Barrier identification and elimination is the process by which agencies uncover, examine, and remove barriers to equal participation at all levels of the workforce. A barrier is an agency policy, principle, or practice that limits or tends to limit employment opportunities for members of a particular sex, race, or ethnic background, or that is based on an individual’s disability status. CHRM 1604 provides the DON’s guidance on how to conduct an effective barrier analysis. The CHRM supplements the Barrier Identification and Elimination Section of EEO MD-715.

CHRM 1604 — Key Points:

• Requires each command/activity to designate a senior management official(s) to be responsible for implementing and executing ongoing barrier analysis efforts.
• Involves relevant stakeholders in analysis efforts (e.g., supervisors/managers, Special Emphasis groups/committees, union officials, human resources, financial, etc.).
• Barrier analysis efforts are ongoing.

DON has developed a data system, the DON Affirmative Employment Reporting Tool (DART), which provides the workforce demographic data needed to initiate barrier analysis efforts.