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<!DOCTYPE html>
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<h1>Legislation</h1>
<p><i><ndoc>423</ndoc> (N = 423)</i></p>
</header>
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<li><span class="dot" style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 0, 0.4)"></span><input type="checkbox" class="navselect" name="navselection" onchange="navSelect(this)" value="American Rescue Plan" isradio="0">American Rescue Plan</input></li>
<li><span class="dot" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 0, 0.4)"></span><input type="checkbox" class="navselect" name="navselection" onchange="navSelect(this)" value="Bipartisan Infrastructure Law" isradio="0">Bipartisan Infrastructure Law</input></li>
<li><span class="dot" style="background-color: rgba(0, 255, 0, 0.4)"></span><input type="checkbox" class="navselect" name="navselection" onchange="navSelect(this)" value="Inflation Reduction Act" isradio="0">Inflation Reduction Act</input></li>
<li><span class="dot" style="background-color: rgba(0, 255, 255, 0.4)"></span><input type="checkbox" class="navselect" name="navselection" onchange="navSelect(this)" value="Infrastructure Investment And Jobs Act" isradio="0">Infrastructure Investment And Jobs Act</input></li>
<li><span class="dot" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.4)"></span><input type="checkbox" class="navselect" name="navselection" onchange="navSelect(this)" value="Justice40" isradio="0">Justice40</input></li>
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<div id="articles", class="articles">
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DHS 2023 Part Of Layout List 1</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DHS</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 1</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>5</td></tr></table>
<p>(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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">guidance</span> 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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">guidance</span> 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; </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DHS 2023 Part Of Layout List 16</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DHS</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 16</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>21</td></tr></table>
<p>To develop its outreach and engagement strategy, USCIS considered input from several recent engagements: On November 1, 2022, USCIS held a stakeholder engagement to provide an overview and gather stakeholder feedback on the new Form N - 648 and its corresponding policy. USCIS collected comments related to improvements that USCIS can legally make through a <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">regulation</span> or policy, and any form changes, <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">regulatory</span> provisions or USCIS policies related to the N - 648 that were a source </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DHS 2023 Part Of Layout List 17</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DHS</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 17</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>22</td></tr></table>
<p>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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">guidance</span> as well as intra - agency coordination. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DHS 2023 Part Of Layout List 18</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DHS</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 18</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>23</td></tr></table>
<p>During a June 2023 stakeholder listening session on AI and Equity at DHS, stakeholders raised concerns about transparency and disparate impact in DHS's use of AI. Stakeholders also recommended enhancing community engagement on the use and application of AI going forward to build greater trust with communities. Staff consultation with the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, policy development engagement dating back to the 2014 - 15 White House Big Data Papers, literature study, and interagency engagement with colleagues who have faced similar challenges and developed ethical codes and best practices in response, provide a basis for anticipating the challenges to ensuring <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">compliance</span> with applicable law and policy and in using AI to advance equity across all DHS missions. To encourage accountability and responsible use of AI in government programs and processes, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) developed an AI accountability framework ensuring AI is responsible, equitable, traceable, reliable, and governable. According to NIST, how accurately face recognition software tools identify people of varied sex, age, and racial backgrounds depends in part on the algorithm and data used. Results captured in the NIST report, Face Recognition Vendor Test (FRVT) Part 3: Demographic Effects (NISTIR 8280), found empirical evidence for the existence of demographic differentials across algorithms and developers, with the most accurate algorithms producing many fewer errors; NIST expects those algorithms to have smaller demographic differentials. A key goal of the Department's use of facial recognition technology is identifying and eliminating, to the extent it exists, any improper bias. The Final Report of the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence (2021) determined that " " unintended bias can be introduced during many stages of the machine learning (ML) process, which can lead to disparate impacts in American society, a problem that has been documented in law enforcement contexts. " " Commission recommendations include the establishment of " " a task force to assess the privacy and civil liberties implications of AI and emerging technologies " " and " " empower DHS Offices of Privacy and Civil Rights and Civil Liberties [ to ] play an integral role in the legal and approval processes for the procurement and use of Al - enabled systems. " " </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DHS 2023 Part Of Layout List 19</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DHS</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 19</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>24</td></tr></table>
<p>which includes explicit privacy, civil rights, civil liberties, and equity guidelines (including nondiscrimination provisions). Issue application - specific policy, as appropriate, including a Department - wide policy on facial recognition and facial detection technologies, requiring and enabling the minimization of improper bias in operational use and safeguarding of individuals against disproportionate or disparate impacts based on protected characteristics. Build on the principles articulated in EO 13960, Promoting the Use of Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence in the Federal Government, and leverage the ongoing work of the DHS AI Task Force (AITF) and the DHS AI Policy Working Group by establishing a DHS - specific AI risk management framework, including a focus on trustworthy and responsible AI that protects privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties and advances equity. Where reliance on an algorithm is likely to have a substantial effect on individuals, DHS will enable effective oversight through disclosure of algorithms relied upon, where appropriate; reliance on explainable algorithms when feasible; and placing an emphasis in policy and oversight activities on accountability. Sponsor a CRCL - led Responsible Use Group within the DHS AITF, to establish close coordination between the DHS AITF, the Privacy Office, and the operational and technical staff charged with leading the innovative AI projects sponsored by the AITF. The Responsible Use Group will ensure projects receive timely, tailored <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">compliance</span> and equity - enhancing policy advice and oversight scrutiny. Additionally it will work with the Department's AI Policy Working Group to leverage the lessons learned from this grass roots implementation work to inform policy and practices guiding the AITF projects, and Department - level AI governance policy, respectively. Examine the use and value of AI in meeting language access needs in DHS programs and operations through a new initiative on AI and Language Access. CRCL will convene a symposium on AI and Language Access in Fiscal Year 2024 to explore how various technologies (e.g., large language models) could address DHS mission needs for quality translation and access services while mitigating any potential harm on underserved populations. Incorporate forthcoming OMB government - wide <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">guidance</span> on AI implementation, including review of affected DHS policies protecting the individual rights and safety of the public and our employees, and updating civil rights and general individual protective policies and processes to incorporate additional protections, where appropriate. Over the next five years, continue to engage with members of underserved communities and stakeholder groups to assess the extent to which they report progressively fewer concerns about privacy and disparate treatment and impacts from DHS's AI technology, and address any lingering or novel concerns through additional policy updates. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DHS 2023 Part Of Layout List 29</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DHS</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 29</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>28</td></tr></table>
<p>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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">guidance</span> 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: </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DHS 2023 Part Of Layout List 3</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DHS</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 3</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>7</td></tr></table>
<p>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, <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">Regulations</span>, 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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">regulations</span> 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. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DHS 2023 Part Of Layout List 35</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DHS</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 35</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>31</td></tr></table>
