1 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

United States Government Accountability Office

Washington, DC 20548 

October 15, 2009 

Congressional Requesters 

Subject: NASA: Briefing on National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s 

Programs and Associated Activities

The National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, as amended, established the 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as the civilian agency that 

exercises control over U.S. aeronautical and space activities and seeks and 

encourages the fullest commercial use of space.1

 NASA’s activities span a broad 

range of complex and technical endeavors, from investigating the composition, 

evaluation, and resources of Mars; to working with international partners to complete 

and operate the International Space Station; to providing satellite and aircr

observations of Earth for scientific and weather forecasting; to developing new 

technologies designed to improve air flight safety. The agency currently engages in 

these endeavors against a backdrop of growing national government fiscal imbalance 

and budget deficits that are straining all federal agencies’ resources. Although NASA’s 

budget represents less than 2 percent of the federal government’s discretionary 

budget, the agency is increasingly being asked to expand its portfolio to support 

important scientific missions, including the study of climate change. Therefore, it is 

important that these resources be managed as effectively and efficiently as possible. 

aft 

 

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008 (Pub. 

L. No. 110-422)—directed us to review whether NASA’s programs and associated 

activities with a fiscal year 2009 funding level over $50 million—are duplicative with 

other activities of the federal government. We briefed the committees on the results 

of our review, and this letter summarizes that briefing, including our scope and 

methodology, which is reprinted in full as enclosure I. As agreed to by the 

committees, this concludes our work performed under this mandate. 

Summary 

We identified 33 of 38 NASA programs that meet the mandate’s $50 million threshold. 

These programs represent about 81 percent of NASA’s fiscal year 2009 budget and 

support 226 projects, each of which may consist of numerous types of research and 

related activities. We focused on three areas within —Science, Aeronautics Research, 

and Education—for review and excluded other activities such as space operations 

and exploration missions that are unique to NASA. We judgmentally selected projects 

1

Pub. L. No. 85-568 § 102 (b) and (c) (1958) (codified as amended at 42 U.S.C. § 2451(b) and (c)).
2 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

 

and activities from each of the three areas and compared them against similar 

activities in other organizations. We found no apparent duplication among the 

selected projects or activities. Although we did not look at all programs within NASA, 

policies, procedures and mechanisms are in place that facilitate the avoidance of 

duplication by engaging in collaboration and coordination between NASA and other 

federal agencies. For example, NASA coordinates its work with other agencies by 

participating in formal groups such as the National Science and Technology Council 

and various interagency working groups. The Office of Federal Coordinator for 

Meteorological Services and Supporting Research, in conjunction with NASA and 

other federal agencies, facilitated the development of the Interagency Strategic 

Research Plan for Tropical Cyclones, which provides the strategy for improving the 

effectiveness of severe-weather forecasts and warnings through strategic 

coordination and collaboration among the major players working in meteorology 

research and development. NASA’s Quarterly Roundtable with the National Oceanic 

and Atmospheric Administration provides opportunities for the agencies’ leadership 

to discuss efforts, resolve issues, conduct joint strategic planning and leverage 

resources. NASA also participates on the Fixed-Wing Executive Council with the Air 

Force, Army, Navy, and Office of Secretary of Defense. The council meets with 

industry three times a year to collaborate on strategies for meeting warfighter needs. 

To provide a forum for dialogue about issues related to aeronautics research, NASA’s 

Fundamental Aeronautics Program convenes the Fundamental Aeronautics Annual 

Meeting, attended by researchers and members of other federal agencies and 

departments. 

NASA also has established many memorandums of understanding with other federal 

agencies that mitigate duplication and assist in the coordination of activities. For 

example, the agency’s memorandum of understanding with the National Science 

Foundation facilitates collaboration between the two agencies by coordinating their 

education efforts. The memorandum outlines each agency’s roles and responsibilities, 

areas for collaboration, and how to obtain resources and agency expertise. NASA’s 

Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate participates in multiple agreements with 

the Federal Aviation Administration, the Air Force, and other federal agencies to 

coordinate efforts in aeronautics research and to facilitate the free exchange of 

information, reduce duplication, share resources, and assist with long-term planning. 

There are laws, policies, and procedures in place to help NASA avoid duplicating the 

efforts of other federal agencies. The National Aeronautics and Space Act directs that 

aeronautical and space activities shall be conducted in ways to most effectively 

utilize scientific and engineering resources, with close cooperation among all 

interested agencies in order to avoid unnecessary duplication of effort, facilities, and 

equipment. Furthermore, NASA’s Governance and Strategic Management Handbook

provides process-related checks and balances ranging from peer reviews conducted 

at the lowest level to oversight reviews conducted by the agency’s Program 

Management Council.2

 NASA’s procedural requirements for spaceflight programs and 

projects require project teams, in the early phases of each project, to assess 

opportunities for using technology developed by other government agencies, 

2

 NASA Policy Directive 1000.0A (Aug. 1, 2008). 
3 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

 

academia, and the commercial sector.3 Teams must also take into account 

opportunities to use the infrastructure and workforce in other government agencies, 

industry, academia, and international organizations. Similarly, for other research and 

technology programs and projects NASA’s procedural requirements recommend 

searches of the research and technology literature prior to investments in new 

research areas in order to minimize duplication of effort and to look for opportunities 

to augment research and technology from other agencies.4

 The procedures also 

require: assessments of related technology development activities in other NASA 

programs, other agencies, and the commercial sector in order to eliminate 

duplication and program status reviews and independent assessments. 

Agency Comments 

We provided a draft of the enclosed briefing to NASA officials for their review and 

comment. On October 6, 2009, NASA provided technical comments and stated that 

they generally agreed with the information presented. 

Scope and Methodology 

To assess policies and procedures in place to ensure that NASA’s programs and 

activities are not duplicative of similar efforts within the federal government, we 

reviewed NASA policies and procedures used to manage and coordinate program 

activity and interviewed officials responsible for developing and implementing those 

policies. Also, we interviewed NASA officials responsible for managing partnerships 

and policy interactions between NASA and other executive branch offices and 

agencies. We reviewed background information related to the mission and activities 

of the Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Science and 

Technology Council to determine their role in coordinating programs and projects. 

To obtain additional perspectives on the effectiveness of coordination of research 

within the federal government, we interviewed an official from the National Science 

Foundation. 

To identify NASA programs and activities, if any, that appear to have a similar scope 

and purpose to other federal programs, we identified 33 of 38 programs in NASA’s 

fiscal year 2009 budget estimates that met the $50 million threshold in the statutory 

mandate. These 33 NASA programs support 226 projects, each of which may consist 

of numerous types of research and related activities. However, we excluded 

programs and activities from the Space Operations Mission Directorate, Exploration 

Systems Mission Directorate, and cross-agency support activities because their 

activities are unique to NASA. 

