Notice2021-12668
Request for Information on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities in NASA Programs, Contracts and Grants Process
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Published
June 15, 2021
Issuing agencies
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Abstract
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is issuing this 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 this Administration's policy to advance equity for all, including people of color and others who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality.
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 113 (Tuesday, June 15, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 113 (Tuesday, June 15, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31735-31738]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-12668]
[[Page 31735]]
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NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
[Document Number NASA-21-038; Docket Number-NASA-2021-0002]
Request for Information on Advancing Racial Equity and Support
for Underserved Communities in NASA Programs, Contracts and Grants
Process
AGENCY: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
ACTION: Request for information (RFI).
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SUMMARY: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is
issuing this 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 this Administration's policy to
advance equity for all, including people of color and others who have
been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by
persistent poverty and inequality.
DATES: Comments are requested on or before July 12, 2021. Early
comments are encouraged. Comments received after this date will be
considered for future advisory, communicative and outreach efforts to
the extent practicable.
ADDRESSES:
<bullet> Comments must be identified with the Agency's name and
Docket Number NASA-2021-0002 and may be sent to NASA via the Federal E-
Rulemaking Portal: <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the online
instructions for submitting comments. All public comments received are
subject to the Freedom of Information Act and will be posted in their
entirety at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/">https://www.regulations.gov/</a>, including any personal and/or
business confidential information provided. Do not include any
information you would not like to be made publicly available.
<bullet> Mail: Comments submitted in a manner other than the one
listed above, including emails or letters sent to OP or OSBP officials
may not be accepted.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Please note that NASA cannot accept any
comments that are hand delivered or couriered. In addition, NASA cannot
accept comments contained on any form of digital media storage devices,
such as CDs/DVDs and USB drives. If you cannot submit your comment by
using <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a>, please contact (include regulatory
POC name, telephone, and address) for alternate instructions.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Issues regarding submission or
questions on this RFI can be sent to Dorice Kenely, Procurement
Analyst, Office of Procurement at (202) 358-0443 or
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#680c071a010b0d460546030d060d04112806091b09460f071e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b7d3d8c5ded4d299da99dcd2d9d2dbcef7d9d6c4d699d0d8c1">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
NASA is issuing this 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
E.O.), signed by the President on January 20, 2021. Pursuant to the
Equity E.O. 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 E.O. 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 E.O. 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.
The Equity E.O. defines the following terms noted below and these
terms are used throughout this RFI:
<bullet> The term ``equity'' means the consistent and systematic
fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including
individuals who belong to underserved communities that have been denied
such treatment, Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American
persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other persons of
color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities;
persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely
affected by persistent poverty or inequality.
<bullet> The term ``underserved communities'' refers to populations
sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities,
that have been systematically denied the full opportunity to
participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life, as
exemplified by the list in the preceding definition of ``equity.''
<bullet> The term ``environmental justice,'' referenced in E.O.
14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, dated January
27, 2021, and defined in the White House Environmental Justice Advisory
Council Final Recommendations to Executive Order 12898 Revisions
released May 21, 2021, is the just treatment and meaningful involvement
of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, or
ability, with respect to the development, implementation, enforcement,
and evaluation of laws, regulations, programs, policies, practices, and
activities, that affect human health and the environment. This term
will also be used throughout this RFI.
NASA inspires the Nation by advancing understanding of the Earth
and space sending astronauts and robotic missions to explore the solar
system and developing new technologies and approaches to improve
aviation and space activities. Our work benefits Americans and all
humanity. Today, our Nation's economic prosperity, National security,
and cultural identity depend on our
[[Page 31736]]
leadership in aeronautics, space exploration, and science. NASA accepts
the challenge to continue our legacy of achievement and greatly expand
the benefits we provide to mankind. Descriptions have been provided for
the following NASA Offices mentioned in this RFI.
II. NASA Offices
The Office of STEM Engagement delivers tools for young Americans
and educators to learn and succeed. OSTEM seeks to: (1) Create unique
opportunities for a diverse set of students to contribute to NASA's
work in exploration and discovery; (2) Build a diverse future STEM
workforce by engaging students in authentic learning experiences with
NASA's people, content and facilities; and (3) Attract diverse groups
of students to STEM through learning opportunities that spark interest
and provide connections to NASA's mission and work. For more
information on OSTEM, see <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/stem/about.html">https://www.nasa.gov/stem/about.html</a>.
