A recent update on NASA’s Deferred Resignation Program (DRP) reveals that over 2,600 employees have taken the deal, with an additional 350 departures scheduled. This represents approximately 17% of the agency’s workforce, including SES employee exits, Center Director departures, and Human Resource directors.
The departure rate is concerning, particularly for those without job security options, as they risk facing a Remote Individual Placement (RIF) process in an increasingly challenging job market. The contractor workforce faces no real protections, leaving them vulnerable to restructuring.
NASA’s reassignment and relocation strategies are anticipated due to the agency’s need to rebalance its workforce. This will undoubtedly impact university researchers and leave gaps in expertise. As the US space industry continues to evolve, concerns arise about NASA’s ability to nurture future generations of space scientists and engineers.
Critics argue that this approach is detrimental to the agency’s goals, as it allows other nations to gain a competitive edge in space exploration while the US lags behind. The departure of high-profile employees and potential workforce restructuring raise questions about NASA’s long-term vision for space exploration.
Source: https://nasawatch.com/personnel-news/nasa-workforce-depletion-update