ExecutiveOrdersEO
MemoMemorandumObama · D

Presidential Memorandum

Designation of Officers or Employees of the Office of Science and Technology Policy To Act as Director

This memorandum establishes a formal order of succession for the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) Director position, listing seven officials who would serve as acting Director in case of vacancy or incapacity. It revokes a 2009 Obama-era memorandum on the same topic and preserves presidential discretion to depart from the designated succession order.

Federal Register Open PDF 82 FR 7625

Impact dates

  1. Publication in Federal Register

Key directives

  • Establish order of succession for OSTP Director among seven specified officials
  • Revoke August 5, 2009 memorandum
  • Authorize publication in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Revocation of August 5, 2009 memorandum takes effect
  • New succession order becomes effective upon publication

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

  • Succession framework remains in place for future OSTP Director vacancies

Risks & tensions

  • Minimal tension: routine administrative housekeeping at end of administration; no policy disputes evident
  • Succession places national security/technology associate directors ahead of science/energy associates, which may reflect institutional priorities
Presidential Memorandum: Designation of Officers or Employees of the Office of Science and Technology Policy To Act as Director · Executive Orders