NGST Weekly Missive 3 Jul 2002

Hi Folks,

Before beginning, I should mention that Jon Gardner will be
joining our staff as John Mather’s Deputy Project Scientist. He
replaces Eric Smith, who now is at Headquarters in the role of the
Program Scientist for NGST.   Welcome aboard, Jon.

Regarding other key positions on the project scientific
staff,the deadline to apply for the NGST Project Observatory
Scientist position has been extended to July 8.  Please see
http://jsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/summary.asp?OPMControl=TP2232 .
The Observatory  Scientist will work with the Senior Project
Scientist and the ISIM Scientist to provide scientific leadership to
the entire effort.

As a related aside, applications for the position of  Chief
of the Lab for Astronomy and Solar Physics at GSFC are being
solicited. Please see
http://jsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/summary.asp?OPMControl=IE8974 .

On other fronts, things are progressing relatively smoothly of
late, with both Phase 2 Prime Contractor and Science and Ops Center
procurements on schedule. The government team is additionally busy
with the business of preparing for "Day One" activities, or
the proc3ess of engagement of our new mission partners (the prime
contractor and the SWG/IDTs). John and I presented to the National
Academy’s Space Studies Board (SSB) last Thursday, and it seemed to
go very well. Many thoughtful and insightful questions were asked,
and it seemed as though the answers were for the most part
satisfactory. There were a couple of issues that we couldn’t speak to
because they involved either procurement sensitive information or
fiscal info that was embargoed. But anyway we felt it went fine.