The Science Mission Directorate (SMD) expands the frontiers of
Earth science, heliophysics, planetary science, and astrophysics. Using
robotic observatories, explorer craft, ground-based instruments, and a
peer-reviewed portfolio of sponsored research, SMD seeks knowledge
about our solar system, the farthest reaches of space and time, and our
changing Earth. For more information on SMD, see <a href="https://science.nasa.gov">https://science.nasa.gov</a>.
The Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) develops
transformative space technologies to enable NASA's future missions.
NASA's investments in revolutionary, American-made technologies provide
solutions on Earth and in space. For more information on STMD Programs,
see <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/home/index.html">https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/home/index.html</a>.
The Office Chief Financial Officer, Grants Policy and Compliance
(GPC) Branch provides leadership and oversight in grants management
policy and compliance and internal guidance and training to NASA
Technical Officers, Grant Officers, and the Grants Community
implementing government-wide and NASA specific regulations for awarding
and administering grants and cooperative agreements. In Fiscal Year
2019, NASA issued $1.1 Billion in grants and cooperative agreements.
Each year NASA issues 1,977 new awards and provides policy guidance and
instruction for 6,646 awards. For more information on GPC, see <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/offices/ocfo/gpc">https://www.nasa.gov/offices/ocfo/gpc</a>.
The Office of Procurement (OP) oversees the acquisition process to
support successful accomplishment of the Agency's current and future
missions. OP provides policy, oversight, and optimization of
procurement resources, and supports Mission Directorate acquisition
strategies to enable more efficient operations for the Agency. For more
information on OP, see <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/office/procurement">https://www.nasa.gov/office/procurement</a>.
The Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) at NASA Headquarters
promotes and integrates all small businesses into the competitive base
of contractors that pioneer the future of space exploration, scientific
discovery, and aeronautics research. For more information on OSBP, see
<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/osbp">https://www.nasa.gov/osbp</a>.
III. Discussion of Questions
To support and achieve the objectives of the Equity E.O., NASA is
conducting an internal assessment of mission programs and mission
support programs and is soliciting public input to better understand
and identify the systemic barriers and challenges facing people of
color and other underserved communities to access and participate in
NASA programs, contracts, and grants processes. The information and
input from this RFI will assist the Agency with addressing gaps in
equity while utilizing advanced science-based data and transfer
technologies for environmental protection, climate resiliency and
environmental justice. The following list of questions and topic areas
are intended to guide the public in this effort:
Barriers/Gaps to Accessing Current NASA Grants, Programs and
Procurements
1. What challenges, issues, or obstacles have been encountered with
the scientific competition and award implementation processes,
especially the challenges, issues, or obstacles that impact underserved
communities?
2. What are some tools that NASA should consider for purposes of
increasing access to information related to Notice of Funding
Opportunities or grant programs to reach communities that are
historically underserved and underrepresented by NASA and the federal
government more broadly?
3. What resources could NASA provide to better assist underserved
communities with identifying new opportunities to partner with NASA or
access its grants, programs or data?
4. What are some of the best practices that NASA could put in place
to ensure individuals and organizations from underserved communities
have the necessary access, information, and tools to partner with NASA?
5. Are NASA Funding Opportunities clear in the description of
eligibility requirements for underserved communities? If not, how can
they be improved?
6. How might NASA better assist individuals and institutions from
underserved communities in identifying financial assistance
opportunities funded by NASA that they are eligible to win?
7. Besides NSPIRES and <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>, where else could financial
assistance opportunities be posted, advertised, or communicated to
better reach underserved communities and individuals?
8. How might NASA improve its financial assistance application
process to better assist individuals and institutions; what resources
could NASA provide to assist underserved communities?
9. Is there a specific NASA regulation, policy, or requirement that
presents barriers to individuals and institutions that are part of
underserved communities from identifying or applying for NASA financial
assistance opportunities or implementing a financial assistance award?
10. What challenges do NASA financial assistance recipients face
when developing and implementing policies and procedures that advance
diversity and inclusion and/or equity for underserved communities?
11. What resources could NASA provide to assist with the
development or implementation of policies and procedures that advance
diversity and inclusion and/or equity for underserved communities?
12. What challenges do NASA financial assistance recipients face
regarding compliance with nondiscrimination laws, such as Title VI of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of
1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or the Age
Discrimination Act of 1975? What role can NASA play in addressing those
challenges?
13. What practical, complex and technologically innovative steps
that, if implemented, could reduce barriers and challenges perceived or
encountered by vendors/aspiring contractors when participating in the
procurement process?
14. What policies, regulations, or guidance documents should NASA
add, revise, or remove to advance equity for underserved communities in
the procurement process?
15. What barriers do academic, non-profit or philanthropic
institutions face
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to accessing and using NASA data, science and technology to address
environmental justice and other equity challenges facing underserved
communities?
