Information Report: Review of the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico, U.S. Section, Compliance With Executive Order 13950 on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping

Summary of Review
On September 22, 2020, the White House issued Executive Order (EO) 13950, Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping, to “promote economy and efficiency in Federal contracting, to promote unity in the Federal workforce, and to combat offensive and anti-American race and sex stereotyping and scapegoating.”¹ Among other requirements, EO 13950 requires the agency head to take certain steps to ensure agency compliance with the EO, including to “issue an order incorporating the requirements of [the EO] into agency operations[.]”² The Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted this review to determine whether the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico, U.S. Section (USIBWC), has taken steps to implement EO 13950 § 6(c).³

In its review, OIG found that USIBWC took the necessary steps to comply with EO 13950 § 6(c). Specifically, the USIBWC Commissioner issued an agency order to incorporate requirements of the EO into agency operations and assumed responsibility as the senior political appointee to oversee the implementation of the EO. In addition, the Commissioner’s order directed the Administration Department, to issue subsequent guidance requiring the Commission’s contractors to comply with the EO. Finally, during communication with USIBWC, OIG determined that there was an implied request from the Commissioner to review and assess USIBWC compliance with the EO in the form of a report. Based on USIBWC’s actions, OIG concludes that USIBWC complied with the requirements set forth in EO 13950 § 6(c). In accordance with EO 13950 § 6(c)(ii), OIG is transmitting a copy of this report to the Office of Management and Budget.

_{¹ EO 13950, Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping, September 22, 2020.
² EO 13950, September 22, 2020, at § 6(c)(i).
³ Because EO 13950 requires Offices of Inspectors General to complete a review and report findings to the Office of Management and Budget by the end of the calendar year, OIG’s limited its evaluation in calendar year 2020 to USIBWC’s compliance with § 6(c) of the EO. OIG’s review in calendar year 2021 will be broader in scope and will evaluate USIBWC’s compliance with all provisions of the EO.}