Theme 4

Counter corruption and ensure government integrity and accountability to the public

Status:

39% complete

Select another theme below to explore further:

  • Theme 1

    Improve access to government data, research, and information

  • Theme 2

    Increase civic space to engage the public

  • Theme 3

    Transform government service delivery

  • Theme 5

    Ensure equal justice under the law

Commitments

Implement open government components of a new governmentwide strategy on countering corruption

Enhance transparency and integrity within the financial system by improving information sharing, empowering civil society and media to detect and report corruption, and strengthening international cooperation.

Sub-commitment
US0130.1

Description
The U.S. Department of the Treasury is continuing to build the infrastructure and database for beneficial ownership reporting, and will issue further rulemakings to implement the CTA.

Agency and subagency
U.S. Department of Treasury
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network

Status
In progress

Progress update:

encourage compliance with new beneficial ownership reporting requirements, Treasury has ramped up its full-scale outreach and education campaign. Efforts include in-person and virtual conferences, webinars, roundtables, and informational sessions in partnership with Secretaries of State and other government agencies, industry groups, Congressional offices, professional service providers, Chambers of Commerce, and other organizations; a paid publicity campaign that includes radio and TV commercials, digital and social media ads, and print ads; distribution of multilingual guidance, toolkits, and other materials; and an ongoing organic communications campaign that includes earned media. Additionally, Treasury has begun rolling out database access to select Federal law enforcement agencies, with more to follow. Information on the access timeline is available at Beneficial Ownership Information I FinCEN.gov.

Evidence:

Videos:

Guides:

Social media channels:

Progress Update:

FinCEN continues to provide guidance materials about the beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting requirements. FinCEN published more than 80 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to assist the public with BOI reporting requirements, and most recently published new FAQs in January 2024. FinCEN published its small entity compliance guide (Guide) for the final BOI Reporting Requirements Rule (Reporting Rule) in September 2023, and updated it in December 2023. The Guide describes each of the Reporting Rule’s provisions in simple, easy-to-read language; answers key questions; and provides interactive checklists, infographics, and other tools to assist businesses in complying with BOI reporting requirements. FinCEN also issued technical instructions to support reporting companies with filing their BOI reports. FinCEN issued the final BOI Access and Safeguards Rule (Access Rule) in December 2023. The Access Rule prescribes the circumstances under which BOI may be disclosed to authorized recipients, and how it must be protected. FinCEN will next engage in a rulemaking to revise FinCEN’s customer due diligence (CDD) rule, consistent with the requirements of the Corporate Transparency Act.

Evidence:

The Treasury Department continues to release guidance related to beneficial ownership information reporting and access on its dedicated site linked below. Since the release of NAP 5, updates to the public include informational videos about beneficial ownership reporting, answers to frequently asked questions, and key dates for reporting. Treasury officials have also testified before Congress on CTA implementation and participated in a public meeting with relevant stakeholders in law enforcement, financial institutions, and industry groups to ensure that small businesses understand the new beneficial ownership information reporting requirements and solicit feedback on CTA implementation.

FinCEN CTA Congressional testimony: Hearing Entitled: “Oversight of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence (TFI)” - Financial Services Committee (house.gov)

Treasury outreach event read-out:
Treasury Officials Visit Kentucky and Ohio to Meet with Financial Institutions, Hold FinCEN Exchange on Combating Fentanyl Trafficking

Sub-commitment
US0130.2

Description
The Federal Government commits to working with international partners to further elevate international standards and practices against illicit finance, and continue to build the cooperative relationships to combat such conduct.

Agency and subagency
Executive Office of the President
National Security Council

Status
In progress

Progress update:

The USG has continued to make progress on the U.S. Strategy on Countering Corruption. In June 2024, the U.S. sent a robust government delegation to the International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) in Vilnius, Lithuania, led by the State Department’s Coordinator for Global Anti-Corruption, Richard Nephew. Several Departments and Agencies organized and participated in discussions on accountability for professional enablers of corruption, strengthening business integrity standards, the submission and development of corruption-related sanctions packages, and the role of the Open Government Partnership in advancing anti-corruption reform, among many other topics. U.S. government participation in this year’s IACC generated numerous programmatic deliverables, secured anti-corruption commitments from participating country delegations, and catalyzed new linkages among partners as a means to strengthen integrity and accountability.

Dept of Treasury has made made strides through the rulemaking progress to strengthen and modernize financial institutions’ anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) programs. While financial institutions have long maintained AML/CFT programs under existing regulations, this proposed rule would amend those regulations to explicitly require that such programs be effective, risk-based, and reasonably designed, enabling financial institutions to focus their resources and attention in a manner consistent with their risk profiles. Effective, risk-based, and reasonably designed AML/CFT programs are critical for protecting national security and the integrity of the U.S. financial system.

