NASA Now Has An Official Five Things App

Keith’s note: this memo was sent out by NASA CIO Jeff Seaton, Included is the 5 Things FAQ posted online for NASA employees.

NASA Civil Servants: NASA is proud to highlight the incredible work that drives our missions forward. Today we are introducing a new tool for NASA civil servants to showcase their achievements: the Weekly Accomplishments App.

This application provides a secure, centralized hub for submitting weekly accomplishments to direct supervisors and simplifies existing reporting processes while helping civil servants keep track of all they are doing over the course of the year. The app also provides a PowerBI dashboard view of your past accomplishments, so over time, your participation will enable data-driven insights that may help you streamline performance reviews or organizational reporting.

Importantly, this is not a means of measuring workforce productivity or efficiency, nor is it intended to replace your regular reporting to your supervisor. This app will make it easier for you to track your activities and accomplishments, providing each civil servant with an ongoing record of their work.

Please review the Weekly Accomplishments Help Page which includes FAQs and a video tutorial – although we think you will find the tool very easy to use even without the tutorial.

A few important notes:

• This tool is internal to NASA and restricted to civil servant use only.
• The information collected will not be sent outside of NASA. The app serve as a communication tool between employees and their supervisors.
• Do not include any CUI, Classified, or FISMA High-rated data

The app provides a simple form for submitting five brief accomplishments every week. The form will close every Monday at 11:59 PM local time and re-opens the next day. Once you hit send, you and your supervisor will get an email receipt. Check with your supervisor for specific guidance on submitting for this week and beyond. You can also bookmark go.nasa.gov/weekly for easy access to the app.

We hope this tool provides opportunities for you to tell our story.

NASA is proud of its accomplishments and all the things we do to further the nation’s exploration goals. Every week, our NASA workforce makes the impossible. possible! Thank you for all that you do to make NASA the Best Place to Work in the Federal Government.

Thank you.

Jeff Seaton
NASA Chief Information Officer

5 Things FAQ

The Weekly Accomplishments App is a central hub where NASA civil servants can submit achievements to their direct supervisor. The app simplifies existing reporting processes for employees and supervisors while providing insight into organizational accomplishments and trends. This tool is for internal NASA use by civil servants only.

What to Include

Each entry should describe a weekly activity or achievement, its impact, and how it supports the organization’s mission. When submitting your weekly accomplishments,
be mindful of the level of information you share. The information collected will not be sent outside of NASA. The app serves as a communication tool between employees and their supervisors.

Do not include any CUI, Classified, or FISMA High-rated data.

Internal weekly reporting is consistent with the requests from OPM and allows NASA to continue supporting its workforce with an agency response to the weekly OPM requirement. This tool provides a way for civil servants to highlight their accomplishments to their supervisor. This is not a measurement of workforce productivity or efficiency. The app simply serves as a communication tool between civil servants and their supervisor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I required to use this reporting application?

NASA civil servants are encouraged to use the application to document their weekly accomplishments. You should consult with your supervisor on specific requirements before using the application.

If I use it, do I have to fill out all five entry boxes?

Yes. The form requires some text in every field. You can choose to write “N/A” in a response field. For example, if you were on leave and had few items to report on a given week.

Can I edit my submission after sending it?

No. Once submitted, you cannot edit your entry. Please review your entries carefully before submitting.

Who can see my submissions?

Only you and your selected supervisor can see your submissions.

Can I select multiple people?

You may only select one supervisor in the application. You should select your direct/primary supervisor, regardless of whether you are on detail or report to multiple people. However, once you click submit, you will receive a copy of your submission and can forward the email to additional people.

Why is NASA collecting this information?

The data shows that NASA embraces the role of its supervisors in managing personnel performance. It reflects NASA’s commitment to the OPM request and enables NASA leadership to showcase how NASA is effectively managing its high-performing workforce. The data also helps with weekly reporting, providing insights into workforce achievements and organizational trends.

The app will NOT be used for measuring productivity or determining agency efficiencies/inefficiencies. Rather, we aim to reduce the burden on employees and supervisors by simplifying existing processes and consolidating information for weekly reports/highlights.

Can I submit after the weekly deadline? What happens if I’m late?

The form will close every Monday at 11:59 PM local time. If you miss the deadline, you will not be able to submit for that week.

Can I include attachments?

No. You can only submit text.

Can I see my prior submissions in the app?

Currently, you can view all submissions in your email inbox by searching “Weekly Work Item List.” Additionally, a Power BI report is available within the application by clicking on the Power BI logo at the top of the page to view your past submissions.

What if my work achievements involve CUI/classified information?

The initial application does not support CUI, although we are exploring these capabilities for future versions. DO NOT include any CUI, Classified, or FISMA High-rated data. Learn more about CUI here.

Can contractors use the app?

Currently, the app is only available to civil servants, but it may be opened to contractors in the future.

Who do I contact for technical support?

If you experience issues with the app, reach out to the Enterprise Service Desk (ESD).