources to vulnerable families and historically marginalized communities, including those in rural areas, Tribal communities, communities of color, and children living in poverty.
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Native American, Rural
Environmental Justice: Secure environmental justice and spur economic opportunity by addressing disproportionate and adverse health and environmental impacts, including from climate change and cumulative impacts, on marginalized and overburdened communities. Support the goals of the Justice40 Initiative to channel 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments, e.g., in clean energy, climate, pollution reduction, and critical infrastructure, flow to disadvantaged communities across rural, urban, and Tribal areas.
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Native American
Treasury has hosted multiple roundtables with community - based organizations, Tribal representatives, small businesses, housing developers, and environmental justice advocates, among other stakeholders to inform the Low - Income Communities Bonus Credit Program and IRA implementation to understand access to capital issues and the need for technical assistance to support mission - driven stakeholders who can participate in the clean energy economy.
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Black, Latinx
The ARP has contributed to historic economic gains for Americans in just over two years. For example, the ARP helped drive the strongest two - year job growth in history. Black unemployment saw its largest one - year drop since 1984 in 2022 and is now near record lows; Hispanic unemployment saw its fastest one - year drop in 2021 and fell to a historic low in 2022. Treasury's support to renters helped prevent what many feared would be a crisis of evictions in Black, Latino, and low - income communities. For example, in 2021, eviction filing rates in Black and Latino neighborhoods were just 5.3 and 3.6 percent respectively, below half of historical averages.
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POC, Rural
Investment Program (ECIP), the Department has invested over $ 8.5 billion in financial institutions with a track record of reaching underserved neighborhoods, communities of color, and rural areas, such as Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs). Through ECIP, investments of $ 3.2 billion in MDIs have helped to incentivize lending to low - income and minority borrowers, as well as underserved small businesses. Treasury's Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) has also deployed historic amounts in grants to CDFIs and MDIs, including $ 1.73 billion in CDFI grants earlier this year through the CDFI Equitable Recovery Program (CDFI ERP). Treasury also collaborated with private sector organizations and foundations to encourage them to make more than $ 1 billion in deposits into these financial institutions, complementing Treasury's capital investments so that CDFIs and MDIs can have maximum impact.
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Black, Rural
These are meaningful milestones that demonstrate Treasury's commitment to bolstering economic opportunity across the country. Our economic recovery from the pandemic was just the beginning of this work. Treasury is now deeply engaged in efforts to foster inclusive, equitable growth through government investments that unleash the economic potential of historically marginalized and under - resourced people and places. For instance, Treasury is delivering on President Biden's goal of closing the digital divide. In the rural South and dense urban areas alike, Black Americans are about twice as likely as their white counterparts to lack high - speed internet access. Treasury has awarded over $ 8 billion for broadband projects to connect millions of Americans across the country to high - speed internet. As another example, as of September 2023, Treasury has approved 54 out of 56 state and territory applications for SSBCI, representing plans totaling over $ 8 billion to support the boom in small business creation.
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POC, Rural
Treasury is also taking concerted steps to ensure that the economic opportunities created by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the transition to the clean energy economy are shared by all Americans, including communities of color, rural areas, and communities harmed by pollution. For example, the investment tax credit for solar and wind projects includes a substantial bonus for facilities built in low - income communities. According to outside estimates, the IRA will support new clean energy jobs, as well as incentivize the use of registered apprenticeships and the payment of prevailing wages to strengthen America's energy and economic security. And Internal Revenue Service (IRS) transformation will improve customer service, help taxpayers access credits and expenditures that enhance financial security, and promote fairer tax enforcement, all while strengthening the revenue generation that supports the essential work of government.
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POC, Rural, Women
There are deep commonalities in the challenges facing underserved populations and communities - including women, many rural Americans, as well as many communities of color who struggle to access economic opportunity. Taking action to serve one vulnerable community can create benefits that spill across the economy and uplift others. By investing in communities and populations that have for too long been left on the sidelines and unable to fully participate
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Rural
To achieve this mission, Treasury must address the legacy of structural racism, gender - based discrimination, economic disadvantages facing rural communities, and economic exclusion that continue to keep some people, businesses, and communities from fully participating in and benefiting from our nation's economic growth and prosperity. Treasury is working to unleash the economic potential of historically marginalized communities, leading to greater financial security across generations and more broadly shared prosperity for all.
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AAPI, Alaskan, Black, Hawaiian, Latinx, LGBTQ+, Pacific Islander, Rural, Women
When all Americans have the tools and resources needed to fully participate in our nation's investments in manufacturing, infrastructure development, and climate transition, economic growth is more broadly shared and our entire economy benefits. The Department is working to deliver capital, tax incentives, housing and workforce support, and community investments that bolster economic opportunity for underserved families, businesses, and neighborhoods with the goal of addressing historical and persistent racial wealth gaps, gender inequity, and other barriers. The Investing in America Agenda, including the American Rescue Plan and other legislation, offers a unique opportunity to address the structural and systemic barriers in our economy that sideline the talent and undermine the productivity of Black, Hispanic, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Native communities, as well as others that have experienced limits on their economic opportunity such as women, the LGBTQIA + community, and rural areas. When we address these barriers, we can unlock the economic potential of communities that have been held back for far too long and build a stronger economy for everyone.
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POC, Senior
The Deputy Secretary serves as the Executive Sponsor and provides oversight of the Department's implementation of the Equity Action Plan. The Counselor for Racial Equity leads a Steering Committee consisting of Treasury's senior leaders to drive a comprehensive agenda that mitigates barriers and creates meaningful opportunities for historically marginalized groups to fully participate in and benefit from Treasury's policies and programs. In addition, the Counselor facilitates the Treasury Advisory Committee for Racial Equity (TACRE), which is made up of leaders in the financial services industry. Their mission is to provide advice and recommendations toward advancing racial equity and addressing acute disparities for communities of color who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely impacted by persistent poverty. This work is further bolstered by the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (ODEIA), which drives the Department's DEIA policy, workforce, procurement, and civil rights enforcement efforts.
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Black
2022 Equity Action Plan Update (pursuant to EO 13985): Since the first Equity Action Plan launched in April 2022, Treasury has made significant progress toward fostering an equitable recovery from the pandemic; ensuring the flow of mission - driven capital to those who need it most; improving the tax system to make it easier for all Americans to receive the benefits for which they are eligible; reforming debt collection practices to reduce burdens on underserved communities; and expanding opportunity for small businesses through procurement and contracting. For instance, Treasury's Office of Procurement created an Equity Heat Map to identify upcoming opportunities more easily for small, socioeconomically disadvantaged, or underserved businesses to compete for contracts. Treasury researchers developed a method for imputing race and ethnicity data in tax data, which has enabled multiple ongoing and completed studies, including one on audit disparities between Black and non - Black taxpayers and one on the distribution of tax expenditures by race and ethnicity. In addition, a collaborative effort among Treasury, the IRS, and the Census Bureau allowed for evaluation of the demographics of the recipients of the first round of Economic Impact Payments in 2020.
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Women
In FY 2022, Treasury awarded $ 951 million to small, disadvantaged businesses, representing for the first time over 10 % of eligible small business dollars available for Treasury contracts. In addition, Treasury awarded women - owned businesses $ 693 million, and minority - owned businesses $ 902 million, regardless of the business size.
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Rural
Housing Justice and Community Investment: Invest in communities and populations where Federal policies have historically impeded equal opportunity - both rural and urban - in ways that mitigate economic displacement, expand access to capital, preserve housing and neighborhood affordability, root out discrimination in the housing market, and build community wealth.
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Native American
Strategy # 6: Ensure environmental benefits of IRA reach underserved and Tribal communities.
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Disabled, Rural
Civil Rights: Protect the civil and constitutional rights of all persons, including the right to vote, language access, and prohibitions on discrimination on the bases of race, sex, disability, etc. Promote equity in science to root out bias in the design and use of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence. 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). Build prosperity in rural communities. Global Equality: Promote equity and human rights around the world through our foreign policy and foreign assistance.
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Minority Serving Institutions, Women
Continue reducing barriers to the USAID partnership process through the WorkwithUSAID platform; Enhance nondiscrimination protections for our program participants and partners in foreign assistance programs overseas; Grow our partnerships with US based and / or U.S. - owned small and disadvantaged businesses and Minority - Serving Institutions; Meaningfully integrate inclusive development principles, with an emphasis on effectively serving women and girls and other historically marginalized populations, across all our work; and Strengthen USAID's support for underserved communities in policy, programming, and learning.
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Disabled, Rural
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). Build prosperity in rural communities. 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. Promote equity in science to root out bias in the design and use of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence. Global Equality: Promote equity and human rights around the world through our foreign policy and foreign assistance.
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Disabled, LGBTQ+, Native American
Develop new technical guidance on how to advance racial and ethnic equity among underserved communities in the policy and the program cycle. Scale up implementation of Inclusive Development Assessments (IDAs). An IDA is an assessment tool that guides in - country interviews and research to help identify in a particular country those populations that are marginalized and excluded from access to public services such as health, education, transportation, and or economic opportunities. Through the IDA we are able to analyze the country's social, economic, political, and cultural factors that lead to marginalization, determine access to assets, resources, opportunities, and services. IDA concludes with a summary of the context and provides specific recommendations for USAID to increase inclusion of marginalized groups in their development programmes and policies. Analyze up to 10 Performance Plan and Report (PPR) Key Issue Narratives and identify new opportunities for advancing racial and ethnic equity and support for underserved communities in programming. Establish targets for increased budgetary attributions during the Operational Plan process against all of the following Key Issues: Racial and Ethnic Equity, Indigenous Peoples, LGBTQI +, and Disability. Develop and expand training and technical assistance to build staff capacity to advance racial and ethnic equity and other knowledge gaps. In collaboration with FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSCIF), Alianza Mesoamericana de Pueblos Bosques (AMPB) and Asociación de Mujeres Artesanas de Ipeti Embera (AMARIE) USAID will complete a pilot intervention that promotes cultural rights, preservation of Indigenous language, and the development of ancestral knowledge as part of the intangible cultural heritage of the Indigenous Peoples. Strengthen USAID's ability to incorporate local and Indigenous knowledge, particularly from racial and ethnic underserved communities, into evidence collection and use. A new four - year, $ 5.1 million Local Evaluation and Evidence Support mechanism will provide technical and advisory services to strengthen the organizational and evaluation capacity of local evaluation and research organizations, starting with selected countries in Africa. Through this process, local and indigenous knowledge will be incorporated into evaluations. Provide technical assistance and co - funding to establish seven Indigenous Peoples Advisors at Missions.
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Native American
Develop Technical Guide to support the Agency to more effectively target racial and ethnic equity in policy, programming and learning released Conduct Inclusive development assessments (IDAs) to inform strategy and activity design in 20 Missions and OUs Disseminate FY2022 and FY2023 PPR Key Issue on Racial Equity findings within USAID and State Department. Launch Three new online training modules to increase the knowledge and skills of USAID staff in conducting social inclusion assessments, designing development efforts, and incorporating best practices into internal operations. Promote Cultural rights and application of ancestral knowledge through a pilot intervention in Panama with FSC Indigenous Foundation. Establish Seven Indigenous Peoples Advisors at USAID / Missions. Launch Local evaluation and evidence support project. This project will strengthen the capacity of local evidence institutions globally, beginning in the Africa region, increasing their ability to perform rigorous evaluations and other evidence activities. In addition to increasing the use of local knowledge in evaluation and research, this project will further USAID's goal of reducing barriers for new, nontraditional and local partners. Develop guidance for strengthening local evaluation capacity to ensure inclusive representation, including marginalized and underrepresented groups, on evaluation teams.
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50 percent increase in Operational Plan attributions (via development programs) from Missions against identified Key Issues on Racial and Ethnic Equity, Indigenous Peoples, LGBTQI +, and Disability by end of FY 2028. Pending availability of funds, within five years, at least 10 % of USAID Missions will conduct a baseline data assessment to measure a set of racial and ethnic equity indicators in their countries. These assessments will inform Mission programming, and the impact on advancing equity will be measured at the end of each Mission's five year strategy implementation cycle.
