[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 190 (Monday, October 1, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50086-50087]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-24457]



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Part V





Department of Labor





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Establishment of the Office of the 21st Century Workforce and 
Delegation of Authority and Assignment of Responsibility to Its 
Director and Others; Notice

  Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 190 / Monday, October 1, 2001 / 
Notices  

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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Office of the Secretary

[SECRETARY'S ORDER 6-2001]


Establishment of the Office of the 21st Century Workforce and 
Delegation of Authority and Assignment of Responsibility to Its 
Director and Others

    1. Purpose. This Order establishes the Office of the 21st Century 
Workforce, which shall serve as a focal point for the identification 
and study of issues relating to the workforce of the United States, for 
the gathering and dissemination of information relating to such issues, 
and for the development of strategies for effectively addressing such 
issues; delegates authority and assigns responsibility to its Director; 
and directs that all components of the Department of Labor (DOL) have 
the responsibility to work cooperatively with the Office of the 21st 
Century Workforce to ensure that their missions efficiently and 
effectively address the needs and concerns of the workforce.
    2. Authority. This Order is issued pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 301, and 
Executive Order 13218, ``21st Century Workforce Initiative'' (EO 13218) 
(June 20, 2001).
    3. Background. The Office of the 21st Century Workforce has 
responsibility, under EO 13218, to gather and disseminate information 
relating to workforce issues. Among the issues to be addressed by the 
Office of the 21st Century Workforce are the identification of the ways 
in which DOL may: streamline and update the information and services 
made available to the workforce by the Department; eliminate 
duplicative or overlapping rules and regulations; and identify 
statutory and regulatory barriers to assisting the workforce in 
successfully adapting to the challenges of the 21st Century.
    EO 13218 established the President's Council of the 21st Century 
Workforce (Council), and designates the Secretary of Labor as the 
chairperson of the Council, and as an ex officio member representing 
the views of the Federal Government. The membership of the Council will 
include individuals who represent the views of business and labor 
organizations, Federal, State and local governments, academicians and 
educators, and such other associations and entities as the President 
determines are appropriate. The Council is to provide information and 
advice to the President through the Secretary of Labor, the Office of 
the 21st Century Workforce, and other appropriate Federal officials 
relating to issues affecting the 21st Century workforce.
    DOL, under EO 13218, is responsible for making available 
appropriate funding and administrative support to assist the Council in 
carrying out the functions prescribed under EO 13218, including 
``necessary office space, equipment, supplies, staff and services'' 
and, to the extent permitted by law, providing the Council with such 
information as it may need for purposes of carrying out its functions. 
Under EO 13218, the Secretary of Labor shall perform the functions of 
the President under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.), 
as amended, except that of reporting to the Congress, with respect to 
the Council, in accordance with the guidelines and procedures 
established by the Administrator of General Services.
    4. Delegation of Authority and Assignment of Responsibility.
    a. The Director of the Office of the 21st Century Workforce is 
delegated authority and assigned responsibility for:
    (1) Identifying and studying issues relating to the workforce of 
the United States and developing strategies for effectively addressing 
such issues;
    (2) Gathering and disseminating information relating to workforce 
issues by conducting summits, conferences, field hearings, meetings, 
and other appropriate forums designed to encourage the participation of 
organizations and individuals interested in such issues, including 
business and labor organizations, academicians, employers, employees, 
and public officials at the local, State and Federal levels;
    (3) Advising and assisting the Secretary of Labor by identifying 
ways in which the Department of Labor may: streamline and update the 
information and services made available to the workforce by the 
Department; eliminate duplicative or overlapping rules and regulations; 
and identify statutory and regulatory barriers to assist the workforce 
in successfully adapting to the challenges of the 21st Century; and
    (4) Promoting coordination among DOL agencies with the President's 
Council of the 21st Century Workforce.
    b. The Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management is 
delegated authority and assigned responsibility to assure that any 
transfer of resources affecting this Order is fully consistent with the 
budget policies of the Department and that consultation and 
negotiation, as appropriate, with representatives of any employees 
affected by this exchange of responsibilities is conducted. The 
Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management is also 
responsible for providing or assuring that appropriate administrative 
and management support is furnished, as required, for the efficient and 
effective operation of these programs.
    c. The Solicitor of Labor is delegated authority and assigned 
responsibility for providing legal advice and counsel to the Office of 
the 21st Century Workforce and other DOL agencies on all matters 
arising in the administration of this Order.
    d. DOL Agency Heads are responsible for coordinating with the 
Office of the 21st Century Workforce on policies and activities which 
may relate to the purposes or responsibilities of the Office of the 
21st Century Workforce. This coordination shall include such actions 
as:
    (1) Assisting the Office of the 21st Century Workforce in 
identifying and studying issues relating to the workforce of the United 
States, in gathering and disseminating information relating to such 
issues, and in developing strategies for effectively addressing such 
issues;
    (2) Providing the Office of the 21st Century Workforce with 
information relating to workforce issues necessary for conducting 
summits, conferences, field hearings, meetings, and other appropriate 
forums designed to encourage the participation of organizations and 
individuals interested in such issues, including business and labor 
organizations, academicians, employers, employees, and public officials 
at the local, State and Federal levels;
    (3) Assisting the Office of the 21st Century Workforce in 
identifying ways in which the DOL may streamline and update the 
information and services made available to the workforce by the DOL, 
eliminate duplicative or overlapping rules and regulations, and 
identify statutory and regulatory barriers to assisting the workforce 
in successfully adapting to the challenges of the 21st Century; and
    (4) Coordinating with the Office of the 21st Century Workforce on 
matters or programs related to such additional issues relating to the 
workforce and affecting the duties of the President's Council of the 
21st Century Workforce as may arise.
    5. Reservation of Authority and Responsibility.
    a. The submission of reports and recommendations to the President 
and the Congress concerning the administration of statutory or 
administrative provisions is reserved to the Secretary.
    b. This Secretary's Order does not affect the authorities or 
responsibilities of the Office of Inspector General under

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the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended, or under Secretary's 
Order 2-90 (January 31, 1990).
    c. This Order does not affect the authorities and responsibilities 
assigned by any other Secretary's Order.
    6. Effective Date. This Order is effective immediately.

    Dated: September 25, 2001.
Elaine L. Chao,
Secretary of Labor.
[FR Doc. 01-24457 Filed 9-28-01; 8:45 am]
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