Commerce at a Glance: June 15, 2021

The Latest News

Department of Commerce’s NTIA Releases Final Rule for $268 Million Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today released the Final Rule for the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program, which will direct $268 million for expanding broadband to eligible historically Black Colleges or Universities, Tribal Colleges or Universities, and minority-serving institutions.

Interior and Commerce Departments Restore Lands to the Native Hawaiian Community

As part of the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to honor relationships with Indigenous communities and uphold trust responsibilities, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves today announced the transfer of an 80-acre parcel of surplus federal property at the former NOAA Pacific Tsunami Warning Center on O‘ahu for inclusion in the Hawaiian Home Lands Trust. The land has the potential to provide homesteads for 200 to 400 Native Hawaiian families.

Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo Statement on the Conclusion of the 2021 SelectUSA Investment Summit

On the final day of the 2021 SelectUSA Investment Summit, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo released the following statement:

“The United States offers unmatched diversity, a culture of innovation, and the world’s most productive workforce to global companies of all sizes looking to grow and succeed in the U.S. market. This week’s Investment Summit showcased that America is back and open for business, and I am thrilled to share it was a record-shattering success. . .

Department of Commerce Recognizes the United Arab Emirates’ Termination of Participation in the Arab League Boycott of Israel

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) at the Department of Commerce has amended its antiboycott provisions set forth in the Export Administration Regulations to reflect the August 16, 2020 issuance by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2020, which formally ended the UAE’s participation in the Arab League Boycott of Israel. BIS’s action follows similar actions by the Departments of State and the Treasury.

Department of Commerce’s NTIA Announces Nearly $1 Billion in Funding to Expand Broadband on Tribal Land

Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, and Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced today at the White House the availability of nearly $1 billion in U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) grants to expand broadband access and adoption on Tribal land.

Journeys of Innovation: Out of the Limelight

Maude Adams, the most famous actress of the early 20th century, worked with engineers at General Electric to invent and patent the largest incandescent bulb to date. This and her other innovations in lighting and stagecraft revolutionized the performing arts and delighted audiences across the country.

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Around Commerce

Not All Industries Experienced Declines During the Pandemic

Consumer habits shifted dramatically in March 2020 in response to stay-at-home orders and the shuttering of offices across the nation amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Exploring the Global Economic Recovery from COVID-19

Since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared in March 2020, the world economy has weathered stop-go rhythms with shutdowns and reopenings, and markets of all shapes and sizes incurring tremendous losses.

Celebrate the Ocean

Each year, we celebrate our ocean throughout the month of June. We hope you join us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Look for #30DaysofOcean, #OceanMonth2021, and #OceanMonthNOAA.

Summer Safety

The change of season can mean more activities, but also more risks. Understand how to protect yourself and your loved ones from summer safety threats. Are you prepared?

We want to hear from you!

NIST Publishes Review of DNA Mixture Interpretation Methods

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has published DNA Mixture Interpretation: A Scientific Foundation Review. This draft report, which will be open for public comment for 60 days before being published in final form, reviews the methods that forensic laboratories use to interpret evidence containing a mixture of DNA from two or more people.

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Minority Business Development Agency Announces Grant Competition in Minority Business Enterprise Equity Multiplier Project

The U.S Department of Commerce and the Minority Business Development Agency are pleased to announce the opening of a major grant competition in connection with its Minority Business Enterprise Equity Multiplier Project.

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