Subsequent to the issuing of the MIDEX AO in 2001, and subsequent to the submission of proposals in response to that AO, NASA adopted a policy that only two NASA centers (Goddard Space Flight Center and Jet Propulsion Laboratory) should maintain the capability of providing project management for flight mission projects. This new policy will be reflected in the next Explorer AO.
One of the MIDEX proposals selected for a competitive Phase A concept study, the Astrobiology Explorer (ABE), proposed project management at Ames Research Center. Upon selection, NASA informed the ABE team that they were required to modify their proposal during Phase A to comply with the new policy. The ABE team is proceeding to do so.
Recognizing that this new requirement from headquarters will have a cost, NASA has decided to count the additional cost of the required management change outside of the MIDEX cost cap. ABE is required to describe the additional cost of the required management change in an appendix to their concept study report. This appendix will be evaluated as part of the Phase A TMCO evaluation and the findings will be considered at selection. The instructions for the additional appendix are available here.
NASA Headquarters Responsible Office: Code SZ
Last Updated: 19 July 2002
Author: Paul Hertz (Code SZ)