NASA cancels $10 million culture change contract

[The Straight Story]

NASA cancels $10 million culture change contract

By Beth Dickey
[e-mail]
NASA is canceling its contract with a California-based behavior consultant at the end of June, but said it is not abandoning its culture change initiative.

Behavioral Science Technology of Ojai, Calif., is 16 months into a three-year campaign to reform NASA's safety climate and culture in the aftermath of the February 2003 accident that destroyed a $2 billion space shuttle and killed seven astronauts.

"The BST contract is going to be curtailed, but NASA continues to maintain its strong safety culture and commitment to a safe work environment," agency spokesman David Steitz told Government Executive Wednesday. "Our commitment to safety is constantly evolving, and we will adjust our activities in this area as appropriate."

The decision came from NASA's Office of Program Analysis and Evaluation and the agency's Office of Institutions and Management, with approval from Administrator Michael Griffin. Agency officials did not provide specifics about what led to the move.

http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0605/060805b1.htm