Outsourcing vs Rightsizing

NASA GSFC Solicitation: Institute for Space Robotics

“This Cooperative Agreement is to create a center of excellence for dexterous robotics technology between GSFC and the recipient to perform: research in dexterous manipulators; dissemination of research results; and public outreach. Researchers in the ISR are all expected to work collaboratively with civil servants at GSFC. The ISR is also expected to become a vehicle to increase the involvement of the university community.” … “The Recipient of this cooperative agreement will establish university and industry partnerships as necessary to provide best-in-class key technologies that are needed to satisfy ISR objectives. The estimated value of this agreement is approximately $45M not to exceed 5 years.”

Editor’s note: At a time when NASA is looking to bring things back in-house – and re-invigorate internal (civil servant) NASA expertise, why is this rather large cooperative agreement being established – one which would use external resources? Think of all the jobs that could be covered by that $45 million.