<p>Assess and propose updates to the Department's nondiscrimination policies for external activities, ensuring application of the requirements of the 2023 DOJ <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">Guidance</span> to all covered DHS law enforcement activities, as well as ensuring consistent standards and requirements for law enforcement activities excluded from, or not governed, by the 2023 DOJ <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">Guidance</span>, and other DHS activities as appropriate. Train and ensure DHS law enforcement personnel comply and adhere to the 2023 DOJ <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">Guidance</span>, DHS Policy Statement 500 - 02, and any subsequent policy reaffirming nondiscrimination and prohibiting profiling on the basis of protected individual characteristics in all DHS law enforcement and security activities. Collaborate with community groups to develop training modules to enhance knowledge and cultural competency of frontline workforce. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DHS 2023 Part Of Layout List 4</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DHS</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 4</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>8</td></tr></table>
<p>1. Applying for Naturalization. USCIS began a comprehensive review of policies, <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">regulations</span>, 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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">guidance</span>. 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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">guidance</span> 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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">guidance</span> 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 </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DHS 2023 Part Of Layout List 48</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DHS</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 48</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>35</td></tr></table>
<p>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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">statutory</span> 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. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DHS 2023 Part Of Layout List 49</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DHS</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 49</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>36</td></tr></table>
<p>The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act requires DHS to permit certain categories of requestors filing petitions and applications to apply for fee waivers, including for " " any fees associated with filing an application for relief through final adjudication of the adjustment of status. " " On September 27, 2022, President Biden issued the Memorandum on Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions for Fiscal Year 2023, setting the refugee ceiling at 125,000. Research indicates that whole - person case management (including additional services such as cultural orientation, human trafficking screening, mental health, and other social services) and community programming can lead to positive <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">compliance</span>, better case resolution, and positive health and wellbeing outcomes by stabilizing vulnerable noncitizens in transit. 12 </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DHS 2023 Part Of Layout List 52</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DHS</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 52</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>37</td></tr></table>
<p>Year - over - year change in number or proportion of applicant cases in <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">compliance</span> (e.g., has properly applied for asylum, is determined to be a refugee as defined under section 101 (a) (42) (A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended, and is not " " barred " " from receiving asylum). Year - over - year increase in the number of cases adjudicated by USCIS. Track the proportion of " " reopens " " that are granted asylum or other form of relief. Decrease in processing time from USCIS interview to admission to the U.S. (goal is down to three months). Increase in the number of supporting letters provided by labor agencies on behalf of workers at worksites they are investigating. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DHS 2023 Part Of Layout List 54</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DHS</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 54</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>38</td></tr></table>
<p>In response to FEMA's 2021 RFI on FEMA Programs, <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">Regulations</span>, and Policies, and associated public meetings, members of the public suggested changes to the IA program, generally focused on ways to advance equity, including suggestions to expand eligibility within the program and to improve transparency regarding eligibility requirements to those applying for assistance. In response to RFI comments, FEMA updated its policies to accept additional forms of documentation to verify occupancy and ownership requirements to reduce barriers to access experienced by underserved populations. Disaster survivors who have serious needs for emergency food, water, infant formula, diapers, or other essentials may experience a period of hardship due to a lack of access to credit or savings. FEMA will publish an IFR that will establish additional eligible assistance for serious needs. All relevant comments received in response to the request for information, including those received during the public meetings, have been posted to the public rulemaking docket on the Federal rulemaking portal. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DHS 2023 Text 110</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DHS</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 110</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>17</td></tr></table>
<p>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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">compliance</span>. 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. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DHS 2023 Text 115</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DHS</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 115</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>18</td></tr></table>
<p>In April 2023, the Biden - Harris Administration published an evidence - informed, multi - year Alternatives, Rehabilitation, and Reentry Strategic Plan to strengthen public safety by reducing unnecessary criminal justice system interactions SO police officers can focus on fighting crime, supporting rehabilitation during incarceration, and facilitating successful reentry. DHS has committed to carry out the plan's goals of supporting rehabilitation during incarceration and facilitating successful reentry into society for individuals leaving incarceration. Workers who need access to secure areas of the nation's maritime facilities and vessels, such as ports, port facilities and warehouses, outer continental shelf facilities, certain manufacturing facilities, and certain vessels must have a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), as required by the Maritime Transportation Security Act. However, people with criminal history records may be unsure of their eligibility for the TWIC or may be unaware that they can seek redress if they believe their application for a TWIC was initially denied based upon incorrect information. DHS has electronically published general information on the TWIC, <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">guidance</span> on TWIC eligibility (including for those with criminal history records), how to apply for a TWIC, and opportunities to seek redress if a TWIC is initially denied. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DHS 2023 Text 199</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DHS</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 199</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>27</td></tr></table>
<p>Collaborating Agencies: The DOJ Civil Rights Division provides <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">guidance</span> to DHS in implementing Executive Order 13166, Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency. DHS will also collaborate with other federal agencies to exchange best practices, leverage existing resources to serve the same or similar LEP persons or populations, and conduct joint Title VI reviews or investigations, when appropriate. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DHS 2023 Text 331</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DHS</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 331</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>38</td></tr></table>
<p>FEMA revisions will also reflect changes to <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">statutory</span> authority that have not yet been implemented in <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">regulation</span>, to include provisions for utility and security deposit payments, lease and repair of multi - family rental housing, childcare assistance, maximum assistance </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DHS 2023 Text 332</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DHS</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 332</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>39</td></tr></table>
<p>limits, and waiver authority. See IA Program Equity Unified Agenda. In FY 2024, FEMA is restructuring and updating the <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">guidance</span> for assigning Public Assistance Program Delivery Managers to ensure better technical assistance for historically underserved and vulnerable applicants. 13 </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DHS 2023 Text 338</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DHS</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 338</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>39</td></tr></table>