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a) 2022 Equity Action Plan Update (pursuant to EO 13985) Since the launch of WorkwithUSAID.gov in November 2021, USAID has approved more than 4,700 partner profiles in the platform's Partner Directory, and of those partners, more than 1,600 have completed the pre - engagement assessment. By registering in the Partner Directory and taking the Pre - Engagement Assessment, potential partners are able to increase the visibility of their work, connect with others in the development community, and assess whether or not they are ready to respond to a USAID solicitation. The team has translated the top 20 resources on the platform into French, Spanish, and Arabic for use in host countries where USAID works. These resources are helping to bridge the gap for local entities that are not fluent in English as USAID continues to develop additional documentation in foreign languages. USAID's Inclusive Development e - learning module is now mandatory for all of the workforce. As of June 2023, 86 percent (11,200 out of approximately 13,000) of USAID's workforce have received the training on Inclusive Development. USAID held three external and three internal consultations with stakeholders, delivered two informational webinars for USAID staff, held consultations with program participants across USAID Missions and briefed all Bureaus and Independent Offices (B / IOs) on the development of the ' Know Your Protections ' (KYP) document (formerly known as the ' Beneficiaries Bill of Rights ' - BBoR). This document aims to summarize and highlight existing protections for USAID program participants, making them accessible and easily understandable. The document has been revised and is currently undergoing clearance at the agency. USAID developed the Social, Economic, and Environmental Accountability Mechanism (SEE - AM), which advances program participant protections. The mechanism provides a channel for program participants and affected communities to inform the Agency of harm experienced in relation to USAID's programs and projects overseas. USAID secured program funds for and onboarded a full - time Accountability Mechanism Official to manage SEE - AM design and implementation, and coordination of complaints processing. USAID launched the updated Acquisition and Assistance (A & A) Strategy and Implementation Plan in FY 2023, incorporating DEIA principles, such as: USAID simplified and reduced its onerous pre - award risk survey for local organizations seeking USAID funding. Agency lowered the barrier to entry by promoting more opportunities where applicants submit an initial concept paper (about five pages) before they are invited to submit a full application (typically 30 pages or more). This makes the initial step less costly for applicants. Issued a Renewal Award Guide and Template to train A & A staff to use a mechanism that leverages practices from collaborating, learning and adapting, and responds to adjustments in dynamic operating environments. The Senior Procurement Executive (SPE) sent a notice to remind prime contractors about the requirement of reporting data against their small business subcontracting plan and to improve the accuracy of data they submit.
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The Agency identified and created a cadre of training, tools, and resources to streamline proposal and evaluation processes. M Bureau provides staff a platform to share innovative practices and systems to streamline procurement processes through the A & A Innovation Community of Practice. USAID updated its Youth Policy and released the new Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Policy in March 2023. USAID released its new LGBTQI + Inclusive Development Policy in August 2023 and Strategic Religious Engagement Policy in September 2023. These policies reiterate the importance of and clarify approaches to inclusion and equity in USAID's programs, for USAID staff and stakeholders. USAID recently announced the launch of the Racial and Ethnic Equity Initiative, and teams are conducting assessments and collecting data from USAID Missions overseas to build a knowledge base of operational practices and best practices that have successfully advanced social inclusion and racial equity in foreign assistance programming. Exposure to these best practices and technical guidance will encourage the adoption of quality equity programs on a broader scale. USAID Missions and Bureaus are now required to report on a new key issue narrative in their annual reports capturing racial and ethnic equity. They also must annually report on the percentage of completed evaluations with at least one local expert on the evaluation team. USAID released the Agency's highest level policy document, the Policy Framework, in March 2023. The Policy Framework emphasizes a commitment to embed DEIA principles across our programs, people, processes, policies, and practices so that development gains are more locally - led and benefit people of all backgrounds and identities. b) Environmental Justice Scorecard (pursuant to section 223 of EO 14008) USAID is not required to complete the Environmental Justice Scorecard. USAID promotes environmental equity and monitors progress through the Global Action for Climate Equity. c) Additional Efforts to Advance Equity Fourteen country - level Inclusive Development Assessments (IDAs), which aim to map the context and needs of marginalized groups through an intersectional lens to improve equity in programming, have been performed across the Agency. The ID Hub's Inclusive Development Activity for Mission Support (IDAMS) has begun work on three additional IDAs and is poised to to scale up these activities in FY 2024. The Office of Civil Rights established the External Civil Rights Division covering Title VI and other relevant civil rights authorities to ensure USAID complies with Title VI requirements under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Division receives and addresses complaints of discrimination in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance The External Civil Rights Division's internal website launched in June 2023, which educates USAID staff on the Title VI legal requirements and statutes and how they apply to USAID programs and partners. In addition to the significant progress made in awarding more funds directly to local entities - which, in FY2022 reached the highest level ($ 1.6 billion) and percent (10.2 percent) in over a decade - USAID has developed a new method to track the extent to which the Agency's programming is locally led. Through a series of consultations, USAID
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USAID's program participants are those who participate in or are recipients of a USAID program. Program participants are located across the world and include people from marginalized populations and underrepresented groups, who in some cases may be adversely affected by our development projects and activities based on (but not limited to) race, color, religion, sex, (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, disability, age, genetic information, marital status, parental status, political affiliation, or veteran status.
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Current USAID policy regarding nondiscrimination protections for employees of contractors or recipients contains only hortatory (" " strongly encourages " ") language and does not create any mandatory requirements for our implementing partners. There are multiple civil rights statutes and USAID - specific regulations, however, which do require recipients subject to U.S. law to not discriminate against program participants on the bases of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, and disability status. Approximately 70 % of USAID - funded recipients are US - based, and therefore required to comply with federal civil rights statutes and regulations. For the remaining 30 % of recipients and partners, however, USAID's nondiscrimination policies do not create mandatory requirements. USAID's " " Know Your Protections " " document, when established, will inform all employees, contractors, grant recipients and program participants of the Agency's inondiscrimination policies of any foreign aid constituent or program participant.
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While the Department of Labor Office of Federal Contractor Compliance Programs (OFCCP) regulations under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act include an aspirational utilization goal of 7 % of contractor staff being persons with disabilities, there is limited implementation, data, and tracking of this effort at USAID.
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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). Build prosperity in rural communities.
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Implement the Minority - Serving Institution (MSI) Partnership Initiative: The aim of the MSI Partnership Initiative is to match interested institutions with USAID Bureaus, Missions, and Independent Offices to increase MSI community members ' access to programs and initiatives in that particular Bureau or Office. Through this initiative USAID seeks to increase MSI engagement in the following ways: 1) Demonstrate commitment to inclusivity and affirmatively advancing equity, civil rights, racial justice, and equal opportunity; 2) Increase MSI knowledge of, and access to, USAID programs and initiatives; 3) Identify opportunities for students and faculty to engage in U.S. Foreign Assistance; 4) Share career and internship opportunities; 5) Increase student engagement with USAID; and 6) Support increased participation of MSIs in USAID's research initiatives. This initiative diversifies the partnership base, expanding partnerships beyond traditional actors.
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d) Strategy Four: Advance effective and equitable U.S. foreign assistance that meaningfully integrates inclusive development and the perspectives and experiences of women and girls in all their diversity, and improve outcomes in gender equality and for marginalized populations.
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Currently, only 14 countries in the world offer full equal legal rights for women. 2 At the current rate of change, it will take 131 years to reach gender parity globally, 3 and only 4 % of global bilateral aid is dedicated to gender equality as a principal objective. 4 USAID and the State Department are working to scale up aid for gender equality, by committing to double the amount of gender equality aid from the previous fiscal year, with plans to continue to scale up funding in future years.
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Gender inequality exists in the countries where USAID wo, as evidenced by the fact that women and girls are more likely to be marginalized from political processes5 and market systems, bear the burden of HIV / AIDS, food insecurity6 and climate change and experience discrimination, sexual harassment and GBV. 7 Young women make up three out of four youth around the world that are not in school, in training, or in employment. Throughout the world, women are disproportionately burdened by unpaid care work, doing two and a half times as much unpaid care and domestic work as men. The global gender wage gap is 23 percent. 8 Men and boys are also impacted by gender inequality. Gendered norms of ' manhood ' play a role in young men's engagement in armed conflict and violence. In some contexts, factors affecting notions of masculinity and femininity and the way gender roles are defined in societies have a massive effect on men's risk - taking and health - seeking behaviors. Gender inequality denies the whole of
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2 World Bank Women, Business, and the Law 2023 Report.
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9 Women's Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment Act of 2018; Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2017; Evidence - based Foreign Policy Act of 2018.
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10 Executive Order 14020 (Mar 2021); U.S. National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality (Oct 2021); USAID Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Policy; ADS 205; U.S. Strategy on Global Women's Economic Security (Jan 2023); U.S. Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender - Based Violence Globally (Dec 2022); U.S. Strategy on Women, Peace, and Security (Jun 2019).
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We have also released a range of new and updated policies that reflect the central role DEIA plays in advancing development objectives, including our Youth Policy, Strategic Religious Engagement Policy, Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Policy, and our first - ever LGBTQI + Inclusive Development Policy. Additionally, we launched USAID's Racial and Ethnic Equity Initiative for advancing equity and inclusion in our development programs. We continue to advance our outreach with Minority Serving Institutions to cultivate more partnerships and engagement with students and faculty to leverage their expertise in our development programs.
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Over the past several years, USAID has championed equity across policy, programming, and learning through an inclusive development approach that incorporates considerations relevant to gender equality, social inclusion (e.g. inclusion of underserved populations such as LGBTQI +, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples), and strategic religious engagement throughout policy and the program cycle. Despite these robust efforts, USAID must update policy, guidance, training, and the way evidence is collected to ensure USAID staff possess the tools and skills needed to effectively address inequities faced by historically marginalized racial and ethnic communities impacted by USAID programming. Intersecting identities of underserved groups (i.e. LGBTQI + person of color, or, individual with disabilities who also belongs to a religious minority) makes the importance of understanding these dynamics and social structures all the more crucial.
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One particular barrier is that local knowledge is not sufficiently included in the evidence base that informs USAID strategic planning and programming. This could mean that our programs are not designed to be flexible enough to fully meet the specific needs of marginalized groups and communities, which could limit their participation and our impact. USAID must therefore expand its capacity to better use local and Indigenous knowledge, particularly from historically marginalized racial and ethnic communities, in informing and evaluating programming. Populations most impacted by this barrier include underrepresented racial and ethnic local partners and stakeholders.
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well aligned with the groups and communities most affected by USAID programs. Data collected through Key Issues Narratives (a required part of the agency's Performance Plan and Reporting process) on Disability, Racial and Ethnic Equity, LGBTQI +, and Indigenous Peoples corroborate this finding, and reveal the need for approaches that account for and address the intersection of inequities among different underrepresented groups. And while in recent years the Agency has implemented an inclusive development approach to guide programming toward more inclusive and equitable outcomes, there remains a lack of comprehensive guidance on programming to support racial and ethnic equity specifically, which may be necessary given the complex systems that have been built over centuries to marginalize racial and ethnic communities.
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USAID's Agency Equity Team (AET) is led by senior leaders, managers, and employees from across USAID and has the purpose of facilitating, informing, and advancing Agency progress on equity assessments, action planning, and other Agency DEIA actions. The AET championed the development and implementation of the 2022 EAP and the design of the 2023 Update EAP, and ensured USAID's compliance of EO 13985: Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, EO 14901: Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, Presidential Memorandum, and other related DEIA policies.
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USAID conducted a robust external facing equity assessment, which laid the foundation for the 2022 EAP. Building on progress made on the 2022 EAP, the AET developed 2023 Update EAP that includes five strategies: 1) Reduce barriers to the USAID Partnership process through the WorkwithUSAID platform; 2) Enhance accountability measures and nondiscrimination protections for program participants and employees of contractors and recipients 3) Reduce barriers for USAID awards, including acquisition and assistance burdens that negatively affect partners ' ability to work with USAID. 4) Advance effective and equitable U.S. foreign assistance that meaningfully integrates inclusive development and the perspectives and experiences of women and girls in all their diversity, and improve outcomes in gender equality and for marginalized populations; and 5) Strengthen USAID's approaches to policy, programming, and learning to more effectively advance racial and ethnic equity and support for underserved communities in partner countries.
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Several barriers stand in the way of advancing on these ambitious priorities. For instance, as an Agency we often lack certain expertise and dedicated resources needed to develop programs that fully incorporate gender equality and inclusive development policies and guidance. Additionally, we are still building our capacity to apply certain local and Indigenous knowledge to a range of USAID programming, particularly from historically marginalized racial and ethnic communities. The limited resources and capacity is linked to not having dedicated advisors with the full inclusive development portfolio, which includes having technical knowledge and expertise related to the challenges and barriers faced by numerous marginalized groups locally.
