External Compliance

The External Compliance Program ensures that recipients of BLM financial assistance operate without discrimination and that all persons have equal opportunity to participate in BLM programs and activities.  Towards this effort, the BLM Alaska EEO office processes complaints filed by the public, and systematically evaluates recipients based on civil rights laws and requirements.

 Civil Rights Laws and Requirements for External Compliance Program

The following list includes the most pertinent laws and requirements that apply to the BLM External Compliance Program.  

	Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in federally assisted programs
	Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in federally assisted educational programs
	Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 which prohibit the discrimination on the basis of disability
	Age Discrimination Act of 1975, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of age
	Executive Order 13166, entitled Improving Access to Persons with Limited English Proficiency

In addition, the BLM External EEO Program adheres to the Department of the Interior’s regulations at 43 CFR Part 17 CFR.

Overview for External Compliance Program

The following three steps initiate the complaints process:

1.	Determine if an individual has grounds for a complaint. Any individual who believes that he or she has been discriminated against based on the civil rights laws and regulations has grounds for a complaint.
2.	Prepare the required documentation for a complete complaint.
3.	File a signed, written complaint. The signed, written complaint must be filed within 180 days from the date of the alleged discrimination. Individuals can send information directly to BLM EEO State/Center Managers or the Department of the Interior, Office of Civil Rights, 1849 C. Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20240.

Two reference documents, The Complaint Process and Compliance Review Procedures, cover the initial and subsequent actions of the complaints process.