In June the White House convened an external roundtable focused on fighting corruption abroad, hosted by Senior Director for Democracy and Human Rights Kelly Razzouk.

Evidence:

A fact sheet was released in December 2023 on the implementation of the US Strategy on Countering Corruption, which includes measures to curb and combat illicit finance and foster international cooperation.

Evidence:

A fact sheet was released in March 2023 on the implementation of the US Strategy on Countering Corruption, which includes measures to curb and combat illicit finance and foster international cooperation.

Revitalize the National Action Plan on Responsible Business Conduct

Create a more transparent financial environment that curbs corrupt practices and supports global anti-corruption efforts.

Sub-commitment
US0131.0

Description
In 2021, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced an initiative to update and revitalize the United States National Action Plan on Responsible Business Conduct (RBC). The Federal Government commits to implementation of this RBC National Action Plan.

Agency and subagency
U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor

Status
In progress

Progress update:

In March 2024, the U.S. Government released the National Action Plan on Responsible Business Conduct. As part of NAP rollout, the State Department led a series of briefings and roundtables with members of civil society, academia, and the business community, as well as 2 trainings for labor officers and human rights officers.

Evidence:

Progress update:

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor in coordinating with the National Security Council, and a group of interagency partners are finalizing the National Action Plan on Responsible Business Conduct which is expected to be released in conjunction with the Summit for Democracy in March 2024, with a public rollout and external engagement to follow.

Evidence:

The NAP for Responsible Business Conduct is currently being drafted. Agency commitments have been received by the Department of State and the plan is scheduled to be published by fall 2023 with implementation planned by the December 2024.

Scientific integrity and evidence-based policymaking

Enhance public trust and ensure scientific integrity by supporting evidence-based policy-making, fostering collaboration, and maintaining objectivity in government actions and communications.

Sub-commitment
US0132.1

Description
The Biden-Harris Administration issued a Presidential Memorandum establishing a Task Force on Scientific Integrity as part of the National Science and Technology Council. The Federal Government commits to continuing implementation of this Presidential Memorandum, including by supporting Federal agencies as they revise and implement respective policies on the scientific process.

Agency and subagency
Executive Office of the President
Office of Science and Technology Policy

Status
Complete

Progress update: Since the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy’s (OSTP) February 2024 update, OSTP and its federal partners have continue to advance implementation of federal scientific integrity policy and practice, coordinating through the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) Subcommittee on Scientific Integrity (SOSI). Nearly all agencies have finalized their new or updated scientific integrity policies that align to the NSTC Framework for Federal Scientific Integrity Policy and Practice, while others are nearing completion of their policies following extensive engagement efforts, including requests for public comment and Tribal consultations.

Evidence:

Since the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy’s February 2024 update, OSTP and its federal partners have continue to advance implementation of federal scientific integrity policy and practice, coordinating through the National Science and Technology Council Subcommittee on Scientific Integrity. Several agencies have finalized their new or updated scientific integrity policies that align to the NSTC Framework for Federal Scientific Integrity Policy and Practice, while others are nearing completion of their policies following extensive engagement efforts, including requests for public comment and Tribal consultations.

Evidence:

Links to updated or newly developed scientific integrity policies:

Draft Scientific Integrity Policies published for public comment:

Policies

Progress update:

Following the January 2023 release of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) Framework for Federal Scientific Integrity Policy and Practice, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) has been working with federal agencies to update or develop their scientific integrity policies to align with the Framework. These activities have been coordinated through the NSTC Subcommittee on Scientific Integrity (SOSI). OSTP and SOSI have also worked to create opportunities to engage the research community and the public on efforts to strengthen federal scientific integrity policies and practices. The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), on behalf of the federal agencies and departments participating SOSI, held two public listening sessions to hear from members of the public about recommendations, issues and concerns related to Federal department and agency implementation of the NSTC Framework for Federal Scientific Integrity Policy and Practice. In addition, agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Social Security Administration (SSA) have issued Requests for Information on their draft policies. OSTP released its first Scientific Integrity Policy in June 2023, modeled after the Framework.

Evidence:

In January 2023, the National Science and Technology Council released a Framework for Federal Scientific Integrity Policy and Practice [PDF], which advises agencies on establishing or strengthening scientific integrity policies and provides a framework for regular assessment and iterative improvement of policies and practices to advance and sustain the work of protecting Federal science and enabling Federal scientists.

Sub-commitment
US0132.2

Description
In response to the Presidential Memorandum, the Office of Management and Budget released OMB M-21-27, which reaffirms and expands on previous guidance on Learning Agendas and Annual Evaluation Plans. It articulates that Federal agencies are expected to use evidence whenever possible to further both mission and operations, and to commit to build evidence where it is lacking. Agencies are also expected to meaningfully engage a diverse array of stakeholders to ensure they are asking the most relevant and urgent questions, and generating needed information that will be used.

