DOO 15-13

SECTION 1. PURPOSE.

.01 This Order prescribes the functions of the Office of Public Engagement, which is the office for Department-wide planning and coordination of all formal contacts and relationships with public and private organizations to include but not be limited to businesses, non-profits, higher education institutions and advocacy organizations.

.02 This revision renames the Office of Business Liaison to the Office of Public Engagement and makes minor updates to the Order.

SECTION 2. STATUS AND LINE OF AUTHORITY.

The Office of Public Engagement is a Departmental office and shall be headed by a Director who reports and is responsible to the Chief of Staff.

SECTION 3. FUNCTIONS.

.01 The Office of Public Engagement shall function as the Department’s liaison and coordination organization with the business community.  In this capacity, the Office shall:

a. Provide a central point of contact and assistance within the Department for business representatives, firms, associations, and organizations, including members of the small business community.

b. Provide outreach and consultation with the business community to obtain information for the Department on business needs and concerns; to promote business involvement in significant Department policymaking and program development; and to keep business aware of Department resources, policies, and programs.

c. Plan and/or coordinate formal contacts between Departmental activities and public and private organizations including working with Departmental offices and operating units to solicit candidates for potential membership on all advisory committees, as applicable, except staff contacts normally made during the conduct of routine business.

d. Integrate Departmental productivity, competitive assessment, and strategic resources programs and policies into the business assistance activities of the Office to support an understanding on the part of the business community of the objectives and benefits of those programs and to promote active business participation in the programs.

e. Work through the field offices of other Departmental organizations to ensure that outreach and consultation is provided to local business firms and organizations.

f. Keep the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Chief of Staff, and other Department officials regularly informed of key issues of concern or interest to the business community where the Department has lead responsibility or should be otherwise involved.

g. Evaluate business reaction to policy initiatives and programs carried out by the Department and the Administration and provide policy recommendations to the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Chief of Staff, and other key Department and Administration officials on these issues.

h. As appropriate, convene Department officials on significant matters of concern to the business community.

i. Coordinate Departmentwide actions concerning significant problems or activities affecting the business community.

j. Initiate actions or responses, in concert with the affected Department organizations to meet the needs of the business community or to implement Department policies and goals; and to assist with the delivery of services to members of the business community.

k. As appropriate, serve as the lead or staff unit on inter- or intra-Departmental task forces or groups concerned with business assistance or policy issues affecting business.

l. Perform other functions as assigned by the Secretary, the Deputy Secretary, and the Chief of Staff.

.02 In carrying out its functions, the Office shall not represent, intervene on behalf of, or otherwise seek to assist business and individuals on specific regulatory matters, cases or issues before Federal agencies or Departments; nor shall it intervene, participate, or in any other way seek to influence the negotiation or renegotiation of the terms of any contract between a business or individual and the Government.

SECTION 4. EFFECT ON OTHER ORDERS.

This Order supersedes Department Organization Order 15-13, as amended on November 24, 1981.

Signed by: Secretary of Commerce