NASA OIG on Underutilized Facilities
Oversight of NASA – Statement of Paul K. Martin NASA Inspector General
“We found that NASA’s efforts to reduce its underutilized facilities have been hindered by several longstanding and interrelated challenges: 1) fluctuating and uncertain strategic requirements; 2) Agency culture and business practices; 3) political pressure; and 4) inadequate funding. To its credit, NASA is undertaking a series of initiatives aimed at “rightsizing” the Agency’s real property footprint. However, we noted that many of these efforts are in the early stages and may ultimately be insufficient to overcome the cultural and political obstacles that have impeded past efforts to reduce unneeded infrastructure. Accordingly, an independent outside process similar to the Department of Defense’s Base Realignment and Closure Commission may be necessary.”
1) fluctuating and uncertain strategic requirements; 2) Agency
culture and business practices; 3) political pressure; and 4) inadequate
funding.
Number 3 is the elephant in the room that everyone is afraid to mention or criticize in public.