Re: Bush says about the shuttle....and that the White House would not be all that upset if it never flew again.

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NASA Internal Memo from Michael Griffin to William Gerstenmaier:
In-Guide Option for FY 2007 Budget


Pre-Decisional Information - For Internal Use Only

4 October 2005

TO: William Gerstenmaier, Associate Administrator for Space Operations

FROM: Michael Griffin, Administrator

SUBJECT: In-Guide Option for FY 2007 Budget

In looking back at our transition efforts over the summer, I find that
I have not yet fully stepped up to me responsibilities as
Administrator. In particular, it is imperative that we provide an
in-guide option for the Office of Management and Budget for FY 2007. We
can request over-guide consideration, but we must first "answer the
mail". Most of the challenges to doing this lie in Space Operations. It
is incumbent on us to develop an executable option, or face the risk of
a less desirable option being imposed upon us. You and I have discussed
this at some length in the weeks since you have assumed the helm of
SOMD, but we haven't managed to find a plan that meets the
requirements. In recognition of the accelerated schedule for FY07
budget preparation being implemented by OMB, I would like you to
approach this task from the following perspective:

1. Assume serial processing of all Shuttle operations as soon as
possible in FY06. Provide an estimate for the number of Shuttle flights
that can realistically be flown between now and the end of FY2010,
assuming serial processing. Specify all operational assumptions
necessary to execute the serial processing plan, including required
workforce reductions and cost impacts of such.

2. Given the estimated number of Shuttle flights available between now
and the end of 2010, and reserving one flight for a Hubble Space
Telescope servicing mission, recommend an ISS assembly sequence in
which the highest priority is placed on flights to meet International
Partner commitments.

3. Identify specific operational risks, if any, resulting from this
course of action. Identify and recommend mitigation steps for each
risk. Categorize risks by those that are unacceptable from a safety
perspective, those that impact operational efficiencies and logistics,
and those that impact research capabilities.

4. Estimate reductions in SOMD budget projections relative to the
current 18+1 baseline (as reflected in the overguide request) by the
above course of action. Estimate a range of potential reductions in
contractor and civil servant support.

5. In conjunction with Office of External Relations and Office of
General Counsel, identify the potential range of fiscal liabilities
from any failure to meet International Partner commitments. Such
liabilities should be as specific as possible, with potential liens to
Agency budget projections, and should include potential mitigating
factors, if any.

Th Offices of PA&E and the CFO should be consulted to provide
independent verification of the recommended SOMD cost estimates and
budget projections. OSMA should be consulted for independent
verification of potential risks and mitigation measures. I must have an
initial assessment by COB Thursday, 13 October 2005. The final report
is needed by COB Friday, 4 November 2005. If you have any questions,
please contact Scott Pace or me.

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