Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) and Fellowship Assignments:

Employees may be assigned temporarily between Federal agencies and state, local, and Indian tribal governments, institutions of higher education, and other eligible organizations through the IPA Mobility Program. These assignments are intended to facilitate cooperation and coordination between the participating parties. Provisions of NASA’s IPA program include:

• NASA Center Directors (or their designee) are delegated the authority to determine if an organization is eligible for participation under the IPA authority and to effect IPA assignments;
• Assignments of non-citizens require the Center Director’s approval;
• Assignments are limited to a total of 4 years, in increments no greater than 2 years.