From the Education, Aeronautics Research, and Science Directorates, we 

judgmentally selected for in depth review (1) Higher Education STEM (Science, 

Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), (2) Fundamental Aeronautics-Subsonic 

Fixed Wing, and (3) Earth Science projects related to weather research. We selected 

these three areas because they represent a range of programs and activities across 

3

 NASA Procedural Requirements 7120.5D, NASA Space Flight Program and Project Management 

Requirements (Mar. 6, 2007). 

4

 NASA Procedural Requirements 7120.8, NASA Research and Technology Program and Project 

Management Requirements (Feb. 5, 2008). 
4 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

NASA, appear to engage in activities similar to those conducted by other federal 

agencies, and have the largest funding levels within each area. 

To determine if these three areas are duplicative with other federal programs, we 

reviewed detailed information regarding selected areas and compared it to other 

activities across the federal government. Specifically, for Higher Education STEM we 

reviewed NASA’s fiscal year 2009 higher education portfolio and compared it to the 

descriptions of other federal agency programs. For Fundamental Aeronautics and 

Earth Science selected projects, we compared them to descriptions of programs 

contained in the budget estimates for Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency 

and/or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. We also identified 

relevant coordinating bodies and reviewed the applicable Program Assessment 

Rating Tool reports because they include evaluations of possible duplications of any 

other federal, state, local, or private efforts. We interviewed program officials about 

formal and informal mechanisms for coordinating with other government agencies. 

The results of our analysis cannot be projected across NASA programs. Although we 

identified various coordination mechanisms across the federal government, we did 

not assess the effectiveness of these mechanisms. 

We conducted this performance audit from March 2009 to October 2009 in 

accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards. Those standards 

require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain sufficient, appropriate evidence 

to provide a reasonable basis for our findings and conclusions based on our audit 

objectives. We believe that the evidence obtained provides a reasonable basis for our 

findings and conclusions based on our audit objectives. 

___ ___ ___ 

We are sending copies of this letter and briefing to the NASA Administrator and other 

interested congressional committees. In addition, these documents will be available 

at no charge on GAO’s Web site at http://www.gao.gov. 

If you or your staff have any questions, please contact me at (202) 512-4841 or 

chaplainc@gao.gov. Contact points for our Offices of Congressional Relations and 

Public Affairs may be found on the last page of this letter. GAO staff who made 

contributions to this project are listed in enclosure II. 

Cristina T. Chaplain 

ment 

nclosures – 2 

Director, Acquisition

 and Sourcing Manage

E
5 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

List of Requesters

The Honorable John D. Rockefeller IV 

Chairman 

The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison 

Ranking Member 

Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 

United States Senate 

The Honorable Bart Gordon 

Chair 

The Honorable Ralph M. Hall 

Ranking Member 

Committee on Science and Technology 

House of Representatives 

The Honorable Gabrielle Giffords 

Chair 

The Honorable Pete Olson 

Ranking Member 

Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics 

Committee on Science and Technology 

House of Representatives 
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

6 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

Briefing to Congressional Staff

iew of Select NASA 

s and Activities

Rev

Program
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

7 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

1

Introduction

1. What policies and procedures are in place to ensure that NASA’s programs and activities are 

not duplicative of similar efforts within the Federal government?

2. What NASA programs and activities, if any, appear to have a similar scope and purpose to 

other federal programs?

The National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, as amended, established NASA as the civilian 

agency that exercises control over U.S. aeronautical and space activities and seeks and 

encourages the fullest commercial use of space.1 NASA’s mission is to pioneer the future in space

exploration, scientific discovery, and aeronautics research. Its activities span a broad range of 

complex technical endeavors from investigating the composition, evaluation, and resources of Mars; 

to working with its international partners to complete and operate the International Space Station; to 

providing satellite and aircraft observations of Earth for scientific and weather forecasting; to 

developing new technologies designed to improve air flight safety. NASA’s fiscal year 2009 budget 

included about $18 billion for its programs which cover 240 different activities. The National 

Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008 (Pub. L. No. 110-422) required us 

to submit to Congress a report on NASA’s programs and associated activities with annual funding of 

more than $50 million that appear to be similar in scope and purpose to other activities within the 

Federal government. We defined duplication as the inadvertent or deliberate repetition of programs, 

projects or research efforts with no benefit. This briefing addresses the following objectives:

1Pub. L. No. 85-568 § 102 (b) and (c) (1958) (codified as amended at 42 U.S.C. § 2451(b) and (c)). The Department of Defense retains the activities

peculiar to or primarily associated with the development of weapon systems, military operations, or the defense of the United States. Id. at § 102(b).
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

8 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

2

Summary

• No duplication was found in areas selected for review.

• Although we did not look at all programs within NASA, 

policies, procedures and mechanisms are in place to 

avoid duplication.

• Policies and procedures are in place to: 

• Oversee limited program resources that further NASA’s mission. 

• Avoid duplicating the efforts of other federal agencies.

• NASA personnel actively seeks to coordinate, and avoid 

duplication, with other federal agencies through:

• Participating in the National Science and Technology Council, 

interagency working groups, and other formal mechanisms.

• Developing informal working relationships across agency boundaries.
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

9 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

3

Scope and Methodology

1. To assess policies and procedures in place to ensure that NASA’s

programs and activities are not duplicative of similar efforts within the 

Federal government, we:

• Reviewed background information related to the mission and activities of the Office 

of Science and Technology Policy and the National Science and Technology 

Council.

• Reviewed the results of the Office of Management and Budget’s Program 

Assessment Rating Tool process which evaluates whether a program is designed 

so that it is not redundant or duplicative of any other Federal, state, local or private 

effort.

• Reviewed NASA policies and procedures used to manage and coordinate program 

activity and interviewed officials responsible for developing and implementing 

those policies. 

• Interviewed NASA officials responsible for managing partnerships and policy 

interactions between NASA and other U.S. Executive Branch offices and agencies. 

• Interviewed an official from the National Science Foundation to obtain perspectives 

on the effectiveness of coordination of research within the federal government.
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

10 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

4

Scope and Methodology (cont.)

2. To identify NASA programs and activities, if any, that 

appear to have a similar scope and purpose to other 

federal programs, we:

• Identified 33 of 38 programs in NASA’s fiscal year 2009 

budget estimates that meet the $50 million threshold in the 

statutory mandate.

• These 33 NASA programs represent about 81 

percent of fiscal year 2009 budget.

• These programs support 226 projects, each of which 

may consist of numerous types of research and 

related activities. 
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

11 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

5

Scope and Methodology (cont.)

• We excluded programs and activities in certain areas that are unique to 

NASA, including:

• Space Operations Mission Directorate

• Exploration Systems Mission Directorate

• Cross-agency support activities

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

Science Aeronautics Education Space

operations

Exploration Cross-agency

support

Dollars in millions

Focus of Review

Appropriation accounts
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

12 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

6

Scope and Methodology (cont.)