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Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program: USDA will continue to strengthen the food system for schools and promoting a fairer, more competitive, and more resilient local food chain by providing funding for purchase of local foods with an emphasis on smaller and historically underserved producers and processors. Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program: USDA will expand funding agreements with state, territorial and tribal governments to pur - chase local foods for distribution through emergency food assistance networks with an emphasis on buying from historically underserved farmers, ranchers, and fishers in order to increase opportunities in local and regional markets and build more com - petitive and resilient food systems.
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Through RD's Creating Opportunity through Rural Engagement (CORE) program, state field staff will engage with the community to learn about need and connect people and business with resources within RD and throughout USDA. RD will continue conducting webinars for stakeholders and the public to learn about new programs and to learn about processes to access new and existing federal resources. These webinars are sometimes conducted in conjunction with other USDA agencies as well as other federal partners. Rural Partners Network community networks are selected through a process contingent on public participation and community engagement. RPN is also con - ducting a series of community forums where communities share their vision and project plans while federal agencies and external stakeholders present on oppor - tunities. And USDA is using lessons learned from RPN communities to inform systemic policy development and create whole - of - government rural economic development resources to help all rural communities identify and access federal funds, including through Rural.gov.
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A. FNS will partner with program operators and stakeholders to address food and nutrition security equity and reach underserved communities. Implement the permanent Summer Food Service Program rural non - congregate option and Summer EBT, nationwide. Conduct a national outreach campaign to increase enrollment and retention in WIC, while reducing disparities in program access and delivery. Conduct a multi - pronged MyPlate nutrition education campaign that expands
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Provide resources to TEFAP state agencies on identifying and offering kosher and halal appropriate foods to observant communities; creates a webpage to provide information to stakeholders. Strengthen employment and training programs for SNAP participants through rulemaking, grants, and technical assistance to assist state agencies in using outcome reporting measures to support program equity efforts. B. FNS will ensure equitable and consistent access and participation opportunity for eligible populations. Through a new SNAP EBT Modernization Technical Assistance Center, provide technical assistance to retailers interested in offering online purchasing for SNAP participants. And, for WIC, expand online shopping by updating WIC regulations to remove regulatory barriers to online shopping and support a modern food delivery experience. Help close the summer hunger gap for children eligible for free and reduced - price school meals through the implementation of the new rural non - congregate summer nutrition option and Summer EBT. Bridge language barriers to FNS nutrition programs by expanding translation and interpreter access, training FNS and state agency staff, and promoting strategies to address these barriers. Continue to work with Puerto Rico to explore the feasibility of a potential transition from the current capped NAP Federal nutrition block grant to SNAP, in order to meet the needs of the island's population. C. FNS will strengthen program participants ' ability to embrace healthy eating patterns: Update the nutrition standards for School Meals and WIC food packages to reflect the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and in consideration of cultural and traditional foods consumed by program participants. Support school meal operators in improving the nutritional quality of meals through the Healthy Meals Incentive Initiative and other investments. Engage with tribal stakeholders to enhance the food package for the FDPIR. Facilitate fresh fruit and vegetable consumption by participants in several FNS programs. Develop the 2025 - 2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans jointly with the Department of Health and Human Services to provide science - based advice on what to eat and drink to promote health, reduce the risk of chronic disease, and meet nutrient needs. Conduct research to ensure that the 2026 Thrifty Food Plan re - evaluation reflects current food prices, food composition data, consumption patterns, and dietary guidance, as directed by the 2018 Farm Bill.
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FNS will engage with stakeholders and program operators through a variety of venues and formats, such as conferences, meetings, and virtual forums, public comment opportunities, and process updates shared online and via GovDelivery, in the implementation of new regulations and the development and sharing of resources and strategies. FNS will conduct and implement feedback from tribal consultations to increase access to USDA nutrition assistance programs and culturally competent nutrition education. FNS will expand and activate its partnership network to increase the reach of MyPlate messages and meet consumers in the spaces in which they live, learn, work, and play. Actions include identifying synergies, linkages, and channels and implementing new strategies that support partnership engagement - particularly among stakeholder organizations that serve historically underserved communities.
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Some studies have found more delivery of fire mitigation activities near communities with high socioeconomic status. 6 In the case of tree canopy coverage across our nation's cities, similar patterns emerge; low - income communities experience less tree cover and higher temperatures when compared to high - income communities. Forest Service has partnered with reputable organizations in this field, including the Federation of Southern Cooperatives, the Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention (SFLR) Network, Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), and the African American Mayors Association (AAMA) to identify opportunities for responsive improvements.
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1. Ensure agricultural resources and assistance are broadly accessible, while creating new, more, and better market opportunities SO USDA policies and programs advance agriculture for all who want to participate, not just a few. 2. Promote rural prosperity and economic security by connecting business owners to new markets, empowering people with modern infrastructure, and supporting community - driven opportunities and solutions to build brighter futures nrural America. 3. Promote nutrition security and health equity through USDA nutrition assistance programs to ensure all Americans have access to the nutrition they need. 4. Ensure equitable access to forest resources, funding opportunities, and outdoor experiences; and target wildfire prevention and conservation investments where they are most needed. 5. Advance equity in federal procurement by providing underserved and disadvantaged businesses tools and resources to increase access to funding opportunities, and by helping promote safe and secure provision of services and supplies. 6. Empower tribal sovereignty and uphold treaty responsibilities to Indian tribes, removing barriers to access USDA programs and incorporating indigenous values and perspectives in program design and delivery. 7. Commit unwaveringly to civil rights by improving tools, skills, capacity, and processes to more effectively and efficiently enforce them.
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Implement research, matching requirements, project - selection, training, mapping resources, barrier analysis, personnel to facilitate robust investment in wildfire protection in underserved communities. Enter into co - stewardship agreements with tribes across the country to reduce wildfire risk. Leverage Community Wildfire Defense Grants to support tribes, low - income and underserved communities facing high or very high wildfire risk.
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Integrate equity into proposal analysis, outreach, scoring, and guidance related to federal investments, including master participating agreements with non - profit organizations (multi - million and multi - year agreements that will leverage BIL and IRA funds to tackle the wildfire and climate crises at scale). Address the barriers to participation posed by cooperator matching requirements by institutionalizing national waivers of policy match requirements for tribes and agreements that will serve disadvantaged communities and designing a process for approving reduction of policy match requirements based on partner capacity. Improve engagement and communication with underserved communities through engagement sessions and the nascent community navigator program, funding robustly networked partners to help hard - to - reach communities identify funding opportunities and navigate grant and agreement processes.
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Increasing the diversity and inclusiveness of the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program Advisory Committees. In many programs, updating proposal evaluation criteria to value proposal benefits to disadvantaged communities. Enhanced engagement with tribes and other underserved and disadvantaged communities during planning processes.
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A. USDA will remove barriers for indigenous and tribal access to USDA programs and services. FDIPR tribal bison and seafood procurement pilots. FNS and AMS have created a pilot project using FDPIR procurement processes - which solely serve tribal communities - to test the flexibilities of existing procurement authorities to better incorporate bison, a key tribally identified indigenous food. After initial implementation, which began July 2023, we hope to replicate the process with seafood procurement. Support indigenous meat processing capacity expansion. USDA will pursue development and expansion of indigenous animal processing capacity, in support of the government - to - government relationship with Indian tribes and their self - governance goals of maintaining and improving food and agriculture supply chain resiliency. Identify and address USDA program requirements for alignment with BIA agricultural leases. Dedicated USDA staff will streamline access for Native producers and land managers by collaborating with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) with the goal to align DOI lease requirements with the Farm Service Agency agricultural financing program options and Natural Resources Conservation Service planning and practice standards. Equity review of Forest Service grazing leasing process: USDA will review leasing rules to promote for more equitable opportunities, including ensuring tribal applicants and tribal lands are eligible to compete for forest and grasslands leases. Institutionalize eligibility of tribal owned entities for Rural Development programs: RD has identified several programs for consideration of how best to mitigate barriers to tribal economic development entities such as wholly - owned tribal corporations.
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USDA currently makes most of the food purchases for the FDPIR program, crowding out self - determination and economic development opportunities for the affected tribal entities. Going forward, USDA will support ongoing tribal self - determination demonstration projects for the Food and Nutrition Service and Forest Service, expanding tribal self - determination policies to enable greater self - governance and decision - making A dedicated Office of Tribal Relations Tribal Empowerment Team will increase awareness about Forest Service, RD, and NRCS Inflation Reduction Act opportunities that promote tribal self - determination principles.
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FNS will increase the availability of indigenous food options in the NSLP to better recognize cultural practice and the needs of traditional diets. NRCS will add program flexibility in circumstances where conservation practices and programs do not align with tribal priorities relating to resources and land stewardship.
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Increased tribal participation in referenced programs. Increased investments and new cooperative agreements with tribes and other indigenous communities and organizations.
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D. USDA will create new, more, and better market opportunities for producers, which creates a fairer playing field for small - and mid - size farmers. USDA is investing in developing new market opportunities and fairer markets SO that producers have more power in the marketplace and greater opportunities to generate income and make a living in agriculture. Ongoing efforts involve investments in new market opportunities, amelioration of supply chain bottlenecks, and improvements in fair competition. E. USDA will expand reach to all producers by leveraging partnerships with trusted technical advisors. Across the Department - FSA, NRCS, RMA, NIFA, and the Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE) - USDA will continue and expand grant and cooperative agreement programs that support delivery of conservation assistance, risk management education, farming and production - related education, and technical assistance to underserved farmers (including beginning, limited resource, socially disadvantaged, and veteran farmers). F. USDA will target direct assistance and technical support based on degree of need. USDA is implementing support for support for underserved producers; progressive payment factoring; and whole - farm revenue approaches particularly suited to smaller operations. Where USDA has discretion, as in the ad - hoc disaster programs, the Department has been pursuing these strategies administratively. Other permanent programs would need legislative action; USDA is providing technical assistance to Congress on these areas. G. USDA will institutionalize access for broader stakeholder viewpoints. USDA is making a concerted effort to bring new voices to the table and to expand its stakeholder base. To that end, a large group of both longstanding and new formal committees are providing valuable input, including: the USDA Equity Commission; NRCS state technical committees; FSA County Committees, including urban county committees; and other new and continuing Federal Advisory Committees (Urban Agriculture, Tribal, Minority Farmers, New and Beginning Farmers).
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A. RD will target investments into rural areas through a data - driven approach paired with stakeholder engagement. Rural Partners Network: place - based staff serve as navigators of federal development resources and assist communities in building smart plans and strong applications.
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Indigenous food sovereignty initiative. In November 2022, the Secretary launched this USDA - wide initiative to reimagine many of our food and agricultural programs from an indigenous perspective. The first year of the initiative delivered dozens of recipes and videos demonstrating how to add indigenous and foraged foods to foods available through USDA's Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), created a manual to help interested cattle producers transition to bison, and created several regional indigenous seed saving hubs.
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In November 2022, the Farm Service Agency announced Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) partnerships with three tribal nations in the Great Plains, covering 3.1 million acres, to help conserve, maintain, and improve grassland productivity, reduce soil erosion, and enhance wildlife habitat. These are the first - ever CREP agreements with tribal nations.
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USDA has expanded its dedicated Equity Commission by adding a Rural Community Economic Development Subcommittee, and has moved towards implementing the Commission's recommendations. USDA's Equity Commission is an independent body, now with 41 Commission and Subcommittee members charged with evaluating USDA programs and services and developing recommendations on how the Department can reduce barriers. The Department's implementation will ensure everyone has a fair shot at resources, begin closing the racial wealth gap, and address longstanding inequities in agriculture. In February 2023, the Commission issued 32 interim recommendations, and in October 2023, finalized its work by voting on a total of 66 recommendations that will be included in the Final Report to be published in 2024.
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The new Rural Data Gateway strengthens USDA Rural Development's partnerships with rural people, entrepreneurs, government officials and Congress by making RD's data readily available. Its dashboards significantly expand access to RD financial data with an easy - to - use interface encompassing more than 65 RD programs.
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In June 2023, USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) released two new public web resources allowing users unprecedented ability to access high - level data about agricultural research funding investments and giving applicants the ability to track the status of their grant applications. The NIFA Grant Funding Dashboard allows users to pull information on funding investments by research program and grant type, congressional district, recipient type (including land - grant, minority - serving institutions, tribal, Hispanic - serving institutions, and extension), and other focused searches. It al - lows users to search for information related to requirements, waivers, and the amount of match funding provided by recipient type and award. Users can also explore a funding map to find NIFA funding obligations by states and congressional districts. The second re - source, the NIFA Application Status Dashboard, enables users to quickly check the status
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Home Telephone Company, Inc employees perform directional drilling to insert underground fiberoptic cables, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA Rural Development RD ReConnect 50 / 50 grant.
