NASA looks at insourcing

Published: Jun 07, 2005
Source: www.fcw.com



NASA's new administrator, Mike Griffin, has told employees at Ames Research Center that he plans to cut back on the outsourcing of research projects to help NASA employees refocus on basic research.

Griffin, who started his job in April, said scientific projects with uncertain outcomes or research with long-term payoffs need federal funding and should not be outsourced to companies, which must please their shareholders. He said people must not lose sight of the value of federal research centers such as Ames.

He also indicated a willingness to reverse his predecessor's emphasis on outsourcing.

When asked about his strategy by Ames employees, who have been hit by recent buyout offers, Griffin said he wants to offer fewer opportunities for businesses to get a piece of NASA research.

"There will be fewer of those opportunities rather than more, and they will largely be directed by NASA rather than merely be put up for grabs by industry," he said. "I don't have a percentage, but there is a change."continue..