NASA announced recently that it launched Mission Equity which was described as a comprehensive effort to assess expansion and modification of programs, procurement, grants, and policy. The aim is to examine the potential barriers and the challenges of what is there for society historically, it is less manifested and served.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said this agency was the 21st century agent with the aim of the 22th century. Nelson said the space agency must take a comprehensive approach to overcome the challenges of equity that is seen today. The administrator also said the new mission equity initiative was “brave and necessary” to ensure the program can be accessed by all Americans and especially those who live in historically non-served communities throughout the country.
Last week, NASA issued a request for information entitled “Advancing Race Equity and Support for Unrelected Communities in NASA, Contract and Grant Programs”. Agency wants public feedback because of its program review, practice, and policy. This is looking for input on potential barriers that are closely and less represented by the community and individuals face the procurement, contract, and grant opportunities.
NASA wants to know whether new policies, regulations, and guidance are needed to advance equity and opportunities within the body. RFI also wants to get input on how resources and tools can increase equity, including advancing environmental justice. NASA defines a poorly served community and is less represented as the original Americans, Latino and Indigenous Americans.
It also includes Asian Americans and the Pacific Islands and other skin people, religious minority members, lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender, and strange people as lacking forgotten and less represented. NASA also considers poorly served and less represented communities as including people with disabilities, those who live in rural areas, and people are badly affected by poverty or inequality. NASA plans to hold a virtual public meeting on June 29 where officials will discuss RFI’s goals and bodies.