<p>On April 22, 2021, FEMA published an RFI on FEMA programs, <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">regulations</span>, and policies. FEMA sought public input on its programs, <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">regulations</span>, collections of information, and policies for the agency to ensure that its programs, <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">regulations</span>, and policies contain necessary, properly tailored, and up - to - date requirements that effectively achieve FEMA's mission in a manner that furthers the goals of advancing equity for all, including those in underserved communities; bolstering resilience from the impacts of climate change, particularly for those disproportionately impacted by climate change; and environmental justice. FEMA held public meetings and extended the comment period on the RFI to ensure all interested parties had sufficient opportunity to provide comments on FEMA's programs. All relevant comments received in response to the request for information, including those received during the public meetings, have been posted to the public rulemaking docket on the Federal eRulemaking portal. It is anticipated FEMA will conduct additional engagements regarding the RFI input received. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DHS 2023 Text 4</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DHS</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 4</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>2</td></tr></table>
<p>The Equity Task Force worked across the Department to further the aims of other equity - based executive orders, including EO 13988, Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation; EO 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad; and EO 14020, Executive Order on Establishment of the White House Gender Policy Council. For example, in furtherance of EO 13988, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued updated policy <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">guidance</span> removing the requirement that people requesting immigration benefits submit proof of their gender identity when seeking to change their gender marker, thereby allowing individuals requesting benefits to choose their self - identified gender marker, regardless of the marker displayed on supporting documentation. Pursuant to EO 14008, DHS continued implementing the Civil Rights Evaluation Tool, a data collection and technical assistance tool that helps conduct and advance civil rights <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">compliance</span> evaluations of federally assisted recipients, including environmental justice concerns and civil rights policies and procedures for public - facing programs and activities that have human health or environmental impacts. In furtherance of EO 14020, DHS developed an action plan in furtherance of the U.S. National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality and co - chaired </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DHS 2023 Text 87</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Justice40</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DHS</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 87</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>12</td></tr></table>
<p>In April 2023, the Biden - Harris Administration announced the first - ever Environmental Justice (EJ) Scorecard to assess the federal government's progress in advancing environmental justice, providing public transparency, and increasing accountability for federal agencies. The Phase One scorecard focused on three areas: the <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> Initiative, Environmental and Civil Rights Protection, and Institutionalizing Environmental Justice. The DHS EJ Scorecard details DHS's performance in these areas in FY 2022. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DHS 2023 Text 88</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Justice40</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DHS</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 88</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>13</td></tr></table>
<p>FEMA will prioritize assistance for eligible entities that request technical assistance support for resilience or mitigation activities within, or that primarily benefit, a <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> community, including a Federally Recognized Tribe or Tribal entity, as identified by the <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool</span>, 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)). </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DHS 2023 Text 93</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DHS</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 93</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>13</td></tr></table>
<p>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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">Guidance</span> 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. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DHS 2023 Text 94</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DHS</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 94</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>14</td></tr></table>
<p>Expanded application of the anti - profiling standards to security screening activities by federal law enforcement agencies, such as those performed by Protective Security Officers employed by the Federal Protective Service, is among several notable policy changes resulting from DHS adoption of the updated DOJ <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">guidance</span>. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DHS 2023 Text 95</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DHS</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 95</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>14</td></tr></table>
<p>In 2022, after assessing DHS agency language access plans, CRCL requested that all agencies and offices interacting with the public review and update their language access plans in Fiscal Year 2023, noting that addressing language barriers advances <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">compliance</span> with civil rights and promotes the efficiency and integrity of homeland security operations and programs. These plans will be finalized in Fiscal Year 2024. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOC 2023 Part Of Layout List 23</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOC</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 23</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>29</td></tr></table>
<p>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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">regulators</span> have indicated the need to adjust their work in response to Al - related bias and discrimination. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOC 2023 Part Of Layout List 25</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Bipartisan Infrastructure Law</tag>, <tag>Inflation Reduction Act</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOC</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 25</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>31</td></tr></table>
<p>Establish and serve as co - chair of the Puerto Rico Geospatial Data Group. A forum for sharing information about all geospatial data activities and resources related to Puerto Rico between stakeholders from geospatial agencies within the federal government, the Government of Puerto Rico, and non - government organizations and industry. 5.4 Promote accountability and accessibility through data transparency and partnerships. Track and evaluate the equitable distribution of above - baseline program federal funding. Through the Census Bureau's Center of Excellence (COE), the Department will leverage data sources to supplement administrative data collected by program administering agencies. This will provide standard services to the Department's agencies to support departmental evaluation of the implementation, outcomes, and impacts of above - base programs and their distribution to underserved communities through the ARP, <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Bipartisan Infrastructure Law">BIL</span>, <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Inflation Reduction Act">IRA</span>, and CHIPS. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOC 2023 Part Of Layout List 6</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOC</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 6</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>17</td></tr></table>
<p>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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">regulatory</span> complexities, and establish international networks. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOC 2023 Section Header 10</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOC</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Section header 10</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>12</td></tr></table>
<p>Advancing Equity Through Key <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">Legislation</span> </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOC 2023 Text 181</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Justice40</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOC</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 181</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>26</td></tr></table>
<p>4.1 Benchmark and execute our <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> commitments. Through NOAA, EDA, and NIST, the Department has laid the foundation for programming and policies to be a part of the <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> 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. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOC 2023 Text 182</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Bipartisan Infrastructure Law</tag>, <tag>Inflation Reduction Act</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOC</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 182</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>27</td></tr></table>
