Scaling API-first – The story of a global engineering organization
Robert odlerobert.cox
1. Great Ideas and Unique Capabilities
JPL’s National Space Technology Applications Office (NSTA)
Model and Process for Non-NASA Sponsors
Robert Cox
Deputy Director for Earth Science and Technology Directorate
PM Challenge 2012
2. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California
Overview
Background
History
Policy & Enablers
Organization
Describe the Model
How we do plan
How do we execute
Closing the deal
Summary
―Solving Problems of National Significance‖
3. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
JPL Non-NASA Background
Pasadena, California
• A child of Caltech: founded in 1936 under Professor
Theodore von Kármán
• Led development of US rocket technology in WWII
• Collaborated w Werner von Braun and German rocket
engineers to create US missile program 1946-58
• Under Army Ballistic Missile Agency contract designed and
built Corporal and Sergeant, first US ballistic missiles.
• After Sputnik, JPL transferred to NASA
• JPL launched the first US satellite, Explorer 1, in 1958
• JPL launched the first interplanetary satellite, Mariner 2 to
Venus, in 1962.
• Caltech & JPL staff founded Aerojet Corporation
4. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California
Underlying Policy
NASA Act 1958
Sec 102(c)6: The making available to agencies directly concerned with national
defenses of discoveries that have military value or significance and the furnishing by
such agencies to the civilian Agency established to direct and control non-military
aeronautical and space activities of information as to discoveries which have value or
significance to that agency.
(c)8: The most effective utilization of the scientific and engineering resources of the
US with close cooperation among all interested agencies of the US in order to avoid
unnecessary duplication of effort, facilities and equipment
5. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California
Underlying Policy
NASA Reimbursable Program (June 2010 GAO)
NASA undertakes Reimbursable Agreements when it has unique
goods, services, and facilities not being fully utilized to accomplish mission
needs….
―It is NASA policy not to compete with commercial entities in providing
services or goods, property or resources to entities outside the Federal
Government.‖
6. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
Underlying Policy
Pasadena, California
2011 NASA Strategic Plan: Overarching Strategies
―Expanding partnerships with
international, intergovernmental, academic, industrial, and entrepreneurial
communities and recognizing their role as important contributors of skill and
creativity to our missions and for the propagation of our results;….‖
Strategic Goal 3:
3.4 Facilitate the transfer of NASA technology and engage in partnerships with
other government agencies, industry, and international entities to generate U.S.
commercial activity and other public benefits.
Strategic Goal 5:
5.5 Establish partnerships, including innovative arrangements, with
commercial, international, and other government entities to maximize mission
success.
Strategic Goal 6:
6.2 Promote STEM literacy through strategic partnerships with formal and
informal organizations.
Current Agency strategy focuses on mission and commercial success through
collaborative activities.
7. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California
Underlying Policy
Earlier strategic direction
The NASA Mission
To understand and protect our home planet...
NASA Strategic Plan
NASA developed technologies provide the Nation with unique
capabilities to enhance homeland security and we actively seek
opportunities to apply our expertise to urgent national needs.
NASA is exceptionally well positioned to address key national
security concerns. We will continue to share our
expertise, technology and databases with DoD, FAA, disaster
management and counter terrorism and DHS
8. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
Underlying Policy
Pasadena, California
• NASA’s FFRDC
– A unit of Caltech, staffed with Caltech employees;
– A Federally-Funded Research and Development
Center (FFRDC) under NASA sponsorship;
• FAR allows outside research and
development (R&D) work if
authorized by Sponsor
– Not otherwise available….
