NASA Announces Immediate End to Public Outreach Programs Due to Sequestration Cuts

In response to cuts in government spending that have come as a result of Washington's current sequestration, NASA released a memo on March 22 alerting both the public and employees that all public and educational outreach programs are to be suspended immediately.

This comes after, according to the document, a series of "tough choices about conferences and travel."

Those activities included in the cuts as stated in the announcement are as follows:

- Programs, events, and workshops.

- Permanent and traveling exhibits, signage, and other materials.

- Speeches, presentations, and appearances, with the exception of technical presentations by researchers at scientific and technical symposia.

- Video and multimedia products in development (and renewal of existing products).

- Web and social media sites in development (excludes operational sites).

- External and internal publications, with the exception of Scientific and Technical Information as defined by NPD 2200.1B.

- Any other activity whose goal is to reach out to external and internal stakeholders and the public concerning NASA, its programs, and activities.

All Mission Directorates and Headquarters organizations are asked to submit a summary of their activities by April 15, after which NASA's Offices of Communications and Education will evaluate their goals and requirements. Those set to take place through April 30 deemed Agency mission critical will receive a waiver.

Any future activities hoping to receive funding will likewise be submitted for review and again will only receive funding if considered absolutely critical.

Not only does this apply to all NASA employees and civil servants, but NASA contractors as well, and will remain in place at least through the end of the 2013 fiscal year. NASA senior managers reserve the right, however, to adjust the statement as seems appropriate as the situation evolves.

"We appreciate your cooperation during this challenging fiscal period," the memo ends.