<p>4.2 Invest <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Bipartisan Infrastructure Law">Bipartisan Infrastructure Law</span> (<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Bipartisan Infrastructure Law">BIL</span>) and <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Inflation Reduction Act">Inflation Reduction Act</span> (<span style="background-color: rgba(0, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Inflation Reduction Act">IRA</span>) funds towards climate - related economic development in vulnerable communities. In June 2023 and through <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Inflation Reduction Act">IRA</span>, 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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Bipartisan Infrastructure Law">BIL</span>, NOAA is leveraging <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Inflation Reduction Act">IRA</span> 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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Bipartisan Infrastructure Law">BIL</span> and <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Inflation Reduction Act">IRA</span> implementation. Two key NOAA <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Inflation Reduction Act">IRA</span> programs to highlight are: </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOC 2023 Text 19</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOC</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 19</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>3</td></tr></table>
<p>Advancing Equity Through Key <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">Legislation</span> </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOC 2023 Text 191</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Bipartisan Infrastructure Law</tag>, <tag>Inflation Reduction Act</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOC</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 191</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>28</td></tr></table>
<p>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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Bipartisan Infrastructure Law">BIL</span> and <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Inflation Reduction Act">IRA</span> 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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Bipartisan Infrastructure Law">BIL</span> 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 <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Inflation Reduction Act">IRA</span> funding opportunities through NOAA's Climate Ready Coasts and Communities initiative. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOC 2023 Text 56</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOC</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 56</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>7</td></tr></table>
<p>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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">Guidance</span>. These updated policies and <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">guidance</span> 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. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOC 2023 Text 61</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>American Rescue Plan</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOC</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 61</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>9</td></tr></table>
<p>In Fall 2022, the Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced that all $ 3 billion in <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 0, 0.3)" title="American Rescue Plan">American Rescue Plan</span> dollars had been released across 780 awards through six innovative grant programs. Additionally, EDA committed $ 300 million to American coal communities through its Coal Communities Commitment. Ultimately, EDA exceeded the commitment and awarded $ 551 million to coal communities. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOC 2023 Text 67</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Justice40</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOC</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 67</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>10</td></tr></table>
<p>The Department of Commerce is committed to working towards President Biden's <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> 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. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOC 2023 Text 69</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>American Rescue Plan</tag>, <tag>Bipartisan Infrastructure Law</tag>, <tag>Inflation Reduction Act</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOC</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 69</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>11</td></tr></table>
<p>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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 0, 0.3)" title="American Rescue Plan">American Rescue Plan</span> 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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Bipartisan Infrastructure Law">BIL</span> and <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Inflation Reduction Act">IRA</span>, 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. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOC 2023 Text 72</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOC</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 72</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>12</td></tr></table>
<p>Congress has passed significant <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">legislation</span> providing funding to and directing the Department to maximize impact to all communities. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOC 2023 Text 73</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>American Rescue Plan</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOC</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 73</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>12</td></tr></table>
<p>The <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 0, 0.3)" title="American Rescue Plan">American Rescue Plan</span> 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. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOC 2023 Text 74</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Bipartisan Infrastructure Law</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOC</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 74</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>12</td></tr></table>
<p>The <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Bipartisan Infrastructure Law">Bipartisan Infrastructure Law</span> codified MBDA, provided approximately $ 3 billion to NOAA in habitat restoration, coastal resilience, and weather forecasting, and provided nearly $ 50 billion to NTIA to deploy universal, high - speed, affordable internet service so everyone in America can participate in the digital economy. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOC 2023 Text 77</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Inflation Reduction Act</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOC</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 77</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>12</td></tr></table>
<p>The <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Inflation Reduction Act">Inflation Reduction Act</span> 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. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOD 2023 Part Of Layout List 31</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Justice40</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOD</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 31</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>17</td></tr></table>
<p>DoD January 2023 Environmental Scorecard. Fully incorporate <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool</span> data into the DoD Climate Assessment Tool. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOD 2023 Part Of Layout List 44</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOD</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 44</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>21</td></tr></table>
<p>1. Elevate and standardize the Gender Advisor workforce to further the consideration and application of gender analysis to the Department's plans, operations, activities, and investments. a. Codify roles and responsibilities for the gender advisor workforce in DoD policy <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">guidance</span> (e.g., DoDI). b. Establish and maintain skill expertise identifiers for Service members and DoD civilians. C. Ensure DoD organizations maintain a gender advisory workforce, including Gender Advisors, Gender Focal Points, and WPS Program Managers, implement DoD WPS policy <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">guidance</span>. 2. Expand the understanding, consideration, and application of gender and socio - cultural considerations and their impacts across the Department's plans, operations, activities, and investments in support of national security decision making. a. Incorporate definitions and define gender analysis in DoD policy <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">guidance</span>. b. Train the gender advisory workforce and DoD personnel on steps for conducting gender analyses, as appropriate. C. Conduct gender analysis to inform security cooperation, Theater Campaign Plans, training for U.S personnel, military exercises, and DoD support to the development of Integrated Country Strategies. 3. Work with partner nations to advance gender equity and equality within national security decision - making, engagement, and cooperation with allies and partners globally. a. Update DoD security cooperation <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">guidance</span> and design templates to reflect gender analysis information and to encourage the design and implementation of security cooperation programs relevant to WPS. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOD 2023 Part Of Layout List 7</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOD</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 7</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>6</td></tr></table>
<p>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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">guidance</span> 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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">regulation</span>, policy, or <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">guidance</span> are on track for Q3 of FY 2024. Finally, DoD will add </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOD 2023 Section Header 10</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOD</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Section header 10</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>10</td></tr></table>
<p>Advancing Equity Through Key <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">Legislation</span> </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOD 2023 Text 118</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOD</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 118</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>10</td></tr></table>