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USDA is committed to continually improving services to communities marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution, with a particular emphasis on the dozens of departmental programs covered by the Administration's Justice40 Initiative, pursuant to Executive Order 14008 - programs whose investments relate to climate change, clean energy and energy efficiency, clean transit, affordable and sustainable housing, training and workforce development, remediation and reduction of legacy pollution, and the development of critical clean water and wastewater infrastructure. Across USDA, over 12,000 grants, agreements, and contracts associated with Justice40 Initiative covered programs were distributed in FY 2022, promoting nearly $ 7 billion in economic development. The programs have a broad and varied reach. In FY 2022, for example, the Forest Service's Job Corps program provided more than 1,500 young adults from underserved backgrounds with over 273,000 hours of training focused on firefighting, conservation, and rural development, furthering employment opportunities. From July 2022 through June 2023, the program graduated 671 students and placed 755 graduates and former students in jobs, including conservation work, military service, and registered apprenticeships. For each covered program, USDA has committed to an implementation plan to ensure that disadvantaged communities receive benefits of new and existing Federal investments.
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Many of the items identified elsewhere in this Plan are particularly relevant to women and reflect USDA's commitments under the National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality, under Executive Order 14020, which is fully included in the Department's equity action planning. This is true, for example, of the Department's work promoting robust health and safety standards in the agricultural workforce. And because women are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity, the nutrition assistance improvements discussed are likewise vital contributors to gender equity. The work highlighted in this plan increasing small - business access to USDA contracts also includes a focus on women - owned business. In FY 2022, the Department's contracting goal of 5 % for women - owned small businesses (with a future proposed goal of 7 %) was met and surpassed by the year - end result of 9.99 %.
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In partnership with the Department of the Interior, in November 2022 the NRCS Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations Program (WFPO) allocated $ 40 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to assist relocation of Alaskan Native villages due to climate change, erosion, and flooding. Seven villages have been chosen from a set of the highest - risk villages. The funding is covering feasibility studies, watershed planning and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance and move design.
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June 2023, USDA announced a $ 262.5 million investment to support 33 projects, across U.S. institutions of higher education, designed to train the next generation of diverse agricultural professionals. The projects are led by 1890 land - grant institutions (historically Black land - grant universities), 1994 land - grant institutions (tribal colleges and universities), Alaska native - serving institutions and native Hawaiian - serving institutions, Hispanic - serving institutions, and institutions of higher education located in the Insular Areas. Most projects involve collaboration with other minority - serving institutions and a myriad of other partners, including other academic institutions, non - profit and private - sector organizations, and state and USDA agencies. Resourced by the ARPA, as amended by the IRA, the From Learning to Leading: Cultivating the Next Generation of Diverse Food and Agriculture Professionals (NextGen) Program is enabling minority - serving institutions to engage, recruit, retain, train, and support students to build and sustain the next generation of the food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences workforce, including the future USDA workforce. It is administered by NIFA, which is also partnering with The Extension Foundation to increase the capacity of the funded institutions. The Extension Foundation will provide free grant proposal development as well as technical assistance to all grantees to support project management. Additionally, NIFA is working with the Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA) to determine the overall effectiveness of the NextGen program; IDRA will track program outcomes, report impact, and evaluate individual and program - wide activities. This historic investment will provide training and support to more than 20,000 future food and agricultural leaders through 33 projects executed by more than 60 institutions across 24 U.S. states and Insular Areas.
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Connecting more families to WIC's proven benefits. Through a cooperative agreement with the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), FNS has awarded $ 16 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to 36 projects aimed at testing innovative outreach strategies to increase participation and equity in WIC. The WIC Community Innovation and Outreach Project, (WIC CIAO), subgrantees include WIC state and local agencies and community - based organizations, including four subgrants led by tribal nations or entities.
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Forest Service's Urban and Community Forestry Program is now supporting projects across the country through $ 1 billion in grants made available the IRA to expand access to urban nature, combat the climate crisis, and advance environmental justice. In addition to the grant funding, the Forest Service is providing up to $ 250 million to states and territories to further local efforts to support urban communities through equitable access to trees and the benefits they provide. Advance release of these funds to states occurred in April 2023, specifically for support to disadvantaged communities. The Forest Service established a new agreement with the African American Mayors Association (AAMA) to provide communications and stakeholder engagement support
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Regional Conservation Partnership Program. In May 2023, NRCS announced $ 500 million in Inflation Reduction Act funding to advance partner - driven solutions to conservation on agricultural land through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), including up to $ 50 million targeted for tribal governments to implement tribally led projects. NRCS is working to improve and streamline the program, including offering consistent guidance and training for partners, and simplifying the agreement and partner reimbursement processes and the technical assistance structure.
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Clean energy for rural America. Rural Development rolled out two programs made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, providing $ 11 billion in grants and loan opportunities that will help rural energy and utility providers bring affordable, reliable clean energy to their communities across the country, support new jobs and healthier communities. This represents the single largest investment in rural electrification since President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Rural Electrification Act into law in 1936. Also, through the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) has been provided over $ 2 billion for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvement grants for agricultural producers and rural small business owners.
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Evidence Base to Support Strategy: This strategy is responsive to the USDA Equity Commission's interim recommendations and USDA's response; hundreds of historical recommendations by commissions, committees, external and internal watchdogs; the 2021 congressional hearing on the state of Black farmers; multiple listening sessions, including the 2021 Request for Information (RFI), and 2022 REI relating to IRA Section 22007; and abundant academic works examining difficulties faced by new, disadvantaged farmers, and barriers to their access to USDA programs. 1
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Dr. Dewayne Goldmon (USDA Senior Advisor for Racial Equity, USDA), presents to the USDA Equity Commission, at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
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Promote rural prosperity and economic security by connecting business owners to new markets, empowering people with modern infrastructure, and supporting community - driven opportunities and solutions to build brighter futures in rural America.
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Collaborating Agencies: Departments of Commerce (DOC), Energy (DOE), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Transportation (DOT), Treasury (UST), Veterans Affairs (VA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Small Business Administration (SBA).
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Barriers to Equity: Rural communities and the enterprises within them sometimes struggle to get financial or technical assistance from highly competitive federal programs whose funding formulas favor larger, urban areas. These programs often have burdensome and unrealistic requirements, including complicated processes, inconsistent rule implementation, and delays, which are significant barriers to access. Another barrier to equity in rural communities is insufficient outreach in some communities, which can exclude people who lack awareness of or experience with federal programs. In turn, communities lose their trust in and willingness to engage with the federal government. Still other barriers relate to inadequate infrastructure, such as broadband access, which prevents businesses and individuals from fully competing and participating in the digital age.
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Evidence Base to Support Strategy: Academic and policy papers have demonstrated the need for governmental place - based policies and targeted investment in rural communities. They explain that the private sector and philanthropy underinvest in rural areas, failing to appreciate the positive consequences that would follow from capacity building there. 3
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2 Timothy J. Bartik, " " Who Benefits from Economic Development Incentives? How Incentive Effects on Local Incomes and the Income Distribution Vary with Different Assumptions about Incentive Policy and the Local Economy, " " Technical Report 18 - 934, Upjohn Institute, Kalamazoo, MI (2018). David Neumark & Helen Simpson, " " Place - Based Policies, in Handbook of Regional and Urban Economics, vol. 5, ed. Giles Duranton, Vernon Henderson, & William Strange (2015), 1197 - 287.; Benjamin A. Austin, Edward L. Glaeser, & Lawrence H. Summers, " " Jobs for the Heartland: Place - based Policies in 21st Century America, " " NBER Working Paper No. w24548 (2018). 3 See, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis & Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve, Investing in Rural Prosperity (2022) (featuring contributions from 79 authors that explore capacity gaps and barriers to accessing federal resources and outline a framework for how to approach rural development successfully).
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B. RD will continue to work towards 100 % connectivity through the ReConnect Loan and Grant Program, SO all rural communities have the same access to high - speed af - fordable internet as their urban counterparts. To speed progress, RD has added funding categories for full grant funding (not loan and grant combinations), for Alaska Native Corporations, Tribal Governments, Colonias, Persistent Poverty Areas, and Socially Vul - nerable Communities, as well as for projects where 90 % of households lack sufficient access to broadband.
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C. RD will further support rural clean energy: Once - in - a - generation funding opportunities for rural electric cooperatives, farmers, and rural businesses are augmenting access to clean energy for rural communities - particularly those disproportionately affected by high energy costs and climate change. RD will continue to implement its new technical assistance program for Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), allowing nonprofits to assist agricultural producers and rural small businesses to apply for REAP. This includes helping with filing for SAM and UEI registrations, application completion, planning activities, completion of environmental reports, and other activities that help underserved rural areas access funding opportunities.
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D. RD will promote rural housing equity, furthering President Biden's Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights.
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Empowering Tribal Sovereignty and Upholding Treaty Responsibilities to Indian Tribes 11
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A. Forest Service will target wildfire prevention where it is most needed, including underserved and tribal communities.
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5 A.L. Kramer, J. Liu. L. Li.R. Connolly, M. Barbato, & Y. Zhu. " " Environmental Justice Analysis of Wildfire - Related PM2.5 Exposure Using Low - Cost Sensors in California. " " Science of The Total Environment 856 (2023). M. Méndez. G. Flores - Haro, Zucker, " " The (In) visible Victims of Disaster: Understanding the Vulnerability of Undocumented Latino / a and Indigenous Immigrants, " " Geoforum 116 (2020): 50 - 62. White House Environmental Justice Interagency Council, " " Addressing Environmental Justice Concerns in Disaster Preparedness, Response, Recovery, " " IAC Natural Disasters and Environmental Justice Subcommittee (2023).
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Public Participation and Community Engagement: In partnership with the Next 100 Coalition, Forest Service is conducting systematic and extensive engagement with diverse stakeholders, including tribes and tribal organizations, on the agency's Reimagine Recreation strategic planning effort to help advise an updated strategy and action plan in creating a place for everyone to feel welcome and connected to the outdoors. To further progress with the Wildfire Crisis Strategy (WCS) and tribal engagement, the Forest Service is conducting a four - part dialogue series, in partnership with the Intertribal Timber Council, to discuss tribal workforce capacity - building and finding mutual benefits in WCS implementation.
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Empower tribal sovereignty and uphold treaty responsibilities to Indian tribes, removing barriers to access to USDA programs and incorporating indigenous values and perspectives in program design and delivery.
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Barriers to Equity: The unique legal status of tribes, tribal jurisdiction, and tribal land holdings has significantly hindered access to USDA programs for tribes and Native Americans. For example: Tribal corporations are currently ineligible for RD programs. Many indigenous plants and animals are excluded from FNS federal nutrition programs and AMS procurement opportunities. And tribal commercial activity is deemed disqualifying for some RD programs, even though - because they lack a robust tax base - tribal nations often systematically participate in commercial markets to accrue revenue necessary to provide their nation, and often neighboring communities, with (public) goods and services. These kinds of barriers, sometimes the results of legislation and other times caused by poorly drafted departmental documents, have obstructed Indian Country access to USDA programs, in turn complicating economic development and tribal self - determination.
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Evidence Base to Support Strategy: USDA has received feedback on the shortcomings of program delivery and other program inequities affecting tribal nations from internal reflections on barriers and numerous formal tribal consultations. Feedback included the annual USDA - wide Tribal Consultation on Equity and Barriers, most recently in May 2023. Tribal leaders identified the needs and barriers - confirmed upon internal review and by external evidence - listed above. Actions also rest on program data and historical knowledge about discrimination and civil rights cases. From these inputs we categorized the USDAs priority take - aways into three policy actions: 1) Remove the barriers for indigenous and tribal access to USDA programs and services, 2) Promote tribal self - determination principles, and 3) Adapt USDA's programs to include tribal values and indigenous perspectives.
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B. USDA will promote tribal self - determination principles.
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C. USDA will adapt programs to include tribal values and indigenous perspectives.
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Public Participation and Community Engagement: Over the last three years, USDA's Office of Tribal Relations (OTR) has held annual Equity and Barriers Consultations in response to Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, and Executive Order 14091, Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. Covering all the USDA mission areas, these consultations have provided tribal leaders the opportunity to identify to key USDA decision makers the barriers their tribes have encountered and to work with USDA to formulate ways to reduce or eliminate those barriers. That feedback was directly incorporated into the above outlined plan, actions, and metrics, and OTR will continue to conduct consultations to get further insight from tribes.
