Minutes of Senior Staff and Center Directors’ Meeting 23 Apr 2001
The following documents the discussions addressed at the Senior Staff and
Center Directors’ Meeting on April 23, 2001. Action assignments have been
placed in brackets [ ] for easy identification.
1. AA Reports
G/Frankle: Mr. Frankle noted that the annual NASA Legal Conference, hosted
by the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), will be held this week in
Baltimore, Maryland.
W/Gross: Ms. Gross clarified the audit review process. She expects
management to be engaged throughout the audit or inspection process to
ensure a product that represents best efforts and input. There are many
opportunities for input and feedback prior to development of findings. The
audit announcement provides time to identify individuals who will be
present at the entrance conference, as well as those having the best
information to be responsive and available. She emphasized the key is for
management to be actively involved during the entire process and to not
wait until the report is ready to be issued before raising concerns.
Z/McCormick: The Office of Policy and Plans, in cooperation with George
Washington University’s Space Policy Institute, is sponsoring a symposium
on May 8 entitled, “Looking Forward, Looking Backward: 40 Years of Human
Space Flight.” Registration information is available at
http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/codez/new/.
P/Cleggett: 1) Thanks to GSFC, Code P has created, for the first time,
seamless zooms of Earth for seven of the largest media markets. 2) Space
Shuttle STS-100 mission is receiving excellent coverage
R/Reck: The 7th meeting in the NASA/ Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
“Home & Home” series will be held April 25-26. These symposia are intended
to increase awareness in the aerospace community of the scope and breadth
of work at various Government and industry facilities and the challenges we
are facing.
I/Schumacher: The Soyuz launch is scheduled for April 28, 2001.
L/Kerwin: Congress returns this week from spring recess. NASA will
testify at two hearings this week. Also this week, House and Senate Budget
Committees will begin conference action on the FY 2002 Budget Resolutions.
J/Sutton: Mr. Sutton noted, with respect to the OIG remarks, that every
Center and every Headquarters office has an Audit Liaison
Representative. 2) Mr. noted that this year’s Earth Day theme will be NASA
& Biodiversity… Bridging Science and Ecosystem Management.
B/Varholy: Mr. Varholy reported that the NASA Chief Financial Officers
will meet in Orlando, Florida, from April 25 to April 27, 2001.
M/Spearing: Mr. Spearing thanked all those who supported the successful
launch of Space Shuttle STS-100.
Y/Asrar: 1) Code Y meetings with visitors from Russia will focus on
cooperation in Earth Science. Dr. Asrar thanked the Centers for their
support of Earth Day activities.
2. AI/Dr. Mulville:
1) Dr. Mulville reported that the NASA Security Council Meeting,
scheduled for April 26, is cancelled. 2) The Headquarters Quality Council
will meet on Friday, May 4, from 9 to 11 a.m., in ACR-2. 3) Dr. Mulville
reminded everyone to please allow adequate time to process correspondence
requiring the Administrator’s signature.
3. Center Directors
GRC/Campbell: A level-1 milestone was achieved at the end of March with
the selection of a new fan airflow control concept for future aircraft
engines. This configuration selection was a joint effort for the
Ultra-Efficient Engine Technology (UEET) Program and the Quiet Aircraft
Technology (QAT) Program.
JPL/Stone: Dr. Stone noted that he would be returning to CalTech as of May
1, 2001. He thanked everyone for their support during his tenure as JPL
Director.
JSC/Stone: Mr. Stone gave a status of activities aboard the International
Space Station. The Canada arm was recently attached and is operational.
MSFC/Saucier: 1) Mr. Stephenson is meeting in Tennessee today with
Congressman Bart Gordon (D-TN). 2) MSFC will be celebrating the 20th
anniversary of STS-1 on April 24.
SSC/Craig: Mr. Craig reported that the public Space Shuttle Main Engine
test conducted at SSC on Saturday, April 21, 2001, was a huge
success. Approximately 15,000 people attended the event.
AA/Stadd: 1) The NASA Administrator appointed Jeff M. Bingham as the
Acting Associate Administrator for Legislative Affairs. 2) Mr. Stadd noted
the passing of Former astronaut David M. Walker. Dave flew aboard Space
Shuttles Discovery, Atlantis, and Endeavour on four missions in 1984, 1989,
1992, and 1995. He will be sorely missed by the NASA community.
NOTE: ACTION ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE TRANSMITTED UNDER SEPARATE COVER AND
TRACKED BY THE HEADQUARTERS CORRESPONDENCE MANAGEMENT OFFICE. SPECIFIC
QUESTIONS MAY BE ADDRESSED TO VANESSA COATES @ (202) 358-0906.
