Guidance for using Program/Project Funds for Training*


1) The Agency policy is that training will generally be paid from CM&O.  (Code H provides each organization with their training allocation.)

2) Any exceptions to use program/project funds in lieu of the organization's training funds will be made on a case by case basis.

3) Generally, limited exceptions will be made if the following criteria is met:

  • The project can demonstrate that there is a direct relationship between the course and the project (example: a course on thermal protection systems for employees working on the TPS project) and the course is so specialized that it won't be applied to other projects.

  • Primary purpose for attending a conference is to present material (or is part of a team presenting material). (This typically falls under "information dissemination".)

The types of training that don't qualify for an exception (and the guidance is to use your organization's training allocation):


1) General training courses (employee development)

2) Conference attendance for the purpose of learning or networking

3) Academic/Graduate school courses that are primarily for employee development

The process for requesting the use of program/project funds for training:


Note:  Please submit request three weeks prior to course/conference to ensure sufficient time for processing.

1) Request use of program/project funds for training events (in lieu of organization’s allocated training budget) via email to Code C/Diane Selby (Diane.P.Selby@nasa.gov), with a cc: to Leticha Hawkins (Leticha.A.Hawkins@nasa.gov), Training Officer.  The email request is to include the following:

  • Identification of the project funds (WBS)
  • Documentation of the course/conference – a web link is sufficient
  • Provide a brief statement describing the training/conference, how it directly relates to the program/project identified to pay for the course/conference, and one of the following:
    • - For a specialized training course: Include justification in the request specifying the specialized nature of the training and why it is only applicable to the funding project.   
    • - For presenting material at a conference: Provide a statement in the email that the primary purpose of attending the conference is to present material.

2)  Diane Selby will approve/deny the use the program/project funds. 

3)  If request is approved by Code C, Leticha Hawkins will then approve or deny the event as a training event.  If approved, the requester will be advised to work with Lynnette Jacome (Ext. 4-6353) to use SATERN to register employees for the event. 

If you have financial/resources related questions, please contact Diane Selby (Ext. 4-0387).  If you have questions related to the training determinations, please contact Leticha Hawkins (Ext. 4-3792).

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*This policy is specific to program/project funds - Organization's with CM&O funds cannot request use of their org's CM&O funds to "augment" their Center training allocation.  Training overguide requests should be submitted to Code H.