Agency and subagency
Executive Office of the President
OMB Evidence Team

Status
Complete

Progress update: This commitment was previously completed.

Evidence: See previous update.

Progress Update:

Agency multi-year Learning Agendas and Fiscal Year (FY) 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Agency Annual Evaluation Plans are posted on agency websites and linked centrally at Evaluation.gov, and the Learning Agenda Question Dashboard was enhanced to include crossagency learning agendas.

Evidence:

Progress Update:

Agency multi-year Learning Agendas and Fiscal Year (FY) 2022, 2023, and 2024 Agency Annual Evaluation Plans are posted on agency websites and linked centrally at Evaluation.gov, and the Learning Agenda Questions Dashboard was enhanced to include crossagency learning agendas. Agency FY 2025 Annual Evaluation Plans will be posted in the spring of 2024.

Evidence:

Agency Learning Agendas and Annual Evaluation Plans are posted on agency websites and linked centrally at Evaluation.gov. Agency Learning Agenda questions are categorized by topic and available for public users on a searchable Learning Agenda Questions Dashboard.

Independence and confidentiality of federal statistical agencies

Maintain public trust in federal statistical agencies and the integrity of their statistics. Enforce the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act (CIPSEA) and develop regulations to guide federal statistical agencies in upholding these principles. Ensure federal statistical agencies have the autonomy to generate statistics free from political bias, accurate, and equitably available.

Sub-commitment
US0133.0

Description
The Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act (CIPSEA; Public Law 115-435) incorporated those responsibilities into statute, and as required by CIPSEA, OMB is committed to developing and publishing the Trust regulation—formally referred to as “The Fundamental Responsibilities of Recognized Statistical Agencies and Units”—to further guide and support agencies’ fulfillment of these responsibilities.

Agency and subagency
Executive Office of the President
OMB / Office of the Chief Statistician of the United States

Status
In progress

Progress update:

On June 4, 2024, OMB submitted the draft final rule for “Fundamental Responsibilities of Recognized Statistical Agencies and Units” into E.O. 12866 regulatory review, the final stage of the rulemaking process. During this review, interested members of the public can request a meeting with OMB to share their perspectives.

OMB expects to release the final rule in FY 2024.

Evidence:

Progress update:

The Office of the Chief Statistician of the United States at OMB issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for the “Fundamental Responsibilities of Recognized Statistical Agencies and Units” on August 18, 2023 which closed on October 2, 2023. OMB is currently reviewing 33 public comments we received, and expect to release the final rule in FY 2024.

Evidence:

In August 2023, the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for the Trust regulation was published in the Federal Register.

Improving payment integrity

Strengthen management functions to improve federal payment integrity by combatting fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement of federal funds by leveraging new tools, training, and support. Continue to engage with agencies managing High Priority Programs.

Sub-commitment
US0134.1

Description
The Administration will continue to take steps to cost-effectively reduce fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement of federal funds without negatively affecting the program mission, agency efforts to advance equity, efficiency, customer experience, or the overall operations of the agency.

Agency and Subagency
Executive Office of the President
OMB / Office of Federal Financial Management

Status
In progress

Progress update:

OMB continues to support the fraud symposiums via both the CFOC fraud symposium events and supporting the Joint Financial Management Improvement Program fraud symposiums and annual conference.

Evidence:

Progress update:

In FY 24 OMB is continuing the Fraud and Payment Integrity Symposium series and to date has held five virtual sessions and one all-day in-person symposium. In February 2024, the Joint Financial Management Improvement Program released the three-year plan outlining how the four principal agencies will be working together to combat fraud and improper payments.

Evidence:

In FY23 OMB launched the Fraud and Payment Integrity Symposium series, creating a forum for two-way dialogue across the Federal government to discuss and share resources available to Federal program staff to prevent, detect, and reduce fraud and improper payments. Since February OMB has hosted three symposiums with a fourth planned for September. In addition to the symposium series, OMB has been working with their fellow Joint Financial Management Improvement Program (JFMIP) Principals to develop a three-year plan focused on working with agencies to combat fraud and improper payments. In March the White House released President Biden’s Sweeping Pandemic Anti-Fraud Proposal: Going After Systemic Fraud, Taking on Identity Theft, Helping Victims outlining the Administration’s three-part Pandemic Anti-Fraud proposal highlighting the need for a “a bipartisan response to punish those who engaged in major and systemic fraud against the American people during a time of national emergency, to put in place stronger fraud and identity theft prevention going forward, and to hold harmless those Americans who were innocent victims of identity theft.

Sub-commitment
US0134.2

Description
As part of these actions, agencies will have access to new toolkits, training materials, and additional support for the Federal workforce.

Agency and Subagency
Executive Office of the President
OMB / Office of Federal Financial Management

Status
In progress

Progress update:

OMB continues to support the fraud symposiums via both the CFOC fraud symposium events and supporting the Joint Financial Management Improvement Program fraud symposiums and annual conference.

