Our Work
Knowesis delivers a vast array of project management, reporting, strategic advising, data analysis, and communications services to assist ODEI strengthen DoD’s efforts to foster a climate of diversity and inclusion that is free from harassment, discrimination, and other problematic behaviors. Knowesis personnel play a critical role in the success of ODEI’s efforts to spearhead key DoD initiatives and evaluate, enhance, and advance DoD Military Equal Opportunity, Equal Employment Opportunity, Civil Rights, Diversity and Inclusion, and Disability policies and programs. Knowesis is instrumental in the development of DoD policies, reports, Congressional and DoD executive-level briefings, and other high-level ODEI policy and reporting output. Knowesis provides the full spectrum of program management, from supporting daily operations to the planning and execution of broader strategic initiatives.
We provide management and policy development; strategic advising on best practices and recommendations; policy analysis; reporting; DoD-wide data collection and analysis; crafting DoD directives, issuances, memoranda, guidance, and briefings; legal review; strategic planning; administrative services; subject matter expertise; and assistance with implementation and execution of ODEI program objectives.
Our Results
Our support for ODEI spans over seven consecutive years. Most recently our multispecialty team was responsible for drafting and coordinating policy on two complex and high visibility topics surrounding active duty transgender Servicemembers and workplace bullying. In addition, our staff provides ongoing legal and policy opinion for disability and EEO filings. Our policy and outreach is informed by a keen understanding of the military demographic. Our data scientists provide descriptive, prescriptive, and predictive insights on topics such as minority recruiting and retainment; Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) recruiting; sexual harassment prevention and response program evaluation; and multiple, quantitative internal, Congressional, and Executive branch requests.
Knowesis develops ODEI’s overall and portfolio-specific messaging for general use, as well as tailors messaging for the development/release of reports and policies. Our staff drafts responses to Congressional and media inquiries, including the development of official DoD responses/letters for the Secretary of Defense. Knowesis personnel develop testimony for DoD leadership, preparation material with questions and answers/key messaging, briefing cards, speeches, and talking points.
Department of Defense Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Department of Defense (DoD) Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) is aligned under the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (OUSD(P&R)),and is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring diversity and equal opportunity policies and programs affecting active duty and reserve component military personnel, and DoD civilian employees. The office promotes an environment free from barriers that may prevent personnel from realizing their potential and rising to the highest levels of responsibility within the Department.