NASA Lessons Learned: Space Shuttle Program/Competitive Sourcing/Safety Implications

PLLS Database Entry: 1235

Lesson Info

• Lesson Number: 1235
• Lesson Date: 17-jun-2002
• Submitting Organization: HQ
• Submitted by: David Lengyel

Subject/Title/Topic(s):

Space Shuttle Program/Competitive Sourcing/Safety Implications

Description of Driving Event:

NASA is studying competitive sourcing of the Space Shuttle Program.

Lesson(s) Learned:

Space Shuttle privatization can have safety implications as well as affecting costs.

Recommendation(s):

Include in all privatization plans an assessment by safety professionals of the ability of considered privatization schemes to retain a reasonable level of NASA technical involvement and independent checks and balances.

Evidence of Recurrence Control Effectiveness:

All privatization discussions to date have included direct participation by the NASA Headquarters, Center, and SSP Safety organizations. A fundamental ground rule of any privatization option is that it must include the proper checks and balances as well as healthy tension between design and operations and include a value added independent assessment process. Current plans include numerous independent reviews of privatization concepts that will be structured to include safety professionals.

Applicable NASA Enterprise(s):

• Human Exploration & Development of Space

Applicable Crosscutting Process(es):

• Manage Strategically
• Provide Aerospace Products & Capabilities: Implementation

Additional Key Phrase(s):

• Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel
• Policy & Planning
• Procurement, Small Business & Industrial Relations
• Risk Management/Assessment
• Safety & Mission Assurance

Approval Info:

• Approval Date: 27-jun-2002
• Approval Name: Bill Loewy
• Approval Organization: HQ
• Approval Phone Number: 202-358-0528