Evidence:

Progress update:

In FY 24 OMB is continuing the Fraud and Payment Integrity Symposium series and to date has held five virtual sessions and one all day in-person Symposium. In February 2024, the Joint Financial Management Improvement Program released the three-year plan outlining how the four principal agencies will be working together to combat fraud and improper payments.

Evidence:

In FY23 OMB launched the Fraud and Payment Integrity Symposium series, creating a forum for two-way dialogue across the Federal government to discuss and share resources available to Federal program staff to prevent, detect, and reduce fraud and improper payments. Since February OMB has hosted three symposiums with a fourth planned for September. In addition to the symposium series, OMB has been working with their fellow Joint Financial Management Improvement Program (JFMIP) Principals to develop a three-year plan focused on working with agencies to combat fraud and improper payments. In March the White House released President Biden’s Sweeping Pandemic Anti-Fraud Proposal: Going After Systemic Fraud, Taking on Identity Theft, Helping Victims outlining the Administration’s three-part Pandemic Anti-Fraud proposal highlighting the need for a “a bipartisan response to punish those who engaged in major and systemic fraud against the American people during a time of national emergency, to put in place stronger fraud and identity theft prevention going forward, and to hold harmless those Americans who were innocent victims of identity theft.

Sub-commitment
US0134.3

Description
In addition, the White House will continue to engage with the head of each agency that has a High Priority Program as defined by PIIA to report on actions taken to prevent improper payments.

Agency and Subagency
Executive Office of the President
OMB / Office of Federal Financial Management

Status
In progress

Progress update:

OMB continues to meet with High Priority Programs to strategize on preventing improper payments. In addition, OMB provides support to programs through the quarterly scorecard reporting process.

Evidence:

Progress update:

The Annual Improper Payments data call results yielded 28 High Priority Programs for FY24, eight of which were newly designated as High Priority compared to FY23. OMB analysis of these programs’ data is underway. OMB will meet with High Priority Program agencies and conduct additional focused meetings with selected programs . Throughout the FY24 quarterly scorecard reporting process, OMB will continue to provide support to agencies.

Evidence:

In FY23 OMB made updates to the quarterly High Priority Program scorecards asking agencies to provide the details of the actions the agency took to prevent overpayments during the current reporting period, and those planned for the following quarter. This update replaced the “key milestones” questions from prior year’s scorecards. Allowing the agencies to report on specific time periods (i.e. a quarter) in more detail than they were previously able. In addition to the updated scorecards, in June OMB held a meeting with the 11 agencies that oversee the 29 High Priority Programs and continues to engage with the agencies on their efforts to reduce improper payments. Current and past quarterly High Priority Program scorecards can be found on PaymentAccuracy.gov.

Sub-commitment
US0134.4

Description
The Biden-Harris Administration commits to ongoing efforts to improve annual reporting [to prevent and reduce improper payments].

Agency and Subagency
Executive Office of the President
OMB / Office of Federal Financial Management

Status
In progress

OMB continues to improve the annual reporting of improper payment data. Through a centralized collection of cross government data we are reducing the cost of improper payment reporting.

Evidence:

OMB developed a new automatic feature that alerts agencies of potential errors in their draft data submissions providing agencies with an additional opportunity to make corrections and improve the overall quality and accuracy of the information published on payment accuracy.gov. In addition, OMB updated the display of agency payment integrity data on paymentaccuracy.gov by streamlining and unifying the display of payment integrity data across all agencies and programs. This revised display was published in November 2023 to enhance the readability of the agency dashboard and improve the overall user experience. OMB continues to explore additional opportunities to make improvements to payment integrity reporting.

Evidence:

OMB has made extensive updates to its Annual Improper Payments data call, significantly reducing the burden on the agencies completing the survey, and allowing agencies the opportunity to provide more detailed information on how they are addressing their improper payments. In June OMB published an Illustrative Response Guide providing best practices for completing the free text portions of the Annual Improper Payments data call to assure agency responses are complete, accurate, and easy to understand. OMB is also updating how the results of the annual survey is displayed on PaymentAccuracy.gov to enhance the readability and user experience. The annual improper payment results will be posted on PaymentAccuracy.gov in the fall.

Transparency of federal funding

Effectively manage federal funding, focusing on accountability, transparency, and responsible stewardship. Administer funds from key legislative acts, such as the American Rescue Plan Act, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and Inflation Reduction Act. Enhance financial management and public trust through initiatives like the Federal Program Inventory and the Congressional Budget Justification Transparency Act. Ongoing efforts include quarterly reporting on performance metrics and continuous enhancement of federal spending transparency.

Sub-commitment
US0135.0

Description
To further the accountability and transparency of Federal spending, the Administration is committed to advancing the Federal Program Inventory efforts as outlined in the Office of Management and Budget’s 2021 report to Congress.