<p>The DoD is taking steps to implement <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">statutory</span> requirements that will advance equity. The <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">statutory</span> requirements listed below are supported by the Strategies identified in Section 5 and by the Action Areas from the 2022 EAP. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOD 2023 Text 18</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOD</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 18</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>2</td></tr></table>
<p>Advancing Equity Through Key <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">Legislation</span> </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Part Of Layout List 11</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Justice40</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 11</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>10</td></tr></table>
<p>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 <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> 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 </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Part Of Layout List 12</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Justice40</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 12</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>11</td></tr></table>
<p>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 <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> 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. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Part Of Layout List 13</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Justice40</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 13</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>12</td></tr></table>
<p>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 <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> Stakeholder Engagement Community of Practice to establish a standard of care for equitable stakeholder engagement. Participants encompass various DOE program offices. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Part Of Layout List 14</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Justice40</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 14</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>13</td></tr></table>
<p>EJE developed a Stakeholder Engagement Smartsheet in partnership with the <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> SE CoP which will track energy justice related stakeholder engagements by program office, technology, region, and attendees. Offices will also upload outcomes from engagements. V. Progress on improving access and equity in DOE's Weatherization Assistance Program. DOE created the Office of State and Community Energy Programs to administer state and community - facing programs, including the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). The following bullets outline key accomplishments in WAP since the publication of the April 2022 EAP. On February 3, 2023, DOE published allocations of $ 30M for Weatherization Readiness from the FY 2023 WAP appropriation, an increase of $ 15M from FY 2022. DOE WAP and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) launched a Weatherization Workforce Development Pilot in February 2023 to enhance impact in four communities: Lowell, MA; Roanoke, VA; Chicago, IL; and Warner Robins, GA. The program connects HUD residents to weatherization jobs within Community Action Agencies and sets up residents for careers in green construction. This partnership aims to support the utilization of DOE Weatherization Assistance Program funds by adequately staffing the weatherization programs in local communities. Several of the communities have begun hosting job fairs to share information and recruit HUD residents interested in weatherization work. Sustainable Energy Resources for Consumers (SERC) funding is available to WAP grantees, subgrantees, and non - profit organizations to demonstrate innovative technologies and approaches that go beyond the scope of the formula WAP. These grants offer more flexibility than the WAP formula grants and unique opportunities to broaden the impact of WAP. The second round of SERC funding was announced in October 2022. DOE anticipates awarding eleven grantees $ 17M with 2023 SERC funds. The projects will install various renewables, including solar technologies and heat pumps. In June 2022, DOE published WPN 22 - 9, Managing Multiple Funding Streams. This policy update provides clarification on the allowability of braiding DOE funds with other federal and non - federal funding sources to expand and enhance the services provided to low - income households. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Part Of Layout List 15</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 15</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>14</td></tr></table>
<p>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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">regulations</span> at 10 C.F.R. 1040 and 1042, which outline <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">compliance</span> 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 </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Part Of Layout List 16</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Justice40</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 16</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>15</td></tr></table>
<p>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 <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> 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. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Part Of Layout List 23</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 23</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>18</td></tr></table>
<p>Dialogue between offices concerning CBP implementation, <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">guidance</span>, 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. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Part Of Layout List 26</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Bipartisan Infrastructure Law</tag>, <tag>Inflation Reduction Act</tag>, <tag>Justice40</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 26</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>19</td></tr></table>
<p>Track how funding is distributed to disadvantaged, fossil energy, Tribal, and rural communities. Track <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> metrics within <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Bipartisan Infrastructure Law">BIL</span> and <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Inflation Reduction Act">IRA</span> 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. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Part Of Layout List 30</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Justice40</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 30</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>21</td></tr></table>
<p>Lack of transparency and consistency across DOE merit review recruitment processes limits the agency's ability to assess overall effectiveness of the merit review process. Lack of participation by underrepresented groups affects the ability of those individuals to establish relationships with DOE personnel and understand how funding applications are evaluated, and what makes an application successful. Lack of reviewers with appropriate expertise impacts the ability to support initiatives relevant to the CBP framework (promoting jobs, <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span>, diversity, and disadvantaged communities). Lack of demographic information collected about reviewers at the registration phase makes it difficult to evaluate issues of implicit bias within panel decision making. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Part Of Layout List 31</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 31</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>21</td></tr></table>
<p>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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">guidance</span> 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. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Part Of Layout List 32</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 32</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>22</td></tr></table>
<p>Capture demographic data and skillset information on reviewers to determine which groups necessitate further outreach. Establish <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">guidance</span> for program offices to utilize to reduce bias in the merit review process. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Part Of Layout List 34</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 34</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>23</td></tr></table>
<p>Stakeholders have routinely expressed frustration in accessing DOE opportunities. DOE is underutilizing federal acquisition <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">statutory</span> and <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">regulatory</span> authority to provide procurement opportunities to underrepresented groups. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Part Of Layout List 36</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Justice40</tag>, <tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 36</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>23</td></tr></table>
<p>Deploy a centralized, public - facing DOE business forecast to provide timely access to upcoming opportunities for contracts, financial assistance, and subcontracting. Continue to leverage CBP <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">guidance</span> and sample terms and conditions in DOE FOAs to ensure that recipients use federal investments to fulfill the four priorities of the CBP (investing in America's workforce, engaging communities and labor, advancing DEIA, and implementing <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span>.) Continue to implement policies and procedures for expanding DOE's use of Partnership Intermediary Agreements and Other Transactions Authorities. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Part Of Layout List 37</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 37</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>24</td></tr></table>
