INTERGOVERNMENTAL PERSONNEL ACT (IPA)
(§ 9808 of S.610)

PURPOSE: Currently, the IPA statute limits IPA assignments to a two-year term and allows extensions of up to two additional years for a total assignment of four years. Under the NASA Flexibility Act of 2004, extensions of assignments for up to four additional years are permitted—allowing the total period of an IPA assignment to be six years. This flexibility will be beneficial when there is a need to retain an IPA assignee for a longer period to ensure continuity in supporting important program or project.

KEY FEATURES

• NASA may make an IPA assignment up to two years, and extend the assignment for up to four additional years. Like the existing authority, concurrence of the employee and the participating organizations is required before executing the initial assignment or any extension.

• This authority applies to individuals being assigned to NASA from external organizations and to NASA employees being assigned to participating organizations.

• All other provisions of the IPA authority are unchanged.