16. What barriers or challenges do institutions or organizations
face in recruiting diverse students from underserved communities to
apply to and participate in internships or similar work-based learning
experiences (e.g., research opportunities, coops, externships)?
17. What barriers or challenges do institutions or organizations
face in retaining diverse students from underserved communities who
apply to and participate in internships or similar work-based learning
experiences (e.g., research opportunities, coops, externships)?
Opportunities for NASA to Leverage Its Data, Expertise, Missions To
Help Underserved Communities
1. How can NASA utilize SMD's scientific competition process to
develop research and tools that will advance environmental justice,
support rural, urban, and coastal communities, and address equity
challenges facing underserved communities?
2. How can NASA better collaborate with academic research
institutions, particularly Historically Black Colleges and Universities
(HBCU), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI), and other Minority Serving
Institutions (MSI), to advance environmental justice, support rural,
urban, and coastal communities, and address equity challenges facing
underserved communities?
3. What opportunities do you see for NASA research-to advance
environmental justice, support rural, urban, and coastal communities,
and address equity challenges facing underserved communities?
4. How can NASA better collaborate with non-profit and
philanthropic organizations to advance environmental justice; support
rural, urban, and coastal communities; and address equity challenges
facing underserved communities?
5. How can NASA better collaborate with other federal, state,
local, regional and Tribal authorities to advance environmental
justice; support rural, urban, and coastal communities; and address
equity challenges facing underserved communities?
6. What types of data are most needed that would assist academic,
non-profit or philanthropic institutions in advancing environmental
justice, supporting rural, urban, and coastal communities, and
addressing equity challenges facing underserved communities?
7. What types of data are most needed that would assist academic,
non-profit or philanthropic institutions in advancing environmental
justice; supporting rural, urban, and coastal communities; and
addressing equity challenges facing underserved communities?
8. What other opportunities are there for NASA to leverage its
data, expertise, and missions to address challenges facing rural,
urban, and coastal areas; communities of color; persons with
disabilities; persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent
poverty or inequality; and other members of underserved communities?
Engagement and Outreach With Organizations and Individuals From
Underserved Communities
1. How can the NASA Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP)
improve the effectiveness of its outreach events to include better
representation and substantive participation from small businesses
owned or operated by leaders from underserved communities? (virtual and
in-person)
2. What can OSBP do to better engage underrepresented communities
in NASA's outreach and small business events?
3. How can OSBP improve the OSBP Mobile App in being more effective
in providing small business information to underrepresented
communities?
4. What organizations should NASA partner with to ensure
underrepresented communities are represented in the awarding of NASA
grants and cooperative agreements?
5. What products or outreach materials are most effective in
reaching underserved or underrepresented communities for grant and
procurement opportunities?
6. What mediums would be the best to advertise NASA grants and
cooperative agreements in order to reach HBCUs, HSIs and other MSIs and
other institutions focused on advancing racial justice and/or equity
for underserved communities?
7. What are some of the workshops/conferences supporting
underserved communities that could benefit from NASA's presence? What
types of information would you like to see NASA present at these
workshops/conferences?
8. Do you know how to reach a contracting/procurement staff member
to share your capability statement, and conduct business with NASA?
9. What is the best way for NASA to reach your members of
underserved communities when announcing available procurement actions?
10. How should NASA enhance or change its communication and
outreach engagements to ensure that members of underserved communities
are made of aware of procurement opportunities and have a fair
opportunity to compete for such opportunities?
11. In addition to our normal modes of publicizing and sharing
information about our procurements (e.g., Fedbizopps, Industry Days,
Public Meetings etc.), what other tools should NASA use to share
information about available procurements to reach a wider audience that
includes businesses, institutions and individuals not typically engaged
with NASA?
12. What professional associations and organizations should NASA
contact to reach members of underserved communities to provide
information about available procurement opportunities that align with
their capabilities and policy and process changes that impact their
operations?
13. What resources or avenues can NASA expand upon to bring
awareness to underrepresented and underserved communities and improve
their participation and outcomes, including HBCUs and MSIs? For
example, how might NASA expand participation through the following STMD
programs:
<bullet> NASA maintains a portfolio of patents with commercial
potential and makes them available to the public through our patent
license program. Further, NASA's Software Catalog offers hundreds of
new free software products for a wide variety of technical
applications. These resources offer the opportunity for entrepreneurs
to build new products and companies, generating economic impact and
jobs.
<bullet> NASA offers devoted research and development funding to
small businesses and entrepreneurs through the SBIR/STTR programs,
which also offer pathways to directed procurements from NASA.
