Interagency Policy Coordination

        The policies that govern how NASA conducts its research, development and operations result from the actions of the Congress and the Executive Branch. Articulated in statutes, regulations, and Executive Orders, these actions must be mutually consistent and comply with our constitutional law as interpreted and applied by the Supreme Court.

        As the Federal agency with the most familiarity with the requirements and opportunities of Federally sponsored civil aerospace research and development programs, NASA is routinely called upon to participate in deliberations leading to the promulgation of national aerospace related policy. Not only is the Agency often consulted by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (staff to the President’s Science Advisor), but it provides analyses and feedback on proposed Congressional legislation affecting all aspects of the national aerospace effort as well.

        In order for policies to be effective, they must be seen as workable by the many organizations that necessarily contribute to large-scale technological and management enterprises. Thus policy deliberations must include, as applicable, all NASA organizations and Federal departments and agencies. Essential to the mission of the Interagency Relations Division of NASA’s Office of External Relations is promoting Agency collaborations with other Federal organizations not only to meet national objectives, but to address Federal policy issues that bear significantly on our activities.

        Many White House aeronautics and space policy initiatives and reviews originate in the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), and the National Security Council’s Policy Coordinating Committee for Space. Key to the process are interagency committees and working groups that examine the ramifications of existing and proposed policies and fashion the policy directives that may eventually be placed before the President of the United States for approval. In Congress, many committees and subcommittees propose bills that affect aeronautics and space policy. The Interagency Relations Division works with OSTP, NSTC, the National Security Council Policy Coordinating Committee and their working groups, and with Congress in cooperation with the NASA Office of Legislative Affairs. It coordinates with the three International Divisions of its parent Office of External Relations on policy matters and interagency activities involving international cooperation.

        The Interagency Relations Division of the Office of External Relations works to ensure that policy development and implementation are consistent across NASA. Finally, it often draws on research into the origins of past policies and their outcomes to ensure that new policies reflect the benefit of historical experience.