Agency and Subagency
Executive Office of the President
OMB / Office of Federal Financial Management

Status
In progress

Progress update:

The Federal Program Inventory website has launched.

Evidence:

Progress update:

OMB anticipates launching the Federal Program Inventory in Q1 of CY24. The inventory will allow members of the public, Congressional stakeholders, the oversight community, and other interested parties the ability to sort, search, and filter the programs of the Federal government.

Evidence:

  • Once launched, the Federal Program Inventory will replace the existing pilot website.

OMB is implementing the plan outlined in the Office of Management and Budget’s 2021 report to Congress to build the Federal Program Inventory through the completion of a series of pilots. In the summer and fall of 2023, OMB will implement “Pilot A — Establish a method for improving and utilizing assistance listings as units of analysis.” This pilot will focus on testing whether the infrastructure (systems, policies, people, and processes) that support the assistance listings at SAM.gov could serve as a basis for the structure of the inventory for federal financial assistance programs. In June, GSA released guidance to agencies including guidelines and reporting requirements for reviewing and updating all assistance listings. These updated assistance listings will form the basis of an initial version of the inventory, limited to federal financial assistance, that will be made public later this year.

Independence of federal inspectors general

Affirm the independence of federal Inspectors General to ensure effective oversight and accountability within the federal government. The Office of Management and Budget issued guidance to promote cooperation and regular communication between agencies and IGs, including best practices for fostering collaboration.

Sub-commitment
US0136.0

Description
In December 2021, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released guidance to Federal agencies and departments, calling on agency heads to establish productive and cooperative relationships with agency IGs. The Biden-Harris Administration commits to ongoing implementation of the December 2021 guidance..

Agency and Subagency
Executive Office of the President
OMB Office of Federal Financial Management

Status
In progress

Progress update:

OMB continues to work to support budget independence for Inspector Generals and collaborate with IGs to support positive relationships between agencies and their IGs.

Evidence:

OMB M-22-04: Promoting Accountability through Cooperation among Agencies and Inspectors General [PDF]

Progress update:

In FY23 OMB worked with several small agency IGs to support IG independence. In FY24, OMB continues efforts to support positive relationships between IGs and agencies. In December 2023 OMB held a multi IG meeting to receive feedback about M-22-04 “Promoting Accountability through Cooperation among Agencies and Inspectors General”.

Evidence:

OMB M-22-04: Promoting Accountability through Cooperation among Agencies and Inspectors General [PDF]

Progress update pending

Oversight of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law implementation

Commit to ongoing collaboration with the Council of the Inspectors General and the oversight community to minimize fraud, waste, and abuse while ensuring timely and budget-conscious implementation of major federal programs. Prioritize equity, transparency, and robust reporting. Use data and evidence to guide decisions and reduce local governments’ barriers to accessing infrastructure funds.

Sub-commitment
US0137.1

Description
For the duration of implementation of programs in BIL, the Biden-Harris Administration commits to implementing this guidance by using data and evidence to guide infrastructure investments and track progress.

Agency and Subagency
Executive Office of the President
Office of Science and Technology Policy

Status
In progress

Progress update:

Agency program teams continue to implement best practices of the Equitable Data’s Equitable Federal Funding Interagency Working Group. The Office of Science and Technology Policy, in partnership with the White House Infrastructure Implementation Team, continues to track progress on BIL funding opportunity announcements, award announcements, as well as total announced, appropriated, and outstanding funding for BIL programs.

Evidence:

Progress update:

The work of the Subcommittee on Equitable Data’s Equitable Federal Funding Interagency Working Group continues through agency program teams with knowledge-sharing through the Equitable Data Community of Practice.

Evidence:

None.

Progress update:

In March 2023, the Subcommittee on Equitable Data released its Progress on Implementation of the Recommendations of the Equitable Data Working Group (link below), which included an update on how data and evidence are being used to track progress on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law implementation. On page 23 of the report, it noted that, “The SED’s Equitable Federal Funding Interagency Working Group created a process to scope and answer emergent, actionable research questions to inform equitable delivery of the BIL. These ‘rapid equity assessments’ represent discrete projects that use equitable data to improve processes and policies along the entire grant life cycle. To date, the EFFIWG, in collaboration with agency program staff, has conducted many rapid equity assessments including those that evaluate the geographic patterns of programs directly serving Americans and the distribution of project announcements throughout the country to better understand patterns of access among underserved communities.”

Evidence:

Sub-commitment
US0137.2

Description
For the duration of implementation of programs in BIL, the Biden-Harris Administration commits to implementing this guidance by… reporting on awards and subawards.

Agency and Subagency
Executive Office of the President
Office of Science and Technology Policy

Status
Complete

Progress update:

This commitment was previously completed.

Evidence:

See previous update.