• We judgmentally selected three areas for in-depth review. These areas are:

• Education

1. Higher Education - Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

• Fundamental Aeronautics

2. Subsonic Fixed Wing

• Earth Science

3. Projects related to climate and weather research

• These three areas:

• Represent a range of programs and activities across NASA.

• Appear to have similar activities conducted by other Federal agencies.

• Have the largest funding levels within each area.
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

13 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

7

Scope and Methodology (cont.)

To determine if these three areas are duplicative with other Federal 

programs we:

• Reviewed detailed information regarding selected areas and 

compared it to other activities across the federal 

government. 

• For education, we reviewed NASA’s fiscal year 2009 higher 

education portfolio and compared it to other federal agency 

program descriptions.

• Identified relevant coordinating bodies.
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

14 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

8

Scope and Methodology (cont.)

• Within Fundamental Aeronautics and Earth Science we 

selected projects and compared them to program 

descriptions contained in the budget estimates for the 

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and/or 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

• Reviewed the applicable Program Assessment Rating Tool, 

which includes an evaluation of potential duplication with any 

other federal, state, local, or private effort.

• Interviewed program officials about formal and informal 

mechanisms used to coordinate with other government 

agencies.
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

15 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

9

• Interviewed officials from other agencies involved in 

coordinating or performing climate and weather-related 

research, including:

• Office of Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and 

Supporting Research

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Limitations

• The results of our analysis cannot be projected across NASA 

programs. 

• We identified various coordination mechanisms across the 

Federal government, but we did not assess the effectiveness of 

those mechanisms.

Scope and Methodology (cont.)
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

16 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

10

We conducted this performance audit from March 2009 to October 

2009 in accordance with generally accepted government auditing 

standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the 

audit to obtain sufficient, appropriate evidence to provide a reasonable 

basis for our findings and conclusions based on our audit objectives. 

We believe that the evidence obtained provides a reasonable basis for 

our findings and conclusions based on our audit objectives. 

Scope and Methodology (cont.)
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

17 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

11

Practices That Can Help Enhance and Sustain 

Collaboration among Federal Agencies2

• Defining and articulating a common outcome

• The compelling rationale for agencies to collaborate can be imposed externally 

through legislation or other directives or can come from the agencies’ own 

perceptions of the benefits they can obtain from working together.

• Establishing mutually reinforcing or joint strategies to achieve

the outcome

• To achieve a common outcome, collaborating agencies need to establish 

strategies that work in concert with those of their partners or are joint in nature. 

Such strategies help in aligning the partner agencies’ activities, core processes, 

and resources to accomplish the common outcome.

• Identifying and addressing needs by leveraging resources

• Collaborating agencies should identify the human, information technology, 

physical, and financial resources needed to initiate or sustain their collaborative 

effort. Collaborating agencies bring different levels of resources and capacities 

to the effort. Collaborating agencies can look for opportunities to leverage each 

others’ resources.

BACKGROUND

2GAO, Results-Oriented Government: Practices That Can Help Enhance and Sustain Collaboration among Federal Agencies, GAO-06-15 (Washington, 

D.C.: October 2005).
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

18 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

12

Practices That Can Help Enhance and Sustain 

Collaboration among Federal Agencies (Cont.)

• Agreeing upon agency roles and responsibilities

• Collaborating agencies should work together to define and agree on their 

respective roles and responsibilities, including how the collaborative effort will 

be led. In doing so, agencies can clarify who will do what, organize their joint 

and individual efforts, and facilitate decision making. Committed leadership by 

those involved in the collaborative effort, from all levels of the organization, is 

also needed to overcome the many barriers to working across agency 

boundaries.

• Establishing compatible policies, procedures, and other 

means to operate across agency boundaries

• Agencies need to address the compatibility of standards, policies, procedures, 

and data systems that will be used in the collaborative effort. Furthermore, as 

agencies bring diverse cultures to the collaborative effort, it is important to 

address these differences to enable a cohesive working relationship and to 

create the mutual trust required to enhance and sustain the collaborative effort. 

Frequent communication among collaborating agencies is another means to 

facilitate working across agency boundaries and prevent misunderstanding.

BACKGROUND
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

19 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

13

Practices That Can Help Enhance and Sustain 

Collaboration among Federal Agencies (Continued)

• Developing mechanisms to monitor, evaluate, and report on 

results

• Agencies need to create the means to monitor and evaluate their efforts to 

enable them to identify areas for improvement. Reporting on these activities 

can help key decision makers within the agencies, as well as clients and 

stakeholders, to obtain feedback for improving both policy and operational 

effectiveness.

• Reinforcing agency accountability for collaborative efforts 

through agency plans and reports

• Federal programs contributing to the same or similar results should collaborate 

to ensure that goals are consistent and, as appropriate, program efforts are 

mutually reinforcing. Federal agencies can use their strategic and annual 

performance plans as tools to drive collaboration with other agencies and 

partners and establish complementary goals and strategies for achieving 

results. Accountability for collaboration is reinforced through public reporting of 

agency results.

BACKGROUND
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

20 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

14

Practices That Can Help Enhance and Sustain 

Collaboration among Federal Agencies (Continued)

• Reinforcing individual accountability for collaborative efforts 

through performance management systems

• High-performing organizations use their performance management systems to 

strengthen accountability for results, specifically by placing greater emphasis 

on fostering the necessary collaboration both within and across organizational 

boundaries to achieve results.3

BACKGROUND

3 GAO, Results-Oriented Cultures: Creating a Clear Linkage between Individual Performance and Organizational Success, GAO-03-

488 (Washington, D.C.: March 14, 2003).
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

21 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

15

Objective 1

Various laws, policies, procedures, and mechanisms are in 

place to facilitate the avoidance of duplication, enhance 

collaboration and coordination between NASA and other federal 

agencies, and provide transparency and accountability of the 

processes. Specifically:

• Governmentwide coordination of science and technology

• Governmentwide effort to enhance collaboration among 

federal agencies 

• Program Assessment Rating Tool

• Law, policies, and procedures

• Transparency and accountability of processes
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

22 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

16

Government-wide Coordination of Science and 

Technology

• Office of Science and Technology Policy

• Established by Congress in 1976 with a mandate to advise the President and others on 

the effects of science and technology on domestic and international affairs and authorized 

to promote interagency efforts to implement sound science and technology policies and 

budgets.

• National Science and Technology Council

• Established by executive order in 1993, this cabinet-level council is to coordinate science 

and technology policy-making process for the entire executive branch federal research 

and development enterprise.

• Develops coordinated strategies into investment packages aimed at accomplishing 

multiple national research and development goals.

• The Council is organized under four primary committees: 

 Science

 Technology

 Environment and Natural Resources

 Homeland and National Security. 

OBJECTIVE 1:POLICY AND PROCESS
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

23 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

17

Governmentwide Effort to Enhance 

Collaboration Among Federal Agencies

• Office of Management and Budget (OMB) developed the Program Assessment 

Rating Tool (PART) as a diagnostic tool meant to provide a consistent approach to 

assessing federal programs during the executive budget formulation process. 

• PART assesses four program areas:

1. Program purpose and design

• Is the program designed so that it is not redundant or duplicative of any 

other federal, state, local, or private effort?

2. Strategic planning

3. Program management, and 

4. Program results. 

• In conducting a PART assessment, OMB considers, among other things, whether a 

program coordinates and collaborates effectively with related programs.

OBJECTIVE 1:POLICY AND PROCESS
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

24 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

18

Program Assessment Rating Tool Results for 

13 NASA Programs

Space and Flight Support 2007 Yes

Space Shuttle 2005 Yes

Solar System Exploration 2006 Yes

NASA Innovative Partnerships 2008 Yes

NASA Education Program 2008 Yes

NASA Earth-Sun System Research 2005 Yes

NASA Earth Science 2008 Yes

NASA Astronomy and Astrophysics Research 2007 Yes

NASA Aeronautics Technology 2007 Yes

NASA Advanced Capabilities in Space Exploration 2007 Yes

International Space Station 2008 Yes

Integrated Enterprise Management 2006 Yes

Constellation Systems 2006 Yes

Is the program designed so that it is not 

redundant or duplicative of any other 

federal, state, local or private effort? 

Last PART 

Program name assessment

Source: Office of Management and Budget

OBJECTIVE 1:POLICY AND PROCESS
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

25 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

19

Relevant Law, Policies, and Procedures

• National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 

• The aeronautical and space activities of the United States shall be 

conducted so as to contribute materially to the most effective utilization 

of the scientific and engineering resources of the United States, with 

close cooperation among all interested agencies of the United States 

in order to avoid unnecessary duplication of effort, facilities, and 

equipment.

• NASA Policy Directive (NPD) 1000.0A - Governance and Strategic 

Management Handbook

• Provides for process-related checks and balances ranging from peer 

reviews conducted at the lowest level to oversight reviews conducted 

by the agency’s Program Management Council.

OBJECTIVE 1:POLICY AND PROCESS
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

26 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

20

Relevant Law, Policies, and Procedures 

(cont.)

• NASA Procedural Requirements 7120.5D – NASA 

Space Flight Program and Project Management 

Requirements

• Project teams in the early phases of a project must, 

among other things:

• Assess the opportunities to use technology developed in 

other government agencies, academia, and the commercial 

sector.

• Take into account the opportunities to use the infrastructure 

and workforce in other government agencies, industry, 

academia, and international organizations.

OBJECTIVE 1:POLICY AND PROCESS
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

27 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

21

Relevant Law, Policies, and Procedures 

(cont.)

• NASA Procedural Requirements 7120.8 - NASA 

Research and Technology Program and Project 

Management Requirements

• To minimize duplication of effort and to look for opportunities to 

augment research and technology from other agencies, 

recommends a literature search of research and technology 

prior to investment in new R&T areas.

• Requires an assessment of related technology development 

activities in other NASA programs, other Government agencies, 

and the commercial sector to eliminate unnecessary duplication 

of effort.

• Requires program status reviews and independent 

assessments.

OBJECTIVE 1:POLICY AND PROCESS
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

28 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

22

Relevant Law, Policies, and Procedures 

(cont.)

• NASA Procedural Requirements 7120.7 - NASA Information 

Technology and Institutional Infrastructure Program and 

Project Management Requirements (education falls under 

this section)

• Requires an education and public outreach plan, which 

describe planned efforts and activities to improve science 

literacy by engaging the public in understanding the program, 

its objectives, and benefits. Summarizes plans to stimulate 

interest in science, engineering, and technology through 

program-related outreach activities.

OBJECTIVE 1:POLICY AND PROCESS
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

29 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

23

Transparency and Accountability of 

Processes That Help Reduce Duplication

• For research and technology programs, internal and 

external reviews prior to approval, and independent 

assessments at least biennially

• Technical content and performance information for 

programs/projects provided in annual budget justification

• OMB review using Program Assessment Rating Tool

• NASA requirement to disseminate results of science and 

technology research and development both internally and 

externally, where appropriate

OBJECTIVE 1:POLICY AND PROCESS
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

30 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

24

Objective 2

Areas selected for review: 

• Higher Education Science, Technology, Engineering, 

Mathematics 

• Fundamental Aeronautics - Subsonic Fixed Wing

• Earth Science

Mechanisms to help avoid duplication:

• External directives, policy, procedure, plan or law

• NASA policy, procedure or plan

• Coordination mechanism
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

31 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

25

Overview of NASA’s Higher Education STEM 

Portfolio

Education

$169.2

Higher Education

107.7

K-12 Education

47.5

Informal Education

14.0

Experimental Program to 

Stimulate Competitive 

Research

20.0

STEM 

Opportunities

9.5

NASA Space Grant

40.00

Minority University 

Research and Education 

Project

28.2

Global Climate 

Change Education

10.0

Graduate STEM Education

5.5

Undergraduate Student 

Research Program 

4.0

Research Cluster

10.2

University Research Center

14.6

Minority Institutions 

Collaborations

3.5

Fiscal year 2009 Enacted Funding (dollars in millions)

OBJECTIVE 2: NASA HIGHER EDUCATION STEM

Source: NASA.
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

32 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

26

No Duplication Found in Review of NASA’s 

Higher Education STEM Portfolio

• We reviewed NASA’s Higher Education STEM portfolio and 

determined it was not duplicative of other federal agency STEM 

programs.

• In fiscal year 2007, 12 federal agencies, including NASA, funded 66 

Higher Education STEM programs.4

• The other agencies were Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, 

Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland 

Security, the Interior, and Transportation; Environmental Protection 

Agency; and National Science Foundation.

• We found policies, interagency working groups, a memorandum of 

understanding, and informal coordination in place to avoid 

duplication of other federal STEM programs. 

OBJECTIVE 2: NASA HIGHER EDUCATION STEM

4 Department of Education, Report of the Academic Competitiveness Council (Washington, D.C., 2007).
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

33 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

27

External Directives and Law

• Executive orders 

• NASA officials told us that executive orders impact how the programs are run and how 

federal agencies coordinate with each other, including meeting to discuss strategies and 

support each other. 

• Three executive orders address educational excellence: 

• Hispanic Americans (Exec. Order 13230),

• Tribal Colleges and Universities (Exec. Order 13270), and

• Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Exec. Order 13256). 

• America COMPETES Act (Pub. L. No. 110-69)

• Outlines specific areas for NASA to contribute to the Nation’s efforts to promote innovation 

and competitiveness, including participating on the President’s Council on Innovation and 

Competitiveness and submitting an annual report to Congress regarding its STEM

education programs.

• NASA officials told us the that law acknowledges NASA’s unique role in addressing the 

federal government’s workforce challenges.

OBJECTIVE 2: NASA HIGHER EDUCATION STEM
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

34 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

28

NASA’s Internal Policies and Procedures

• Education Strategic Coordination Framework – Coordinates the Agency’s 

approach to education by aligning the education portfolio with the Agency’s strategic 

plan. 

• Creates a framework for NASA’s investments in education which use NASA 

content, people, or facilities to involve and inspire educators, students, and the 

public through NASA’s unique mission, research and innovations.

• NASA officials told us that by aligning their education portfolio with the agency’s 

strategic plan, they avoid duplicating efforts of other federal STEM education 

programs.

• Education Communication Strategy – Develops an outreach campaign to promote 

NASA’s educational opportunities to inspire, engage, educate, and employ students, 

educators, and the general public about NASA’s exploration message.

OBJECTIVE 2: NASA HIGHER EDUCATION STEM
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

35 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

29

NASA’s Internal Policies and Procedures 

(cont.)

• Education Coordinating Committee (ECC) – Serves as the overall planning, 

coordination and integration office for NASA’s educational portfolio. 

• Oversees programs within the Office of Education, the four mission 

directorates, the 10 centers, as well as functional offices. 

• Through the Assistant Administrator, the ECC is also the primary point of 

contact with other federal agencies. 

• NPR 7120.5D – NASA Space Flight Program and Project Management 

Requirements (discussed on page 20)

• NPR 7120.7 - NASA Information Technology and Institutional Infrastructure 

Program and Project Management Requirements (discussed on page 22)

OBJECTIVE 2: NASA HIGHER EDUCATION STEM
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

36 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

30

• National Science and Technology Council

• Subcommittee on Education and Workforce Development (Committee on Science) – NASA officials 

told us that this is the primary interagency body for coordinating federal STEM education policies.

• Member agencies meet monthly to discuss ongoing federal policy and coordinate agencies’ efforts. 

• The subcommittee provides opportunities for members to share program information across agency 

boundaries.

• Subcommittee on Innovation and Competitiveness (Committee on Technology) – NASA officials 

told us that recently the subcommittee increased its focus on the role of STEM education for national 

innovation and competitiveness which lead to an increased involvement by NASA’s Office of Education. 

• Interagency Aerospace Revitalization Task Force

• Established in 2006 to develop strategies for addressing challenges faced by the aerospace industry, 

including a mandate to develop integrated federal policies to promote STEM education and training in the 

public and private sectors as well as coordinate agency resources. 

OBJECTIVE 2: NASA HIGHER EDUCATION STEM

Coordination Mechanisms That Help 

Avoid Duplication
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

37 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

31

• Memorandum of Understanding with the National Science Foundation

• Facilitates collaboration and coordinates the two agencies educational efforts. 

• Outlines each agency’s roles and responsibilities, and areas for collaboration and how to 

leverage available resources and agency expertise. 

• Other Project-Specific Interagency Working Groups

• International Space Education Board

• Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research Interagency Coordinating 

Committee 

• Historically Black Colleges and Universities Working Group

• Tribal College Working Group

• Informal Coordination

• NASA officials told us that there is informal coordination at the working level, through 

relationships between agency staff members. 

OBJECTIVE 2: NASA HIGHER EDUCATION STEM

Coordination Mechanisms That Help 

Avoid Duplication (cont.)
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

38 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

32

Overview of NASA’s Fundamental Aeronautics 

Portfolio

Fundamental

Aeronautics

307.6

Aeronautics

$650.0

Aviation

Safety

89.3

Aeronautics

Test Program

131.6

Subsonic Fixed 

Wing 

155.2

Subsonic Rotary 

Wing

38.9

Supersonics

55.6

Hypersonics

57.9

OBJECTIVE 2: AERONAUTICS

Airspace

Systems

121.5

Integrated

Systems Researcha

0.0

aNew program for fiscal year 2010 that will take an integrated system-level 

approach to reduce the environmental impact of aviation in the area of air 

vehicle technologies. Source: NASA Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Estimates.

Fiscal year 2009 Enacted Funding (dollars in millions)
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

39 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

33

No Duplication Found in Fundamental 

Aeronautics - Subsonic Fixed Wing Portfolio

• No duplication found in the areas we reviewed.

• Major focus is on developing improved prediction 

methods and technologies for lower noise, lower 

emissions, and higher performance for subsonic 

aircraft. 

• Aeronautics research coordinated on a national 

level.

OBJECTIVE 2: AERONAUTICS
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

40 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

34

External Directives, Law, and Policies

• Executive Order 13419 - National Aeronautics Research and 

Development 

• Supported by the accompanying National Aeronautics Research and Development Policy, 

which provides guidance for aeronautics research and development programs through 

2020. 

• Policy prepared through collaborative, interagency process by National Science and 

Technology Council.

• America COMPETES Act (Pub. L. No. 110-69)

• The NASA Administrator shall coordinate NASA’s aeronautics activities with the relevant 

programs at other federal agencies, including the Departments of Transportation, Defense, 

Commerce, and Homeland Security.

• National Plan for Aeronautics Research and Development and Related 

Infrastructure

• Integrated plan that the aeronautics research and development enterprise should pursue 

for research and development and related infrastructure.

OBJECTIVE 2: AERONAUTICS
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

41 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

35

External Directives, Law, and Policies 

(cont.)

• Technical Appendix to the National Plan for Aeronautics 

Research and Development and Related Infrastructure

• Fulfills a requirement in the plan to provide a supplemental report with 

additional technical content on aeronautics research and development goals 

and objectives as well as a preliminary assessment of current federal 

aeronautics research and development activities to identify areas for potential 

increased emphasis and any areas of unnecessary redundancies.

• Decadal Survey of Civil Aeronautics (2006)

• Prioritizes research projects to be undertaken by NASA in the next 10 years.

• Identifies national priorities for non-NASA researchers.

• Points out synergies between civil aeronautics research and research 

objectives associated with national defense, homeland security, and the space 

program.

OBJECTIVE 2: AERONAUTICS
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

42 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

36

NASA’s Procedures and Plans

• NASA Procedural Requirement 7120.8 - NASA 

Research and Technology Program and Project 

Management Requirements (discussed on page 21)

• Subsonic Fixed Wing Project Technical Plan

• Publicly available document describes NASA’s aeronautics 

research objectives for this area.

• NASA invites members of other organizations to 

conduct reviews of external work conducted under 

the NASA research announcements

OBJECTIVE 2: AERONAUTICS
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

43 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

37

• National Science and Technology Council

• Aeronautics Science and Technology Subcommittee (Committee on 

Technology) - Advises and assists with development of policies, 

strategies, and plans relating to federally sponsored aeronautics research. 

Currently working on updating the National Plan for Aeronautics Research 

and Development and Related Infrastructure. 

• Memorandums of Understanding

• US Air Force Flight Test Center/Air Force Research Laboratory/NASA 

Dryden Flight Test Center Alliance - To reduce duplication and 

replication between the Edwards Air Force Base and NASA Dryden Flight 

Test Research Center, in 1995 this alliance was established and is cochaired by Dryden Flight Research Center Director and Edwards Air Force 

Base Commander.

OBJECTIVE 2: AERONAUTICS

Coordination Mechanisms That Help 

Avoid Duplication
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

44 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

38

• Memorandums of Understanding (cont.)

• Department of Defense - Charters the National Partnership for Aeronautics Testing 

and expands cooperation between the two and facilitates establishment of an 

integrated national strategy for management of the respective aeronautical test 

facilities.

• U.S. Air Force - Facilitates coordination of aeronautics research efforts between the 

two organizations and is intended to ensure free exchange of information, reduce 

duplication, and assist with the long-term planning.

• Federal Aviation Administration - Agreement to cooperate and collaborate in 

relevant areas of aeronautics and space transportation research.

Other Coordination

• Fundamental Aeronautics Annual Meeting

• In addition to researchers, members of other agencies and departments often attend these 

meetings.

OBJECTIVE 2: AERONAUTICS

Coordination Mechanisms That Help 

Avoid Duplication (cont.)
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

45 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

39

• Interagency Working Groups/Coordinating Entities

• Versatile Affordable Advanced Turbine Engine Technology 

Program - Develops and demonstrates advanced multiuse turbine 

engine technologies.

• NASA-Air Force Executive Research Committee Vertical Take-off 

and Landing Science and Technology Partnership Council -

Responsible for the executive direction and oversight of the Air Force 

and NASA’s joint aeronautics research and development efforts.

• Fixed-Wing Executive Council - Participants from Air Force, NASA, 

Army, Navy, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense meet with

industry three times a year to discuss opportunities for collaboration 

and the future national direction, and develop strategies to meet 

warfighter needs.

OBJECTIVE 2: AERONAUTICS

Coordination Mechanisms That Help 

Avoid Duplication (cont.)
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

46 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

40

• Interagency Working Groups/Coordinating Entities (cont.)

• Joint Council on Aging Aircraft - Principal participants: NASA, 

Air Force, and Navy; purpose is to optimize effectiveness of their 

efforts in aircraft aging.

• Vertical Take-off and Landing Science and Technology 

Partnership Council – Provides strategic direction to the Fixed 

and Rotary Wing Science and Technology Community.

OBJECTIVE 2: AERONAUTICS

Coordination Mechanisms That Help 

Avoid Duplication (cont.)
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

47 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

41

Overview of NASA’s Science Mission 

Directorate Portfolio

Earth Science

1,383.3

Astrophysics

1,196.4

Planetary Science

1,321.9

Heliophysics

601.5

Science Mission Directorate

$4,503.0

Earth Science 

Research

372.6

Earth System 

Science Pathfinder

81.7

Earth Systematic 

Missions

698.6

Earth System MultiMission Operations

140.5

Earth Science 

Technology

46.1

Applied 

Sciences

43.8

Airborne Science

31.3

Computing 

and Mgt 

102.7

Near Earth Object 

Observations

3.7

Glory Mission

29.7

LDCM

149.4

OSTM

0.2

NPP

57.1

Decadal Survey 

Missions 150.0

GPM

125.8

Other Missions and 

Data Analysis

177.4

Terra 26.2

Aqua 27.3

Aura

19.9

TRMM

7.9

QuikSCAT

3.4

EO-1

2.3

Jason

4.2

ICESat

7.1

SORCE

3.4

High-End 

Computing

41.9

Research & Analysis

234.9

OBJECTIVE 2: NASA EARTH SCIENCE

ACRIMSat

1.5

(Dollars in millions) 

Source: NASA.

Fiscal Year 2009 Enacted Funding excluding funding under the American 

Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and rescissions. 

Note:
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

48 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

42

No Duplication Found in Earth Science 

Portfolio

• No duplication found in areas we reviewed.

• External and internal policies promote interagency collaboration regarding Earth Science efforts.

• NASA coordinates with other federal agencies in attempts to avoid duplication through:

• Participating in multiple interagency working groups.

• Sharing data, ideas, and resources.

• Conducting joint field experiments.

• NASA provides a unique role in Earth Science that is leveraged by other federal agencies, 

including:

• Sensor development.

• High-altitude aircraft systems.

OBJECTIVE 2: NASA EARTH SCIENCE
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

49 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

43

Earth Science Areas Reviewed

• GAO reviewed five programs/projects under Earth Science

• Airborne Science Program

• Provides aircraft systems that further science and advance the use of satellite data.

• Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM)

• Measures precipitation, clouds, lightning, and radiation processes over tropical regions.

• Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) onboard Terra/Aqua

• Derived data products range from vegetation, land surface cover, ocean chlorophyll fluorescence to cloud and aerosol properties, fire occurrence, snow cover and land, 

and sea ice cover on oceans.

• Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) 

• Records sea-surface wind speed and direction data under all weather and cloud conditions over Earth’s oceans.

• High-End Computing

• Plan and provides high-end computing systems and services to support NASA’s mission needs.

OBJECTIVE 2: NASA EARTH SCIENCE
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

50 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

44

External Policy, Plans, and Laws

• Interagency Strategic Research Plan for Tropical Cyclones - Provides 

strategy to improve effectiveness in operational forecasts and warnings through 

strategic coordination and increased collaboration among the major players in the 

operational and research and development (R&D) communities.

• US National Space Policy (2006) - States that the Secretary of Commerce, 

through both NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

(NOAA), shall ensure to the maximum extent possible that civil space acquisition 

processes and capabilities are not duplicated.

• Report: Earth Science and Applications from Space – National 

Imperatives for the Next Decade and Beyond - Makes recommendations to 

advance earth science research, including:

• NASA’s support for research via orbital and suborbital platforms.

• NASA, NOAA, and the U.S. Geological Survey support for Earth system 

modeling, including provision of high-end computing facilities.

OBJECTIVE 2: NASA EARTH SCIENCE
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

51 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

45

External Policy, Plans and Laws (cont.)

• High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (Pub. L. No. 102-194)

• Purpose is to help ensure the continued leadership of the United States in highperformance computing and its applications by improving the interagency 

planning and coordination of federal research and development on highperformance computing and maximizing effectiveness of the federal 

government’s high-performance computing efforts. 

• Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (Pub. L. No. 101-549)

• Requires that NASA and NOAA monitor and submit to Congress reports on 

tropospheric concentrations of chlorine and bromine and on the level of 

stratospheric ozone depletion.

• Federal Plan for High-End Computing - Specifies:

• An interagency R&D road map for high-end computing core technologies.

• A plan to improve federal high-end computing capacity and accessibility.

• Recommendations relating to federal procurement of high-end computing 

systems.

OBJECTIVE 2: NASA EARTH SCIENCE
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

52 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

46

NASA’s Procedures and Plan

• NPR 7120.5D – NASA Space Flight Program and Project Management 

Requirements (discussed on page 20)

• NPR 7120.8 - NASA Research and Technology Program and Project 

Management Requirements (discussed on page 21)

• NASA Science Mission Directorate Science Plan 2007-2016 - Includes 

the following principles:

• Active participation from research community.

