B11 MISC (Executive Order No. 13991 Protecting the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask Wearing - Attachment 7).docx

On January 20, 2021, President Biden signed Executive Order No. 13991: Protecting the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing, setting a clear goal of halting the spread of COVID-19 by relying on the best available data and science, which includes the wearing of masks while around others, maintaining physical distancing whenever possible, and adhering to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Effective immediately, this order requires that all individuals in federal buildings and on federal lands administered by the NPS—including employees, contractors, volunteers, concessioners, partners, and visitors—wear face masks, as discussed further below. All onsite employees, contractors, and volunteers are required to wear a mask or face covering at all times while in Department buildings or on Federal public lands when physical distancing of 6 feet or more is not possible, and to take other precautions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

These new requirements for mask wearing and physical distancing follow CDC guidelines and apply to all federal employees, volunteers, partners, and contractors in federal buildings and on federal lands administered by the NPS. If an employee, contractor, volunteer, or other partner is unable to wear a mask properly or cannot tolerate a mask, the NPS will consider adaptations and alternatives on a case by case basis.

General Requirements When they are required to be worn, masks must cover the nose and mouth, and meet CDC and OSHA guidance. DOI will not allow novelty/non-protective masks, masks with ventilation valves, face shields as a substitute for masks, or masks with messages or graphics that DOI prohibits. Additionally, masks are not a substitute for physical distancing; even masked individuals should maintain physical distancing from their colleagues and the public.

Masks must be worn in common areas and shared workspaces in federal buildings (including open floorplan office spaces, cubicle embankments, and conference rooms). There are exceptional circumstances under which a mask may not be required indoors, such as when an individual is alone in an office with floor to ceiling walls and a closed door, when in private areas of NPS or concession housing units, or for a limited time when eating or drinking while maintaining distance in accordance with CDC guidelines. Masks are also required to be used in shared government vehicles and on federal property in outdoor areas where physical distancing cannot be maintained. For example, a mask may not be required for the entire hike on a trail but must be used when passing others on the trail.

While additional guidance is forthcoming, we ask that you take this into consideration for any applicable contract performance. Additional information will be provided when available.