<p>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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">guidance</span> 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. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Part Of Layout List 4</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Justice40</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 4</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>4</td></tr></table>
<p>(1) Investing in America's workforce (2) Engaging communities and labor (3) Advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (4) Implementing <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span>, a federal initiative that sets the goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of federal climate and clean energy investments flow to disadvantaged communities. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Part Of Layout List 42</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Justice40</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 42</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>26</td></tr></table>
<p>Current metric collection fails to holistically assess justice outcomes in DOE R & D programs. Current <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> metrics do not capture R & D impacts outside of the geographical location where work is being performed. Further, some types of R & D funding (non - competitive / block grants, DOE Laboratory solicitations, Lab field work proposals) do not have metrics in place to monitor and measure project progress. <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> metric reporting is hindered by limited coordination and some offices lacking trained and task - dedicated personnel to measure program impacts. The nature of R & D makes outcome - based metric reporting difficult. Outcome - based metrics are data that show the extent and impact of an organization's, program's, or initiative's activities on its customers or beneficiaries. 5 Outcome - based metrics are different from performance metrics, which track the key activities that lead to outcomes, or output or activity data, which describe the organization's actions. 6 Outcome - based metrics are useful for demonstrating accountability, transparency, and efficacy. 7 The benefits of R & D can have long time horizons and broad applications. In general, technology R & D strategy roadmaps lack sufficient consideration of equity or justice. Current roadmaps emphasize technological advancement of high - performance, high - cost technologies that likely will not be affordable to underserved communities. For example, clean energy and energy efficiency programs (e.g., rooftop solar power, weatherization) are not accessible to some underserved and underrepresented communities, especially where there is a reliance upon technology to communicate and access these programs. The unequal </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Part Of Layout List 43</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>American Rescue Plan</tag>, <tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 43</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>27</td></tr></table>
<p>Although inconsistent, several offices across DOE have collected R & D impact metrics, such as the number of peer - reviewed journal articles, patents, licenses, new companies formed, and the amount of follow - on funding received from the private sector. Challenges to these current efforts include: Many of these achievements occur after a project is closed out, when awardees are no longer reporting on the project and have likely moved onto other projects. As a result, many of these outputs are not appropriately attributed to DOE funding. One study of the Web of Science - a public database of scientific articles - found that in some subject areas, as little as 28 % of the articles had any acknowledgements, and of those only 65 % acknowledged funding. 9 If funding is properly acknowledged, web - crawling techniques can be used to extract subsequent impacts. Existing project impact metrics fail to address equity or justice. There are infrequent third - party reviews of evaluation metrics. These reviews are costly, time - intensive, and limited by confidential business information restrictions. There is limited interaction and participation with citizen / community science in the development of DOE R & D strategies and metrics. There have been several approaches across the federal Government to address the foregoing challenges: In the Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 0, 0.3)" title="American Rescue Plan">ARPA</span> - E), there are staff who follow up with past recipients to collect research outputs / publications. In the DOE Office of Science, there is an annual automated reminder to past awardees to update their profile, including information regarding publications. Existing literature shows a lack of equity consideration in R & D metrics. To fill this gap, NREL developed the Justice Underpinning Science and Technology Research (JUST - R) metrics framework - energy justice metrics specifically targeted at early - stage research. 10 Some offices have project - specific metrics. For example, DOE's Building Technology Office requires applicants of some FOAs to provide estimates of energy, cost, and emissions savings using the Resilient and Efficient Codes Implementation (RECI) Impact Calculator tool - a spreadsheet - based tool for building code updates in new construction, improvements to existing buildings, and improvements in energy codes <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">compliance</span>. 11 Since climate change disproportionately impacts low - income and minority </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Part Of Layout List 44</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Justice40</tag>, <tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 44</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>28</td></tr></table>
<p>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 <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> 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, <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">Regulatory</span> and Permitting Information Desktop Toolkit, Space Warps, Berkeley Lab Range Hood Roundup, SETI @ home / Astropulse, and Orphan Well Location Survey. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Part Of Layout List 45</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Bipartisan Infrastructure Law</tag>, <tag>Justice40</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 45</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>28</td></tr></table>
<p>Develop R & D - specific metrics to quantify <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> impacts (i.e., workforce development, research outputs) for all project phases including during the award post - project closeout, and secondary impacts beyond the site of performance. Develop automated, easy - to - use systems to capture standard and office - specific metrics and content for all funding (FOAs, non - competitive grants, DOE Laboratory solicitations, etc.) that integrate with <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span>, <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Bipartisan Infrastructure Law">BIL</span>, and office reporting requirements and are consistent with requirements established for each FOA, including expected follow - up actions, federal financial assistance guidelines, and the Paperwork Reduction Act. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Part Of Layout List 47</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Justice40</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 47</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>29</td></tr></table>
<p>Establish policies and procedures to increase community participation in development of research questions and citizen science in research and development. Identify communities to review proposed R & D metrics framework. Distribute an organizational chart with the DOE communities working in <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> R & D reporting, with attention to offices engaging in R & D projects that involve or could engage external EJ communities in R & D. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Part Of Layout List 48</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Justice40</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 48</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>29</td></tr></table>
<p>Establish appropriate R & D metrics. Identify applicable FY 2023 R & D FOAs and solicit program managers to identify baseline metrics that are readily available. Collect and monitor appropriate R & D metrics. Distribute best practices for R & D funding acknowledgements in awardee outputs and how to collect outputs after project closeout. Distribute training material for the automated metric reporting tool. Create a public dashboard or to show DOE R & D funding and outputs from R & D funding, such as the number of publications and expected <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> benefits based on the created R & D metrics. The dashboard may be a stand - alone product or integrated into an existing dashboard, such as the Energy Justice (BETA) Dashboard. 19 </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Part Of Layout List 49</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Justice40</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 49</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>29</td></tr></table>
<p>DOE will ask past awardees to test the user experience and content of the BETA platform developed to collect metrics. Utilize the participants of <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> Community of Practice to gather insight on how to develop metrics for their <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> programs. Gather feedback during the Energy Justice to the People Roadshow on <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> metrics. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Part Of Layout List 5</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Bipartisan Infrastructure Law</tag>, <tag>Inflation Reduction Act</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 5</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>7</td></tr></table>
<p>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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Bipartisan Infrastructure Law">BIL</span> funding opportunity announcement (FOA) template for <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Bipartisan Infrastructure Law">BIL</span> and <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Inflation Reduction Act">IRA</span> 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 </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Part Of Layout List 53</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Justice40</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 53</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>30</td></tr></table>
