Title: Budget Execution at the Earth Science Technology Office
Author: David Long
Organization: NASA Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO)

Abstract:
Once NASA Research Announcement (NRA) award selections are made from the Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO), the budgets are screened for disallowable and excessive costs before funding is issued.  Since the award period is typically three years, with years two and three as option periods, the possibility of budget cuts or discontinuation is real.  Not only must awardees actively manage their technical progress, but also be fiscally responsible throughout the entire work process.  We will present how the ESTO manages budgets from a program office perspective, and provide financial context with some of the recent issues affecting the agency.