Practices for an Effective NASA Advisory Council: The Results of an Independent Assessment

On December 1, 2017, NASA contracted with the Academy to conduct an independent, seven-month review to assess the overall effectiveness of the NAC. In the past, Administrators have used the NAC in different ways, reflecting both the different challenges and priorities that face them during their time in office, as well as their personal and professional inclinations. Recognizing this variability, the Panel sought to identify practices likely to contribute to an effective NAC across diverse challenges and Administrator styles. In its assessment of these practices, the Panel took a multi-dimensional view of effectiveness, informed by the different roles played by the NAC and the different interests it serves.