“NASA is a 21st century agency with 22nd century goals. To
be successful, it’s critical that NASA takes a comprehensive approach to
address the challenges to equity we see today,” said NASA Administrator Bill
Nelson. “The agency’s new Mission Equity is a bold and necessary challenge for
NASA to ensure our programs are accessible to all Americans and, especially,
those living in historically underserved communities across the country.
Because when NASA opens doors to talent previously left untapped, the universe
is the limit.”
NASA issued Tuesday a request for information (RFI),
entitled Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities in
NASA Programs, Contracts and Grants. To this RFI, the agency is seeking public
feedback as it conducts a thorough review of its programs, practices, and
policies to assess:
Potential barriers that underserved and underrepresented
communities and individuals may face in agency procurement, contract, and grant
opportunities.
Whether new policies, regulations, or guidance may be
necessary to advance equity and opportunities in agency actions and programs.
How agency resources and tools can assist in enhancing
equity, including advancing environmental justice.
Areas in which the agency would like to receive comments include:
- Diversity and Equal Opportunity at NASA and in the STEM Community
- Opportunities for NASA to Leverage its Data, Expertise, and Missions to Help Underserved Communities
- Barriers/Gaps to Accessing Current NASA Grants, Programs, and Procurements
- Engagement and Outreach with Organizations and Individuals from Underserved and Underrepresented Communities
Underserved and underrepresented communities include: 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.
Through the RFI process, NASA hopes to initiate vibrant,
meaningful, and ongoing dialogues that will help the agency build and improve
current agency policies, practices, and programs. The deadline for public comments
to this RFI is Monday, July 12, but we encourage submission of comments as soon
as possible to enable early analysis and follow-up discussions.
NASA will host a virtual public meeting on June 29, during
which NASA officials will discuss the RFI and corresponding agency goals. More
information on this meeting will be made available.