<bullet> NASA offers a host of research and development grants to
universities and other innovators through the Space Technology Research
(STRG) and NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) programs, which
engage faculty, students and university research teams.
<bullet> NASA makes opportunities available for public
participation in NASA research and technology solutions to support NASA
missions and inspire new national aerospace capabilities through the
Prizes, Challenges and Crowdsourcing Program.
For more information on other STMD programs, including technology
transfer, and funding opportunities, see: https://
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www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/home/index.html and <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/solicitations">https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/solicitations</a>.
Diversity and Equal Opportunity at NASA and in the STEM Community
1. What strategies should NASA consider in creating more diverse
and inclusive workforces and what best practices have been established
to remove or lessen these challenges?
2. What strategies should NASA consider to ensure opportunity and
accessibility to particular groups, such as individuals with
disabilities, or limited English proficient individuals?
3. What best practices should NASA adopt in conducting outreach to
members of underserved communities including to enhance employment and
program participation opportunities?
4. What diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA)
strategies should NASA implement to broaden the applicant pool of
historically underrepresented and underserved students in internships
or similar work-based learning experiences (e.g., research
opportunities, coops, externships)?
5. What DEIA strategies should NASA implement to increase the
participation of historically underrepresented and underserved students
in internships or similar work-based learning experiences (e.g.,
research opportunities, coops, externships)?
6. What barriers or challenges do institutions or organizations
face in recruiting diverse students from underserved communities to
apply to and participate in internships or similar work-based learning
experiences (e.g., research opportunities, coops, externships)?
7. What barriers or challenges do institutions or organizations
face in retaining diverse students from underserved communities who
apply to and participate in internships or similar work-based learning
experiences (e.g., research opportunities, coops, externships)?
8. What DEIA strategies should NASA use to implement virtual
internships or similar work-based learning experiences (e.g., research
opportunities, coops, externships)?
9. What skills and competencies are intentionally being developed
through internships and similar work-based learning experiences (e.g.,
research opportunities, coops, externships)?
10. What barriers or challenges do institutions or organizations
face when collecting data or performing assessments to understand the
outcomes of DEIA strategy implementation for internships or similar
work-based learning experiences (e.g., research opportunities, coops,
externships)?
11. What types of data collection, analysis, and reporting
mechanisms should NASA use to assess the effectiveness and outcomes of
internships or similar work-based learning experiences?
12. Does your institution or organization have any affinity groups
or committees to support diverse populations access STEM/internships/
work-based learning experiences? How does your organization or
institution define diversity?
13. Does your institution offer any formal training to internship/
work-based learning mentors around biases, anti-racism, or general
DEIA?
IV. Written Comments
Written responses should not exceed 20 pages, inclusive of a 1-page
cover page as described below. Attachments or linked resources or
documents are not included in the 20-page limit. Please respond
concisely, in plain language, and in narrative format. You may respond
to some or all questions listed in the RFI. Please ensure it is clear
which question you are responding to. You may also include links to
online material or interactive presentations but please ensure all
links are publicly available. Each response should include: (1) The
name of the individual(s) and/or organization responding; (2) policy
suggestions that your submission and materials support; (3) a brief
description of the responding individual(s) or organization's mission
and/or areas of expertise; and (4) a contact for questions or other
follow-up on your response. Please note that this RFI is a planning
document and will serve as such. The RFI should not be construed as
policy, a solicitation for proposals, or an obligation on the part of
the government. Interested parties who respond to this RFI may be
contacted for a follow-on strategic agency assessment dialogue,
discussion, event, crowdsource campaign, or competition.
V. Review of Public Feedback
NASA will use the public's feedback to help initiate strategic
plans, consider reforms, and execute reports as required by the Equity
E.O. NASA will also use the public's feedback to consider reduction of
administrative burdens more broadly. This notice is issued solely for
information and program-planning purposes. Public input provided in
response to this notice does not bind NASA to any further actions, to
include publishing a formal response or agreement to initiate a
recommended change. NASA will consider the feedback and make changes or
process improvements at its sole discretion.
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. To that end, NASA will hold a
public meeting on June 29, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please
register at <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission-equity">https://www.nasa.gov/mission-equity</a> to hear and participate
in discussions specifically about the barriers and challenges faced by
members of underserved communities and recommendations for improving
our practices and processes to advance racial equity and support
underserved communities. As we get closer to the date for this event,
additional information will be provided. Questions may be provided in
advance; and we will do our best to address all questions during the
event.
Nanette Smith,
Team Lead, NASA Directives and Regulations.
[FR Doc. 2021-12668 Filed 6-14-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7510-13-P
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