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Evidence Base to Support Strategy: Congressional reports about USDA as a whole and the Department's Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (OASCR) in particular, internal data, civil rights investigations, court actions and studies of them, and stakeholder testimony have documented a long history of inequity and discrimination against farmers from underserved groups and others USDA should be assisting. During the past two years, Requests for Information, listening sessions, and the USDA Equity Commission have updated the evidence base. The Commission, including its subcommittees on Agriculture and Rural Community Economic Development, bring together expert members, leaders with diverse backgrounds who have both gathered information and shared their own insights. The Equity Commission's recommendations on improving civil rights at USDA are a key part of the foundation of the actions set out below.
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Public Participation and Community Engagement: USDA's Equity Commission will continue to provide important public engagement opportunities and feedback on civil rights topics. Since its launch in February 2022, the Equity Commission, composed of independent members from diverse backgrounds who have a personal or profession - al interest in USDA's mission and services, has been working to identify how changes to USDA programs, policies, systems and practices can help lift barriers to inclusion or access and address systemic discrimination or racial, economic, health and social dis - parities. This feedback will be supplemented by inputs from engagements pursuant to USDA's new equity outreach strategy. In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
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In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family / parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
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Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720 - 2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877 - 8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
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Strategy # 2: Promote rural prosperity and economic security by connecting business owners to new markets, empowering people with modern infrastructure, and supporting community - driven opportunities and solutions to build brighter futures in rural America. 23
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Strategy # 6: Empower tribal sovereignty and uphold treaty responsibilities to Indian tribes, removing barriers to access to USDA programs and incorporating indigenous values and perspectives in program design and delivery
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Centering equity in everything we do is crucial to the future prosperity of children and families throughout the country and to rural and agricultural America. USDA's 2022 Equity Action Plan described a subset of the hundreds of actions we are taking, spotlighting those with high potential impact for underserved farmers and ranchers, families, children, and rural communities. This 2023 update builds on that strong foundation and follows the lead of President Biden's Executive Order 14091, which regularizes equity action planning and insists that federal agencies use all the policy levers we have to make progress. President Biden has emphasized that equity is a generational commitment, not a one - year project. I emphatically agree. Success depends on the institutionalization this year's plan reflects. At USDA, we have embedded equity in the work we do across the Department, and we are moving forward together, based on the insight that our country is stronger when everyone has a seat at the table and everyone has food on their plate. It is our moral imperative to do the challenging but achievable work of building a more inclusive future. Under this Administration, equity is more than a catchphrase. It's a promise.
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USDA's mission is: " " To serve all Americans by providing effective, innovative, science - based public policy leadership in agriculture, food and nutrition, natural resource protection and management, rural development, and related issues with a commitment to delivering equitable and climate - smart opportunities that inspire and help America thrive. " " To accomplish this mission, we must, together, build and maintain public trust and confidence among USDA stakeholders that this truly is, in the words of President Lincoln, the " " People's Department " ". We must: (1) identify and root out systemic discrimination in USDA programs; (2) ensure equitable access to USDA programs and services for all communities, including by removing barriers to access and working to repair past mistakes that have resulted in economic, social, and racial disparities; and (3) promote nutrition security, a healthy environment, and the opportunity for a good life for every person, in every community in America.
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Xochitl Torres Small, currently USDA Deputy Secretary and formerly Rural Development Under Secretary, toured Mahaska Health, a hospital in Oskaloosa, lowa, and participated in a roundtable discussion to highlight USDA investments in rural healthcare.
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Over the course of its existence, USDA has faced several pivotal moments - times when our direction and efforts can fundamentally reshape the lives of agricultural producers, rural Americans, our country, and the world. Today, we are at such a moment. We must decide - Do we want to continue to use a system that benefits only a few or do we want
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These strategies update USDA's 2022 Equity Action Plan, learning from hundreds of engagements with our customers and would - be customers - through listening sessions, requests for information, outreach events, tribal consultations, and advisory committees (including, preeminently, the Equity Commission). In addition, we have ourselves observed which of the improvements identified in 2022 are working and which need further refinement and adjustment.
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WIC modernization. USDA is investing in outreach, innovation, and modernization to ensure that the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program serves more eligible families and better meets their needs. WIC modernization is focused on enrolling and keeping enrolled all eligible families; making shopping simple and convenient; continuing to leverage technology to make applying for the program, scheduling appointments, receiving nutrition services, and interacting with WIC between appointments easy; and making WIC equitable and accessible for all. While evaluations of the modernization effort are not yet complete, preliminary data shows that WIC participation is rising in most states, with 6.7 million moms, babies, and young kids benefiting from the program as of July 2023.
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Reducing barriers posed by fund match requirements. The Forest Service made significant changes in July 2022 to its grants and agreements program, which will more equitably open doors for underserved communities, tribes, and non - traditional partners. Financial matching requirements that are not mandated by statute are being waived for all cooperative agreements with tribal communities. A program review is underway to ensure that, where discretion permits, financial matching requirements are waived or significantly reduced for agreements serving disadvantaged communities.
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No - match access to broadband. Rural Development's (RD) ReConnect Program provides loans, grants, and loan - grant combinations to bring high - speed internet to rural areas that lack sufficient access to broadband. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2022, in the program's third round of funding, RD authorized 100 % grants (without matching requirements) for Alaska Native Corporations, tribal governments, colonias, persistent poverty areas, and socially vulnerable communities. For the fourth round, an additional no - match funding category was added in August 2022 for projects where 90 % of households lack sufficient access to broadband.
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Increasing access to NAP. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) has long heard about the challenges underserved farmers have faced in navigating the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP). In January 2023, FSA announced program updates to reduce the paperwork burden on these producers to access free basic NAP coverage with a NAP service - fee waiver. Specifically, the requirement for a separate application for coverage prior to the loss event was eliminated for anyone already certified as an underserved producer - that is, for beginning, veteran, limited resource, women, or minority farmers. This eliminated otherwise annual application requirements; participation instead requires only loss notifications and applications for payment. The result has been substantial growth in producer participation.
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Leading whole - of - government rural partnerships. Rural Development is leading the Rural Partners Network (RPN), an all - of - government place - based program that brings together 20 federal agencies and regional commissions to help rural communities access resources and funding to create jobs, build infrastructure, and support long - term economic stability on their own terms. Federal agencies and commissions are collaborating to improve how we provide resources to help rural people build the futures they envision. The RPN was launched in April 2022 and expanded in November 2022, to now include 36 community networks across 10 states and Puerto Rico. In May 2023, $ 394 million in awards were announced to provide loans and grants to support 52 projects to support long - term visions for strong, local economies.
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American Rescue Plan technical assistance cooperators. Underserved farmers, ranchers, and foresters have historically lacked equitable access to information that could aid them in accessing and navigating USDA programs. USDA is helping ensure access to tools, programs, and support needed to succeed in agriculture by investing over $ 100 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding in over 30 organizations to provide technical assistance connecting underserved producers with USDA programs and services. So far two cohorts of organizations have been selected for their proven track records working with underserved producer communities, such as veterans, new farmers, limited resource producers, and producers living in high - poverty areas. They are providing targeted support for producers to mitigate losing lands, develop sound business plans, expand revenues and their markets, and unlock access to capital.
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USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA) reinstated its cooperative agreement program, to ensure access for underserved communities, RMA also began an innovative new service to assist underserved organizations with formulating proposals for grant applications and with project management to ensure they meet all obligations. Assistance is available to agriculture - related non - profits and Minority Serving Institutions of higher education.
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Broadband technical assistance. For too long, too many people in rural America and on tribal lands have been left out of the digital economy. Long distances between customers and difficult terrain make building broadband networks in rural areas difficult, and provision of broadband services more expensive. To further support rural communities in need of high - speed internet, Congress has directed USDA to implement a broadband technical assistance strategy. In response, RD is making funding available to rural communities, technical assistance providers, and cooperatives through a new Broadband Technical Assistance (BTA) program, which promotes broadband expansion in rural areas with support for project planning and community engagement, financial sustainability, environmental compliance, construction planning and engineering, accessing federal resources, and data collection and reporting. $ 20 million is available to help rural communities access broadband technical assistance resources and to support the development / expansion of broadband cooperatives. This funding is part of President Biden's historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and underscores the Biden - Harris Administration's commitment to investing in rural infrastructure and affordable high - speed internet for every American.
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Rural investments where they are most needed. In 2022, informed by its new systems to better direct investments where they are needed most, RD invested over $ 5 billion in underserved rural communities for projects such as expanding access to housing, water infrastructure, and high - speed internet.
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Figure: FY 2022 Rural Development investments in socially vulnerable communities (Counties where the CDC's Social Vulnerability Index is above 0.75). https: / / www.rd.usda.gov / rural - data - gateway / rural - investments / social - vulnerable - communities
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10 - Year Wildfire Strategy. In FY 2022 the Forest Service integrated consideration of social vulnerability in analysis of landscape vulnerability to wildfire risk, prioritizing risk reduction investments where ecological and social need are greatest. In March 2023, FS announced an investment of nearly $ 200 million to reduce wildfire risk to communities across state, private, and tribal lands; 99 funded project proposals will benefit 22 states and seven tribes, as part of the Community Wildfire Defense Grant program.
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Expanding access to healthy school meals. In September 2023, USDA finalized a regulation expanding the availability of the school lunch program Community Eligibility Provision, commonly known as CEP, which gives about 3,000 more school districts in high - need areas the option to serve breakfast and lunch to all students at no cost. USDA is also supporting expanded access to healthy school meals by offering ex - tensive financial support for schools including providing 50 cents more per lunch and 18 cents more per breakfast for school year 2023 - 24, compared to last school year's base reimbursement rates, through annual inflation adjustments and Supply Chain Assistance funds; $ 30 million in Healthy Meals Incentives grants to 264 small and rural school dis - tricts nationwide; $ 30 million in FY 2023 Equipment Grants for states an school districts operating school lunch programs; and nearly $ 11 million in FY 2023 Farm to School Grants, serving 1.2 million children.
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Supporting emergency food operations. USDA awarded nearly $ 100 million in Reach & Resiliency grants to 42 state agencies to expand The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) operations in underserved areas, including remote, rural, and tribal communities. USDA also announced a second round of nearly $ 1 billion in funding through USDA's Commodity Credit Corporation for states to order commodities from USDA vendors for emergency food providers, including food banks and community kitchens, as they face high demand and supply chain disruptions. The investment is part of USDA's continued efforts to make nutritious food grown by American producers more accessible for families and students nationwide.
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Increasing access to summer nutrition assistance. Starting in summer 2023, USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is allowing certain rural areas to distribute summer meals to kids outside of the typically required group (congregate) settings through the Summer Food Service Program and National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option. This action will help close the summer hunger gap and ensure equitable access to nutritious food for children in all parts of the country during the summer months. FNS is also partnering with states and stakeholders to stand up a permanent Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program starting in summer 2024, which will provide benefits to purchase groceries over the summer to families with children who qualify for free or reduced - price school meals.
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Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and others at an Asian American and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) event in the Peoples Garden in Washington, DC.
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Empowering Tribal Sovereignty and Upholding Treaty Responsibilities to Indian Tribes
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The Forest Service's Action Plan on Tribal Consultation and Strengthening Nation - to - Nation Relationships, released in February 2023, provides guidance on respecting tribal sovereignty and treaty obligations, and supporting tribal self - determination
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policies. It focuses on strengthening relationships between Indian tribes and the Forest Service and enhancing co - stewardship of forests and grasslands. With this tool in hand, the Forest Service's management of federal lands and waters can seek to incorporate treaty, religious, spiritual, subsistence, economic, and cultural interests of federally recognized tribes consistent with USDA authorities. A March 2023 announcement committed $ 12 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to be invested in FY 2023 to complete projects in support of the Tribal Forest Protection Act (TFPA). Funded projects will focus on improving relationships, co - stewardship, restoring traditionally significant plants, and reducing hazardous fuels, while incorporating indigenous knowledge in decisions processes, creating job opportunities for tribal crews, and increasing youth engagement.
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Deepening co - stewardship. As part of President Biden's Tribal Homelands Initiative, USDA signed Joint Secretarial Order 3403 in November 2021. The Order acknowledges that tribal nations can and must play an important role in the management of lands and waters the Federal Government has been entrusted to manage for the benefit of all Americans. One year later, the Department reported historical progress in collaborating with tribal nations across the country to foster opportunities for co - stewardship. In total, in FY 2022 Forest Service signed approximately 60 new co - stewardship agreements; in FY 2023 Forest Service nearly doubled that with approximately 120 new co - stewardship agreements.
