Keith’s note: This was just released by NASA PAO. They had too much to do this week so they got a 1 week extension to finish their plan on how to fire the people who were too busy this week. “In compliance with the President’s Workforce Optimization Initiative, NASA continues to work on our broader reorganization plan. Considering a variety of agency priorities this week, including the launch of SPHEREx and PUNCH, as well as preparations for NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 launch Friday, and other agency missions, the agency received a one-week extension on our initial submission.”

Keith’s note: according to a press release the following letter was sent to NASA On 11 March by House Science Committee Democrats: “We write to you in advance of the March 13, 2025, deadline for Agency Reorganization Plans. As leaders on the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, we are extremely concerned that the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) will seek to slash and burn core functions of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to sacrifice the agency at the altar of their twisted idea of “efficiency.” It is imperative that you stand up for NASA’s critical work and ensure that the Agency Reorganization Plan does not compromise the agency’s ability to carry out Congressionally authorized activities and advance our nation’s public safety, economic prosperity, scientific knowledge, and national security.” Full letter below (link fixed)

Keith’s note: According to a press release: “Today, Science Committee leaders sent letters to the Department of Energy, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Science Foundation, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration demanding that the agencies disclose their reduction in force (RIF) plans with the Committee immediately. Per the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) February 26th memo, the Trump administration is requiring that all federal agencies develop reorganization plans by March 13, 2025. Full letter below.

Keith’s note: I am getting imagery and less than pleasant comments like this from people at NASA questioning the way that Acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro closed her note today announcing the agencywide RIF at NASA i.e. “embrace the challenge”.

Keith’s note: This was just sent to the NASA workforce by Acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro: [full memo below] As I alluded to last week, we are all navigating a complex and ever-changing landscape together, and I want to share what that means for our team in the near term.

Keith’s note: According to a LinkedIn post from a NASA employee who is now job hunting: “This morning, our office (NASA Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy) received notice that our entire office was being subject to reduction in force, with 30 day notice”.

Keith’s 4 March 2025 note: I only got a copy of this memo today and there is indeed mention of the OPM RIF memo contrary to my earlier ranting. So, NASA HQ has provided some information to employees. My error. My apologies. I strive to be accurate. Alas, the initial RIF plan is due to OPM in 9 days so let’s hope it is made available as soon as possible to everyone who is affected. People are not going to have much time – or many options – when it comes to their future and the possible loss of their dream job at NASA.

Keith’s update. I made an error see this update Keith’s note: Go to NASA.gov and search for “RIF”, “Reduction In Force”. Answer – nothing. As I noted last week “The Official Federal Government RIF Plan Is Here“ NASA had not posted any mention of it online or in memos. It has been a week. NASA Headquarters has still refused to even mention the idea of a RIF – much less that the official White House plan is online elsewhere and can be read by anyone. NASA’s entire workforce is purposefully being kept in the dark. Many of you reading this will be out of a job soon. Baffling. Here it is again. “Department of Government Efficiency Workforce Optimization Initiative” issued on 26 Feb 2025:

• Each agency will submit a Phase 1 ARRPs to OMB and OPM for review and approval no later than March 13, 2025. Phase 1 ARRPs shall focus on initial agency cuts and reductions.
• 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.

Keith’s 27 Feb update: Yesterday (Wednesday) OMB released this memo that outlines the guidance for the upcoming RIF and mass employee termination that lies ahead. I posted it on other platforms as soon as I could. News stories about it were all over the Internet. This is an official White House plan. It is the first concrete timeline that NASA employees have with which to plan their lives. Did NASA Headquarters bother to alert their staff about this or post it online? No. Keith’s 26 Feb note: According to Guidance on Agency RIF and Reorganization Plans Requested by Implementing The President’s “Department of Government Efficiency Workforce Optimization Initiative” issued from OPM on 26 Feb 2025:

• Each agency will submit a Phase 1 ARRPs to OMB and OPM for review and approval no later than March 13, 2025. Phase 1 ARRPs shall focus on initial agency cuts and reductions.
• 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.

More below.

Keith’s note: There are ~2 million Federal Government employees. This means that [email protected] will get 2 million replies within a very, very short period of time. 20+ questions below: