Recommendation: 

NASA Advisory Council Recommendation 

Over-Application of Travel Restrictions 

2015-01-02 (SC-01) 

The Council recommends that NASA change its defmition of the class of persons (specifically, 

"contractors") who are subject to the travel restrictions externally mandated for Civil Servants. This 

defmition could continue to provide travel controls on those personnel that NASA considers 

appropriate (for example, scientists at specific institutions), but should not include others, such as 

those at most universities, non-profits, and private companies funded through mission contracts. 

Major Reasons for Proposing the Recommendation: 

The Council fmds that the broad definition of"contractor" with respect to the application of travel 

restrictions using NASA funds has resulted in significant loss of efficiency and scientific 

productivity across the science community. This broad loss of efficiency and productivity is 

unnecessary and solely driven by what appears to be NASA's internal choice to expand the group 

included in the mandated travel restrictions. Regular and open communication between scientists 

and technologists is essential for healthy and productive research. Although electronic and virtual 

means of communication play an increasing role in interacting with colleagues and can 

accommodate much routine project activity, they cannot replace face-to-face interactions. Specific 

examples include the much-valued give-and-take of vibrant (sometimes heated) discussions, insight 

derived from multiple ideas being discussed spontaneously, informal (often unplanned) interactions 

and brainstorming that occurs before or after a presentation. These in-person contacts are extremely 

cost-effective and are key components in productive scientific interactions. 

Consequences of No Action on the Proposed Recommendation: 

Scientists not normally considered as NASA employees, and not required by external mandates, 

will continue to be included in the travel restrictions, which will continue to lead to significant loss 

of efficiency and scientific productivity for NASA. 

NASA Response: 

NASA non-concurs with the recommendation. 

There are currently no limitations on travel (civil servants and contractor employees) as long as the 

travel is within budget and approved by appropriate supervisors. 

If the travel is to a conference, the following guidance applies. There are no limitations for 

domestic conference attendance (civil servant and contractor employees). The only limitation on 

conference attendance is the statutory limit of 50 persons participating in a foreign conference. 

NASA applies this 50-person limitation only to civil servants and Jet Propulsion Laboratory 

employees. Those who are funded through grants, cooperative agreements, and other contracts are 

exempt from this limitation. 

All NASA participants (civil servants and contractor employees) for all conference events must be 

entered into NASA's Conference Tracking System (whether there are costs or not) as well as nonEnclosure 
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NASA participants where NASA is paying for all or some of their costs. This tracking is necessary 

due to the external requirement (codified in law) to report Agency conference spending for 

conferences costing the Agency over $20,000. NASA is also required by law to have conferences 

costing the Agency $100,000 or more and $500,000 or more approved specifically by the Deputy 

Administrator and Administrator, respectively. NASA's Conference Tracking System helps to 

facilitate this process. 

Enclosure