Keith’s note: NASA is required to submit their Phase 2 RIF plan aka “ARRP” to OMB and OPM today. So … Janet Petro and senior NASA leadership know what the basic plan is. How many others in agency management (e.g. Center Directors) know is not clear. Now it’s up to the White House to drop the axe. According to Guidance on Agency RIF and Reorganization Plans Requested by Implementing The President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Workforce Optimization Initiative: “Phase 2 ARRPs [Agency RIF and Reorganization Plans] Agencies should then submit a Phase 2 ARRP to OMB and OPM for review and approval no later than April 14, 2025. Phase 2 plans shall outline a positive vision for more productive, efficient agency operations going forward. Phase 2 plans should be planned for implementation by September 30, 2025. The Phase 2 plan should include the following additional information:” [more below]

Keith’s note: Sorry for the whiplash: the OMB memo regarding a freezing of government payments has now been rescinded. For now. Let’s see what NASA posts. This was posted yesterday. Confused yet? OMB Q&A Regarding Memorandum M-25-13.

Keith’s note: according to the OMB memo “Temporary Pause of Agency Grant, Loan, and Other Financial Assistance Programs”: “To implement these orders, each agency must complete a comprehensive analysis of all of their Federal financial assistance programs to identify programs, projects, and activities that may be implicated by any of the President’s executive orders. In the interim, to the extent permissible under applicable law, Federal agencies must temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance, and other relevant agency activities that may be implicated by the executive orders, including, but not limited to, financial assistance for foreign aid, nongovernmental organizations, DEI, woke gender ideology, and the green new deal. This temporary pause will provide the Administration time to review agency programs and determine the best uses of the funding for those programs consistent with the law and the President’s priorities. The temporary pause will become effective on January 28, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Even before completing their comprehensive analysis, Federal agencies must immediately identify any legally mandated actions or deadlines for assistance programs arising while the pause remains in effect. Federal agencies must report this information to OMB along with an analysis of the requirement. OMB also directs Federal agencies to pause all activities associated with open NOFOs, such as conducting merit review panels.” Update: A Federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s pause on Federal funding until at least 3 Feb. Further update: OMB Memo About Payment Freeze Rescinded

Budget summary for @NASA in FY 2023 “The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) inspires the Nation by sending astronauts and robotic missions to explore the solar system, advances the Nation’s understanding of the Earth and space, and develops new technologies and approaches to improve aviation and space activities. The President’s 2023 Budget for NASA invests in: human and robotic exploration of the Moon; new technologies to improve the Nation’s […]

Multi-Agency Research and Development Priorities for the FY 2023 Budget, OMN/OSTP “This memorandum outlines the Administration’s multi-agency R&D priorities for formulating fiscal year (FY) 2023 Budget submissions to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The priorities covered in this memo require continued investments in R&D; science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and engagement; STEM workforce development; technology transfer and commercialization; and research infrastructure, with emphasis on Historically Black […]

– NASA Administrator Statement on Moon to Mars Initiative, FY 2021 Budget – NASA FY 2021 Budget Info, NASA – FY 2021 Budget, OMB Keith’s 9 Feb update: NASA is on page 101. Some highlights: “The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is responsible for leading an innovative program of exploration that would return American astronauts to the Moon by 2024 and build a sustainable presence on the lunar surface […]

Commentary: Beyond the decadal surveys: Establishing policy for US space science, Physics Today “A surprisingly small number of individuals at the OMB are involved in space science: the director of the OMB and the associate director for natural resource programs, both of whom are political appointees; the deputy associate director for the energy, science, and water division; and the fewer than 10 individuals who make up the division’s science and […]

Letter from OMB to Sen. Shelby regarding Senate versions of appropriations bills (NASA/Space excerpts)(PDF) “The bill includes funding that the Administration believes is not in line with the overall effort to control non-defense spending reflected in the FY 2020 Budget request or underfunds key investments in critical areas supported in the FY 2020 Budget request, including: – National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The Administration appreciates the Committee’s continued support […]

Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies: Fiscal Year 2021 Administration Research and Development Budget Priorities Full document, OMB/OSTP “Advanced Military Capabilities: Relevant departments and agencies should invest in R&D to deliver the advanced military capabilities that will help meet emerging threats and protect American security into the future, including offensive and defensive hypersonic weapons capabilities, resilient national security space systems, and modernized and flexible strategic and nonstrategic […]

Just as @NASA was directed to speed up lunar landing plans for #Artemis by @VP Pence sources report that OMB is trying to find ways to kill Gateway. That would suggest a more direct lunar architecture is preferred by the White House – or at least some people there. #Moon2024 pic.twitter.com/js7neVRfVB — NASA Watch (@NASAWatch) June 20, 2019