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Engagement with Veterans and their communities, including underserved communities; Policy and operational changes such as grantmaking programs, research and training programs; and Executing historic legislation, including the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 (P.L. 117 - 168).
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Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors from historically underserved demographic groups are most likely to experience systemic barriers that negatively impact them in benefit outcomes and access to VA services. Some areas of concern and identified barriers where VA will immediately focus are as follows: The lack of authoritative information sources and aggregate data pertaining to VBA benefit utilization by socio - demographic groups. On July 26, 2023, Government Accountability Office (GAO) released its report: VA Disability Benefits: Actions Needed to Further Examine Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Compensation (GAO - 23 - 106097) that recommended VA develop a documented detailed plan to address limitations related to its race and ethnicity data for Veterans. The lack of objectivity in potential areas of high risk in the adjudication and promulgation of disability compensation benefits, as shown through data that might be indicative of bias in the evidence - gathering process (i.e., diagnostic exams / mental health) and / or consistency of disability ratings evaluations. The lack of outreach, education and awareness related to disability compensation benefits that may have resulted in Veterans being unaware of benefits or that potentially inhibit Veterans from seeking VA benefits and care.
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Disabled, Veterans
Findings from VA VSignals surveys and local townhalls, Veteran outreach events and Veteran listening sessions that are designed to garner feedback from and to promote awareness for underserved populations. Findings and recommendations from published VA advisory committee reports, such as the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans (ACMV) reports from 2013, 2015 and 2016 - 2018, - which raised issues and made recommendations for VBA to assess its data and root causes related to racial and ethnically - based inequities. Findings from the GAO Report, VA Disability Benefits: Actions Needed to Further Examine Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Compensation (GAO - 23 - 106097), issued July 2023.
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Disabled, Native American, Rural, Veterans, Women
To address these barriers, VA will staff the newly established VBA Office of Equity Assurance to: Establish initiatives and track actions to ensure equity action plans and goals are achieved. Assess the impact of ethnicity, socio - economic status, rural location, gender identification, tribal or native American affiliation and era of military service, on women Veterans ' opportunity to access VA benefits. Review prior studies and reports that identify and explore gaps in and barriers to benefits for underrepresented groups as well as engage in new studies that further refine and identify gaps and barriers experienced by underrepresented groups. Review each VBA benefit program to determine if there are systemic issues that create disparities within underrepresented groups and - where disparities are found - work to eliminate them through specific action plans that could include improved policies, procedures, training, quality control, data, outreach, customer experience and outcomes. Develop a VBA data strategy that leads to programmatic action to improve disability benefit outcomes. Conduct a systemic data analysis using available socio - demographic data to assess VBA's benefit utilization populations, identify potential disparities and understand the root cause (s) of any identified disparities using demographic data approved by the Data Governance Council. Develop strategic partnerships with VA stakeholders to address matters of equity for members of underrepresented groups.
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Disabled, Veterans
Expand strategic partnerships with external partners (VSO, local / state government, civic / non - profit partners and others) and improve outreach to Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors, including those in underserved populations, to ensure they are aware of benefits available to them and provide them assistance on how to navigate the disability claims process. Conduct VBA studies and data analyses to address racial and ethnic disparities in the disability compensation process. This would include completing a FY 2023 study to address findings from previously conducted study in FY 2022, Barrier Analysis for Mental Health in Compensation Benefits, that identified some disparities based on race and ethnicity, and a new study to address the recommendations of GAO in its report, VA Disability Benefits: Actions Needed to Further Examine Disparities in Compensation (GAO - 23 - 106097). As root cause analyses are completed, VBA will develop and implement plans to address actionable issues. Identify and implement program changes that improve benefit outcomes for Veterans that will reduce or eliminate identified gaps. Assess and evaluate VBA equity data trends and their root causes and create strategies with actions to reduce or eliminate disparities.
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Disabled, LGBTQ+, Native American, Rural, Veterans, Women
Near - to Medium - Term (VBA efforts are new and will establish the baseline for future metrics): Number of national symposia or Special Emphasis Programs conducted for minority Veterans, women Veterans, rural Veterans, LGBTQ + Veterans and Tribal and Native American Veterans to increase awareness of available benefits for these populations by September 30, 2024. Goal = Four (4) Number of new partnerships with other Federal, state and local governments and other institutions to engage on issues related to underrepresented groups. Goal = Three (3) Longer - Term Percentage of approvals and denials for the top ten most claimed conditions in disability compensation by age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, religion, disability, sexual orientation and geographic location. Goal = parity Percentage of approvals and denials of benefits claims (VA Home Loan Guaranty, Education, Insurance, Veterans Readiness and Employment (vocational rehabilitation), Pension, etc.) by age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, religion, disability, sexual orientation and geographic location. Goal = parity
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Disabled
Percentage of Compensation and Pension medical disability examinations completed or canceled by age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, religion, disability, sexual orientation and geographic location. Goal = parity Percentage of approvals and denials of Appeals Modernization Act decisions by age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, religion, disability, sexual orientation and geographic location. Goal = parity
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Disabled, Native American, Rural, Veterans
Engage with VSOs and Federal, state, local (including tribal and rural) agencies and other Veteran advocacy partners to understand and combat barriers to achieve more equitable outcomes. Hold routine listening sessions with Veteran - advocate and community - based organizations throughout the year. Ensure disability claims data are transparent and available to our stakeholders and partners on a routine basis (such as PACT Act data that includes demographic information).
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Veterans
Veterans from historically underserved groups often experience difficulties receiving high quality care and achieving optimal health outcomes. To achieve equity, VA needs to identify disparities in clinical care in our system's hospitals and clinics and implement interventions to eliminate them and identify unmet social needs that underlie many inequities and connect Veterans with appropriate social services. Specific barriers include the following: Workforce with insufficient knowledge of barriers to equity, implicit bias and existing tools to address health inequities that would empower them to deliver equitable health care. Lack of systematic screening for and awareness of unmet social needs impacting Veterans. Inaccurate / incomplete demographic and social needs data that make it harder to identify at - risk Veterans.
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Disabled, Rural, Veterans
Engagement with VA clinicians and staff, Veterans and operational partners. Population health metrics (e.g., analyzing existing quality measures by demographic characteristics such as race / ethnicity using existing tools such as the Primary Care Equity Dashboard and the National Veteran Health Equity Report and manually looking for disparities on other clinical data platforms). For example, the National Veteran Health Equity Report provides information regarding disparities in patient experiences and health care quality for Veterans who obtain health care services through VHA. Data on disparities are presented by race / ethnicity, gender, age group, rurality of residence, socio - economic status and service - connected disability rating, and by cardiovascular risk factors of hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes. VA leaders and staff can use these findings to inform and tailor quality improvement approaches for both Veteran patient experience and health care outcomes. Primary Care Equity Dashboard (e.g., allows VA staff to identify disparities in specific health process and outcome measures by race / ethnicity, sex / gender, geography and neighborhood poverty level for select chronic disease - related quality measures). Updated daily, VA staff can use this dashboard to see potential health outcomes disparities at the facility - level and plan quality improvement interventions to reduce inequities by race / ethnicity, sex / gender, geography and neighborhood poverty level, such as those related to high blood pressure, diabetes control and cancer screening. Medical literature and research (e.g., Prevalence of and Interventions to Reduce Health Disparities in Vulnerable Veteran Populations; addressing disparities in blood pressure control among Veterans with severe hypertension; and identifying and addressing Veteran social needs.
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Veterans
The Joint Commission Equity Standards (Leadership Standard 04.03.08; National Patient Safety Goal 16.01.01) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Equity Standards (i.e., regulatory requirements to improve health care equity, screen for health - related social needs and address social determinants of health). Assessing Circumstances and Offering Resources for Needs (ACORN), a growing initiative to systematically identify and address social needs among Veterans receiving care under VA, has demonstrated that Veterans continue to have unmet social needs (e.g., digital access / digital literacy, transportation, legal). The ACORN initiative consists of the following two core components: 1) a standardized screening tool to identify unmet social needs at the point of care and; 2) the provision of relevant resources and referrals to help address Veterans ' unmet social needs. The nine domains covered in the screening tool are housing, food, utilities, transportation, education, employment, legal, social isolation / loneliness and digital access / digital literacy. Veterans who express unmet social needs on the ACORN screener are offered referrals to relevant services (e.g., Social Work, Mental Health), support navigating resources and / or geographically tailored resource guides with information about VA and community services.
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AAPI, Alaskan, Black, Hawaiian, Latinx, Pacific Islander, Rural, Veterans, Women
VA established an Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS) and Freely Associated States (FAS) workstream that conducted enterprise - wide feasibility assessments to improve care and benefits for these underserved and marginalized Veteran populations. The assessments resulted in recommendations for improvement to VA benefits and care in the OCONUS / FAS areas. Conducted Veterans Experience Action Center (VEAC) events in Michigan, Texas, Montana, Colorado, California, Kentucky, Hawaii, American Samoa and Guam that address and solve issues about access to VA care and benefits enrollment for Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors. VEAC events provide peer - to peer connections, resources and immediate help for Veterans at - risk for homelessness. Additional progress includes the following: Targeted emails and flyers to African American Chambers of Commerce, VSOs, local businesses and local governments which resulted in a doubling of minority Veteran participation in VEAC's. Served 4,583 Veterans, their family members, caregivers and survivors in FY 2023, including 837 women and 582 Veterans at - risk of homelessness. Targeted email communications were sent through the # VetResources newsletter to subscribers in rural areas and women subscribers. Measured demographic information and obtained self - identified demographics through post - event exit surveys. Of the 2,145 VEAC exit survey responses in FY 2023, 873 respondents identified as either American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and / or Hispanic or Latino - an increase of 41 % over FY 2022. Launched first Pacific region VEAC with a special emphasis on women Veterans, resulting in almost 30 % increase in women Veteran engagement when compared to previous participation rates.
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Disabled, Veterans
Increasing and standardizing the collection and use of equity data (age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, geographic location, language preference and other factors across VHA programs) in VA health records to support tracking disparities in health care outcomes among Veterans receiving care through VA at the national and local levels. Increasing technical assistance and resources to VA medical centers (VAMC) to address Veterans ' unmet social needs (food insecurity, housing instability, utilities, legal, transportation, social isolation / loneliness, employment, education and digital), the root causes of many identified disparities. Expanding the use of equity to guide quality improvement approaches and integrating equity into existing VA quality improvement and performance monitoring processes, thereby creating more efficient and streamlined pathways for addressing health care disparities.
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Veterans
Percentage of VAMCs subject to the regulatory standard National Patient Safety Goal 16.01.01 (improve health care equity) that identify a committee to address health care and social disparities. Percentage of VAMCs that show evidence of a plan to analyze quality of care data for disparities (e.g., analyze racial / ethnic disparities in diabetes control). Percentage of VAMCs that identify at least one specific health disparity that they plan to reduce (e.g., reducing disparities in the prescription of novel diabetes medications) using equity - guided quality improvement strategies by FY 2030. Percentage of Veteran Integrated Service Networks that screen for 1,000 unique Veterans for social determinants of health (SDOH) using ACORN and addresses identified social risks in FY 2024. SDOH contribute to many disparities and need to be addressed to achieve health equity.
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Veterans
Engage with Veterans to systematically identify and address unmet social needs among Veterans to improve health and advance health equity. Collaborate with community - based organizations to develop geographically tailored resource guides based on needs identified through ACORN. Hold interviews and listening sessions with Veterans, Veteran - advocate and community - based organizations should further changes be made to the ACORN screening tool. Leverage ACORN to help VA identify gaps in service delivery, inform future resource allocation and help to identify new opportunities for community engagement. Leverage ACORN data to better understand Veterans with unmet legal needs. This information can then be used to educate law enforcement about interacting with Veterans with mental health and
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Veterans
Seek input from Veterans and community organizations that support Veteran and military populations in developing tools to enable VAMCs understand and address disparities in health care. Meet with Veterans, community organization representatives and VSO Communicators focused on identifying important health disparities for Veterans, understanding factors contributing to these disparities and improving tools and collaborative processes to address them.