– Uses special competency
9. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
Underlying Policies
Pasadena, California
JPL’s Strategic Plan…
Reimbursable Mission
....To
apply JPL’s unique skills to solve problems
of national significance and national
security, synergistic with our NASA mission…
Contract:
Prime between NASA and Caltech allows for reimbursable
work consistent w FAR
Culture:
Entrepreneurial and direct work
10. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Doing Organization
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California
2002: Established National Space Technology Applications (NSTA) Office
Charter: To apply JPL’s unique skills to solve problems of national significance
and national security, synergistic with our NASA mission
Mission: Build sponsors to support 10-15% of the JPL business base
Goal: Develop & deliver advanced technologies and projects for sponsors that
will enable future capabilities for NASA
“Reimbursable program is of critical importance”… JPL Director
11. Charles Elachi Gene Tattini
Align & Integrate
Associate Dir. – Project Formulation & Strategy
Associate Dir. – Project Implementation
Associate Dir. – Business Management
Non-NASA Programs
& Space Technology
Deep Space Network
Human Exploration
Astronomy, Physics
6 Program Offices
Mars Exploration
Earth Science &
Solar System &
Technology
12. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
NSTA Organization
Pasadena, California
Resource Admin
NSTA Director
PM PM
Defense & Intelligence Programs Civil & Commercial Programs
Defense Intel Civil Commercial & IP
13. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
NSTA Roles and
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California
Responsibilities
• Identify non-NASA funding opportunities
• Oversee and coordinate non-NASA reimbursable activities
• Maintain sponsor relationships
• Manage and allocate Bid and Proposal (B&P) and Program
Development Authorization (PDA) funds for non-NASA work at JPL
• Collaborate, coordinate, and often delegate program management to
other ―thematic‖ program directorates
NSTA is the center of gravity for Non-NASA
reimbursable work.
14. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
Interim Summary
Pasadena, California
In any endeavor, understand…
1. The history & culture of the organization
2. The statutory and policy enablers
3. Organizational sand box
15. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California
Describing the Model
How does NSTA plan
What are the sponsors needs and requirements
Sponsor’s Strategic Plan
Sponsor’s Culture
Sponsor’s Needs
Sponsor’s Funding
Know JPL technologies and capabilities
Matching technology to user needs
Executing via JPL’s Processes
16. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Differences Between
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California NASA & Non-NASA Worlds
NASA World
• Well-ordered, generally predictable solicitations and opportunities
• Fairly stable sponsor set; Many long-term personal relationships between HQ and JPL PMs
• Interface to NASA sponsor is through the JPL Program Office
• Competition is tough
• HQ manages & oversees work to all the Centers and JPL
Non-NASA World
• Huge, target-rich environment; Unpredictable solicitations
• Ratio of JPL PMs to sponsor offices is orders of magnitude lower for Non-NASA; PIs must be
entrepreneurial, and are encouraged to forge sponsor relationships
• Sponsor set continually changing; Long-term relationships are rare
• Risk tolerance among various sponsors/agencies varies dramatically
• JPL is seen as an outsider; Our mission is not their mission; Much harder sell
• High-priority, national security needs creates atmosphere for very innovative technology applications
17. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration Administration Policy Areas and
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California
Emerging Needs
Energy “Finish” Iraq/AF Infrastructure
• Energy storage • Distributed C2 • Cyber Security Tracking
• Renewable energy technology • Robots (Iraq/AF) • Cyber security C2
• Renewable energy development • ISR (Iraq/AF) • "Smart" infrastructure
• Alternative or "Clean fossil" fuels • Training (Iraq/AF) • Asset mapping
• Demand reduction/savings/Green • Improved UAVs • Smart grid standards
building • Smart grid software
• Energy Exploration • Power Corridor mapping
WMD • Laser Communications
• Air Traffic Control
Climate Change •
•
Material detection /tracking
Material containment
• Space situational awareness
• Space traffic control
