NASA

Several fundamental management challenges face NASA, including the need to bring plans in line with likely budgets, manage systems development efforts more effectively, improve operations and oversight, and preserve U.S. aeronautical leadership. GAO notes that NASA has been operating in a decentralized fashion, with its field centers having considerable latitude in many areas, including the award and administration of almost all of the agency's contracts. For this approach to be effective, headquarters must set clear expectations and carefully monitor and measure the centers' management of their own activities, as well as those of NASA's contractors. Although top NASA management seems committed to improvement, delivering on it will require new and improved management systems as well as perseverance and strong leadership to overcome ingrained attitudes and resistance to change. Continuous vigorous oversight will be needed to ensure an affordable and effective NASA.