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Author
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Topic: ASF Space Rendezvous, Nov. 2015, KSC (Fla.)
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alanh_7
Member Posts: 1252
From: Ajax, Ontario, Canada
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 11-17-2015 07:05 PM
   
quote:
Originally posted by Hart Sastrowardoyo:
Current federal employees cannot take part in commercial activities...
It's true about government employees accepting things. Last year I ran into Bob Cabana at the bar at the Hilton. I had never met him before and stopped to talk and offered to buy him a drink. He was really kind, but at first was refused to accept the drink because he was no sure he could. He did relent when he realized I just wanted to chat, accepted the drink and we had a nice conversation. But I guess they have to be careful when on government payroll. |
Hart Sastrowardoyo
Member Posts: 3445
From: Toms River, NJ
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 11-17-2015 08:43 PM
Wondering if he was afraid it could be construed as accepting a bribe... |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 11-17-2015 09:21 PM
Not a bribe, but a gift. What is a gift?
Almost anything of monetary value, such as cash, meals, paperweights, trips, concert tickets, and services. In the example given, Cabana didn't initially know who Alan was, or what his relation to NASA was. The prohibition on gifts applies to: A person or organization that seeks official action by NASA; does business or seeks to do business with NASA; or has interests that may be affected by you when you are doing your job. Usually, at NASA, it's a contractor, grantee, or party to an agreement; however, it also includes many motion picture and television studios, aerospace societies, and anyone else doing business with the Agency. There are exceptions — NASA employees can accept gifts of $20 or less on a single occasion, but not more than $50 per year per source. Often the easiest approach is to avoid the situation altogether and refuse the drink or similar offer. |
alanh_7
Member Posts: 1252
From: Ajax, Ontario, Canada
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 11-18-2015 07:10 AM
Robert's summation I think is correct. A drink could not be considered a bribe but a gift and since we had never met I am sure he was hesitant.I work for a large U.S.-based company and we also have strict policies about accepting gifts. That being said, Bob Cabana is a really nice guy. |
albatron
Member Posts: 2732
From: Stuart, Florida
Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 11-18-2015 08:28 PM
That's an excellent point about taking things for granted, that applies to the pre-Shuttle guys as well. We're at the point now some are traveling less and less, and fewer and fewer will be attending. Trust me on this. Go see them while you can, whatever the venue. |
Hart Sastrowardoyo
Member Posts: 3445
From: Toms River, NJ
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 11-18-2015 09:20 PM
Yes on this. I'm working on getting the remaining 95 or so Americans who flew on the Shuttle in my book - and it's getting harder to get any new ones as it seems the number of appearances are fewer with each passing year. |
Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 11-19-2015 02:59 PM
Spacefest can pay travel but not honoraria to current NASA employees. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 11-19-2015 07:06 PM
Travel expenses are paid to NASA though, not to the individual. (Most astronaut and NASA employee appearances today require the host to cover travel and accommodation fees.) |
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