The NASA RIF Has Begun
NASA RIF WATCH 2.0
NASAWatch
Keith’s note: This was just sent to the NASA workforce by Acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro: 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.
As directed by President Trump’s Executive Order, “Implementing the President’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ Workforce Optimization Initiative,” all federal agencies, including NASA, have been instructed to submit an initial plan for reductions in force and reorganization. In compliance with this directive, we are actively working with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to develop a thoughtful approach that aligns with both administration priorities and our mission needs. While this will mean making difficult adjustments, we’re viewing this as an opportunity to reshape our workforce, ensuring we are doing what is statutorily required of us, while also providing American citizens with an efficient and effective agency.
In coordination with OPM, and the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, we began implementing a phased reduction in force, or RIF, today. These actions are occurring in advance of the agency’s RIF and reorganization plan as part of the broader governmentwide restructuring effort. We will close NASA’s Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy, the Office of the Chief Scientist, and the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility branch in the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity, along with reducing their workforce.
Our colleagues impacted by these changes have been valued members of our team. Their hard work has helped shape our successes in recent years, and we are deeply grateful for all they have contributed.
We are committed to supporting our employees through this transition and sharing the appropriate information on available resources. At the same time, I want to acknowledge the uncertainty this may bring. I understand many may have questions, and while details remain in development, we will continue to be as open as possible throughout this process. Our Employee
Assistance Program (EAP) is available to you should you need it. I know this news is difficult and may affect us all differently. Change of this magnitude is never easy, but our strength comes from our shared commitment to our mission and each other. I remain grateful for your professionalism and resilience, and I encourage you to support one another as we move forward.
Embrace the Challenge,
Janet