The document is an official message from NASA’s Assistant Administrator for Procurement, addressing the contractor community regarding measures in response to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic as of March 10, 2020. NASA emphasizes that while operations remain open, enhanced telework options are being implemented to prioritize the health and safety of staff, which is considered fundamental to the organization’s mission. A temporary policy restricts individuals who have traveled to CDC-designated “Level 3” countries from returning onsite to NASA centers for 14 days post re-entry to the U.S., applying to both business and personal travel. These restrictions supplement existing prohibitions on travel to countries classified at “Level 4” by the State Department, such as Iran, and restrict official NASA travel to China.
The correspondence encourages staff and contractors to consult reputable sources, particularly CDC resources and NASA’s own Coronavirus website, for up-to-date guidance and travel advisories. Contractors are directed to coordinate with project managers or Contracting Officer Representatives concerning contract-required travel and telework eligibility. NASA recently conducted an agency-wide telework day to test and ensure the organization’s readiness for large-scale remote operations. The communication further stresses the importance of prompt reporting for employees who have had possible exposure to the virus or are subject to self-quarantine, and it advises companies to coordinate with contracting officers should contract performance be impacted. NASA commits to ongoing, transparent communication as new information arises, recognizing the challenging circumstances faced by its workforce.