Reporting on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law implementation, which includes reporting on awards for a subset of BIL programs and instructions for how members of the public can download the full dataset of all BIL awards via USASpending.gov. The Office of Science and Technology Policy is continuing to explore the completeness and comprehensiveness of sub-award data for use in reporting.

Sub-commitment
US0137.3

Description
For the duration of implementation of programs in BIL, the Biden-Harris Administration commits to implementing this guidance by… collaborating with the IG and oversight community, including by engaging with IGs on the front end of program design and holding regular joint program review meetings with IGs.

Agency and Subagency
Executive Office of the President
Office of Management and Budget

Status
In progress

Progress update:

The Office of Management and Budget continues to work with agency inspectors general to identify risks and risk-mitigation opportunities upfront while strengthening internal controls and preventing waste and fraud. As of July 2024, the White House has held more than 60 total Joint Program review meetings which include an in-depth upfront discussion of program design, risk mitigation strategies, financial controls, and data, tracking, and reporting. White House leadership also meets monthly with Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency leadership on areas of mutual interest to help ensure any issues are addressed early, and ensure a fair and accurate accounting of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law execution.

Evidence:

Progress update:

The Office of Management and Budget continues to work with agency inspectors general to identify risks and risk-mitigation opportunities upfront while strengthening internal controls and preventing waste and fraud. As of February 15, 2023 the White House has held 13 Joint Program review meetings which include an in-depth upfront discussion of program design, risk mitigation strategies, financial controls, and data, tracking, and reporting. White House leadership also meets monthly with Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency leadership on areas of mutual interest to help ensure any issues are addressed early, and ensure a fair and accurate accounting of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law execution.

Evidence:

OMB encouraged agencies to adopt an open and transparent approach to collaborative program design, including early and ongoing engagement with agency inspectors general to identify risks and risk-mitigation opportunities upfront while strengthening internal controls and preventing waste and fraud. In addition, OMB worked with agencies and the agency inspector generals to identify significant BIL programs that would benefit from a Joint Review Meeting which would include an in-depth upfront discussion of program design, risk mitigation strategies, financial controls, and data, tracking, and reporting.

Sub-commitment
US0137.4

Description
For the duration of implementation of programs in BIL, the Biden-Harris Administration commits to implementing this guidance by … reducing barriers faced by State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments in accessing infrastructure funding opportunities, including through outreach, engagement, and technical assistance.

Agency and Subagency
Executive Office of the President
Office of Management and Budget

Status
In progress

Progress update:

OMB has revised the Uniform Guidance, which will go into effect on October 1, 2024. These revisions reduce burden and broaden potential applicants for State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments by simplifying grant announcements and reporting requirements.

Evidence:

The White House continues to create a suite of resources to help communities navigate programs that can help them deliver infrastructure projects. It built a “Thriving Community” network to help Cabinet agencies coordinate strategy, collaborate across initiatives, and target deployment of a full range of Federal place-based technical assistance and capacity-building resources to urban, rural, and Tribal communities experiencing a history of economic distress and systemic disinvestment. This effort includes resources to help disadvantaged communities with grant and financial management, pre-development assistance, community engagement, planning, and project delivery support. The Administration released a Technical Assistance Guide in September 2023 to help communities get access to the programs, processes, and resources that provide targeted support to a community, region, organization, or other beneficiary to help them access and deploy federal funding to deliver results. Further the White House is working with agency partners to quickly deliver the necessary technical assistance and capacity to underserved communities, ranging from the interagency Thriving Communities initiative to the Local Infrastructure Hub established by philanthropy and nongovernmental organizations.

Evidence:

Over 90% of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s historic funding will be deployed by non-federal partners. In the past, too many communities have lacked the resources to apply for and deploy transformative infrastructure opportunities. While many funding streams in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law specifically set aside funds for underserved communities, the White House Infrastructure Implementation Team has also been engaging states, local governments, Tribal governments, territories, federal agencies, philanthropy, and others to leverage all available resources to quickly deliver the necessary technical assistance and capacity to underserved communities.

54 states and territories have appointed state infrastructure coordinators, responding to the call from Senior Advisor to the President and White House Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu to appoint an individual to coordinate efforts in a state along with serving as a single point of contact for the White House Infrastructure Implementation Team. This structure has enabled closer coordination between federal and state implementation efforts.

The White House has also created a suite of resources on build.gov that highlights programs that help communities navigate programs and resources that can help them deliver infrastructure projects. Build.gov also has resources for state, local, Tribal and territorial governments including a guidebook to each of the nearly 400 federal programs in BIL, a regularly updated list of open funding opportunities, resources specifically for Tribal governments, rural communities, territories, and a technical assistance guidebook. In September, the White House will bring technical assistance providers to the White House for a training. Additionally, the White House and federal agencies routinely engage with state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments to share information, provide policy updates, and gather feedback.