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Disabled, Rural, Veterans, Women
Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors who are individuals with disabilities, have limited English proficiency, or are in rural areas, FAS and parts of underserved communities have experienced limited access to tools, resources, VA facilities and burial grounds. Women Veterans are more likely to face inequitable access and utilization due to some of the following barriers:
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Veterans, Women
Women Veterans often do not self - identify as Veterans; VA environment: lack of safety, comfort and a welcoming environment for women; Lack of trust in VA; and Women Veterans do not know the scope of services available to them and how their eligibilities have expanded through legislation over the years.
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AAPI, Veterans, Women
Women Veterans do not self - identify as Veterans due to various root causes that include societal expectations, service / military stereotyping and institutional distrust. Studies have indicated trust as a major factor for women Veterans ' disengagement with VA services, which correlates with women Veteran experiences. The Pacific Region AANHPI Veteran Experience journey map describes experiences in the Pacific AANHPI Veteran Journey before, during and after their engagement with VA. These phases are further segmented into moments that matter, capturing pain points, bright spots and important interactions that influence how the customer experience unfolds. The Veterans and Family Information Act (P.L. 117 - 62) states VA shall make available versions of all its facts sheets in English, Spanish, Tagalog and each of the 10 most spoken languages.
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Veterans, Women
VA will improve access to VA's programs, benefits, health care and other activities by: Completing and reviewing results from a CWV survey of women Veterans who are not connected to VA, to discover why they do not use VA benefits and / or care. Conducting VEACs using a marketing approach to maximize participation by underserved Veteran populations, including women, racial and ethnic minorities and other underserved groups, with particular attention towards increasing trust as well as engaging Veterans who are not connected to VA. Launching the " " LAM Campaign " " in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to increase women Veterans self - identifying as Veterans through empowerment and build a welcoming environment in VA.
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Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Rural, Veterans, Women
Launching the refined Women Veterans Survey to continue tracking and identifying trends on barriers for why women Veterans do not use VA. Making the Women Veterans Community Support Forum a permanent semiannual event, bringing together traditional Veteran organizations and nontraditional organizations across society to convene, inform, update and create connections that will help increase awareness of the services and eligibilities for women Veterans through the organizations ' reach. Issuing VA guidance for providing language access for Veterans, their families, caregivers, survivors and members of the public who have limited English proficiency. Collaborating with the VA Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs, OMB and the White House as well as VSOs, Veterans, family, survivors and caregivers to support passage of H.R. 4325 - Historically Underserved Veterans Inclusion Act of 2023 (introduced on June 23, 2023, by Representative Sheila Cherfilus - McCormick and 14 co - sponsors). This legislation will broaden the scope of the CMV and ACMV to ensure equitable access for historically underserved Veterans. Restructuring and publishing VA Directive 0801, Minority Veterans Program, to identify and strengthen the role of Minority Veterans Program Coordinators (MVPC) in local communities. This restructuring will create additional access points. Improving access to care and benefits for underserved Veteran populations by leveraging existing human - centered design (HCD) insights on bright spots, pain points and " " moments that matter. " " Measuring trust of underserved Veteran populations by specific VA service line or outreach event. Establishing a Center for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Health as appropriated in FY 2023. Continuing to improve access to burial services by working towards establishing cemeteries in rural areas. Building Veteran and employee awareness of the role and responsibilities of the MVPC. Standing up an Advisory Committee for US Outlying Areas and Freely Associated States (FAS) and holding first meeting in the first quarter of FY 2024 with members from each covered location, providing information and recommendations to better serve Veterans, their families, caregivers, survivors in those remote areas.
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Rural, Veterans, Women
Number of translated documents in VA that support strengthening the limited English proficiency plan. Number of awards for relevant studies and projects regarding underserved populations in the Pacific region. Percentage of rural cemetery construction milestones completed timely for Cedar City National Cemetery by Calendar Year (CY) 2024 and Elko National Cemetery by CY 2025. Number of Veterans including Women and minority Veterans, participating in all VEACs. Percentage increase in trust rating of Veterans, including Women and minority Veterans after VEACs. Percentage of women Veterans enrolling and using Veterans benefits and care for the first time. Number of women Veterans engaged as a result of the I AM Campaign. Number of traditional and nontraditional organizations participating in the Women Veterans Community Support Forum.
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Rural, Veterans, Women
VA provided $ 718,000 to 20 medical centers to implement and / or advance equity, quality improvement (QI) and performance monitoring projects and initiatives. These efforts focus on a range of health equity - related topics including diabetes, hyperlipidemia and hypertension management as well as social determinants of health, Veteran perceptions of care and preventive services. Medical centers submitted QI project proposals that specified focusing on diverse equity characteristics, including age, sex / gender, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation and rurality. Many VA medical centers that received these funds participated in project theme - based, virtual communities of practice (i.e., QI collaboratives) to share lessons learned and challenges encountered as part of their QI projects. Examples of funded equity - guided QI projects: Five QI projects included clinician education to improve prescribing and patient use of newer blood sugar lowering medications. Five QI projects included clinical education to improve prescribing and patient use of statin medications that prevent heart disease. One QI project created a new electronic medical record documentation tool to help understand and improve patient medication adherence. One QI project begun development on a novel risk tool using machine learning to help support timely follow - up care of Veterans recently hospitalized in the intensive care unit. VA completed the study required by section 5305 of the Deborah Sampson Act of 2020: Study and Task Force on Veterans Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) or Sexual Assault (SA). The study highlighted areas that remain largely understudied, including IPV / SA among women Veterans, and suggests exploring (a) factors impeding Veterans in underrepresented groups from engaging in IPV research; (b) the role of socio - demographic factors in IPV; (c) the impact of IPV and its consequences; and (d) the association to health care utilization.
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Veterans, Women
Satisfaction results from Veterans, their families, caregivers, survivors and others who access translated documents at VA. Usage rates and trust score for Veterans in the Pacific region. Percentage of Veterans with a burial option in a national, state or territory Veterans ' cemetery within 75 miles of their residence. Rate of enrollment in VA benefits and care among Veterans, including Women and minority Veterans, transitioning out of the military. Trend over time of Veterans, including Women and minority Veterans ' Trust Scores.
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Hawaiian, Veterans
Collaborate with academic affiliates and other organizations on studies that are relevant to underserved populations in Hawaiian and Pacific Islands. Include Veterans on the VA Advisory Committee on the Outlying Areas and FAS who are members from the covered areas. Include ex officio members from the Department of State and the Department of State and the Department of Interior on the VA Advisory Committee on the Outlying Areas and FAS.
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Disabled, Veterans
VA operates a large and complex acquisition program. This inherently favors firms who already understand the program or have the resources necessary to learn it. The perceived difficulty of learning the system may act as a barrier to new entrants and disadvantaged businesses with limited resources. Overcoming this information gap will be essential to the success of underserved firms. Reducing costs and administrative burdens are in tension with the need for additional contracts. Also, VA's mission and statutory mandate require VA to be Veterans First in all efforts surrounding procurement. The Veterans First statutory mandate is implemented through the VA Rule of Two. The statute requires the Department to set - aside contracts first for Service - Disabled Veteran - owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) and Veteran - owned Small Businesses (VOSB) before other socio - economic categories, after it is determined that the Veteran firm can meet all other required acquisition regulatory and legislative criteria. Thus, by law, WOSB, HUBZone and SDB companies not owned by Veterans are considered only after a determination is made that an SDVOSB or VOSB set - aside is unfeasible. These competing objectives can pose a barrier if the VA staff is not properly trained to follow established acquisition regulatory guidance and other legislative requirements.
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Veterans
OMB illustrates that VA contracting is increasingly dominated by established vendors rather than new entrants. As VA has reduced its total vendor base from 11,964 in FY 2020 to 10,887 in FY 2022, the share of established vendors (not recent or new entrants) has increased. In FY 2020, 61.7 % of VA's vendors were established vendors. In FY 2022, the share of established vendors increased to 66.6 %. This suggests the reduction in total vendors is occurring at the expense of new or recent entrants. An analysis of VA - funded contract actions from the Federal Procurement Data System demonstrates how the Veterans First procurement hierarchy reduces the number of contract opportunities for non - Veteran disadvantaged firms. In FY 2022, out of $ 6.3 billion in contract dollars awarded through some type of set - aside, VA awarded $ 5.7 billion (91 %) specifically using the SDVOSB set - aside. Since the SDVOSB set - aside is first on VA's procurement hierarchy, this result is predictable. However, the second tier on VA's procurement hierarchy (VOSB set - aside) was used to award only $ 59 million, a dramatically lower figure. Awards through the HUBZone and 8 (a) Business Development Program set asides were even lower. Alternatively, the last tier on VA's set - aside hierarchy received the second highest volume of dollars; $ 461 million were awarded through the general small business set - aside. These data illustrate two factors. First, the procurement hierarchy tends to screen out contracting opportunities for programs lower on the hierarchy. Second, the intermediate tiers such as HUBZone,
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LGBTQ+, Women
Increasing collaborative outreach, education and networking opportunities to reach SDB, Women, LGBTQ +, 8 (a) and HUBZone firms. VA will identify and work with industry associations, other Federal agencies, SBA and APEX accelerators to co - host virtual and in - person education seminars. This will allow VA to reach underserved populations across socio - economic categories. By investing in business development education, training and networking, VA will continue to assist SDBs, WOSBs and HUBZone firms to overcome the information barrier, enhance their chances of success at contracting with VA. Offering outreach programs in which VA's buyer organizations brief industry on their initiatives, challenges and requirements to create access to opportunities in VA contracting for underserved communities. Implementing a more robust, data - rich Forecast of Contracting Opportunities to provide small and underserved businesses with advanced information to market their capabilities to relevant program offices. Monitoring and enforcing VA's agency - wide compliance to publish projected needs in the Forecast of Contracting Opportunities in advance of acquisition planning. Issuing guidance to VA contracting personnel with the authority to make procurement decisions on how to improve opportunities to award SDB, WOSB and HUBZones. Continuing to identify and measure new entrants for VA contract awards using VA Pathfinder, OMB and the Budget Procurement Equity Portal. Seeking Congressional approval of an order of preference that includes WOSB within the third category following SDVOSBs and VOSBs. Continuing internal training for VA's buyers to ensure they understand the policy imperatives of small business utilization and know how to conduct market research to maximize small and underserved business participation. Publishing procurement policies on improving opportunities to make awards to SDB, WOSB and HUBZone companies (on VA's Acquisition Knowledge Portal, the site for procurement policy).
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Veterans
Inconsistent demographic data collection for Veterans served and sparse information on Veterans VA does not serve does not allow consistent measured outcomes based on demographics. Inability of VA Administrations and systems to access demographic data in meaningful ways hinders the ability to inform / achieve equitable outcomes in key business and health processes. Historical lack of consistent collection and analysis of demographic data hampers evidence - based decision - making.
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Disabled
VA Equity Assessments (e.g., VBA Pension Equity Assessment, VBA Mental Health Barrier Analysis) identified the need to address lack of complete and consistent collection of demographic data to be able to analyze and measure equity on all programs. GAO 106097: VA Disability Benefits Actions Needed to Further Examine Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Compensation cites recommendations including that VA: (a) develop a plan to address
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Rural, Veterans, Women
VA augmented its PACT Act Performance Dashboard to include a quarterly demographic supplement that includes demographics analyses for key metrics beginning with gender, race / ethnicity and age, that will provide insights to help ensure VA's implementation of the law serves all Veterans. In October 2021, VA enhanced the quarterly VA - Wide Trust Survey to capture voluntary, self - reported expanded demographic options for race, ethnicity, gender identity and sexual orientation to identify trust scores for underserved populations. These metrics are reported each quarter as part of VA's I * DEA agency priority goal (APG) for the FY 2022 - 2023 cycle and from quarter 1 of FY 2022 through quarter 3 of FY 2023, statistically significant increases in trust occurred across 10 of the 26 enhanced demographic domains. When comparing quarter 3 of FY 2022 trust scores with quarter 3 of FY 2023 trust scores, VA saw statistically significant increases across 19 of the 26 domains. See Appendix, VA - Wide Trust Scores: I * DEA APG, quarter 1 of FY 2022 through quarter 3 of FY 2023. The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) hosted 12 symposia to enhance outreach to rural communities, minority Veterans and women Veterans. The information shared at these symposia included resources to overcome transportation challenges, information on the roles of Minority Program Coordinators, fraud prevention and PACT Act awareness. VBA's Customer Outreach Survey indicated an overall score of 4.4 out of 5 for the symposia.
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Veterans
Section 5401 of H.R. 7105 - Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 requires VA to collect and analyze data on its programs that provide benefits or care to Veterans, disaggregated by gender, race and ethnicity. The Use of VA Benefits and Services, a recurring OPEN data product from VA's Office of Data Governance and Analytics, consistently shows that use of VA benefits vary by race, ethnicity and gender.
