Welcome to the website for Goddard’s implementation of the NASA Ombuds Program. The Ombuds Program was initiated after the Shuttle Columbia accident to provide a supplemental and confidential channel of communication to raise significant issues and concerns that members of the NASA family perceive could impact safety, organizational performance, and mission success. The Ombuds does not replace existing channels for raising concerns. The Ombuds will assist the workforce in accessing existing administrative systems, offices, or processes, such as the Inspector General (IG), the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Program, Office of Human Capital Management, union representational authority, NASA Safety Reporting System, Office of Procurement, and Contract Disputes Act, where appropriate.

The effectiveness of the Ombuds rests on their reputation for confidentiality, independence, and neutrality. The Ombuds offers an independent, neutral, and willing ear to help get your concern addressed. In doing so, the Ombuds is a skilled listerner who will help you identify available options and consider the pros and cons of exercising these options.

The Goddard Ombuds and Alternate Ombuds report to the Center Director, to whom they have direct, unrestricted, and unimpeded access. Both the Ombuds and Alternate Ombuds possess the discretion to elevate issues that have an imminent or significant risk of impact on the Agency’s mission. At their discretion, they may conduct independent interviews or reviews to ensure unbiased perspectives.

Click here for information about existing administrative systems, offices, and processes.

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