a. NASA must plan for, acquire, develop, and retain a high-performing, flexible workforce to achieve its mission. This NPR establishes the responsibilities, procedures, and guidelines for appointments and details of the following:

(1) Individuals in positions as, but not limited to, permanent, career, career-conditional, term, indefinite, and temporary employees but excluding individuals appointed to Senior Executive Service (SES), Senior Level (SL), or Scientific and Technical (ST) positions.

(2) Experts and consultants.

(3) Individuals on temporary assignments between Federal agencies and State, local, and Indian tribal governments, institutions of higher education, and other eligible organizations.

(4) Foreign Nationals.

(5) Civilian employees from other Federal agencies and departments to NASA and from NASA to other Federal agencies and departments.

b. This NPR provides Agency direction, which should be used in conjunction with the referenced statutory and regulatory requirements. Center Human Resources Offices should be consulted for further information and guidance.

APPLICABILITY. This NPR is applicable to NASA Headquarters and NASA Centers, including Component Facilities. Unless otherwise indicated, use of the word Center(s) in the text of the NPR includes NASA Headquarters. Any reference to Center Director(s) includes the Associate Administrator for Infrastructure and Administration.