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NASA: Large Programs May Consume Increasing Share of Limited Future Budgets

NSIAD-92-278 Published: Sep 04, 1992. Publicly Released: Sep 04, 1992.
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Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) 5-year program plan, focusing on: (1) its consistency with potential budget resources; (2) major programs that would require the greatest share of limited future NASA budgets; (3) whether the NASA strategic plan corrects the mismatch between its 5-year plan and budget resources; and (4) improvements in NASA project status reports to Congress.

Recommendations

Matter for Congressional Consideration

Matter Status Comments
To improve the content and usefulness of NASA reports, Congress may wish to consider directing the Administrator, NASA, to incorporate 5-year program estimates and life-cycle costs currently required by Public Law 102-195, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1992, into the funding section in NASA biannual project status reports.
Closed – Not Implemented
The intent of the recommendation was to provide better decisionmaking information to congressional committees that receive the project status reports. Those committees do not intend to take the recommended action.
To improve the content and usefulness of NASA reports, Congress may wish to consider directing the Administrator, NASA, to submit a revised strategic plan that closely integrates NASA program planning with realistic future budgets for the agency.
Closed – Not Implemented
NASA is in the process of revising its strategic plan. Therefore, there is no longer a need for Congress to act.

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Topics

Aerospace researchAgency missionsBudget cutsCost controlFuture budget projectionsLife cycle costsReporting requirementsResearch and development costsSpace explorationStrategic plan