White House releases new guidance on infrastructure funds

May 3, 2022
Guidance seeks to ensure accountability and transparency

Seeking additional oversight, the White House released new guidance on how agencies can ensure “accountability, effectiveness and transparency” in the implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

“The initial guidance will ensure that there is minimal fraud, waste and abuse in the implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and projects are delivered on time and on budget by delivering results with accountability, effectiveness and transparency; collaborating with inspectors general and the oversight community; and, providing technical and financial assistance for communities,” said a fact sheet from the White House

The Office of Management and Budget outlined guidance on using data and evidence in designing programs, planning program implementation in order to be consistent with the law, documenting reviews and selections for discretionary programs, reporting on awards and engaging with the Government Accountability Office. The guidance also touches on collaboration with state, local, Tribal and territorial governments. 

The new guidance says, “to assess future workforce needs, agencies are strongly encouraged to develop short-, medium-, and long-term strategic workforce plans” and that agencies should incorporate their diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility strategic plans and other policies consistent with the “strengthening and empowering” of the federal workforce provision of the President’s management agenda into their recruitment, hiring, onboarding and retention practices. 

According to the White House, agencies have already begun reporting monthly on infrastructure awards and sub-awards, primary agencies have identified an infrastructure implementation coordinator and the infrastructure task force and White House implementation team have already held dozens of meetings. 

“There’s a lot of really good stuff here and I’m extremely happy that the White House is trying to incorporate some of the lessons learned on some of the Covid spending [and] avoid some of the missteps that were made,” said Sean Moulton, senior policy analyst at the Project on Government Oversight.

------------

Source: Route Fifty

Sponsored Recommendations

The Science Behind Sustainable Concrete Sealing Solutions

Extend the lifespan and durability of any concrete. PoreShield is a USDA BioPreferred product and is approved for residential, commercial, and industrial use. It works great above...

Proven Concrete Protection That’s Safe & Sustainable

Real-life DOT field tests and university researchers have found that PoreShieldTM lasts for 10+ years and extends the life of concrete.

Revolutionizing Concrete Protection - A Sustainable Solution for Lasting Durability

The concrete at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center is subject to several potential sources of damage including livestock biowaste, food/beverage waste, and freeze/thaw...

The Future of Concrete Preservation

PoreShield is a cost-effective, nontoxic alternative to traditional concrete sealers. It works differently, absorbing deep into the concrete pores to block damage from salt ions...