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Disabled, Native American, Veterans
To improve data collection and ensure VA's process and actions are data - informed, VA will start by tasking the Data Governance Council to: Issue guidance on an enterprise standard for the collection of demographic data (e.g., race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, disability, national origin, Veteran status, income, location, religion and tribal enrollment) across VA and continue with the development of a VA - Wide Demographic Data Strategy that aligns with OMB guidance, other Federal policies and best practices. Continue deployment and collection of self - reported expanded demographic options and self - identification through VA health systems, surveys, VA forms and community engagements. Develop a baseline and maintain measurement of enterprise data quality scores for all demographic data currently collected in VA. Implement improved data collection and sharing across all Administrations to develop key performance metrics and enable equity assessments. Collaborate with stakeholders across VA, establishing a collective veteran authoritative dataset (CVAD) - a single, validated source of shared Veteran data (including demographic data) to be leveraged for analytics enterprise - wide. Publish internal provenance of data elements included in the CVAD. Obtain access to income data on Veterans (only element not collected by VA).
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Veterans
Number of demographic data elements (race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity) for which we have an authoritative data source. Goal = At least four (4). Percentage of demographic components with an authoritative data source for all Veterans, including those who do not use VA services, based on the seven dimensions of data quality. Percentage of demographic data elements with enterprise collection standards. Percentage of relevant source systems in compliance with enterprise demographic collection standards. Percentage of analytic platforms and relevant source systems connected to the CVAD.
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Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Veterans, Women
In partnership with the Departments of Housing and Urban Development and Health and Human Services and the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, VA hosted the Here for Hope Education and Resources Symposium. This symposium shared information about women's health transition training; an overview of women's health; Vet Center services for women Veterans; fraud prevention; how to apply for benefits; an update on the PACT Act; and information on benefits and support unique to the Women Veteran Special Emphasis Program. Completed an in - person listening session for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Veterans in Hawaii and California to gain further insights on experiences and perceptions as gathered in the Pacific journey map. Executed the first Women Veterans Community Support Forum, bringing VSOs and other traditional Veteran organizations together with non - traditional organizations to exchange information and connect women Veterans to their VA benefits and care. The Women Veterans Community Support Forum will be a semi - annual forum to deepen stakeholder engagement.
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Senior, Veterans
VA integrated environmental justice into its mission and will continue to encourage and facilitate meaningful involvement of affected stakeholders and communities (Veterans Affairs Environmental Justice Scorecard). In FY 2023, VA's energy performance contracting program began considering environmental justice as an evaluation criterion for new project starts. Established VA's National Environmental Protection Act Interim Guidance for Project parameters to consider environmental justice (EJ) as part of the process. In 2022, VA published an updated Directive 0065, Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Planning, that incorporated pursuing climate mitigation efforts that advance environmental justice as a core policy. This policy update was not directly related to the VA's EJ Strategic Plan, but rather part of larger planning in which environmental justice was prioritized. In response to Executive Order 14057 VA established a senior level Sustainability Task Force with environmental justice as a cross - cutting priority among all climate and environmental areas.
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AAPI, Alaskan, Black, Hawaiian, Latinx, LGBTQ+, Native American, Rural, Veterans
VA proposed modifications to the regulatory framework for eligibility determinations involving Veterans ' military discharges that may be considered " " dishonorable " " for VA benefit eligibility purposes. The proposed revision of 38 C.F.R. § 3.12, Update and Clarify Regulatory Bars to Benefits Based on Character of Discharge, addresses disparities related to Veteran status and eligibility determination that are a major issue for homeless Veterans as well as LGBTQ + and other minority Veterans. While rulemaking is still ongoing, VA highlights the following public - facing efforts to hear concerns from underrepresented groups: July 2020: Published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to amend 38 C.F.R. § 3.12 (85 FR 41471) Update and Clarify Regulatory Bars to Benefits Based on Character of Discharge; September 2021: Published a Request for Information (RFI) to the Federal Register for additional public commentary on aspects of the proposed regulation (86 FR 50513) Discharge; and Held listening sessions in October 2021. VA published a request for information (RFI) on June 20, 2023, for the public to provide data and information on minority and historically underserved Veterans. Historically underserved Veterans includes racial and ethnic minorities (Asian American; Black or African American; Hispanic / Latino; Native American, including American Indian, Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian; or Pacific - Islander American); LGBTQ + individuals; those determined to be underserved based on their religious beliefs and practices; those with language barriers or without citizenship status; and those in rural areas and on tribal lands. The Center for Minority Veterans (CMV) will use this input to improve outreach, education, engagement, enrollment, advocacy and access programs for minority and underserved Veterans.
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Rural, Veterans
The PACT Act is the largest health care and benefit expansion in VA history. This law helps provide generations of Veterans (Vietnam era, Gulf War era and Post 9 / 11 era) with benefits and health care for exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic substances. To provide insights to help ensure that implementation of the law leads to equitable outcomes for all Veterans, VA has: Supplemented its PACT Act performance dashboard to include demographics such as gender, race / ethnicity and age; Translated PACT ACT fact sheets into 13 languages, with additional languages in process, improving access for Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors with preferred languages other than English; Launched VA.gov / PACT, a comprehensive public - facing resource for Veterans and their families, caregivers and survivors; Trained employees on the new law, resulting in being able to reach more Veterans; and Used PACT Act authorities to improve national rural recruitment and hiring for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA); enhance the ability of VA to hire and retain staff, including health care providers, recent graduates and housekeeping aides; offer higher salaries, awards and bonuses to critical staff; and increase the amount of student loan repayment employees can receive. These new authorities resulted in nearly a 12,000 net increase of VA employees - over 7,600 of which were clinical occupations. These additional staff assisted in providing services to nearly 122,000 new enrollees and processing of over 900,000 claims.
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Veterans
Built and maintained trust with Underserved Veterans
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Veterans
Addressed health equity for underserved Veterans
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Veterans
Advance health equity by reducing health disparities, ensuring access to high - quality care for every eligible Veteran and using equity - informed approaches to better reach underserved Veterans.
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Veterans
Percentage of VAMCs that demonstrate a reduction in a health care outcome disparity (e.g., reducing disparities in Veterans with poor HbA1c control).
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Veterans
substance use disorders and to support the VHA National Veterans Justice Programs Office and Legal Services for Veterans Program in their efforts to support Veterans who may be in need of legal services.
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AAPI, Hawaiian
The Department of Labor Title VI Interagency Working Group; the White House Initiative on Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) Office; and the Departments of State, Interior, Health and Human Services and Commerce.
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Women
Advance economic security by ensuring procurement practices reach underserved communities via increasing opportunities for Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDB), Women Owned Small Businesses (WOSB) and Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone).
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Veterans
8 (a) and WOSBs may be receiving insufficient consideration before application of the set - aside for all small businesses. While VA makes no apology for putting Veterans first, as consistent with VA's mission, this illustrates that requirements have effects, even if unintended, on other policy objectives.
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Veterans
At the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), our mission is to provide world - class care and benefits to all Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors - regardless of who they are, what they look like, who they love, where they are from or how they identify. The Nation's heroes have served and sacrificed for our country, and it is our job at VA to serve them as well as they have served us. This means ensuring equitable outcomes for every Veteran in the benefits and care we provide to them. In addition, we are committed to building and sustaining a thriving culture where everyone, including our employees, feels safe, welcome and valued.
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Veterans
As part of our effort, VA established the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (I * DEA) Council, which serves as the Agency Equity Team (pursuant to President Biden's Executive Order (EO) 14091). The I * DEA Council will address inclusion, diversity, equity and access at VA and will deliver a comprehensive equity strategy that will embed robust equity practices into VA culture, policies, programs, training and decision - making processes. The I * DEA Council has been empowered to lead efforts to ensure that all Veterans are treated fairly and provided their full earned benefits and world - class health care to enable them to enjoy a full, healthy life.
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Veterans
Increase evidence - based decision making by improving the collection, quality and accessibility of demographic and related data to ensure equity in the delivery of care and benefits to Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors.
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Disabled
limitations with its race and ethnicity data; and (b) conduct a comprehensive assessment of disability compensation to identify the root causes that could contribute to racial and ethnic disparities.
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Veterans
This will be a collaborative and transparent effort. We will work with employees, agencies across the Federal Government, community partners, Congressional leaders, Veterans Service Organizations (VSO) and other internal and external stakeholders every step of the way. Most importantly, we will listen to the Veterans, families, caregivers and survivors we serve about the challenges they face and how to overcome them.
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Veterans
This work is important, and we are committed to doing it with the utmost urgency - and doing it right. We will not rest until every Veteran gets the world - class benefits and care they have earned.
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Disabled, Veterans
VA's core mission is to deliver quality health care and excellent benefits to meet the unique needs of all eligible beneficiaries. To advance equity, VA will foster a diverse and inclusive culture throughout the Department that advances equitable outcomes by providing all Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors with the world - class care, benefits and memorial services they have earned and deserve - no matter their age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, religion, disability, sexual orientation or geographic location.
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Veterans
Factors that contribute to an impact a Veteran's overall trust in VA include lease, effectiveness and emotion, all of which align with OMB A - 11, § 280 and VA's Customer Experience framework, as codified in 38 C.F.R. § § 0.600 - 0.603.
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Veterans
VA analyzes what Veterans are saying about their VA experiences in receiving care, benefits and other services and levels of lease, effectiveness and emotion are anticipated to drive increases in trust.
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Veterans
VA recognizes that Veterans face the same systemic inequities that are reflected in the general American population. As a Federal steward to nearly 19 million Veterans, VA must lead by example, exhibiting a more inclusive environment in which all who rely on our services feel safe, welcome and also receive the benefits and care they have earned. This includes ensuring all Veterans, including Veterans from underserved communities, have improved service delivery and customized services at each phase of the Veteran's journey to meet every Veteran where they are. It also includes creating opportunities to enhance access, outcomes and experiences while eliminating barriers to care and benefits.
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Veterans
VA continues to focus on ensuring equitable outcomes for all Veterans. As a part of this focus, VA has taken significant action to cultivate and sustain access to care and benefits through the following:
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Disabled, Veterans
In fiscal year (FY) 2024, VA will make progress through executing five strategies that will address systemic barriers experienced when applying for disability compensation; address difficulties achieving equitable health care outcomes; and providing equitable access to VA care and benefits. VA will create and expand opportunities in procurement that will target underrepresented communities and contribute to economic improvements. VA will continue its efforts in Veteran - centered data collection and evidence - based decision - making to inform and improve the overall health, well - being and trust of those we serve.
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Disabled, Veterans
Improve benefit outcomes for all Veterans by removing barriers that underserved eligible Veterans experience when seeking disability compensation.
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Veterans
Advance health equity by reducing health disparities, ensuring access to high - quality care for every eligible Veteran, and using equity - informed approaches to better reach underserved Veterans.
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Women
Advance economic security by ensuring procurement practices reach underserved communities via increasing opportunities for Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDB), Women Owned Small Businesses (WOSB) and Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone).
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Veterans
Increase evidence - based decision - making by improving the collection, quality and accessibility of demographic and related data to ensure equity in the delivery of care and benefits to Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors.
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Veterans
To fulfill the requirements of EO 13985, (Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities through the Federal Government, released in January 2021), VA took immediate steps to advance and sustain equity through policy and operational changes; grantmaking and research and development; and the continued use of the Veterans ' voice as our North Star for increasing trust and transparency by offering more stakeholder engagements to underserved communities. Below are some of VA's equity progress updates and accomplishments to date.
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Veterans
The VA DEA Council was charted on June 22, 2023, by the VA Operations Board, which is chaired by the Deputy Secretary. The I * DEA Council serves as the Agency Equity Team, as directed by EO 14091, Further Advancing Racial " " DEA Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through The Federal Government. The Council is the oversight body for Veteran and employee - facing I * DEA programs, policies and initiatives. The I * DEA Council enables enterprise action and accountability through planning, advising and monitoring, and will review and lead implementation activities to guarantee alignment with the VA FY 2022 - 2028 Strategic Plan, the VA Secretary's strategic priorities and other equity - related objectives.
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Disabled, Veterans
Improve benefit outcomes for all Veterans by removing barriers that underserved eligible Veterans experience when seeking disability compensation.
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Disabled, Veterans
Department of Defense (DOD); VSOs, and other state or local Veteran representatives and other entities who assist Veterans in preparing and submitting applications for disability compensation benefits.