• Emissions monitoring • Component detection/tracking • Traffic Monitoring
• Emissions data management • Bomb-making network discovery
• Enhanced earth observation • Forensics Lexicon development
• Ocean surveillance Education
• Weather/climate prediction
• Adaptation & planning Health Care • Innovative techniques (Education)
• Adaptation - Sequestration • Electronic medical records (security, • Motivation
• Adaptation - Water development) • New technology application
• Electronic medical records - • Mentoring/shadowing
standards/portability
International • Fraud Prevention
• Telemedicine Homeland Security
Collaboration • Telemedicine - robotics
• Infectious disease prediction • Cyber security (Homeland)
• Global/regional stability • Epidemic tracking • WMD Forensics
monitoring/indicators • Disaster response / outbreak • Port security
• C4ISR support to other countries, management • Airport security
non-DoD agencies • Air Quality • Border security
• Emissions data sharing/collection
Source: Toffler Associates Analysis
18. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration Example of Strategy and
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California Mission Needs
• Civil Sector Mission Needs 2010-2020
– DOE
• Expand renewable and alternative energy and distribution
systems, grid integration, energy storage and power
electronics, energy efficiency, production resources and
technology and market transformation
– Obama Climate Friendly Energy Development
• Invest $150B/ten years
• Advance biofuels, fuel infrastructure, hybrid plug-ins,
Commercial-scale renewable energy, and digital electricity grid
19. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
DOE OFFICE OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Strategic Priorities & Goals (FY09)
• Fuels and vehicles ($592.3M), PHEVs, Li-ion batteries, and critical HFC
technology
• Renewable power ($241.6M)
•Wind power R&D ($52.5M)
•Geothermal power ($30M)
• Energy efficiency ($185.9M) programs
• Industrial technologies ($185.9M)
20. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
DOE Cross-cutting Program Thrusts
Pasadena, California
• Under the direction of the EERE CTO,
new DOE Program Areas with cross-
fertilization of EERE and Basic Energy
Sciences (within Office of Science)
• Computational Research Needs for
Alternative and Renewable Energy
(CRNARE)
• To be followed by DOE FOAs later in
FY09.
21. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California DOE Strategy
Identify current activities DOE’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
– Hydrogen, Fuel Cells and Infrastructure Technologies Program
• Member of Metal Hydrides Center of Excellence under Sandia
• Member of New Hydrogen Storage Engineering Center of Excellence
• Partnered with ANL, LANL, NREL and SFC Inc. on 6 proposals
currently under sponsor review with a total proposed value to JPL of
$3.8M
– Vehicle Technologies Program
• Batteries for Transportation Technologies Program
• Materials Technologies
22. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Recent NSTA Activities in
Jet Propulsion Laboratory Energy Conversion/Storage Technologies
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California
Batteries ~ $1.48M/24 mos Fuel Cells ~ $3.8M/48 mos.
Thermoelectrics ~ >$6.1M/~36-60 mos. Hydrogen Storage ~ $4.1M/60 mos.
23. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California
JPL Strategy
• Initiate funded activities through Office of Electricity
Delivery and Energy Reliability
– Smart Grid technologies
– Renewable energy integration; distributed energy
resources
– Energy storage (stationary)
• Exploratory discussions with Office of Nuclear
Energy (through Idaho National Lab)
• Cross-cutting new programs between EERE and
Office of Science/Basic Energy Sciences (next
slide)
24. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration Three-pronged Strategy for Positioning JPL
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
for Opportunity Development in Energy Sector
Pasadena, California
Integration of renewables onto the smart grid
(DER, resource forecasting, energy capture,
conversion and storage)
Smart Electric Renewable
Power Grid Energy
PV, STE, wind, OTEC,
Communications architectures, wave/tidal, distributed
C&C, sensor networks, advanced energy resources
materials, IT, power electronics,
energy storage
Transportation We see emerging interfaces
Batteries, FCs, hydrogen generation and
storage, thermoelectrics PHEV, H/HFCV in these three principal sectors,
their convergence, and addressable
opportunities for advanced component
and systems technologies and their integration.
25. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Example of Recent Air Force
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California
Focus Areas
Strategic Priorities & Goals
• On-Demand ISR (Force Enhancement)
• Increase Space Protection Capabilities
- Satellite Protection
- Space Object ID
• Space Situational Awareness, and Command & Control
• Blue Force Situational Awareness
• Operationally Responsive Spacelift (hours to days, not weeks to
months)…Launch, Maneuver, Service & Retrieve Space Payloads
26. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
AIR FORCE SWOT
Pasadena, California
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
• DoD has a budget for FY09 • Relationships are sometimes very short term (new personnel)
• Good relationship with AF and DoD sponsors • Transition path to Industry
• JPL seen as a quality technology organization • Gov’t must ―allow‖ JPL to participate in BAAs and RFPs
• JPL’s technology strengths, and interests are • NASA/JPL perceived as ―difficult‖ (G&A, Pub., Billing, etc.)
highly synergistic with DoD needs
• JPL not directly focused on DoD needs (like LL, Sandia, LLNL)
• JPL has performed well on AF (and DoD)
projects and sponsors are pleased with results
OPPORTUNITIES THREATS
• Space Situation Awareness (SSA) technologies
• S&T budget reduction (a bill payer for war effort)
and applications (assured use of space)
• Some DoD CO’s question use of JPL and/or unique capabilities
• Large format FPAs
• Document unique technologies/capabilities that clearly do not
• Anti-tamper technologies and applications
―compete with industry‖
• HRTI
• AF (and DoD) wants capabilities ―now‖ to support warfighters;
• TACSAT sensors and technologies much less appetite for ―long term‖ R&D than in pre-Gulf war years
• Robust, secure networks
• Cognitive Computing/Advanced Computing
• Micro/Nano Systems, Smart Materials, IT
• Policy Based Management
27. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
NSTA Strategy Summary
Pasadena, California
• Leverage National Space Policy, NIE’s, Defense & Civil Guidance, state
and local planning guidance to pursue non-NASA activities that are relevant
to NASA/JPL
– Vigorously pursue current and future opportunities
– Expand technology base with other national sponsors
– Position as a preferred FFRDC for technology/instrument development
• Franchise Technologies
– Large, lightweight adaptive optics & WFSC
– Instruments (imagers, spectrometers, radiometers, altimeters)
Digital IR Focal Planes
– Advanced image processing and fusion
– Radar advances: L & P bands, THz,
– Climate change: HW, SW, data tools and M&S
Robotic automation, mobility, perception and learning
– Control of complex systems & networks with ―Policy-Based Management‖ tools (PBM)
– Micro-Nano detectors, power beaming, thermal control, etc
Cyber space (security, controls, physical, countermeasures, etc)
– Energy, conversion, alternatives, smart grid, sensors,
28. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
Synergistic Areas of Interest to JPL
Pasadena, California
– DoD Space Sector
• Space-based radar SSA
• Hyper-spectral imagery New Phenomenology
• IED Detection Miniature sensors
• Multi-level security Autonomous and Cognitive Systems
– Intelligence Space Sector
• Persistent surveillance Integrated micro-systems
• Spectral Imagery Information superiority tools
• Sub-surface mapping Surface deformation
– Civil Space Sector
• Advanced Communications Bio sensors & detectors
• Space-based global sampling Remote sensing
• Robotics, in-situ Energy & propulsion
– Commercial Space Sector
• GPS, sensors, antennas, structures, electronics, propulsion
29. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Describe the Model
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California
How do we execute, now that we understand the sponsor
Qualify the Sponsor
Manage the interface
Different Proposals
Commercial Sponsors
Process Flow
Work closely with NMO
30. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Understand and
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California “Qualifying” a Sponsor
• Is this a funding organization (are they the real bill payers)?
– Do they have their own program line or ―broker‖ funding?
– Are they in a position to initiate new programs and get them approved?
– Are they contractually able to send funds to JPL?
• Do they have an unmet need? Focus on their need
– Is there a discrepancy between goals and status or plans?
– Can JPL ―raise the technology bar‖
• Is there an opportunity for a Task/Project?
– Is it work for which we are qualified, and that we want to do?
