1.1: Openness
Foster openness from the organizational level to the level of individual employees. Other Information:
Openness Overview: Part of NASA’s DNA - NASA’s founding legislation, the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, addresses
the role NASA should play in ensuring the general welfare of the United States, with language directly applicable to the principles
of Open Government: Sec. 203. (a) The Administration, in order to carry out the purpose of this Act, shall— (1) plan, direct,
and conduct aeronautical and space activities; (2) arrange for participation by the scientific community in planning scientific
measurements and observations to be made through use of aeronautical and space vehicles, and conduct or arrange for the conduct
of such measurements and observations; (3) provide for the widest practicable and appropriate dissemination of information
concerning its activities and the results thereof; (4) seek and encourage, to the maximum extent possible, the fullest commercial
use of space; and (5) encourage and provide for Federal Government use of commercially provided space services and hardware,
consistent with the requirements of the Federal Government. — NASA Space Act (as Amended), Section 203 [emphasis added] As
the Space Act articulates, there is a strong linkage between transparency, dissemination of information, and the commercial
uses of space (or economic development). For more than a half-century, we have created policies and processes to carry out
our legislated mission. Examples include: • The availability of raw science data archived by all NASA missions, for open use.
• Inclusion of the scientific community in road mapping and strategic planning, mainly through the National Academies of Science
and other working groups. • Use of full and open competition, including NASA centers, academia, and industry, to implement
projects that help fulfill mission requirements. Examples are given in more detail in the sections about specific initiatives.
Openness is fostered from the organizational level to the level of individual employees. Our employees have incentives and
sometimes even requirements to be open and collaborative. NASA’s civil service performance management system specifically
measures employees’ collaboration and teamwork. Tracking employees’ performance in this regard demonstrates our commitment
to innovation, accountability, and collaboration at all levels throughout the Agency. Our leadership development training
promotes a culture of openness and collaboration as well. Each leadership level requires competencies in communication and
advocacy, knowledge management, and customer, stakeholder, and partner relationships. For NASA’s science community, publishing
research is often required for career advancement within the Agency.
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