NASA Watch
August 12, 2025
NASA’s Contractor RIF Plans
Keith’s note: This is the internal RIF planning chart circulating within NASA the Human Health and Performance Contract community. It specifically relates to contractor employees – but it mirrors plans being developed in other parts of the agency. Note that this is being explicitly done via “NASA Directive: Offices, Programs, and Projects to align with the FY26 Presidential Budget Request of $18.8B” – and not due to any budget agreed to by Congress. Of course, NASA Headquarters would rather that you not see this just yet – and spoil the post-Labor Day surprise. Text below.
NASA FY26 Planning & Contract Impacts
NASA Directive: Offices, Programs, and Projects to align with the FY26 Presidential Budget Request of $18.8B
ННРС: Supports multiple NASA programs and projects affected by budget reductions
Contract Changes: NASA initiating updates to Statements of Work (SOW), including descoping of specific areas
Effective Date: October 1, 2025
Anticipated Impacts to HHPC Workforce
–Project Reprioritization: NASA’s shifting mission priorities may lead to changes in project scope and funding
–Staffing Adjustments: Roles may be reassigned, consolidated, or phased out based on budget alignment
–Contractual Flexibility: HHPC leadership is working to maintain continuity where possible, but some positions will be affected
— Size of RIF still being determined
Tentative RIF Timeline
- September 1 – Formal RIF notifications may be issued to impacted employees
- September 30*– Last working day for positions identified for elimination
*Date dependent on customers’ directive for SOW changes
NASA Watch founder, Explorers Club Fellow, ex-NASA, Away Teams, Journalist, Space & Astrobiology, Lapsed climber.