Responsibilities of the Departments of Commerce and Veterans Affairs and the Small Business Administration With Respect to Faith-Based and Community Initiatives

This executive order establishes Centers for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives at the Departments of Commerce and Veterans Affairs and the Small Business Administration. The Centers are tasked with identifying and removing barriers to faith-based and community organizations' participation in federal social service programs, coordinating outreach, and reporting progress to the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.

Federal Register Open PDF 69 FR 31509

Impact dates

Nov 28, 2004
First report due 180 days from signing (by November 28, 2004) with performance indicators and measurable objectives
Jul 16, 2004
Centers must begin operations no later than 45 days from signing (by July 16, 2004)

Key directives

No discrete directives extracted.

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Establishment of three new Centers for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
Appointment of Center Directors in consultation with White House OFBCI
Designation of agency liaisons to White House OFBCI

Near term (90d)

Centers must begin operations no later than 45 days from signing (by July 16, 2004)
Initial agency-wide audits to identify barriers to faith-based organization participation
Development of outreach efforts and information dissemination systems

Long term

First report due 180 days from signing (by November 28, 2004) with performance indicators and measurable objectives
Annual reporting cycle established thereafter
Ongoing barrier removal and program integration efforts
Potential regulatory and procurement reforms

Risks & tensions

None flagged.