– Is it synergistic with NASA mission/technology needs?
31. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California
Manage the Interface
• Iterative between NSTA PM’s, ―thematic directorate‖ PI’s and sponsors
• NSTA is the expert on:
– Sponsor’s needs, wants and resources
– JPL Franchise Technologies and core competencies
– Whom to talk with
– Upcoming solicitations—Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs),
Program Research and Development Announcements (PRDAs),
RFI’s and RFP’s
– ―Qualifying‖ a potential sponsor
• Work with potential sponsors at conferences, participate in workshops,
read or hear of an opportunity, deliver papers
• Network among existing sponsors for ongoing or new opportunities
32. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California
Two Classes of Proposals
Federal
• Unsolicited
– Use the standard JPL Task Plan format,
• Introduction (Innovative Claim)
• Technical approach
• Special competency of JPL
• Scope of work
• Deliverables
• Period of performance
• Contractual boilerplate
• Cost estimate
• Solicited (RFP, BAA, PRDA)
– Use sponsor-defined format
– Meet submission cut-off date
Non-Federal
• Space Act Agreement
– A SOW with NASA Terms and Conditions that allows a company to fund JPL
33. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Special Agreements for Working with
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California Commercial Sponsors
• Non-disclosure agreement (OGC)
– Protects company and JPL confidential information
• Letter of Intent (NSTA & CMO )
– Provides a ROM cost and brief description of JPL effort
– Used by the company in their proposal
• Memorandum of Understanding (CMO)
– Outlines cooperation by JPL and a company
– No exchange of funds
– Useful for creating a competitive technology team
• Conflict of Interest Avoidance Plan (CMO)
• Options and license agreements (CIT OTT)
– Secures IP rights for company use for non-U.S. government applications
• Space Act Agreement…with Commercial sponsors (CMO/NMO)
34. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Process for Obtaining
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California
Reimbursable Work
Program Development Proposal Authorization (PA)
Authorization (PDA) Bid and Proposal (B&P)
Identify Qualify Define Generate
Opportunity Target JPL Role Submit PA Task Plan
Sponsor (Proposal)
Review & Receive Amend Open Begin
Send to Funding Prime Contract Accounts Work
Sponsor Document With New TO
Meet Schedules,
Deliverables, & Cost
35. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California
Closing the Deal
Anticipate ~$200M per year in non-NASA funding
NASA Management Office (NMO) actively involved in all SAA/Task Plans
Establishing the brand by focusing on the customer and delivering
36. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
Diverse Technology & Projects
Pasadena, California
IR FPA
Science
Understanding
Characterization Prediction
(Science Data
(Observations) (Modeling)
Analysis)
Mitigation Approaches
Conservation Alternative Geo-Engineering
M&S & Regulation Energy & Adaptation
Analysis of Alternatives
Project Design
& Validation
Simulations (Testbed
Medical Devices
System
Engineering Experiments)
Image Processing
Cyber Science
and Anti-Tamper
37. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Diverse Technology & Projects
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California
Water Resources Autonomy
Submarine
Warm Tracking
Ocean
Surface
Cold
Ocean
Depths
Nav & Timing
IEDs/Gasses
Air Force GPS OCX
with Raytheon, Boeing
and ITT
38. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Diverse Technology & Projects
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California
Robotics &
Perception
Observatories
Energy
Sensor suite:
GPS
Smart Grid
MEMS
accel.
Temp.
CO, CH 4
BASE
Radio STATION
comm. 3-5 Radio comm
miles (GSM/WiFi): 100’s
of Kms with GSM
Hi-gain
Sensor antenna
status
CO
T
First Responder
x
x
x
x
Map with
firefighter
locations
DISPATCHER
39. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
SUMMARY
Pasadena, California
Get the right people on the bus… Good to Great (Collins)
Follow the opportunities…Who Moved My Cheese (Johnson)
Stay focused on sponsor deliverables…. Cox
40. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California
41. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California
42. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California
43. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California