• Partnerships in achieving NASA’s science objectives and realizing societal 

benefits from NASA’s research.

OBJECTIVE 2: NASA EARTH SCIENCE
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

53 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

47

• Office of Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research 

• Mission is to ensure the effective use of federal meteorological resources by leading the 

systematic coordination of operational weather requirements and services, and supporting 

research, among federal agencies.

• National Science and Technology Council

• Subcommittee on Disaster Reduction (Committee on Environment and Natural 

Resources) – Facilitates national strategies for reducing disaster risks and losses by 

providing a federal forum for sharing information, development of collaborative 

opportunities, and formulation of guidance for policymakers.

• Subcommittee on Networking and Information Technology Research and 

Development (Committee on Technology) – Coordinates planning, budgeting and 

assessment activities of member agencies, including NASA.

• NASA / NOAA Quarterly Roundtable – Resulted from Section 306 of 2005 NASA 

Authorization Act that directs NASA, NOAA and other agencies to prepare transition plans for 

existing and future Earth observing systems; NASA official stated that these roundtables help 

senior leadership remain engaged in the issues, including transition of satellites.

OBJECTIVE 2: NASA EARTH SCIENCE

Coordination Mechanisms That Help 

Avoid Duplication
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

54 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

48

• Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation – Collaborative effort with NASA, NOAA, 

and Department of Defense dedicated to improving ability to assimilate satellite data.

• Interagency Coordinating Committee for Airborne Geosciences Research and 

Applications – Primary purpose to increase effective utilization of the federal airborne fleet in 

support of airborne geoscience research programs.

• Interagency Working Group for Airborne Data and Telecommunication 

Systems – Interagency effort fostering interoperability between airborne platforms and 

instrument payloads within the government research community.

• U.S. Weather Research Program – Interagency effort to accelerate improvement in highimpact weather forecasting ability.

• Other Coordination Mechanisms

• NASA Science Mission Directorate has approximately 73 memorandums of understanding 

in force with over 25 federal agencies.

• Working relationships that span agency boundaries.

OBJECTIVE 2: NASA EARTH SCIENCE

Coordination Mechanisms That Help 

Avoid Duplication (cont.)
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

55 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

49

Backup
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

56 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

50

NASA Authorization Act of 2008 

SEC. 1122. Report on NASA Efficiency and Performance

(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the 

United States shall submit to Congress a report that contains a review of NASA programs and associated activities 

with an annual funding level of more than $50,000,000 that appear to be similar in scope and purpose to other 

activities within the Federal government, that includes—

(1) a brief description of each NASA program reviewed and its subordinate activities;

(2) the annual and cumulative appropriation amounts expended for each program reviewed and its

subordinate activities since fiscal year 2005;

(3) a brief description of each Federal program and its subordinate activities that appears to have a

similar scope and purpose to a NASA program; and 

(4) a review of the formal and informal processes by which NASA coordinates with other Federal

agencies to ensure that its programs and activities are not duplicative of similar efforts within the

Federal government and that the programs and activities meet the core mission of NASA, and the

degree of transparency and accountability afforded by those processes.

(b) DUPLICATIVE PROGRAMS.—If the Comptroller General determines, under subsection (a)(4), that any deficiency 

exists in the NASA procedures intended to avoid or eliminate conflict or duplication with other Federal agency 

activities, the Comptroller General shall include a recommendation as to how such procedures should be modified to 

ensure similar programs and associated activities can be consolidated, eliminated, or streamlined within NASA or 

within other Federal agencies to improve efficiency. 

BACKUP: BACKGROUND
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

57 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

51

Federal Obligations for Research

Fiscal Year 2008

28,781

6,487 6,083 4,358 3,195

1,807

3,999

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

HHS DOE DOD NSF NASA USDA Other

Field of science

(Dollars in millions) HHS DOE DOD NSF NASA USDA Other

Environmental 435 326 326 734 730 16 841 

Life 23,359 320 712 649 184 1,469 840 

Math and computer 184 920 958 849 56 19 144 

Physical 392 2,450 728 829 854 91 262 

Social and 

psychology 1,924 0 70 203 13 143 552 

Engineering 937 2,461 3,007 789 1,202 64 799 

Other 1,550 10 282 304 157 4 562 

(Dollars in millions)

Source: National Science Foundation, January 2009. 

BACKUP: BACKGROUND

Note: Fiscal year 2008 projected current dollars in millions
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

58 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

52

Overview of NASA’s 38 Programs

Based on our review of the fiscal year 2009 budget submission, we determined that 

there were 38 programs in four mission directorates5 and a mission support office. Each 

Mission Directorate can support a theme, which can support a program, which can 

support a project.

Mission directorate

5NASA’s four mission directorates are Science Mission Directorate, Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, Exploration Systems Mission 

Directorate, and Space Operations Mission Directorate. 

Theme

Project

Theme Theme

Program Program Program

Project Project Project

BACKUP: BACKGROUND
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

59 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

53

Overview of NASA’s 38 Programs –

Science Mission Directorate (SMD)

SMD supports 4 themes and 22 programs. 

1,365.0 1,395.6 1,281.2 1,120.9 Astrophysics

5 programs - 43 projects

830.8 787.6 591.6 605.0 Heliophysics

5 programs - 47 projects

1,215.6 1,312.6 1,325.6 1,346.2 Planetary Science

6 programs - 50 projects

1,198.5 1,237.4 1,704.6 1,405.0 Earth Science

6 programs - 55 projects

SMD $4,609.9 $4,733.2 $4,903.0 $4,477.2

Area FY07 (Actual) FY08 (Actual) FY09 (Enacted) FY10 (Requested)

BACKUP: BACKGROUND
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

60 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

54

Overview of NASA’s 38 Programs –

Science Mission Directorate

Earth Science Theme

1. Earth Science Research

2. Earth Systematic Missions

3. Earth System Science Pathfinder

4. Earth Science Multi-Mission 

Operations 

5. Earth Science Technology

6. Applied Sciences

Planetary Science Theme

1. Planetary Science Research 

2. Discovery 

3. New Frontiers

4. Mars Exploration

5. Outer Planets

6. Technology

Astrophysics Theme

1. Astrophysics Research

2. Cosmic Origins

3. Physics of the Cosmos

4. Exoplanet Exploration

5. Astrophysics Explorer

Heliophysics Theme

1. Heliophysics Research

2. Living with a Star

3. Solar Terrestrial Probes

4. Heliophysics Explorer Program

5. New Millennium

BACKUP: BACKGROUND
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

61 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

55

Overview of NASA’s 38 Programs –

Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD)

ARMD supports one theme and four programs. 

