NASA has received a delay from the White House's directive to develop a plan to reduce the agency's workforce. In a statement to journalists 14 March NASA reported, that the deadline for submitting the agency's reorganization and staff reduction plan, extended by one week due to ongoing missions.
Decree from 11 requires agencies to develop plans for "large-scale" layoffs in February. "Agency leaders should immediately begin preparations to initiate large-scale downsizing (RIF) in accordance with current legislation", — specified in the document, and initial plans for such layoffs should be published through 30 days or 13 March.
NASA and other agencies received additional guidance on these plans, officially known as ARRPs. Phase 1 requires agencies, among other topics, determine ways to achieve efficiency, including the reorganization and liquidation of some divisions.
This will be followed by Phase 2 of the ARRP, which has to happen 14 April. NASA and other agencies to provide 'future organizational chart', which would reflect consolidation and any plans to move offices from greater Washington to "less expensive parts of the country".
NASA has already begun laying off staff. 10 the agency reported in March, that closes: Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy; the Office of the Chief Scientist; and ta branch of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. These closures led to layoffs 23 persons.
NASA Acting Administrator Janet Petro during the announcement of the resignation, said, that the agency is working on a "thoughtful approach" to future layoffs. "Although it will mean making difficult changes, we see it as an opportunity to change the shape of the workforce, guaranteeing, enforcement of laws, and providing American citizens with an effective agency".
Source: https://spacenews.com/nasa-gets-extension-to-submit-layoff-plans/