Eric Weiser, Joel Carney

NASA's infrastructure capabilities are the bedrock of our Nation's Space Program, providing essential testing, engineering, and research facilities. In recognizing the significance of these assets, NASA is committed to stewarding reliable and cost-effective infrastructure that aligns with the diverse requirements of its missions and programs. At the forefront of this strategic initiative is NASA's 2023 Agency Master Plan (AMP), representing the Agency's first enterprise mission-driven master planning effort. Approved by NASA leadership, the 2023 AMP serves as a collaboratively developed strategic roadmap designed to provide a guide to address the deteriorating condition of NASA’s real property assets, optimizing them in a cost-effective manner through data-driven planning that prioritizes mission requirements. To ensure alignment to NASA’s evolving mission requirements, the AMP is not a static document; rather, it represents an iterative and participatory process that engaged, and continues to engage, the collective expertise of of key NASA stakeholders including the Mission Support Directorate (MSD), Mission Directorates, Technical Capability Portfolios, Center leadership, center and agency master planners, and other subject matter experts.
The majority of NASA’s physical assets date back to the Apollo era, with approximately 83% of facilities beyond their design life. The Agency’s aging infrastructure has resulted in a staggering $3.8B in deferred maintenance (DM), exacerbated by unplanned maintenance consuming up to 30% of the annual budget due to disruptions, failures, and natural disasters. The AMP has emerged as a necessary strategic solution, providing a baseline for decision-making and guiding investments and divestments to help ensure mission success, and driving towards affordability, despite the challenges posed by a significant underfunded maintenance and construction budget (~$250M and ~$450M, respectively). The AMP is not just a plan; it's a comprehensive implementation strategy with four notable components:
1. Asset Inventory Assessment (AIA)
2. Prioritized Mission Requirements and Projects
3. Formulated & Implemented Sustainment Strategies
4. Established Planning Metrics & Standardized Guidance
In conclusion, the NASA Leadership approved AMP acknowledges the challenge of being underfunded but transforms this into a strategic opportunity. By aligning with mission requirements and assessed infrastructure health, through the AMP NASA not only addresses immediate needs but also lays the groundwork for a more affordable and resilient future for mission critical real property assets. As NASA continues to chart its course into the future, the AMP stands as a testament to the Agency’s commitment to strategic planning, collaboration, and innovation in ensuring the continued success of its mission.