<p>The <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> 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)). </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Part Of Layout List 55</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 55</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>31</td></tr></table>
<p>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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">guidance</span> 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). </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Part Of Layout List 8</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Bipartisan Infrastructure Law</tag>, <tag>Inflation Reduction Act</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 8</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>9</td></tr></table>
<p>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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Bipartisan Infrastructure Law">BIL</span> or <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Inflation Reduction Act">IRA</span>, 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. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Section Header 6</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Justice40</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Section header 6</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>5</td></tr></table>
<p><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> Research and Development Metrics </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Text 124</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Bipartisan Infrastructure Law</tag>, <tag>Inflation Reduction Act</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 124</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>16</td></tr></table>
<p>and business opportunities resulting from investments via <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Bipartisan Infrastructure Law">BIL</span> and <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Inflation Reduction Act">IRA</span>. DOE co - sponsored the July 2023 WHIAANHPI Regional Economic Summit to share federal and DOE employment and contracting opportunities with AA and NHPI communities and connect with stakeholders on energy justice. In FY 2023, EJE also met with the Small Business Diversity Network focused on AA and NHPI business owners to share opportunities. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Text 134</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 134</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>17</td></tr></table>
<p>D. Advancing Equity Through Key <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">Legislation</span>: Nothing to report. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Text 25</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Bipartisan Infrastructure Law</tag>, <tag>Inflation Reduction Act</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 25</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>4</td></tr></table>
<p>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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Bipartisan Infrastructure Law">Bipartisan Infrastructure Law</span> (<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Bipartisan Infrastructure Law">BIL</span>) and the <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Inflation Reduction Act">Inflation Reduction Act</span> (<span style="background-color: rgba(0, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Inflation Reduction Act">IRA</span>). </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Text 26</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Bipartisan Infrastructure Law</tag>, <tag>Inflation Reduction Act</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 26</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>4</td></tr></table>
<p>In an effort to advance equity and justice, spur job creation and, accelerate economic development, DOE now requires CBPs as part of <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Bipartisan Infrastructure Law">BIL</span> and <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Inflation Reduction Act">IRA</span> funding opportunities and loan applications. These plans are based on a set of four core policy priorities: </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Text 264</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Bipartisan Infrastructure Law</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 264</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>27</td></tr></table>
<p>8 Sunter, Deborah A., Sergio Castellanos, and Daniel M. Kammen. " " Disparities in rooftop photovoltaics deployment in the United States by race and ethnicity. " " Nature Sustainability 2.1 (2019): 71 - 76. 9 Smirnova, N., Mayr, P. " " A comprehensive analysis of acknowledgement texts in Web of Science: a case study on four scientific domains. " " Scientometrics 128, 709 - 734 (2023). https: / / doi.org / 10.1007 / s11192 - 022 - 04554 - 9 10 Dutta, Nikita S., Gill, Elizabeth, Arkhurst, Bettina K., Hallisey, Mary, Fu, Katherine, and Anderson, Kate. " " JUST - R metrics for considering energy justice in early - stage energy research. " " (2023) Web. doi: 10.1016 / j.joule. 2023.01.007. 11 RECI Calculator. " " <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Bipartisan Infrastructure Law">Bipartisan Infrastructure Law</span>: Resilient and Efficient Codes Implementation " " https: / / eere - exchange.energy.gov / Default.aspx? Search = DE - FOA - 0002813 & SearchType = </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Text 34</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 34</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>5</td></tr></table>
<p>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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">statutory</span> and <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">regulatory</span> authority to award procurement opportunities to underrepresented groups. Based on these data points, DOE will fully exercise its <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">statutory</span> and <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">regulatory</span> authority to expand opportunities for new entrants and small and disadvantaged businesses in DOE procurements (acquisition and financial assistance). </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Text 35</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Justice40</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 35</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>5</td></tr></table>
<p>Current Departmental metrics and their reporting fail to holistically2 assess <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> efforts across DOE. Specifically, current <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> metrics do not capture R & D efforts and how they advance <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> goals and objectives beyond where research is being conducted. To ensure the Department's R & D efforts advance <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> goals, DOE will develop a coordinated DOE - wide reporting strategy to implement holistic <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> metric development, collection, and evaluation. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Text 36</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Justice40</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 36</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>5</td></tr></table>
<p>2 From Oxford Dictionaries, holistic is defined as being " " characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole. " " Most <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> metrics focus only on the Principal Investigator (PI) who has received Departmental funds. Subcontractors are often omitted from DOE program impact metrics. The Department's approach to data collection creates a gap in assessing overall funding impacts. Research often has far - reaching implications beyond the location where the research is done, and more holistic metrics would permit the tracing of interconnected benefits in communities outside of the PI's place of business. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOE 2023 Text 37</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Justice40</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOE</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>Text 37</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>6</td></tr></table>
<p>Currently, DOE lacks a department - wide strategic framework for community engagement. Over the past year, the <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> Stakeholder Engagement Community of Practice (<span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> SE CoP) and Office of Community Engagement (OCE) teams have completed internal assessments to understand Departmental approaches to stakeholder engagement. The <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> 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. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOI 2023 Part Of Layout List 1</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Justice40</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOI</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 1</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>5</td></tr></table>
<p>Strengthen external civil rights enforcement and proactive engagement activities to increase equitable access to federally conducted and assisted programs and activities_for members of the public; Increase public trust in DOI Law Enforcement by evaluating its workforce, increasing transparency and accountability, and providing mental health and wellness support to law enforcement; Advance equity in contracting practices to include businesses with characteristics that align with the definition of underserved communities, taking incremental steps to ensure the Department's obligated dollars are equitably distributed to underserved communities; Increase opportunities for members of the public to access public lands, prioritizing access to recreation areas and services in underserved communities; and Institutionalize environmental justice and increase the proportion of benefits of the <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> initiative covered programs reaching disadvantaged communities to work toward the goal of 40 percent and progress environmental justice further. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOI 2023 Part Of Layout List 14</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOI</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 14</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>13</td></tr></table>
