Summary: NASA is focused on optimizing its workforce and reducing costs to ensure long-term success and accountability. The agency conducts scientific exploration through partnerships and competitions, aiming to enhance knowledge about space and support future missions to the Moon and Mars. NASA also prioritizes early career researchers and underrepresented communities in its funding programs to promote new discoveries and scientific advancements.
Note: The Agency Technical Authority Budget is reduced from $196.1M in FY24 to $69.6M in FY26. That's a 65% reduction.
In FY 2026, NASA plans to significantly reduce and restructure both the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) and Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) program as part of the effort to consolidate the overall Agency Technical Authority (ATA) program. (View Highlight)
Note: NESC and IV&V significantly reduced. OSMA contribution to IV&V is going from $39.2M to $9.9M. Roughly a 75% reduction. Looks like the Mission Directorate contributions to IV&V are not getting cut as much. Notably, science contributions go from $0 to $1.2M.
Consolidate the Agency Technical Authorities (View Highlight)
Note: What does it mean to consolidate the Tech Authorities? Will OSMA, NESC, and OCHMO get combined into one overall Tech Authority?
Provide training and maintain a competent technical workforce with expertise in system engineering, system safety, reliability, quality, and space medicine. (View Highlight)
Note: It's good to see this as a key initiative. This is one of our major functions at the NASA Safety Center.
