Task Force on Space Industry Workforce and Economic Development

President Obama established an interagency task force co-chaired by the Secretary of Commerce and NASA Administrator to develop an economic development action plan for Florida's Space Coast and other aerospace communities affected by the end of the Space Shuttle program. The task force must submit a comprehensive plan by August 15, 2010, recommending how to invest $40 million in transition assistance funding, and will terminate after 3 years unless extended.

Federal Register Open PDF 75 FR 24781

Impact dates

May 3, 2013
Task Force termination unless extended
Aug 15, 2010
Comprehensive plan due to President
Jul 2, 2010
Inaugural stakeholder meetings

Key directives

Establish Task Force on Space Industry Workforce and Economic Development
Secretary of Commerce and NASA Administrator to serve as Co-Chairs
Task Force to develop comprehensive plan by August 15, 2010
Plan must recommend investment of $40 million in transition assistance funding
Task Force to hold inaugural stakeholder meetings within 60 days
Task Force to terminate after 3 years unless extended
NASA Administrator to publish memorandum in Federal Register

Timeline

Immediate

Task Force establishment
Co-Chairs designated (Secretary of Commerce and NASA Administrator)

Near term (90d)

Inaugural stakeholder meetings within 60 days of May 3, 2010
Comprehensive plan due August 15, 2010

Long term

Task Force terminates May 3, 2013 unless extended
3-year implementation period for economic adjustment strategies

Risks & tensions

Plan contingent on 'availability of appropriations' — funding not guaranteed
Space Shuttle program end already decided; this is responsive mitigation, not prevention
Multi-agency coordination burden with no dedicated staff or budget line specified for Task Force operations
Geographic focus on Florida may limit attention to other affected aerospace communities
3-year sunset may truncate implementation before economic transition complete