593.8 511.4 650.0 507.0 Aeronautics

4 Programs – 12 projects

ARMD $593.8 $511.4 $650.0 $507.0

Area FY07 (Actual) FY08 (Actual) FY09 (Enacted) FY10 (Requested)

Aeronautics Theme

1. Aviation Safety 

2. Airspace Systems

3. Fundamental Aeronautics

4. Aeronautics Test Program

BACKUP: BACKGROUND
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

62 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

56

Overview of NASA’s 38 Programs –

Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD)

ESMD supports two themes and five programs.

755.1 623.5 472.3 457.7 Advance Capabilities

3 programs – 7 projects

2,114.7 2,675.9 3,433.2 3,505.4 Constellation Systems

2 programs – 8 projects

ESMD $2,869.8 $3,229.4 $3,905.5 $3,963.1

Area FY07 (Actual) FY08 (Actual) FY09 (Enacted) FY10 (Requested)

Constellation Systems Theme

1. Constellation Systems Program

2. Commercial Crew and Cargo 

Advanced Capabilities Theme

1. Human Research Program

2. Exploration Technology Development

3. Lunar Precursor Robotic Program 

BACKUP: BACKGROUND
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

63 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

57

Overview of NASA’s 38 Programs –

Space Operations Mission Directorate (SOMD)

SOMD supports three themes and six programs.

329.2 446.2 722.8 751.5 Space and Flight Support

4 programs – 4 projects

1,469.0 1,685.5 2,060.2 2,267.0 International Space Station

1 program – 1 projects

3,315.3 3,295.4 2,981.7 3,157.1 Space Shuttle

1 program – 1 projects

SOMD $5,113.5 $5,427.2 $5,764.7 $6,175.6

Area FY07 (Actual) FY08 (Actual) FY09 (Enacted) FY10 (Requested)

Space Shuttle Theme

1. Space Shuttle Program

International Space Station

1. International Space Station Program

Space and Flight Support Theme

1. Space Communication and Navigation

2. Launch Services

3. Rocket Propulsion Test

4. Crew Health and Safety

BACKUP: BACKGROUND
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

64 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

58

Overview of NASA’s 38 Programs –

Office of Education

The Office of Education supports one theme and one 

program

115.9 146.8 169.2 126.1 Education 

1 program – 11 projects

Education $115.9 146.8 169.2 126.1

Area FY07 (Actual) FY08 (Actual) FY09 (Enacted) FY10 (Requested)

Education Theme

1. Education

BACKUP: BACKGROUND
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

65 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

59

Office of Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services 

and Supporting Research (OFCM)

• The Department of Commerce formed OFCM in 1964. OFCM’s mission is to ensure 

the effective use of federal meteorological resources by leading the systematic 

coordination of operational weather requirements and services, and supporting 

research, among the federal agencies.

• OFCM carries out its tasks through an interagency staff working with 

representatives from the federal agencies who serve on program councils, 

committees, working groups, and joint action groups. 

• OFCM hosts annual Interdepartmental Hurricane Conference where information is 

gathered and shared among agencies, academia, and the private sector.

BACKUP: NASA EARTH SCIENCE
Enclosure I: Briefing Slides 

66 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

60

Abbreviations

NPR NASA Procedural Requirements

National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental 

Satellite System (NPOESS) Preparatory Project

NPP

NPD NASA Policy Directive

NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

LDCM Landsat Data Continuity Mission

ICESat Ice, Clouds, and Land Elevation Satellite

GPM Global Precipitation Measurement

ESMD Exploration Systems Mission Directorate

EO-1 Earth Observing -1

DOD Department of Defense

ARMD Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate

Active Cavity Radiometer Irradiance Monitor 

Satellite

ACRIMSAT

TRMM Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission

Science, Technology, Engineering and 

Mathematics

STEM

SORCE Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment

SOMD Space Operations Mission Directorate

SMD Science Mission Directorate

QuikSCAT Quick Scatterometer

PART Program Assessment Rating Tool

OSTM Ocean Surface Topography Mission

OMB Office of Management and Budget

Office of the Federal Coordinator for 

Meteorological Services and Supporting 

Research

OFCM
67 GAO-10-87R NASA Programs 

 Enclosure II: GAO Contact and Staff Acknowledgments 

GAO Contact 

Cristina T. Chaplain (202) 512-4841 or chaplainc@gao.gov 

Acknowledgments 

In addition to the contact named above, James L. Morrison, Assistant Director; John 

J. Barrett; Kristine R. Heuwinkel; Susan E. Neill; Jose A. Ramos; Bradley L. Terry; and 

Kristin M. Van Wychen made key contributions to this report. 

(120807) 
This is a work of the U.S. government and is not subject to copyright protection in the 

United States. The published product may be reproduced and distributed in its entirety 

without further permission from GAO. However, because this work may contain 

copyrighted images or other material, permission from the copyright holder may be 

necessary if you wish to reproduce this material separately. 
GAO’s Mission The Government Accountability Office, the audit, evaluation, and 

investigative arm of Congress, exists to support Congress in meeting its 

constitutional responsibilities and to help improve the performance and 

accountability of the federal government for the American people. GAO 

examines the use of public funds; evaluates federal programs and policies; 

and provides analyses, recommendations, and other assistance to help 

Congress make informed oversight, policy, and funding decisions. GAO’s 

commitment to good government is reflected in its core values of 

accountability, integrity, and reliability. 

The fastest and easiest way to obtain copies of GAO documents at no cost 

is through GAO’s Web site (www.gao.gov). Each weekday afternoon, GAO 

posts on its Web site newly released reports, testimony, and 

correspondence. To have GAO e-mail you a list of newly posted products, 

go to www.gao.gov and select “E-mail Updates.” 

The price of each GAO publication reflects GAO’s actual cost of 

production and distribution and depends on the number of pages in the 

publication and whether the publication is printed in color or black and 

white. Pricing and ordering information is posted on GAO’s Web site, 

http://www.gao.gov/ordering.htm. 

Place orders by calling (202) 512-6000, toll free (866) 801-7077, or 

TDD (202) 512-2537. 

Orders may be paid for using American Express, Discover Card, 

MasterCard, Visa, check, or money order. Call for additional information. 

Contact: 

Web site: www.gao.gov/fraudnet/fraudnet.htm

E-mail: fraudnet@gao.gov

Automated answering system: (800) 424-5454 or (202) 512-7470 

Ralph Dawn, Managing Director, dawnr@gao.gov, (202) 512-4400 

U.S. Government Accountability Office, 441 G Street NW, Room 7125 

Washington, DC 20548 

Chuck Young, Managing Director, youngc1@gao.gov, (202) 512-4800 

U.S. Government Accountability Office, 441 G Street NW, Room 7149 

Washington, DC 20548 

Obtaining Copies of 

GAO Reports and 

Testimony 

Order by Phone 

To Report Fraud, 

Waste, and Abuse in 

Federal Programs 

Congressional 

Relations 

Public Affairs 

Please Print on Recycled Paper