<p>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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">statute</span> and <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">regulations</span> 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. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOI 2023 Part Of Layout List 16</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOI</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 16</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>14</td></tr></table>
<p>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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">guidance</span>. 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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">guidance</span> 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. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOI 2023 Part Of Layout List 25</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Justice40</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOI</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 25</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>18</td></tr></table>
<p>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 <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> Initiative, the <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool</span>, and the Department's <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> 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. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOI 2023 Part Of Layout List 27</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Bipartisan Infrastructure Law</tag>, <tag>Justice40</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOI</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 27</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>19</td></tr></table>
<p>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 <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> Initiative goals and direct States to use the <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool</span> 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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Bipartisan Infrastructure Law">BIL</span> 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 <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> 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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Bipartisan Infrastructure Law">BIL</span> 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. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOI 2023 Part Of Layout List 28</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Inflation Reduction Act</tag>, <tag>Justice40</tag>, <tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOI</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 28</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>20</td></tr></table>
<p>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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">guidance</span> 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 <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> 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 <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Inflation Reduction Act">Inflation Reduction Act</span> 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 </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOI 2023 Part Of Layout List 29</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Justice40</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOI</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 29</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>21</td></tr></table>
<p>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 <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> 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. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOI 2023 Part Of Layout List 3</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Bipartisan Infrastructure Law</tag>, <tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOI</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 3</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>7</td></tr></table>
<p>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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Bipartisan Infrastructure Law">Bipartisan Infrastructure Law</span> (<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Bipartisan Infrastructure Law">BIL</span>) 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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 0, 0.3)" title="Bipartisan Infrastructure Law">BIL</span> 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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">guidance</span> document. This <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">guidance</span> addresses issues identified during public engagement. Specifically, the <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">guidance</span> 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. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOI 2023 Part Of Layout List 30</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Justice40</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOI</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 30</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>21</td></tr></table>
<p>Increased percentage of <span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Justice40">Justice40</span> Initiative covered program benefiting investments going to disadvantaged communities. Increased percentage of benefits going to underserved communities. Increased number of technical assistance engagements that target information sharing and assistance to underserved communities, including increased partnerships and joint events with other Federal agencies. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOI 2023 Part Of Layout List 4</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOI</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 4</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>8</td></tr></table>
<p>Secretary Haaland announced support for President Biden's establishment of the Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni - Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument in northern Arizona. The new national monument consists of three distinct areas to the north and south of Grand Canyon National Park, totaling approximately 917,618 acres of Federal lands in northern Arizona. The DOI and Department of Housing and Urban Development collaboratively announced support for more Affordable Housing in Nevada. In support of President Biden's Investing in America agenda investing in climate resilience and ecosystem restoration, DOI highlights Typhoon Recovery, Habitat Investments in Visit to Guam. D. Advancing Equity Through Key <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">Legislation</span> The Department set annual goals for all Bureaus and Offices for contracting with the Indian Small Business Economic Enterprises (ISBEE). These goals set the expectation that the entire Department, not just the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and Bureau of Indian Education, consider the use of the Department's Buy Indian Act authority to set aside contracts for Indian - owned businesses in equal measure to the other <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">statutorily</span> required small business categories. The Department also developed and provided training to all Contracting Officers on the use of the Buy Indian Act. The DOI collaborated with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to hold the first - ever joint industry day event focused on outreach to Indian - owned businesses. This event provided a learning opportunity for Indian - owned businesses to grow their understanding of the Government contracting process and to hear from top executives from both agencies about upcoming business opportunities. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOI 2023 Part Of Layout List 6</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOI</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 6</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>9</td></tr></table>
<p>Increase <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">compliance</span> reviews with respect to granting Federal financial assistance as well as the Department's and Bureau's actions which affect their interaction with the public. Partner with stakeholders to ensure public civil rights <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">statutes</span>, <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">regulations</span>, and EOs are considered early in all actions and processes to ensure that all are aware of their public civil rights obligations and requirements to comply SO that discrimination does not occur. Build and expand on the Department's and Bureau's efforts to allow access for all members of the public to their programs and activities which include the lands managed by the Department SO that all may participate. Increase the staffing in the DOI Public Civil Rights Office and in the Bureaus to meet the increasing demands for outreach, enforcement, and technical assistance. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOI 2023 Part Of Layout List 7</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOI</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 7</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>9</td></tr></table>
<p>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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">compliance</span> 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. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOI 2023 Part Of Layout List 8</doc_id>
<div style="display: none"><tag>Regulatory</tag></div>
<table class="meta_table" style="border-spacing: 0px">
<tr><th>Agency</th><td>DOI</td></tr><tr><th>Year</th><td>2023</td></tr><tr><th>Layout Type And Number</th><td>part of layout list 8</td></tr><tr><th>Page Number</th><td>10</td></tr></table>
<p>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 <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">compliance</span> reviews of the Department's and Bureaus ' programs and activities to determine which programs and activities are out of <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 0, 255, 0.3)" title="Regulatory">compliance</span> 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. </p></article>
<article insearch="1" infilter="1"><doc_id>DOI 2023 Text 136</doc_id>