Support strong whistleblower protections

Foster a safe and transparent work environment where federal employees can report concerns and wrongdoing without fear of retaliation. Following guidance from the Office of Management and Budget, federal agencies will provide training on whistleblower rights and protections to reinforce that retaliation against whistleblowers is prohibited.

Sub-commitment
US0138.0

Description
Consistent with the guidance that the Office of Management and Budget released in December 2021, Federal agencies will communicate and provide training about whistleblower rights and protections to supervisors and employees. Those protections and trainings will emphasize that agencies and supervisors cannot retaliate against employees who report concerns, cooperate with IGs, or otherwise blow the whistle. The Biden-Harris Administration commits to ongoing implementation of this guidance.

Agency and subagency
Executive Office of the President
OMB Office of Federal Financial Management

Status
In progress

Progress update:

OMB has revised the Uniform Guidance, which will go into effect on October 1, 2024. In addition, OMB is coordinating the development of an online training module on 2 CFR 200, which will include information on the updates to the Uniform Guidance.

Evidence:

Federal Register: Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance — See: § 200.217 Whistleblower protections and § 200.303 Internal controls.

Progress update:

In addition to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance released in December 2021, the Biden-Harris Administration is proposing several changes to the OMB guidance for Federal financial assistance that addresses whistleblower protections and cooperation with Inspectors General. OMB is proposing a new section of 2 CFR that addresses whistleblower protections for recipients of Federal financial assistance, stipulating that recipient employees can not be discriminated against for disclosing fraud or mismanagement. OMB is also updating the guidance to require recipients to disclose any credible evidence of a violation of Federal criminal law potentially affecting the Federal award to the agency’s Office of Inspector General, in addition to the current requirement to report this information only to the Federal agencies.

Evidence:

None.

Progress update pending

Strengthen implementation of FOIA

Encourage transparency and strengthen access to government information through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The Biden-Harris Administration is directing agencies to apply FOIA with a presumption of openness, proactively disclose information, reduce barriers to access, and decrease backlogs. The Department of Justice provides the federal workforce access to FOIA training and resources such as the new FOIA Guidelines,  FOIA Self-Assessment Toolkit, FOIA business standards, and a dedicated website, FOIA.gov, to improve public access to government records.

Sub-commitment
US0139.1

Description
Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Justice commits to the following additional steps to bolster openness and transparency through the FOIA … Issuance of an updated FOIA Self-Assessment Toolkit, originally issued in 2017, to reflect, among other things, additional milestones for proactive disclosures, use of technology, and requirements of the Attorney 16 General’s new FOIA Guidelines..

Agency and Subagency
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Information Policy

Status
Complete

This commitment has been completed.

Evidence:

See previous progress update.

On March 9, 2023 the Department of Justice released an updated FOIA self-assessment toolkit. 

Sub-commitment
US0139.2

Description
Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Justice commits to the following additional steps to bolster openness and transparency through the FOIA … Leading a Chief FOIA Officer Council working group that will collaborate with the Office of Government Information Services at the National Archives and Records Administration, the Office of Shared Services & Performance Improvement at the Government Services Administration, and the Business Standards Council to develop shared FOIA business standards. The shared business standards will make it easier for agencies to acquire FOIA technology and, in turn, improve efficiency and consistency in processing requests across the Federal Government.

Agency and Subagency
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Information Policy

Status
In progress

Progress update:

OIP is reviewing and incorporating feedback received during the public comment period.  OIP anticipates completing the baseline business standards in the coming weeks for final review and publication.

Evidence:

None.

Progress update:

The Chief FOIA Officers Council established a working group to draft baseline standards (functional areas, activities, and business capabilities). These standards were drafted, circulated to agency Chief FOIA Officers, and are will soon be made available for public comment on Regulations.gov and announced in the Federal Register.

Evidence:

The Chief FOIA Officer Council’s established a working group to finalize standard business functions and capabilities for FOIA case management, where our progress is being publicly tracked.

Sub-commitment
US0139.3

Description
Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Justice commits to the following additional steps to bolster openness and transparency through the FOIA … Enhancement of the user experience on FOIA.gov, the Federal Government’s central website for FOIA, by developing an interactive tool to help members of the public more easily locate records that are already available online or find the right agency to submit their FOIA requests when information is not already posted online.

Agency and Subagency
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Information Policy

Status
Complete

Progress update:

The new FOIA Search Tool was released on FOIA.gov in October 2023. The FOIA.gov homepage was also redesigned to incorporate the new tool. We will continue to make iterative improvements based on public usage and feedback from agencies and requesters.

Evidence:

After a robust discovery phase, OIP is now in a development phase aimed at releasing an initial product on FOIA.gov this fall. After release, OIP plans to continue to refine the tool and improve its functionality based on user feedback.

