ORGANIZATIONS: Public Meeting for RFI for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility in NASA Programs, Contracts, and Grants Process

 https://www.nasa.gov/mission-equity  MISSION EQUITY NASA SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT!!!

Public Meeting for RFI for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility in NASA Programs, Contracts, and Grants Process

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to receive input from the public on NASA’s mission directorates’ programs, procurements, grants, regulations and policies.  NASA will use this information to evaluate, implement, modify, expand, and streamline its programs, procurements, grants, regulations and policies to remove systemic inequitable barriers and challenges facing underserved communities.  NASA will also use advanced research, data collection and technologies to assist in inter and intra-agency execution of the President’s Executive Order 13985, entitled “Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government” (Equity EO), signed by the President on January 20, 2021.  Pursuant to the Equity EO agencies were asked to “assess whether, and to what extent, its programs and policies perpetuate systemic barriers to opportunities and benefits for people of color and other underserved groups.”  These efforts will help foster NASA’s vision to benefit the quality of life for all on Earth; NASA’s mission to explore, use and enable the development of space for human enterprise through research, development and transfer of advanced aeronautics, space and related technologies, Economic Growth and Security, and Educational Excellence; and NASA’s goal to enrich our Nation’s society and economy with a fair and equitable approach.

NASA seeks this input pursuant to the Equity EO to create a whole-of-government approach to advance equity for those who have been historically underserved and adversely impacted due to systemic programmatic and policy inequities.  The EO requires agencies to review existing programs, practices and policies to assess: 1) potential systemic barriers to accessing agencies’ benefits and services for people of color and other underserved communities and individuals; 2) potential systemic barriers that underserved and underrepresented communities and individuals may face in agency procurement, and contracting, and grant opportunities; 3) whether new policies, regulations, or guidance documents may be necessary to advance equity in agency actions and programs; and 4) how agencies’ resources and tools can assist in enhancing equity.

NASA will continue a dialogue with industry and stakeholders to stay connected and engaged on barriers and challenges that impact members of the underserved communities through a public meeting to be held on June 29, 2021 from 1:00PM to 3:00PM EST.  

As we get closer to the date for this event, additional information will be provided on this site. Questions are being collected in advance and we will do our best to address all questions during the event. 

• For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/deia