Keith’s note: the following memo has been sent out to NASA staff to explain how things will resume operating at NASA. Full memo below:
From: “Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO)”
Reply-To: NASA-OCHCO-HRMES
Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 11:42 AM
To:
Subject: Post-shutdown furlough guidance
This HR Message is being delivered to you via HRMES On Behalf Of: Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO)
Dear NASA employees,
On behalf of NASA leadership, welcome back and thanks to the many employees who worked excepted activities and mission-critical operations during the government shutdown, advancing our important missions.
As NASA fully opens, we recognize that facilities may not be ready or employees may have extenuating circumstances that might cause delays in returning to on-site work. Refer to any local guidance and expectations from supervisors or leadership about available workforce flexibilities to enable a smooth transition.
Here are few key points that you should be immediately aware of:
Retroactive pay for the last three pay periods will be paid out on Nov. 17 and Nov. 21.
On Nov. 17, employees will receive approximately 50% of the retroactive gross pay.
On Nov. 21, employees will receive the remainder of the retroactive pay (with deductions considered), along with pay for the 11/02-11/15 pay period.
Employees do not need to update or populate timecards from Oct. 1-Nov. 1.
All employees should complete a timesheet for pay period PP202524 11/02-11/15 by 1 p.m. ET on Fri., Nov. 14. Payroll will be processed on the normal schedule and paid on Fri., Nov. 21. See the below instructions which are different for non-excepted versus excepted employees.
For Nov. 13-15, all employees record hours as worked (e.g., REG, REG/TWORK, leave).
Non-excepted employees: Do not make any changes to your timecard for Nov. 2-12. Time has been preloaded with GDWPD – Government Shutdown Used – Not Worked Paid.
Excepted employees: Confirm that your hours worked Nov. 2-12 are coded to GWDPD – Government Shutdown Used – Excepted Work Paid.
Employees are not able to make any timecard corrections now for prior periods. Check the OneNASA Post-Shutdown page in approximately one month for notification on when timecard corrections can be made and related resources.
Resources
Following this extended shutdown, your IT devices and access may need some attention. Refer to Reopening: Helpful IT Tips and OCIO’s IT Services and Support for Reopening webpage for information on getting restarted, completing IT training, updating certificates and passwords, and more. Visit your center’s SpaceBar or walk-up locations for help with any IT issues.
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) page provides mental health assistance and support, including information to reach the clinicians at your center, during regular business hours.
Visit the OneNASA Post-Shutdown page regularly for updates, including additional details and resources. If you have other questions or concerns, please contact your local human capital office.
NASA leadership thanks you again for your dedication and patience throughout this process, and we truly appreciate your continued service to NASA.
Sincerely,
Kelly Elliott
Chief Human Capital Officer
THIS IS AN AUTOMATED HRMES MESSAGE. PLEASE DO NOT REPLY.