Keith’s note: this went out to NASA employees today. You can jump or risk being pushed out of the airlock. Your choice. As always, Embrace the Challenge: “NASA has been preparing for a significant organizational realignment and restructuring under its Workforce Optimization Plan, which will build a leaner, more agile organization – one that streamlines management layers, capitalizes on efficiencies, and ensures every part of NASA is contributing directly to the mission we’ve been called to carry out. (more below)

Earlier this year, we asked for your ideas on how we could work more efficiently and deliver on our mission to the American taxpayer. You submitted hundreds of thoughtful suggestions – – On everything from embracing emerging technologies and delegating authority to the lowest levels to reducing the number of reviews, meetings, and supervisors. Your input underscored the need for smart, deliberate change, and we’re prepared to act. Our next steps – shaped in part by your feedback – include an agency reorganization that will help strengthen NASA’s position as a disciplined, mission-focused organization ready to lead in a golden era of exploration, science, and aeronautics research.

At the same time, NASA is preparing for the implementation of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget and realigning to the Administration’s priorities. While it is still moving through the legislative process, the proposed funding requires action now. We need to take proactive steps to align our workforce and resources with evolving priorities and position the agency for continued mission success in the new fiscal year.

As part of this workforce optimization effort, NASA will offer eligible employees agencywide an opportunity to participate in a new NASA Deferred Resignation Program (DRP), Voluntary Early Retirement (VERA), and/or Voluntary Separation Incentive Program (VSIP). The Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO) will send an email to all civil servants shortly with additional information about these opportunities. The DRP is the first in a sequence of actions associated with our agency reorganization effort.

The decision of whether to voluntarily participate in one or more of these programs is a significant one, which impacts both your career and your personal life. It’s a decision that deserves careful thought, and you will have the support to consider what’s right for you. As always, I’m committed to transparency and open communication as we move through this process.

NASA’s strength has always come from its people and from our ability to adapt with focus, discipline, and a shared commitment to the mission. Thank you for all you do in service to NASA and to one another.

Embrace the Challenge,

Janet