Integrity of administration officials

Public accountability and transparency among administration officials. President Biden signed Executive Order 13989, which enforces a stringent ethics pledge, including post-employment restrictions, a lobbyist gift ban, and increased transparency for ethics waivers.

Sub-commitment
US0140.0

Description
As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to public transparency, we will continue to provide public financial disclosure forms, ethics pledge waivers, White House visitor logs, and the President and Vice President’s tax returns on an ongoing basis online

Agency and subagency
Executive Office of the President
White House Counsel’s Office

Status
Complete

Progress update:

Now that the Administration’s financial disclosure forms, ethics pledge waivers, White House visitor logs, and the President and Vice President’s tax returns are publicly available, this effort is being moved into an operational and maintenance phase of iterative development and release based on user feedback, to improve ease of use, and changing business of functional requirements.

Evidence:

Review the White House disclosures documents.

Strengthen agency procurement forecasts

Enhance transparency and accessibility for future federal contract opportunities, particularly for small businesses and underserved communities, by exploring dynamic procurement forecast models with user-friendly search and filter functions on SAM.gov. The Office of Management and Budget is working with agencies to create a consistent and comprehensive list of procurement information in forecasts, making it easier for potential contractors to prepare for federal contract competitions.

Sub-commitment
US0141.0

Description
To strengthen transparency about expected contract opportunities and accessibility to this information, agencies are working with OMB to identify a common list of procurement information to include in agency forecasts of contracting opportunities in order for potential contractors, and especially those in underserved communities, to effectively prepare for future Federal contract competitions. Promising practices are being assessed for moving from a static posting of forecasting data at the beginning of the fiscal year to a timelier and more dynamic model that involves more regular posting of new information on a rolling basis as requirements are identified. User friendly search and filter functions are being explored to improve visibility and accessibility across agency forecasts over time so that entities interested in particular market segments can find relevant information more easily in the official System for Award Management website. The Biden-Harris Administration commits to implementation of these initiatives over the next two years with quarterly progress reporting on the President’s Management Agenda on Performance.gov.

Agency and subagency
General Services Administration
Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization

Status
Complete

Progress update:

This commitment was previously completed.

Evidence:

See previous commitment.

In support of OMB Memo M-23-01, Increasing the Share of Contract Dollars Awarded to Small Disadvantaged Businesses, find performance strategies and updates at Performance.gov Business of Government Priority.

OSDBU Forecast of Contracting Opportunities Tool

The goal of this tool is to provide a nationwide dashboard of upcoming federal contracting opportunities. All projected procurements are subject to revision or cancellation. Final decisions on the extent of competition, small business participation, estimated value, or any aspect of the procurement are made if and when a solicitation is posted to SAM.gov. Forecast data is for planning purposes only and is not a commitment by the Government to purchase the described products or services. Address questions regarding a planned procurement to the point of contact listed in the record.

Seven federal executive agencies use the tool:

  • General Services Administration
  • Department of the Interior
  • Department of Labor
  • U.S. Small Business Administration
  • U.S. Office of Personnel Management
  • U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Implementing the Presidential Initiative for Democratic Renewal

Continue implementation of the Presidential Initiative for Democratic Renewal (PIDR), a comprehensive set of policy and foreign assistance initiatives. Announced by President Biden at the 2021 Summit for Democracy, the initiative prioritizes support for free and independent media, anti-corruption, democratic reforms, technology for democracy, and free and fair elections.

Sub-commitment
US0142.0

Description
The commitments made as part of the PIDR center on five areas of work crucial to the functioning of transparent, accountable governance: (1) supporting free and independent media, (2) fighting corruption, (3) bolstering democratic reforms, (4) advancing technology for democracy, and (5) defending free and fair elections and political processes.

Agency and subagency
Executive Office of the President
National Security Council

Status
In progress

Progress update:

The third Summit for Democracy in South Korea this March 2024 brought together hundreds of leaders from governments, civil society, and the private sector committed to strengthening democratic governance, protecting human rights, and advancing the fight against corruption. The Summit highlighted the significance of promoting the long-term sustainability and resilience of democracies to ensure a promising future for future generations. The U.S. participation in the Summit continues to highlight the work on the Presidential Initiative for Democratic Renewal, as well as new initiatives like USAID’s Global Accountability Program. GAP which was launched in 2023 to address governance gaps and build resilience to transnational corruption, grand corruption, and kleptocracy by strengthening the systems and actors needed to close loopholes, detect dirty money and follow its movement across borders, and ultimately hold corrupt actors accountable.

Evidence:

Progress update:

Implementation continues apace on the Presidential Initiative for Democratic Renewal programs and additional public details will be provided as part of the U.S. participation in the third Summit for Democracy in South Korea this March 2024.

Evidence:

None.

Two fact sheets were released since the launch of the Presidential Initiative for Democratic Renewal that provide useful updates on progress, one in November 2022 and one in March 2023.

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Last updated: Dec 23, 2024
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