Input to NASA’s RFI in support of Advancing Equity and Support for Underserved Communities .

This message is in reference to Executive Order (EO) 13985, Advancing Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. As you may be aware, NASA issued a Request for Information on June 15, 2021 and held a public meeting on July 13, 2021 to obtain input and suggestions from the public on how we might consider changing (e.g. expanding, streamlining, updating, etc.) our programs, procurements, grants, regulations and policies to remove systemic inequitable barriers and challenges facing underserved communities. The public comment period closes on August 31, 2021.  We really want to hear from you and hear your suggestions!  So we are taking this additional step to reach out and solicit input and suggestions on actionable steps we can take, specifically on the following questions: 

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 opportunities are there for NASA to leverage its data, expertise, and missions to better serve and help underserved communities?

You are encouraged to submit your formal RFI reply via the link provided above.  As an alternative, you can also send your response to the questions via email to Karen Flynn, SMD’s Deputy Associate Administrator for Management (karen.e.flynn@nasa.gov) by August 31, 2021.  We look forward to hearing from you. 

Thank you,

Craig Kundrot

Director, Biological and Physical Sciences Division