FACTS ON
                             U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION FIVE
                        1 N. Wacker Dr. Chicago, Illinois 60606 312-353-5800
               Office of Urban Affairs and Civil Rights
         The mission of the Office of Urban Affairs and Civil Rights is to
insure the equal employment of minorities in "both the governmental and
private sectors.

         In order to carry out its mission the office monitors the contract-
letting procedures of recipients of Federal grants for construction of pol-
lution abatement facilities to insure that minority workers are not discri-
minated against.

         In the case of contracts over $1 million, UACR holds pre-award
meetings to review the hiring practices of the contractors for both their
office and field personnel, the upgrading and training of minority workers
on his permanent staff, and the degree of his involvement with the appren-
ticeship and preappr entice ship program.  Local community organizations are
also contacted in order to get a feeling of local opinion regarding the
contractor's posture.

         Following the pre-award meeting, the information submitted by the
contractor is evaluated to determine if he has a satisfactory compliance
posture.

         During the life of the contract, on-site reviews are conducted,
periodically, to monitor the contractor's compliance posture.  In the event
that the contractor does not comply, grant payments to the applicant may
be withheld until the deficiencies are corrected.  In extreme cases of non
compliance, cancellation of the contract may be requested.

         UACR also has the responsibility to monitor the compliance of all
nonexempt Federal and Federally assisted construction contracts under the
"Home Town Plan" concept.

         In various cities in Region V the labor unions, trade councils
and representatives of the minority community have met and agreed on a
"Home Town Plan" to promote employment of minority workers in the constru-
tion trades.

         Also, UACR is responsible for the investigation and enforcement
of the labor standards provision of the Davis-Bacon Act and related laws.
The Davis-Bacon Act applies to contracts over $2,000 that are Federally
assisted.
         Tn fmnp.Tvn ,  thfi Ant provides that minimum wages be paid to various

EPA 905-F-73-007

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classes of workers based upon wages that will be determined by the Secretary
of Labor to be prevailing for the corresponding classes of workers employed
on projects of a characteristic similar to the contract work in the applicable
town, city or village.

      Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the UACR is responsible
for ascertaining that no person be denied sewage treatment services developed
with EPA funds because of race, color or national origin.

      It is the responsibility of UACR to investigate complaints initiated by
an individual or a community organization when they are filed against a munic-
cipality that is the recipient of an EPA grant.

      In regard to UACR in the governmental sector, the office is responsible
for directing, coordinating and evaluating the UACR Affirmative Action Plan
for Region V.

      The plan makes it possible for all persons to compete on an equal and
fair basis for employment and to qualify for training and advancement in
Region V of EPA.

      The UACR is responsible for administering the Federal Women's Program.
The mission is to enhance the status of women employed by government and to
insure job opportunities for women, opening to women jobs traditionally
filled by men, and equal pay for equal work.

      An integral part of the overall UACR program is the role of the UACR
counselor.  The counselor's objective is to establish an open channel through
which an employee may raise questions, discuss grievances, obtain answers, and
on an informal basis receive assistance with resolution of a problem connected
with UACR.

      Each counselor was carefully chosen from a list of employees who had
indicated in writing a desire to serve in this capacity.  All counselors have
attended a course given by the Civil Service Commission.

      Personnel in the UACR also serve as members of Task Forces of the
Chicago Federal Regional Council.  These include the Urban Task Force for
Spanish Surnamed Americans, the Task Force on Indian Opportunity Metro
Committee, and the Task Force for Federal Women's Program.

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